Therapy in Philadelphia - 10 Tips for adults with ADHD: ADHD Therapy in Philadelphia, PA, Mechanicsville VA, Ocean City NJ, Providence RI, Santa Fe NM 1) Consider an organizational specialist who can come to your…
10 Tips for Adults with ADHD
4 Things To Remember When Facing Rejection
Facing rejection is a hard thing to do. When we face rejection, we try to deal with the rejection as quickly and painlessly as possible. There are small rejections we face every day – the…
5 Steps to Mindful Eating
Mindful Eating Food is not only a way to nourish your body, but has also become a way to socialize, cope, and entertain. Society has placed more attention on what you eat, how much you…
5 Ways to Boost Your Body Confidence
It is mid-summer here in Philadelphia and that means it’s hot as an oven (at least by Northern standards). It’s time to put on those shorts, swimsuits, summer dresses and sleeveless tops. If you are…
5 Ways to Fix Communication With Your Partner Today
Center for Growth / Couples Therapy & Marriage Counseling in Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Ocean City, Providence, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe: 5 ways to improve communication with your partner TODAY. Have you recently felt like you and…
7 Essential Steps to Making Change Real
7 Essential Steps to Making Change Real. The concept of change is an essential aspect of what it means to be human, whether it is our own personal goal for self-improvement, or the goal implemented…
Asserting Boundaries
Autism Therapy in Philadelphia: Asserting boundaries can be a really hard thing to do for just about anyone. It can feel especially difficult to assert your boundaries if you’re on the Autism Spectrum. Most people…
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
Pet therapy, or Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) refers to the use of animals in therapy as part of the treatment process. Animal Assisted Therapy ( AAT ) attempts to improve a human’s physical, social, emotional…
A Doctors Visit for Bulimia Nervosa Typically Includes
Center for Growth / Bulimia Nervosa Treatment in Philadelphia A doctors visit for bulimia nervosa typically includes: * A complete blood count and a study of Electrolytes* A Electrocardiogram* Thyroid studies* Urine specific gravity* Checking…
A Gratitude Tree
Fighting Anxiety Through the Act of Giving Thanks - A Gratitude Tree - Anxiety is a disease of the negative mind. Many of those who suffer with anxiety struggle to see the positive side…
A Guide to Bottoming
This guide to bottoming will go over major points to take into account when bottoming for the first time. Before going into the guide to bottoming it’s important to review some terminology and what bottoming…
A Guide to Topping
A Guide to Topping: Whether it’s your first time or 40th time, knowing how to go about topping can enhance the experience for not only yourself, but your partner as well. This guide to topping…
About Loss
Grief & Loss Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe: Loss: Lost your job, your home, a loved one, a beloved pet? There are many forms of loss, and all are felt individually…
Accepting Happiness
Are you waiting for the next shoe to drop? Do you find yourself experiencing positive feelings only to catch yourself and start to worry about when your happiness will all end? You know you have…
Accepting Your Partners Limitations
Understanding Your Partner's Limitations: Couples Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe No one is perfect. Everyone has their limitations. This concept of learning to accept your partner's limitation is especially important as we…
ACT Therapy: Accepting and Being Mindful
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is about acknowledging our emotions from a non-judgmental standpoint, which equips the person to better handle uncomfortable emotional states. Impartial acceptance of emotions is very important with Acceptance and Commitment…
Compulsion Treatment
At the Center for Growth we work with many people suffering from compulsions: Compulsions come in all sizes, shapes and forms. Some people have a dependence to food, while others are fixated on sex, gambling…
Adjusting to a Diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder
“I just learned I have Dissociative Identity Disorder and I’m experiencing many conflicting emotions about this. Is this normal?” DID stands for Dissociative Identity Disorder, and was formerly called “Multiple Personality Disorder. If you just…
Admiring People with an Eating Disorder
Eating Disorder Myth: I should admire people who ignore their hunger False Food is fuel and each person’s body needs food to nourish their body. People who do not “give in to their hunger” are…
Adult Attention Deficit
A diagnosis of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder indicates a impairment in Executive functioning. Executive Functioning means: 1) The ability to regulate emotions and handle frustration2) The ability to mediate conflicting thoughts3) The ability to begin…
Advocating to Your Doctor About Possible Vaginismus
Advocating to Your Doctor About Possible Vaginismus Things just haven’t seemed right with sex. You find yourself avoiding or dreading penetration because you find it difficult, maybe even painful and uncomfortable. You’ve done the research…
African American Women and Interracial Dating
Interracial Dating: Hot Topic with African American Women Are you an African American woman who has dated outside her race? You may have had many responses, reactions, ambivalences and other experiences that were both positive…
All Kinds of Grief
Grief Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe: All Kinds of Grief: Grief comes in many shapes and sizes. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to the grieving process, and…
All or Nothing Thinking
Cognitive Therapy in Philadelphia: "All or Nothing Thinking" "All or nothing thinking" is commonly referred to as “black and white thinking.” This type of thinking is unrealistic, and limiting. "All or nothing thinking" limits…
Negative Emotions
Allowing ourselves to feel negative emotions is tough. Society is hyper focused on productivity: do whatever you need to do to get through the day. “Time is money. I should eat lunch at my desk…
Ambivalent Attachment: individual counseling
Individual Counseling: Ambivalent attachment Do you struggle to trust your partner? Do you need constant reassurance from s/he that s/he will be there for you long-term? Are you overly sensitive to his/her actions and moods…
Amount of Fat You Should Consume to Lose Weight
Learning about the amount of fat you should consume if you are trying to lose weight; eating disorder therapy in Philadelphia: 25% to 30% of your calories should come from fat. Without enough fat the…
An Insecure Partner
An Insecure Partner: Couples Therapy Ever wonder why your partner has been so insecure lately? Or when the going gets tough, your partner gets going? If this sounds familiar your partner may be operating and…
Analingus
Analingus, defined by Sex Therapy in Philadelphia is also known as rimming, anal-oral sex, is the act of kissing, licking and/or sliding one’s tongue in and out of another individual’s anus. The receiver usually experiences…
Anger
Anger / Anger Management Therapy in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Ocean City, Santa Fe Recently you've recognized that your anger is no longer manageable, and acting on your irritability seems like the only way you can cope…
Anger Management Bomb
If your anger was a bomb going off, lighting the fuse would be a trigger. People experience triggers to their emotions all of the time. However, in your everyday life you may not realize what…
Anger Management Therapy in Philadelphia
The Center for Growth, Inc is proud to offer an Anger Management program for clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, New Mexico, Georgia, and Florida. This program was developed to help people who are at…
Anorexia and Substance Abuse
Anorexia and substance abuse treatment in Philadelphia. SUBSTANCE ABUSE occurs in (12-18%) of Anorexics. However, most Anorexic patients with a Substance Abuse problem are in the Binging/Purging subtype not the Restricting subtype. IF A PERSON…
Anorexia and the Doctor
Anorexia And The Doctor: The doctor’s visit the doctor is an essential part of the treatment team with Anorexia. This doctor may also need to make appropriate referrals such as to an Endocrinologist and/or a…
Anorexia And The Perfectionist Personality
Anorexia Treatment in Philadelphia: anorexia and the perfectionist personality. Many people who have anorexia would describe themselves as perfectionists, and many people trying to recover from anorexia will tell you that they struggle with allowing…
Anorexia in Adolescents
Anorexia in Adolescents / Therapy in Philadelphia Ideally, adolescence is about the process of developing a healthy independence from parents, adjusting to the physical changes of puberty, and developing a personal identity. With Anorexia Nervosa…
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa: Is a psychological disorder characterized by an obsession to be thin and a distorted body image that drives people to be medically underweight. Criteria Used in Making a Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa:…
Anxiety
Anxiety can be defined as a heightened physical and psychological state wherein individuals often experience a myriad of uncomfortable symptoms such as rapid heart beat, rage, headaches, and hot flashes, brought on by the introduction…
Anxiety and Drug Use
Anxiety and Drug Use: Whether or not you have a predisposition to anxiety, it is important to understand how drug use plays a part in your mind and body connection. This goes beyond your typical…
Anxiety Assessment & Treatment
Top 21 articles written about Anxiety Communication Without Anxiety You have an idea that you want to communicate differently, but it can be difficult to make the behavioral changes necessary to put the new idea…
Anxiety Attacks in the Workplace
Anxiety Attacks in the Workplace: You are in an important meeting at work when out of nowhere you begin to tremble. Your heart starts racing. You feel nauseated. A sense of confusion comes over you…
Anxiety Disorders and Bulimia Nervosa
People struggling with Bulimia Nervosa frequently also experience an anxiety disorder. Typically this manifests as an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, simple phobia or even PTSD. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Unlike Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (which is an Anxiety Disorder)…
Anxiety Support Groups in Philadelphia
10 Week Anxiety Support Groups in Philadelphia - Now Forming Are you anxious? Do you constantly worry? Do you have thoughts that don’t go away? Have you experienced rapid heart beat, sweating, shaking, nausea, difficulty…
Anxiety: Psychotherapy Treatment Options
Anxiety: Psychotherapy Treatment Options Explored Anxiety is an umbrella term that ranges from nerves before a big meeting, and escalating to a fear of leaving your home. With all of the difference labels anxiety brings…
Are blebs deflating more than your lung?
