Setting intentions for the new year is a powerful way to prioritize self-care and mental health. By reflecting on the past year and asking ourselves important questions, we can gain clarity on what truly matters to us and make intentional choices moving forward. One key question to ask ourselves is: What do I love and want to do more of?...[ read more ]

LGBTQ+ youth face numerous challenges, including health disparities. They are at risk of poor mental health when compared to cisgender and heterosexual youth. They also face an increased risk of substance misuse, suicide, bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Research suggests that LGBTQ+ youth are likely to face discrimination and rejection not only at home but also in school settings. Given these...[ read more ]

When treating individuals with ADHD, most therapists know they’ll need to address concerns such as difficulty sustaining attention, or challenges related to organization or self-control. These factors are certainly important, but there is more to ADHD than lack of focus or impulsivity.  One feature of ADHD that therapists should be prepared to address is low-self esteem. Research with individuals who...[ read more ]

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. From family gatherings to festive events, the season is filled with opportunities for connection, reflection, and indulgence. However, for neurodivergent individuals—those with conditions such as autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, or other cognitive or neurological differences—the holidays can be a source of stress rather than joy....[ read more ]

In a world filled with constant hustle and bustle, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to appreciate the little things in life. Practicing gratitude is a powerful tool that can positively impact our mental well-being. By taking the time to acknowledge and be thankful for the good things in our lives, we can cultivate a...[ read more ]

If you’ve had a bad experience in a former relationship, you may be wary of getting close to anyone again. You might be afraid of getting hurt again, or convinced that you cannot rely on anyone but yourself. When you’ve had negative experiences in past relationships, you may be dealing with relationship trauma. Below, we’ll discuss what this means, and...[ read more ]

When people think of seeking professional help to heal from trauma, they probably imagine seeing a therapist for individual sessions. While several forms of individual therapy have been identified as beneficial for treating trauma, this is not the only available treatment modality. Group therapy is another intervention to consider if you’re healing from trauma. Rather than meeting one-on-one with a...[ read more ]

Delving into the Mental and Emotional Implications of Artificial Intelligence  Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a regular part of daily life, influencing everything from healthcare, to education, to entertainment. As AI becomes more popular, we are learning more and more about its benefits and drawbacks.  When it comes to mental health, AI may offer some benefits in certain modalities, such...[ read more ]

The term “trauma-informed care” has become ubiquitous in our world, but especially among those involved in the field of mental health treatment. Even if you’re not a trauma expert, if you work in the mental health field, it’s essential to have some baseline knowledge of best practices for trauma treatment.  If you’re a mental health therapist or practitioner, knowing the...[ read more ]

The experience of childhood trauma is not unusual. A recent national study in the U.S. found that 45% of children have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), which is a potentially traumatic event.  This means that a significant portion of Americans are at risk of developing PTSD from childhood trauma. Unfortunately, many people with PTSD do not receive...[ read more ]