The 6 benefits of acceptance and commitment therapy
If you are the type of person who avoids painful or upsetting emotions or experiences, you are not alone. Our bodies and brains work in tandem to help us avoid pain, both physical and emotional. We also make conscious choices to avoid pain. What if that avoidance is...
Borderline personality disorder
When you’re struggling with consistent negative emotions or harmful behavior, you may be tempted to just brush it off. But how do you know if you’re just going through a temporary hard time, or if it’s something deeper? There are tests that can help you determine...
Childhood trauma test: Shed some light on your current mental health struggles
In the attempt to break the stigma around mental health, you may be taking the opportunity to examine your own mental health and past. Taking a childhood trauma test can help you better understand yourself. This test should be used for reflection and contemplation on...
Trauma dumping: What teens should know and how therapy can help
When we’re going through a hard time in our life, or we’re struggling with our mental health, it can feel great to just let it all out to another person. It can be incredibly cathartic to talk about our feelings with a friend or family member. But when does that...
Lightfully Teen TLC Series
We would like to invite you to join the Lightfully Teen TLC Series, which will be held on the 3rd Thursday of every month starting in May at 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST). Are you a parent, educator, school counselor, therapist, or pediatrician with a teenager...
9 signs of trauma bonding and how you can address it
Trauma is often tied to another person. Many people want to disassociate with the person who is connected to their traumatic experience, but that’s not always the case. In fact, some people, as a reaction to their trauma, want to deepen the bond with the person that’s...
Cluster A personality disorders in a loved one: What you should know and how you can help
A personality is made up of a variety of aspects, including a person’s traits, values, passions and emotions. And no two personalities are exactly alike. But what if someone close to you has a personality that has overwhelming negative and unhealthy aspects? They may...
Same-day psychiatrist appointments: When to go to one and what to do after one
Sometimes your mental health issues just can’t wait. Many people with mental health issues have consistent psychiatrist sessions in their calendar. But others may feel like they need to see their mental health provider as soon as possible. Same-day psychiatrist...
3 reasons teens may say, “I hate my life” (and 8 ways they can address this thought)
When you’re having a bad day, even the mildest inconvenience could make you say, “I hate my life.” It’s often said as a joke out of normal anxiety or exasperation with everyday issues. But what if your teen is saying it often and with a serious tone? It can be...