If you’re in the recovery process from a surgery for a collapsed lung (Blebs Disease ) you might be unsure of what the future holds. You know for at least the immediate future you will…
Do You Have A Gambling Compulsion
Gambling Dependence Quiz - Are You A Compulsive Gambler? * Have you spent more time gambling than planned?* Do you sometimes gamble by yourself as opposed to only doing so when out with your…
Are You Depressed?
Are You Depressed. Learn how to Spot a Depressive Disorder Self Schedule an inperson or a virtual therapy appointment with a depression therapist. ”Can’t you just snap out of it?” If you suffer from…
Ashley Madison
With the recent Ashley Madison email leak, individuals are flocking to websites to check and see if their partner has signed up with the site. If you have been having a sneaking suspicious that your…
Assertive, Aggressive, and Non-Assertive Communication Styles
Do you feel like you‘re too passive with voicing your needs? Do you get frustrated and feel angry when trying to get people to do what you want? Have you been told to be more…
Attachment
Attachment Theory/ Individual Therapy: Have you ever wondered why some people have such a difficult time sustaining close, personal relationships while others seem to do so with relative ease? How we manage the balance between…
Attachment Theory
A client once told me that the one thing he would have liked to know prior to starting therapy is that “your unbiased opinion you’re paying for is still biased, the therapist has their…
Automatic Negative Thoughts and Core Beliefs
Automatic negative thoughts and core beliefs are the two main roots of anxiety and depression. People who suffer from anxiety and depression, usually have a maladaptive thought process that is generalized and highly negative. They…
Awaking Your Sexual Self; Getting More Out Of Sex
Awakening Your Sexual Self...And Getting More Out of Sex: Do you get nothing out of sex? Do you feel like you must be missing something? If so, then this tip is just for you. The…
Baby Blues Support Group in Philadelphia
Baby Blues Support Groups - Now Forming: Have you recently had a baby? * Do you feel insecure? Doubting your ability to parent? Overwhelmed by the responsibility of needing to care for others?* Do…
Beating Low Self-Esteem
Many people suffer from low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is characterized by having a generally poor opinion of yourself, and negatively judging yourself and your value as a person. Struggles with self-esteem can impact many areas…
Bedtime Ritual for Anxiety Sufferers
Bedtime Ritual for Anxiety Sufferers Whether you are suffering from chronic anxiety or nervously anticipating an upcoming event or circumstance, stress can interfere with our sleep cycles, affecting our ability to catch those crucial Zzzz's…
Befriending your Ex: When is This Okay?
Experiencing an unwanted breakup can be a very painful experience, and for some the pain can increase when the one doing the breaking up uses the age-old go-to, “But I still want to be friends.”…
Being Assertive
Being Assertive. Your neighbor is asking you to pick up her mail for the third time this month. Your coworker is asking if you will take her to work every day next week while her…
Being the Perpetrator of Infidelity
Being the Perpetrator of Infidelity What if you were the perpetrator of infidelity and still wanted to make your marriage work? This can be a scary, unsettling, and confusing time in your life. After all…
Benefits of Exercise
The Benefits of Exercise, Healthy Habit Building With a Therapist in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville and Santa Fe: there are many benefits of exercise. People who exercise moderately at least 30 minutes a day are…
Benefits of Group Therapy for Eating Disorders
Support groups can deepen one’s understanding of an issue through the process of group interaction. In a support group participants will interact with peers who are struggling with similar concerns. These individuals are often able…
Binge Eating and Mindfulness - Sensory Eating Exercise
Binge eating puts us in an emotional, addictive and trance-like state. When we binge, we use food to soothe negative emotions. Food becomes our cure-all. Feeling sad? Eat. Feeling angry? Eat. Feeling scared? Eat. Feeling…
Binge Eating Disorder Criteria
What is binge eating disorder criteria for a DSM diagnosis? Symptoms much occur for a minimum of six months.The individual does not engage in compensatory behavior such as purging, fasting, excessive exercise, laxative abuse and…
binge eating episode associated with
What is a binge eating episode associated with? 3 or more of the following: Food seeking as a rewardSneaking or hiding food.Food seeking in response to uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, boredom and restlessness.Consuming food…
Bipolar Disorder Therapy
Bipolar Disorder Therapy In Philadelphia: Life’s little ups and downs are just that – part of life. Everyone has good days, and everyone has those unpleasant, not so good days. Sometimes this is brought…
Blaming and Codependency
How to avoid blaming when expressing your emotions or reality to friend/partner/coworker, etc Do you ever struggle to get your point across? Do you find yourself in conflict with a family member or friend…
Body Image Basics
Body Image Basics While some men may indeed suffer with body image issues, this tip is specifically written for women. Imagine a continuum with extremes at either end: Anorexia nervosa or bulimia ----------------------------------------------------------------Morbid obesity Women…
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe: Body Mass Index (BMI) The formula for BMI is used to determine whether someone is within a healthy weight range. Remember that BMI is a good general…
Boost Your Libido
Discover New Ways To Boost Your Libido: Problems with sex drive are to be expected if you are not enjoying sex - or do not get enough arousal to become orgasmic. Why should you want…
Boost Your Self-Confidence With A Mantra
How to boost your self-confidence in just a few minutes: If you’re just about to go into an important meeting, give the biggest presentation of your life, or are just having one of those days…
Brain Change
The Brain Change: A self help strategy used by our therapists at The Center For Growth Most of us don’t even think about how our brains help us with every aspect of our lives. We…
Breaking the Habit of Giving Too Much
Breaking the habit of giving too much depending on the severity of the imbalance in your relationship, and your partner’s level of willingness to work with you, you may want to seek help from a…
Breastfeeding Versus Formula
Breastfeeding versus Formula: Breastfeeding or formula, what to do? That is the question that many new moms struggle with. Most women, when imagining what life will be like when they are a new mom, choose…
Building a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Network
Building a gay, lesbian, bisexual network: therapy in philadelphia, ocean city, mechanicsville, santa fe. Do you feel isolated and alone? Are you confused about your sexuality? Or worry about how those around you will respond…
Red/Yellow/Green Light Sex Exercise for Couples
Physical connection is an important part of every partnership and every individual person’s health. Intimacy can take many different forms. Although our culture often holds up penetrative sex as the ultimate physical expression of love…
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is a Psychological disorder characterized by preoccupation with body image and binge eating followed by some type of purging (e.g. laxative abuse, vomiting) in an attempt to compensate for the binge. The nature…
Bulimia Nervosa and Substance Abuse
Twenty percent to thirty-seven percent of women with Bulimia also have a problem with Substance Abuse. Twenty two percent of women with Bulimia have a problem with Alcohol Abuse. Many people with an eating disorder…
Caring for your Depressed Brain: 50 Tiny Nice Things exercise
If you’re depressed and ever picked up a self-help book or worked with a therapist, chances are you’ve encountered the phrase “cognitive distortions.” This refers to the ways your depressed brain distorts your thoughts and…
Categorizing Anxiety
Categorizing Anxiety: Learn the Difference Between Anxiety Types Anxiety can come in many shapes and sizes. In other words, it does not discriminate between people, nor do those who suffer with it typically discriminate between…
Causes of Prenatal and Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression Therapy in Philadelphia: Prenatal and postpartum depression are considered to be a type of mood disorder. Prenatal depression and postpartum depression are caused by a combination of hormonal changes and life stressors. During…
