We’re all taught that adoption is beautiful, that it’s the growth of a loving family and a second opportunity for an individual. But adoption is also painful. Since it often stems from an act of abandonment, many adoptees struggle with their mental health—and there are many signs of adoption trauma in adults. Therapy can help. By identifying the symptoms, addressing … Read More
Therapy for Adults With Autism: How to Treat Living On the Spectrum
A few decades ago, Autism Spectrum Disorder was hardly understood. But today, it’s discussed more than ever, and it’s even become the focal point of popular TV shows like the coming-of-age tale in Atypical, the reality TV of Love on the Spectrum, and the medical drama of The Good Doctor. While the hard-hitting storylines of these shows have helped to … Read More
Mental Health and Chronic Disease: How Therapy Can Help The Mind and Body
A few years ago, I tore my meniscus. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was the beginning of my own personal journey with mental health and chronic disease. Surgery helped temporarily, but my knee has gradually deteriorated over the last few years, slowly turning arthritic. Cortisone shots and other therapies helped temporarily, but lately I’ve been in … Read More
Is Suicidal Ideation Normal? Understanding the Difference Between Passive and Active Suicidal Ideation
Suicide is serious. If you’re at risk of hurting yourself or attempting suicide, call 911 or the suicide lifeline at 988. September is suicide prevention month—and that’s something we take seriously. Although common killers like heart disease and cancer frequently grab headlines and national attention, suicide is one of the biggest causes of death among people ages 10–54. According to … Read More
What Is Fawning Behavior? Understanding This Trauma Response
Around our offices in Pittsburgh’s North Hills, a fawn is a beautiful creature sometimes spotted along the edge of the woods, quietly grazing on the natural foliage. But “fawn” also has a negative connotation—one that points toward an individual’s desire for safety and protection. In this context, fawning behavior is a desire to please others—especially abusers—to avoid physical, mental, or … Read More
Teacher Burnout: Research, Causes, And How to Overcome It
There’s a reason we often recommend therapy for teachers: It’s a tough job. Teacher burnout is a national crisis, and school districts are struggling to find meaningful, long-term solutions. Believe it or not, teachers face higher levels of anxiety than many other anxiety-inducing professions, according to the American Educational Research Association. In fact, teachers are: 40% more likely to experience … Read More
Tattoos And Mental Health
Humans have a fascinating history with tattoos. Although the first known tattoo was found in the Alps on Ötzi the Iceman (estimated to be from 3370-3100 BCE), modern society largely rejected tattoos until a few decades ago. Today, though, the Pew Research Center has found: 32% of Americans have at least one tattoo. 22% of Americans have more than one … Read More
EMDR Online Therapy
EMDR Therapy is powerful. And it’s even more impactful when it’s combined with virtual therapy. With that in mind, online EMDR therapy can be absolutely life-changing. In simple terms, EMDR is a therapy technique that empowers you to rewire the way your brain manages difficult memories. So, for example, if you’ve been a victim of a traumatic relationship, EMDR may … Read More
Emotional Intelligence In A Relationship: How to Become A Better Partner
Do you know how important it is to have emotional intelligence in a relationship? If you’ve never considered it before, picture this scenario: You come home from work tired. Your boss complained about your performance on a recent assignment, a customer yelled at you on the phone, and you had to take the long way home because of a new … Read More
Post-Traumatic Resilience: How to Develop Strength After Trauma
Trauma is powerful. Although it may not always cause physical wounds, its emotional and mental scars can last for a lifetime. Unfortunately, most people will experience trauma at some point in their lives. In fact, research shows: More than 70% of people have suffered from at least one traumatic event. (Source: World Mental Health Survey Consortium) 30.5% of people have … Read More