A Therapy & Mental Wellness Blog

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT As children, typically from infancy to age 9, we are incredibly vulnerable to the world around us. During these formative years, we learn about emotions, safety, who we are, and how we form connections. Our early experiences shape our sense of self, relationships, attachment to others, and world perceptions. Our childhood experiences, both positive and negative, arguably shape the adults we become. However, not all of these e

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT A misconception in life is that you have to do and figure out everything on your own, but the reality is you shouldn't have to, and therapy is an excellent resource for that. Seeing a therapist takes work. You are invited to be vulnerable and share things you wouldn't necessarily share with family or friends. It can be uneasy to have a one-on-one experience with a therapist that is essentially a stranger as your first encount

I have experienced many deaths in my life from all different dynamics of relationships, starting at a very young age. You can’t always...

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Loving yourself can be difficult, and there is no blueprint, right or wrong, or a one-size-fits-all way. Additionally, it is often challenging to love yourself when you feel like other people don't love you or worse, when you experience bullying from others. Many adults struggle to balance loving themselves and being loved by others while dealing with the psychological effects of bullying such as low self-esteem and a negati

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is a neurological disorder affecting children and adults. In recent years, it has become a household name as many people recognize the signs and symptoms of living with ADHD or living with someone who has ADHD symptoms. ADHD can make it harder to focus, listen well, wait, or take your time. The hallmark symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Clutter can worsen these symptoms by increa

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT 12 Hurtful Phrases Your Partner Should Never Utter The foundation of any successful relationship is effective communication. How we talk to each other declares the levels of safety we feel with each other. Good communication involves always being transparent, empathetic, and considerate with your partner. But sometimes, in the heat of the moment or due to carelessness, we impulsively use words that hurt our loved ones. Rememb

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Spring is just around the corner! After many months of early sunsets, cold days, and frigid weather, it is time for Spring. Spring is known for bringing new life to the world; flowers, trees, and crops, so it's natural that we take opportunities to bring new life or cultivate our lives where they are. If you are aware of any religious facets, you know that Spring is heavily associated with ideas of rebirth, renewal, resurrect

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT During a time when we are using technology more than ever for entertainment, work, and school, it is good to find time to take a step back from the screen. Overusing technology can be a problem for mental health. It can be distracting, and it can cause anxiety and depression. A digital detox might be one answer to maintaining good mental health during this time. What are some ways a digital detox can help? Detoxing will incre

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT By now, many are familiar with the " Five Love Languages ," because of Gary Chapman's book and the quizzes that were made shortly after. Many have learned their love language and now understand how to love or communicate love to their partner. But what happens when you don't succeed in loving your partner the way they deserve to be loved or the way you vowed to love them? That's right: an apology is given . Along with love l

During the adolescent and teen years, ages 10-16, it can be challenging to advocate for yourself or express your needs to others, especially your parents. However, at this age, it is necessary because you are a dependent under the age of 18 or at the age of consent, which means your parents have to sign off for you to do something: and your parents pay for most things. Asking your parents can be easy for something you know they support or for something simple like candy from