Challenging Your Cognitive Distortions
Social Anxiety Treatment in Philadelphia: A major component of social anxiety is thinking others are judging or testing you, thinking you will embarrass yourself, thinking you are inadequate compared to the others you are interacting…
Change How You Feel About Depression
Depression Therapy: Depression is widely stigmatized in our society. The stigma can lead people who do not struggle with it to misunderstand and impose judgment on those who do. Others perceptions can also impact the…
Changing All or Nothing Thinking
Cognitive Therapy in Philadelphia: Changing All or Nothing Thinking How do I change ‘all or nothing thinking’? All-or-nothing thinking, also known as black-and-white thinking, is a type of cognitive bias that can lead to negative…
Changing Careers
Job Satisfaction: Things To Think About Before Changing Careers Scenario 1 - changing careers So you start at a new job, maybe your first job in a real career. You fill in all the paperwork…
Cheaters: Who And Why
Cheaters: Who Are They and Why Do They Do It? Why do people cheat? There are many reasons that people cheat. You may hear people say that we as humans have an innate nature…
Childhood Depression
Childhood Depression Depression is the single most common mental health problem in adults and is becoming increasingly more common in children and teens. An estimated 5 percent of children and teens will have symptoms of…
Children and Trauma
Children and Trauma Therapy: Children can be traumatized by the tragic events they see reported on the news or that happen in their own lives, such as an incident at school or something frightening…
Choosing Spirituality
Choosing Spirituality: people often refer to ‘being called’ to their current spiritual path, or even to ‘finding a higher power’ in one place or another. One term denotes a sort of accidental approach to spirituality…
Circle Activity for Negative Thoughts
Circle Activity for Negative Thoughts Do you often find yourself trapped inside your own negative thoughts? Are these thoughts often negative thoughts towards you? Often times, a person may be trapped inside negative thoughts, whether…
Codependency: Thought Patterns
Have you ever given your all to a relationship, sacrificing your own beliefs, feelings, and needs to benefit another? You may be struggling with codependency. Codependency develops from childhood schemas, or maladaptive thought patterns that…
Combating Your Low Sexual Self Esteem
Sexual Self Esteem: Self-esteem can be defined as a person’s overall evaluation of their self-worth. It includes how they feel about their self beliefs, emotions, as well as how it manifests itself in behaviors. Self-esteem…
Coming back from Tragedy
Coming back from Tragedy: Returning to normalcy after the massacre at Pulse Nightclub is hard. After tragedy hits in the United States, one’s sense of security and what is normal gets turned upside down. Often…
Coming Out To Parents
Coming out to biased parents: The realization and acceptance of one’s own sexuality is an exciting and anxiety-provoking journey. Initially you may want to tell every person you know that you are lesbian, gay, bisexual…
Common Causes of Vaginismus/GPPPD
Vaginismus, the unconscious tightening of the vaginal muscles, is unpleasant, to say the least. Now classified as Genito-Pelvic Pain Penetration Disorder (GPPPD), this sexual dysfunction makes penetrative sex unpleasant, challenging, or downright impossible. With a…
Common Cognitive Distortions
Center for Growth / Cognitive Therapy in Philadelphia: Common Cognitive Distortions. This is an overview of Common Cognitive Distortions. Cognitive Distortions tend to occur when we are stuck in our negative thinking. These types…
Common Communication Problems for People With Anorexia
Center for Growth / Anorexia Recovery in Philadelphia: Common Communication Problems. In recovery from Anorexia, clients are encouraged to learn healthier ways to communicate their thoughts and feelings. This is a challenging process but well…
Common Patterns in Women’s Groups for Emotional Eating
What are common patterns in women’s groups for emotional eating? * Feeling that one is too needy.* A need to be liked by everyone.* A need to put other people primary.* A need to be…
Common Patterns of People with Binge Eating Disorder
Common patterns of people with Binge Eating Disorder * Low self esteem* All or nothing thinking* Perfectionism * Impulsivity* Difficulty expressing anger* Relationship problems with friends, family, and significant others.* Low tolerance for boredom or…
Common Patterns of People with Bulimia Nervosa
Common tendencies of people with Bulimia Nervosa: * Irritability* Low self esteem ( self esteem workout)* A self critical nature* Impulsivity* Difficulty managing stress* Anxiety* Difficulty with intimate relationships* Poor communication skills* Suicidal thoughts* Self…
Communicate without Anxiety
You have an idea that you want to communicate differently, but it can be difficult to make the behavioral changes necessary to put the new idea to work. You can schedule an appointment with an…
Communication for Couples: Focusing on Solvable Problems
Couples Therapy / Marriage Counseling in Problems in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville: ways for couples to communicate about solvable problems. This is for the couple that communicates fairly well most of the time…
Communication Strategies
Communication Strategies: Developed by Relationship Counselors at the Center for Growth / Therapy in Philadelphia Communicate Communicate Communicate that’s all you want to do!... these are words that typically resonate in therapeutic offices probably all…
Compensatory Behaviors used in Bulimia Nervosa
The most common Compensatory behaviors (not including excessive exercise) used in Bulimia Nervosa are (in order of most prevalent to least prevalent) * Self-induced vomiting* Laxative abuse* A combination of Laxative abuse and self-induced vomiting*…
Compulsive Eating and Watching Television
Therapy in Philadelphia: compulsive eating and watching TV (youtube, netflix etc) Many people find that when they are watching TV, they eat, and eat, and eat. People often wonder why they do that when they…
Coping After An Affair: When Your Suspicions Are Confirmed
Therapy in Philadelphia 267-324-9564 Coping After An Affair: When Your Suspicions Are Confirmed If you just found out that your partner had an affair, you likely feel very hurt, angry, and betrayed. You may also…
Coping Skills For Anxiety
Anxiety Treatment in Philadelphia: Coping skills for anxiety: As you may already know, anxiety is a normal feeling and a typical reaction to many events in everyday life. It can help us get motivated to…
Coping Through the Holidays
Grief Therapy in Philadelphia: Coping through the holidays - survival strategies for widows and widowers It’s already that time of the year again, holiday commercials have been running for almost one month now, radio stations…
Coping with a Miscarriage
Grief Therapy in Philadelphia: Speak to a counselor in Center City today 267 324 9564 Coping with a Miscarriage: Miscarriage is more common than most people realize, with about 1/3 of all pregnancies ending in…
Coping with a passive aggressive partner
Recognize and Deal with a Passive Aggressive Partner - Learning to Read Between the Lines How women can recognize and deal with a passive aggressive partner: While not everyone can say exactly what “passive…
Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Things to Know
If you’ve received the diagnosis of a spontaneous pneumothorax, known as “bleb disease,” you’re probably wondering “now what? Can I resume my regular world living in Philadelphia? Counseling? Therapy? Life? After healing from surgery some…
Coping with Grief
Coping with Grief: every one of us will have to deal with loss at some time in our life. Losses come in many forms both large and small, such as loss of a job, a…
Coping with Infidelity
Infidelity can be devastating. No matter how you personally define infidelity, having an agreed upon set of rules broken hurts. Pain, embarrassment, anger, sadness, insecurity, and other powerful emotions can all be felt when you’re…
Coping with PMDD
Coping with PMDD: PMDD, or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, is when premenstrual symptoms are more severe than PMS, occurring for a longer period of time, and affecting mental health symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability…
Corporal Punishment in African American Families
Corporal Punishment: Hot Topic in African American Families - Parenting Support Services “Spare the rod, spoil the child”. If you are familiar with this saying, you are very familiar with the idea of corporal punishment…
Couple's Sculpting Exercise
Are you and your partner in need of a up for a better understanding about the status of your relationship? We inspect our cars every year, but forget to reevaluate our relationships as time goes…
Couples and Money
Couples Therapy in Philadelphia , Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe/ Couples & Money (for people with shared bank accounts) Now that you are married or in a long-term relationship, your significant other’s style of spending…
Couples and Their Financial History
Every individual has a financial history. Just like every individual has a relationship history, sexual history, and family history. How we approach finances today is influenced by our past experiences and family history. So, when…
Couples Communication Skills Exercise
Couples face many challenges in their relationships. One of the most common issues in couples counseling that couples deal with is poor communication skills. Couples engaging in poor communication skills may break up, file for…
Couples Therapy: I Am Check Ins
Are you and your partner considering couples therapy? One of the most important things to know is that you need to do work at home as well as in session. Couples therapy is designed to…
Couples' Exercise: Unpacking the Fight
Are you and your partner having the same fight over and over again? When couples get stuck in a fight that pops up over and over again, it’s because you haven’t yet been able to…
Create Emotional Independence by Responding Versus Reacting
How many times have you walked away from an argument feeling worked up, overwhelmed, or defeated? Part of the challenge may be that you are too emotionally fused or codependent and end up being emotionally…
Creating a Grief Collage
Creating a Collage to Cope with Grief Dealing with a loss of a loved one is tough work. Grieving involves a variety of different emotions such as sadness, anxiety, anger, despair, loneliness, etc. All of…
Creating Boundaries After An Affair: Technology and the Internet
It comes to no shock that we live in a technologically advanced world. However, it can be easy to ignore or be unaware of the impact that technology has on our romantic life. Just look…
Creating Positive Affirmations
Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville : Creating positive affirmation: negative self-talk is a common underlying theme behind clinical anxiety and its symptoms. Those who suffer from anxiety often circulate destructive, negative thought…
Critical Weight
Critical Weight what does critical weight mean? Critical weight is the minimum weight a person needs to be for their body to maintain a minimal level of health. Critical weight may not be enough for…
Curbing the Masturbation Habit at the Office
Cubing the masturbation habit at the office Have you ever masturbated at the office? Are you concerned that you cannot stop mastrubatin at the office? Do you worry that you might get fired for masturbation…
Curious About Anal Sex
Are you curious about anal sex, but not sure where to begin? Then keep reading. Sex Therapy in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Santa Fe NM, Mechanicsville VA has put together a 101 how to…
DARE: A four step approach to anxiety management
Anxiety is the most common mental health issue in the United States, affected about 40 million people. If you struggle with anxiety, you are not alone. Help is available. Anxiety frequently leaves you feeling scared…
Dating After Infidelity
Dating After Infidelity You were in a relationship, your partner cheated on you, it was devastating, and now you want to date again. However, the question becomes, “How do you date after infidelity?” “How do…
Dating Vs. Porn Compulsion
Dating VS Porn Compulsion: For many people, using porn is a component of their overall dating behavior and repertoire. For some, however, that relationship with porn turns into a compulsion and these individuals begin a…
Dealing with procrastination
Dealing with procrastination: We’ve all been there, panicking, anxiety rising, working at the last minute over the project that wasn’t completed, avoiding the bill that wasn’t paid, or putting off that new workout routine you’ve…
Death of a Spouse
Death of a Spouse: few events in life are as painful as the death of a spouse. Half of all married couples will experience this loss at some point in their lives (ie become a…
Decoding Emotions
Decoding Your Emotions For many of us, dealing with our emotions is something we avoid. Or, we simply act on our emotions, depression, grief or anxiety without knowing the underlying reason for our actions…
Denial
Center for Growth / Grief Therapy in Philadelphia - Denial: the stage of denial, like all other stages of grieving, effects different people in different ways. Some people experience almost no period of denial or…
Depression Support Group in Philadelphia, PA and Ocean City NJ
Ongoing Anxiety & Depression Support Group in Philadelphia NOW FORMING Do you feel sad, irritable, angry, or indifferent? Have you experienced unexplained episodes of crying? Do you feel guilty or worthless? Do you have…
Depression VS Feeling Down
Center for Growth / Depression Therapy in Philly: DEPRESSION versus feeling down FEELING DOWN vs. DEPRESSION We All Go Through Slumps… Here’s How You Can Tell If It’s Something More: Feeling sad has become such…
Determining if your Relationship is Worth Saving
Determining if Your Relationship is Worth Saving? Marriage Therapy : to determine if your relationship is worth saving ask yourself the following questions: * Do you like your partner?* Do you like your partner’s sense…
Dieting and Weight Loss Quiz
How accurate are your perceptions about dieting and weight loss? Take the Dieting and Weight Loss Quiz to find out. 1) Dieting is good True or False 2) If you want to lose weight, you…
Differences with your Therapist
Differences with your Therapist: Talking about differences with your therapist in regards race, gender, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic status, immigration status, nationality, ethnicity, age, indigenous identity, and ability is often a very difficult conversation to have…
Different Types of Sexual Pain
Many conditions cause female sexual pain, otherwise known as dyspareunia. Some of the conditions that cause female sexual pain include: vulvodynia, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections, vaginal infections, fibroids, ovarian cysts, cervical problems…
Different Ways To Handle A Sexual Compulsion
Sexual Compulsion Treatment The first step when recovering from a sexual compulsion is to stop the sexually compulsive behavior. This step may seem simple enough, however willpower alone or just telling yourself that you will…
Disclosing Your Partner's Sexual Affair
Being cheated on is a painful experience that often feels devastating. What’s worse is figuring out how to move forward after the emotional/sexual affair with your partner. While you are reeling with the revelation that…
Discovering Motivation to Change
Discovering Motivation to Change: Do you have a bad habit that you want to change? Do you find that no matter what you try, you keep falling back into the same patterns and doing the…
Dissecting Panic
Dissecting Panic: Getting at the root of your anxiety Panic is a real and debilitating manifestation of underlying anxiety. Designed in our prehistoric ancestors to protect the race from extinction by inducing the proper response…
Become More Aware of Your Switching
Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia: This advanced tip is designed for people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) who already recognize all of their alters and the host. For people with DID, switching is described…
Dissociative Identity Disorder: Creating a Timeline
Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia: Why make a timeline? Many people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, experience trouble remembering portions of their life, as well as day to…
Dissociative Identity Disorder: Mapping Your System
“Mapping Your System” is an exercise is designed for people struggling with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder. Mapping your system will help you better understand the relationships between all of…
Do I Have A Sexual Compulsion?
Quiz: Do I Have A Sexual Compulsion? These questions prompt you to question your sexual behavior habits. If you answer "yes" to a majority of them, consider seeking sexual compulsive healing counseling with a sex…
Do I Have an Eating Disorder
Eating Disorder Treatment / Do I have an eating disorder? Do you feel uncomfortable with the way you look? Do you obsess with weight and numbers, calories, and exercise. Do you find yourself less motivated…
Do You Have Social Anxiety?
Social Anxiety Treatment in Philadelphia: Do you have Social Anxiety? It is normal to be nervous, worried, uncomfortable or even anxious in some social situations. It can be difficult even for people who do…
Doctor Visits and Sexual Health
Doctor visits are important to maintaining good health. Regular physicals and check-ups are a smart choice. It’s not rare that you may have questions related to your sexual health during your doctor visits. Unfortunately, it…
Does Your Partner Have A Sexual Compulsion
Quiz: Does Your Partner Have A Sexual Compulsion Problem? If you answer "yes" to a majority of these questions, then there is a strong possibility your partner has a sexual compulsion problem. Does your partner…
Don’t React, Respond: How to Better Control Your Emotion
Have you been in a conversation or a situation where someone has said something that’s triggered you to react? Maybe you’ve become angry, or frustrated, or sad? And once you feel this emotion, you say…
Easy Distractions for Dealing with Anxiety
No matter who you are, chances are you’ve experienced anxiety before. For some people, this universal state of mind happens too often. Fortunately, there are some ways to manage anxiety. Though there can be root…
Eating Disorder Feeling List
Eating Disorder Treatment Help Eating disorder feeling list: observe and recognize your feelings. Learn to build a vocabulary for your feelings. Are You Feeling? Sad Disappointed Defeated Frustrated Angry Tired Stuck Helpless Resentful Misunderstood Irritated…
Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
What is Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS)? An eating disorder not otherwised specified was created for symptoms that do readily fit into the standard category of anorexia or bulimia nervosa. The diagnosis of EDNOS…
Eating Disorder Voice: Eating Disorder Recovery
Eating Disorder Voice: Eating Disorder Recovery in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Sante Fe NM Eating Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia - The Eating Disorder Voice The Eating Disorder voice verbally abuses people…
Eating Disorders and Sexual Trauma
Most of the tips on sexual trauma and eating disorders can be found at: http://www.sextherapyinphiladelphia.com/eating-disorders-and-sexual-trauma to schedule an appointment with an eating disorder therapy / sex therapist call 267-324-9564
Effective Communication: Learning to Listen and Validate
Couples Counseling in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville: Effective communication is essential in our relationships. Unfortunately, communicating effectively during disagreements can be easier said than done. A common complaint that is heard with couples…
Effects of Drinking Water on a Diet
Effects of drinking water on a diet: while staying hydrated is important, drinking too much water is unnecessary and can even be medically dangerous. Drinking too much water can cause the level of salt in…
Emotional Eating
Emotional eating is the tendency to turn to food as a way to cope with or manage emotions. This can include using food to numb or distract from difficult feelings like stress, anxiety, sadness, or…
Emotional Eating Quiz
Emotional Eating Quiz: to determine if you are an emotional eater, ask yourself the following questions * 1) Do you eat food instead of processing negative or overwhelming emotions?* 2) Do you frequently place other…
Emotional Independence: A Solution to Codependence
Did you know a solution to emotional reactivity, emotional fusion or codependence is emotional independence? But what exactly is emotional independence? When people struggle with asserting their needs and desires within personal relationships they may…
Emotional Labor and Relationships
When we think of labor, we often associate it with the physical components; work, chores, and projects quickly come to mind. However, labor also involves the emotional realm, which often connects to our romantic relationships…
End of Relationship Anger
Anger Management in Philadelphia: End of Relationship Anger! Has your relationship or marriage ended and do you find yourself feeling really angry? Anger is a very normal emotion to feel when a relationship ends. There…
End of Relationship Anxiety
Center for Growth / Therapy in Philadelphia 267-324-9564 End of Relationship Anxiety: some people do not think about having anxiety feelings when a relationship ends. Sadness and even depression is expected by most people, but…
End of Relationship Depression
One of the first emotions people think about when a relationship ends is sadness. A loss has occurred and most people expect to feel sad for a short period of time. However, many times that…
Enjoying Blindfolds In Your Life
Enjoying Blindfolds in Your Sex Life The introduction of blindfolds is a great way to spice up a relationship that has gotten sexually stale. This sexual health tip steps from sex therapy. Too often people…
Entering Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa
Feelings about entering therapy for Anorexia Nervosa while there are some exceptions, usually the client suffering from Anorexia do not want to give up their eating disorder. People suffering from this disorder have an overwhelming…
Erectile Dysfunction Survey
15-20% of American men will experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their life. Despite its ubiquity, Erectile Dysfunction still causes distress for many men experiencing it. It’s common for men experiencing erectile dysfunction to…
Eroticizing the Foot
Sex Therapy / Couples Counseling in Philadelphia 267 324 9564 One of the most forgotten, shunned and under appreciated body parts are the feet. Feet sometimes experience neglect, because of their reputation as dirty and…
Evaluating Coping Skills
This tip is designed to help you answer a few questions about using coping skills for anxiety and depression. So, in order to begin a discussion about coping skills and how to use them, it…
Exactly What Is Asexuality
The United States is slowly getting more sex savvy, so you’ve probably heard the term “asexuality” pop up with friends or online. You think that you have a decent understanding of asexuality, but you’re still…
Examples of Blame-Free Communication
Center for Growth: Couples Counseling / Marriage Therapy in Philadelphia Examples of Blame-Free Communication It is common for individuals in Philadelphia to avoid discussing conflict, especially when it involves expressing emotions and discussing a…
Exercise
Healthy types of exercise. Ideal for people who are elderly, suffer from chronic pain, or are recovering from an illness or an eating disorder. What type of exercise should I be doing and why? Generally…
Expectations For Marriage Counseling
How do you know what you should expect out of marriage counseling? The tip, Expectations For Marriage Counseling, will help guide your expectations for marriage counseling regardless of the presenting issue you two are having…
Exploring the Pleasures of Anal Sex and Stimulation
Throughout the world, there are many taboos against anal stimulation. Yet, despite the sexual taboos, the sexual practice continues. Depending upon which static you read, 20%-50% of the population has dabbled in anal stimulation /…
Exploring Your Communication Style
Have you had people tell you that you’re being “too aggressive” or do you feel like, at times, you tend to get taken advantage of? Or, maybe there have been times when people have stated…
Expressing Needs and Sexual Desires
Are you and your partner struggling with sexual desire? Do you feel pressure to perform although you’re not in the mood? Is sex unsatisfying? Does it feel like a chore? Do you feel like you…
Expressing Your Emotional Labor
Emotional labor is the process of repressing and/or emphasizing feelings that are deemed desirable within a situation. Being calm when you’re angry, cordial when you’re irritated, and acting happy when you’re sad are all examples…
Extramarital Affair
Extramarital Affair Counseling / Therapy: have you or your partner had an extramarital affair? If so, you are not alone. In the majority of long-term relationships, at least one person has “cheated” at least once…
Postpartum Extreme Sadness: Postpartum Depression Therapy
Are you experiencing extreme sadness during pregnancy or postpartum? Contrary to popular folklore, 15% of pregnant women experience depression. Some are even so severely depressed they attempt suicide. If you are feeling extremely sad during…
Eye Contact Challenge
Intimacy is the product of two people allowing themselves to be vulnerable. It’s normal for intimacy to ebb and flow over the course of long-term partnerships. It’s the product of allowing yourself to be seen…
Facebook and Breakups
Facebook and Breakups Have you recently broken up with your boyfriend/girlfriend? Do you find yourself checking your ex’s (X-boyfriend, X-girlfriend, X-wife, X-husband, X-lover, X-partner) Facebook page daily? Looking for clues through Facebook of your ex…
Family Roles: In the Compulsive / Dependent System
Center for Growth / Compulsive - Dependent Therapy Family Roles In a compulsive / dependent family system, it is common for the disease to become the central focus within the system. Often all of the…
Fear of Flying: Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City
How To Cope With A Fear of Flying / Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Sante Fe NM Business meetings. Family gatherings. Relocation. Eventually, for one reason or another, most…
Fear of Flying Exercise
People have phobias about all types of things. You may have heard of people having a fear of heights, death, public speaking, and spiders. A very common phobia is aerophobia and refers to a fear…
Fear of Infidelity: Couples Counseling in Philadelphia
Fear of Infidelity: Couples Counseling in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Sante Fe NM Every couple, at some point, faces the fear of infidelity. No matter how strong the relationship, each of…
Feeling Guilty about Experiencing Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression Therapy in Philadelphia: Feeling guilty about experiencing postpartum depression Guilty feelings: throughout the months of pregnancy, women, along with their partners have fantasized about what life would be like after the birth of…
Feeling Like a Team in your Relationship
Feeling like a team in your relationship. A concept often discussed in couples counseling at TCFG. A good relationship allows each person to feel supported, and that they and their partner are on the same…
Feeling Lonely: How to Fight the Stigma
Feeling Lonely: One day you are sitting alone after a long day and it hits you: you are feeling lonely. Whether you moved to a new city, had a falling out with a friend, or…
Feeling “numb” from police work?
Police Officers & Trauma Therapy in Philadelphia Police officers jobs require them to control their emotional reactions, even when faced with very emotionally overwhelming situations. For instance, when talking with a child who has been…
Fibromyalgia and Mental Health
Many people in Philadelphia are affected by fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that causes widespread pain throughout the body, and often affects mental health. Depression and anxiety often accompany fibromyalgia and may worsen physical…
Fifty Shades of Grey: How it’s Positive
Fifty Shades of Grey: How it’s positive for sexuality: Sex Therapy In 2012 the first book of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy hit the shelves and fell into the hands of women and men…
Financial Secrets in a Relationship
Financial Secrets in a Relationship How much do you know about your partner’s financial status? How much does your partner know about yours? Are there things that you don’t tell him or her? Do both…
Finding Motivation To Change
Therapy in Philadelphia: Finding motivation to change: Do you have a bad habit that you want to change? Do you find that no matter what you try, you keep falling back into the same patterns…
Finding Your Authentic Self Exercise
Finding Your Authentic Self Exercise When you hear the phrase “authentic self,” do find yourself questioning exactly what authentic self even means? Your authentic self is who you truly are as a person in…
Flirting Language For Skyping
Using Intentional Language To Develop Your Own Flirty Nickname For Skyping: When you are in a long distance relationship communication is crucial. There are many ways you can communicate, despite the distance. One popular…
Gambling Compulsion Recovery Near Me
Gambling compulsion recovery tips Philly, Richmond, Ocean City, Santa Fe Acknowledge to yourself that you have a problem.Tell someone that you have a problem. Ideally this would be a friend or family member. If you…
Gamblers frequently also suffer from
Gambling addicts frequently also suffer from . . . People who suffer from a gambling problems may also have, or have experienced, Anxiety Disorders: Gambling can cause a person to develop anxiety. Suddenly they have…
Getting Artsy In The Bedroom: Finger Painting and Sex
Finger painting is not just for children, it is for adults too! In fact, finger painting can be an erotic experience designed for adults only! Adults of all sizes, shapes and forms can enjoy the…
Getting intimate without ever taking your clothes off
Getting intimate without ever taking your clothes off developed at Sex Therapy in Philadelphia / Center for Growth. Do you ever hear your wife say, “my partner always initiates sex, I wish it was me…
Getting Over Being Dumped
Getting over being dumped: So you’ve just gone through being dumped and now you’re trying to refocus back to a state of normalcy, but reaching equilibrium seems nearly impossible. What’s a person to do? Do…
Getting the Most Out of Your Internship
Getting the most out of your internship: Clinical internships can be a great learning experience for students, however they can also be a great source of stress. Knowing how to get the most out of…
Getting to know your Turn Ons Using the Five Senses
Are you feeling less turned on recently, but have no idea why? Are you struggling to tap into your sexual desire to get in the mood? Sometimes people get into sexual patterns that are more…
Good VS Bad Anxiety: Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia
Good Vs Bad Anxiety: Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Sante Fe NM Good Vs Bad Anxiety anxiety can be either good or bad for a person. Anxiety is normal…
Grief and Bargaining
Grief and Bargaining your loved one has faced or is facing a long illness. Of course you seek to avoid this pain. Why wouldn’t you? Who really wants look directly into the face of pain…
Grief During the Holiday Season
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Ramadan, Kwanza and New Year’s Day are annual holidays that can be a very difficult time for people who have experienced the death of a loved one. These holidays are laden with…
Grief Therapy
Grief Therapy Grief therapy can be very useful and effective to help individuals cope with the emotions and stressors connected to a loss. Everyone responds to loss differently, and depending on the individual and the…
Grieving the Loss of a Relationship
You may associate the idea of grieving with a death. You may be thinking – a relationship or marriage is ending, but no one died. Why do I feel so bad? Do I have a…
Handling Feelings of Anger After Loss: Grief Therapy
Handling Feelings of Anger After Loss: Grief Therapy/Anger Management Therapy in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Sante Fe NM: Handling Feelings of Anger After Loss Anger after loss (Anger Management Therapy…
Handling Unhelpful Friends after the Arrival of a Baby
Handling unhelpful friends and family after the birth of a baby: develop a strategy with your partner about ways to handle unhelpful friends and family. Then, while interfacing with the outside world, support each other…
Having a conversation to assert your boundaries.
After identifying that you have a boundary that has been crossed it is essential to express your new needs to others. This tip is designed to help you walk through some general guidelines, tips, and…
Healthy Narcissism
The concept of healthy narcissism isn’t often talked about or even encouraged. When narcissism is discussed, it tends to be painted as something negative. You hear stories of narcissists being self-involved, grandiose, and very critical…
Healthy Snacks
What do you mean by a healthy snack? a healthy snack is smaller and ideally less calories than a meal. The portion size and nutrition content will vary from person to person depending upon the…
Healthy Weight
What is a healthy weight? generally speaking, you want to maintain a weight that falls within the ‘healthy weight range’ according to the BMI index. It is important to remember that your goal weight should…
Help Over The Holidays
Help Over The Holidays Keeping Your Boundaries Over the Holidays The holiday season is about being mindful, present, and grateful, however this season creates a sense of pressure to achieve perfection, and it is easy…
Helping a Child Gain Positive Attention
Center for Growth / Parenting Strategies in Philadelphia - helping a child gain positive attention while recovering from an eating disorder . . . Negative Attention The eating disorder often gives adolescents and young…
Helping a Friend Overcome Bulimia
Helping a friend, family member or significant other overcome bulimia / Remember Bulimia is difficult to detect Signs of Bulimia Nervosa often include, but are not limited to * Secretive behavior* Money unaccounted for…
Herpes and Self Worth
Herpes and Worth: The twenty dollar Bill Exercise: Since finding out about your diagnosis, have you at one time or another made comments like, “No one will want me anymore since I'm damaged goods.” Or…
Herpes Support Group in Philadelphia
Help with Herpes: A Support Group Now Forming * Do you or your partner have genital herpes? * Are you worried about the emotional, physical and sexual impact of herpes?* Do you feel tainted? Afraid…
Hidden Hostility: Anger Problems; Anger Management Therapy
Hidden Hostility: Anger Problems; Anger Management Therapy in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Santa Fe NMTherapy in Philadelphia / Hidden Hostility - Uncovering Passive Aggression (Anger Problems; Anger Management Therapy in Philadelphia…
High Sex Drive Or Sexual Compulsion: Sex Therapy
The Difference Between Sexual Compulsion and High Sex Drive: A Fine Line: Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe & Mechanicsville. Many couples seek sex therapy because of mismatched sexual desires, sex habits, skills…
Holiday Recovery
Are you finding yourself a little lost after the holidays? Do you feel like everyone around you is motivated to work on their new year’s resolutions while you are suffering from holiday whiplash? All of…
How Breathing Can Help You Defeat Anxiety: Anxiety Therapy
How Breathing Can Help You Defeat Anxiety: Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Santa Fe NM Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, and Santa Fe; How breathing can help…
How common is binge eating disorder?
How common is binge eating disorder? Binge eating disorder is estimated to affect between 1% and 4% of the population. The disorder affects both adolescents and adults. Between one half to two thirds of…
How common is Bulimia Nervosa
How common is Bulimia Nervosa? Bulimia affects 1% to 4% of the population. It is more common than Anorexia but usually more difficult for friends and family to detect. Approximately 1% to 3% of middle…
How common is obesity?
How common is obesity and what exactly does that term mean? Obesity affects between 5% and 10% of the population. Obesity means that a person is at least 20% or more above their ideal…
How Do I find My Spirituality
How do I find my spirituality: discovering one’s personal spiritual path is a moving, important experience. Today’s climate of tolerance makes the necessary resources available to you in your quest to unearth your spiritual preferences…
How Do I Get The Most Out Of Couples Counseling?
How do I get the most out of couples counseling? Making the decision to invest in your relationship by embarking upon the journey of couples counseling is a huge step towards healing. By making the…
How Do You Feel About Feelings?
Understanding Meta-Emotions: Meta-Emotions are often discussed in Teen Therapy, Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy. People have a way that they feel about the feelings they are experiencing which is called meta-emotion that happens in normal…
How is a Personality Disorder Diagnosed? And What Does That Mean?
Center for Growth / Personality Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia Our personality is a collection of unique behaviors, character traits, beliefs, and attitudes that make up who we are as a person. How we view the…
How is Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosed in Children?
If you’re reading this, it’s a safe bet that you know a child or teen who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and you probably have a lot of questions about what that means. You…
How Often Should I weigh Myself: Eating Disorders Therapy
How Often Should I Weigh Myself: Eating Disorders Therapy in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Santa Fe NM How often should I weigh myself? Once a week is a good way to…
How Successful Couples Survive Raising Children
A significant adjustment period for many couples is when they begin having or adopting children, known as the transition-to-parenthood. Children can compromise the dyad relationship by putting more strain on the family system, diverting time…
How to Assess Your Sexual Scripts
From the moment we are born, we are taught specific social norms and expectations. The behaviors and beliefs that we learn to be appropriate depend on our gender. For example, girls are taught to be…
How to become more present
Mindfulness Therapy: How to become more present in your life. Do you find yourself often consumed in your thoughts and day to day worries? Do you find yourself talking on the phone while driving…
How To Become Pregnant
How To Become Pregnant / Maximize the chances of becoming pregnant These suggestions are written in no particular order. Some suggestions are more important than others. Engage in intercourse once every forty-eight hours. Ironically, having…
How To Break Up Like An Adult
How to Break Up Like an Adult You are in your late 20s/early 30s. You've been single for a while and dating actively for several months. You're dating online, meeting people through a recreational league…
How to care for yourself after a breakup
How To Care For Yourself After A Break-Up All relationship break-ups are difficult; whether you are the one who initiated the ending or the one who was left behind. Relationships play such an important…
How to Choose the Right Lube
When it comes to sex, wetter is better. Sexual lubricants are becoming increasingly common, with drugstores and specialty stores carrying a wide variety of options. Sometimes the choice can be a little overwhelming: silicone or…
How to Come Out to Family
How to Come Out to Members of Your Family: The mere thought of sharing with your family that you are questioning your sexual orientation can be anxiety producing. You have no way of knowing how…
How to Create a Positive Outlook
Are you stuck on the negatives in your life? Maybe you’re at a job that you don’t like, or you’re in an apartment rather than in the home of your dreams, or maybe you just…
How to Create Emotional Independence Through Language
If you have ever wondered how you can create emotional independence through language, then you are in the right place. There’s no “I” in “team!” Many of us may be familiar with this adage. It’s…
How to Create More Intimacy in Your Relationship
For many of us, the early stages of courting our partner involved a lot of resources and commitment to making the relationship a priority. In fact, we may have been teased about how much time…
How to Date for Data
Dating experiences provide a lot of data. Whether you are just gaining your first experiences or have been in multiple relationships, dating is complicated. Human relationships, in their complexity, make it more difficult to analyze…
How To Disarm A Narcissist
Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is a narcissist,” let’s get specific about ways to manage these interactions on a regular basis. Below are several practical strategies to disarm a narcissist. Interacting with someone…
How To Feel Good Naked
How To Feel Good- naked: ideas from a sex therapist: Are you insecure about your appearance? Are you embarrassed about the way you look naked? These insecurities are common, and may be holding you…
How to Fight in Your Relationship
Couples often come to a couple’s therapist because the way they fight is no longer working for them. It is clear that they need to get out of their current fight pattern. They often have…
How to get a Better Night's Sleep
Do you struggle to fall asleep? Do you find that you wake up often throughout the night? Is it difficult to stay awake during the day? Difficulty sleeping can be caused by many different factors…
How to Get Your Resistant Girlfriend Into Porn
There are a lot of associations with pornography. Just saying “I like pornography” aloud, never mind to your girlfriend, can conjure up several different feelings and beliefs. Some of these automatic thoughts can be…
How to Give Yourself Permission to Take Medication
Struggling with anxiety or depression? Maybe you’ve already tried talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and support from your relationships and you seem to still struggle overcome what people say is “all in your head.” Maybe you…
How to Help a Loved One with Anxiety: Anxiety Therapy
How To Help A Loved One With Anxiety: Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Sante Fe NM Talking Someone Through the Terror (Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, and…
How To Increase Communication In The Bedroom
How to Increase Communication in the Bedroom Center for Growth / Marriage Counseling in Philadelphia While you may find your current sex life to be working for you and your partner's sexual needs, at the…
How to Keep Romance Alive After Kids
How To Keep The Romance Alive After Kids: Couples Counseling in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville: The power of an infant’s smile, coo, or laughter is unimaginable. Some people report feeling an overwhelming, primal…
How to Move in with your Lover
Moving in with a significant other is a big step in your relationship. Sure, you may have already spent a lot of time together and practically lived together already. However, this is the real deal…
How To Nurture Your Relationship
Showing Your Lover You Care with Actions: How To Nurture Your Relationship Are you and your partner struggling with intimacy? Do you find you and your partner often argue about tasks being incomplete, or needs…
How to Reduce Your Porn Use
Pornography is a sexual tool that has its flaws and benefits. Regardless of its nuanced nature, there can be numerous, legitimate reasons why you would want to reduce your porn use. Maybe you want to…
How To Share Your Shame In Therapy
How to share your shame in therapy: Shame therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville Shame can come when we least expect it and wear on us. If we cannot talk about our shame…
How to Shift Your Sexual Scripts
Sexual scripts state that our beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes about sexuality are constructed from cultural, social, and personal experiences and interactions. When you assess your sexual scripts, you may recognize that some attitudes may work…
How To Speak Up
How to Speak Up / How to Regain the Equality in Your Relationship – A Guide for Men Addressing the Problem: All healthy relationships involve sacrifice and give-and-take, but sometimes the balance is unintentionally shifted…
How to Stop Your Partner From Phubbing
Smartphones have become quite sophisticated. You can look up videos, watch movies, and even read this article on your phone. However, because of all these abilities, ignoring one’s partner through technology has dramatically increased…
How to Survive a Wedding with your Narcissistic Family Member
How To Survive A Wedding With Your Narcissistic Family Member: Personality Disorder Therapy and Counseling Services in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville Wedding season is upon us. Weddings can be fun - a time to gather…
How to Write Your Own Positive Affirmations
The use of affirmations can be a powerful tool in generating positive change in your life. The definition of an affirmation is to declare that something is true. Really all of our thoughts and words…
How Will Your Baby Impact Your New Marriage
How Will Your New Baby Impact Your Marriage? For many couples, the addition of a new baby into the family is an exciting, joyous, and uncertain time. Whether the couple is dealing with the physiological…
Identifying and Managing Critical Incident Stress In Police Officers
Stress Therapy in Philadelphia: “What is Critical Incident Stress?” Jeffery Mitchell of the University of Maryland, developed the term critical incident stress (CIS) after working with firemen/firewomen and police officers. He defined critical incidents…
Identifying Toxic Thought Patterns
Identifying Toxic Thought Patterns: There are certain fundamental needs in childhood, such as safety, attention, love, praise, empathy, guidance, and protection. When these needs are unmet, toxic thought patterns, or schemas, may result. Jeffrey Young…
Identifying When Your Child Could Benefit From Play Therapy
In our opinion, all children ages 3-11 can benefit from play therapy. Play therapy is designed to be fun! From a child’s perspective, he or she gets to play with sand, a doll house, stuffed…
Identifying Your Boundaries
Identifying Your Boundaries: Boundaries are “guidelines, rules or limits that a person creates to identify for him- or herself that are reasonable, safe and permissible ways for other people to behave around him or her…
Identifying your triggers with a PTSD trigger table
Trauma Therapy in Philadelphia. Call today 267-324-9564 What is a PTSD Trigger Table? A PTSD Trigger Table is a simple method of tracking your triggers and reactions to these triggers. While it may not be…
If I am Careful With What I Eat
Eating Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe, Ocean City: If I am careful with what I eat, I do not need to exercise False: people who attempt to lose weight without exercising usually reach…
If I go to get treatment for binge eating, will I lose weight?
If I go to get treatment for binge eating, will I lose weight? Individuals who are obese and binge eat do not necessarily lose weight by recovering from the binge eating disorder alone. However, resolving…
Image Collage
The Image Collage Technique, a tool used in individual therapy at the Center for Growth located in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA and Santa Fe NM A common trait of those who suffer…
Improving Relationships
Couples Counseling / Marriage Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe Improving Relationships - Requires Taking Action depending on the severity of the imbalance in your relationship, you may want to seek help from…
In the Mind of Someone With Anorexia
In the mind of someone with anorexia: people with Anorexia often report the illness give them an identity, a sense of pride, and a feeling that they are unique… In my own sessions providing counseling…
Infertility: Asking For Your Needs
Are you sick and tired of your family asking, “When are you going to have a baby?” They are completely oblivious to the months your have been trying to get pregnant. They have no idea…
Infertility: It is Okay to Decline a Friend’s Baby Shower
Another baby shower invite and you panic. Why does attending a baby shower always make you feel so bad about your own infertility? How can being happy for your friend’s pregnancy be so easy for…
Infertility: Your Husband As Your Support System
Infertility: Your Husband As Your Greatest Support System Are you and your husband experiencing infertility? The diagnosis of infertility can be painful and traumatic. You may be experiencing emotions that may include sadness, grief, loss…
Internet Compulsions
Internet Compulsive Behavior is just that. It is a compulsive use of and / or dependence on the Internet Signs of an Internet Compulsion: * More time with online friends than with real friends* Online…
Interviewing Esteem
INTERVIEWING ESTEEM: Overcoming Nervousness and Making A Great First Impression Your palms are warm and clammy. Your throat feels like it’s stuffed with cotton. You have the arm of your chair in a death-grip, and…
Is everyone with binge eating disorder overweight?
Is everyone with binge eating disorder overweight? Many people with binge eating disorder are considered medically obese. However, obesity is not a requirement for diagnosis. Typically these individuals are overweight. For more information about binge…
Is it Low Self Esteem?
Is it low self-esteem? Therapy in Philadelphia: How to recognize and come to terms with low self- esteem when a poor self-concept is the root of your problems. Everybody has bad days. You might have…
Is It Okay To Masturbate When You Are Pregnant?
Is It Okay To Masturbate When You Are Pregnant? Yes! Self-stimulation for pregnant women can be fun and exciting: As you go through pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes. These changes will affect sex drive…
Is weight fluctuation common for those with binge eating disorder?
Is weight fluctuation common for those with binge eating disorder?Weight issues is common for people who struggle with binge eating. Weight can wildly fluctuate. Frequent changes in weight can be attributed to the alternations between…
Jealousy in Open Relationships
Jealousy is an obstacle faced in most relationships, monogamous and not. Sometimes jealousy arises because our relationship agreements have been broken or exploited. In these times, jealousy tells us “I’m not being treated well, do…
Job Finding
MOVING FORWARD / Job Finding in PhiladelphiaTips to Help Make the Transition from a Job to a Career So you’re ready to do something new with your work life. Maybe you’ve moved out of your…
Job Hunt Slump
JOB-HUNT SLUMPJob Search Got You Down? Here’s How to Keep Your Head Up Getting started in a new career can be tough. Job searching often means a lot of grunt work wading through lists of…
Journaling with Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia: The power of journaling. If you have Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), journaling is an effective way for you to increase internal communication. Increasing internal communication means increasing your and…
Not Having An Orgasm Doesn't Mean I Am Not Enjoying It
Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, Santa Fe, Ocean City, and Mechanicsville. If you wish to meet with a sex therapist you can self schedule an online or inperson appointment. Not Having An Orgasm Doesn't Mean I…
Keeping A Relationship Old School In a New Age
In a world where we now have texting, Twitter, Facebook, FaceTime, Snapchat, and any other instantaneous phone application you can think of, how do you keep a relationship old school in this new age? These…
Keeping a Routine During the Grief Process
Keeping a Routine During the Grief ProcessWhen we are feeling good, we take care of ourselves on a daily basis with little effort. However, when we experience a significant loss, some of the things that…
Keeping a Spiritual Journal
Keeping a Spiritual Journal : a tool used in mindfulness based practices. Whether you’re just beginning your spiritual journey or have been on your current path for twenty years or more, keeping a spiritual journal…
Keeping Your Boundaries Over the Holidays
With the small window to enjoy and celebrate the holiday season, maintaining your boundaries over the holidays can be a difficult task. Especially due to the pressure to “do it all” and do it right…
Key actions to take when discussing money
Discussing money and finances with your partner is often a very sensitive issue. Conversations around income, spending/budgeting, and debt, etc. can be awkward and uncomfortable to discuss in detail with your partner. Money is a…
WorryKnowing When Its More Than Worry
Center for Growth / Anxiety and Panic Disorder Treatment in Santa Fe, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Philadelphia - Knowing When It’s More Than Worry We all feel nervous sometimes – before speaking in public, when getting…
Learn About Premature Ejaculation
Many men complain of premature ejaculation. The good news is that this problem tends to respond to sex therapy. Clearly, if you are reading this tip, you may be thinking about this issue, but not…
Learning How To Learn
In school, we learn so much about math, science, geography, psychology, etc. yet, it is rare to learn how to learn. Are you going away to college for the first time? Do you have a…
Letting Go of Expectations
Opening Yourself Up to More by Letting Go of Expectations Do you find yourself often disappointed when things don’t go your way? Do you find yourself constantly disappointed by friends or family? Are you…
Letting Go of the Dream: Grieving the Loss of a Love
The end of a marriage or a significant relationship is a huge loss. When it is sudden it can be especially devastating. One of the elements that make a loss of a significant relationship so…
Letting Go Of Your Perfectionism
Work On Letting Go Of Your Perfectionism: working hard on letting go of your perfectionism does not mean letting go of your hard work to accomplish things, rather it means setting realistic expectations that are…
Letting Go On Your Own Terms
Grief Therapy in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe, and Ocean City - Personal honor rituals - Letting Go On Your Own Terms: losing someone you love is heartbreaking. Grieving is a challenge, grieving well is…
Letting Yourself Fall in Love
Have you found yourself repeatedly pushing away relationships? Do you participate in a pattern of casual dating that only last so long or gets so far emotionally? Does the idea of commitment shut you down…
Life After The End Of A Marriage: Creating a New Vision
Life After The End Of A Marriage: Creating A New Vision You thought you had taken your wedding vows for life. You thought that “for better or for worse” you and your spouse had made…
Living with Chronic Fatigue
Written for people living with chronic fatigue, seeking self help therapy that do live in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe Living with Chronic Fatigue: after a long night of sleep, most of us awake…
Looking For Patterns in Your Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety Treatment in Philadelphia: Looking for patterns in your social anxiety When you are struggling with social anxiety, it can feel like every social situation is triggering. While for some this may be true…
Losing a Pet
Grief Therapy in Philadelphia, Santa Fe, Ocean City, Mechanicsville: About Losing a Pet: pets are a part of the family. They depend on their humans for companionship and basic needs, therefore creating a close bond…
Losing Weight
Eating Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia: Losing Weight The exact amount of calories a person needs to consume a day depends upon personal data such as age, height, activity level, muscle mass, nutritional status, blood sugar…
Loss of Someone You Know
Grief Therapy in Philadelphia / Loss of Someone You Know: Death Dying & Loss When you lose someone close, it can be a difficult and devastating experience. You might feel confused or have hard time…
Loving a Narcissist
Loving a narcissist Narcissistic individuals are great at drawing people in. They are so great in fact, that it’s pretty easy for anyone to fall in love with a narcissist. Narcissists can be a blast…
Major Depression and Dysthymic disorder
MAJOR DEPRESSION (Sometimes referred to as clinical depression) * Symptoms will be present for a minimum of two weeks.* For a diagnosis of major depression, one of the five symptoms must include either depressed mood…
Make Your Own Anxiety Workbook
Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Ocean City, Santa Fe / Make Your Own Anxiety Workbook Coping with anxiety is a challenge for anyone. Learning how to recognize anxiety before your anxiety spirals out of control…
Make-Up Sex: Turn On or Off? Know Thyself ( and Thy Partner)
Marital problems and make-up sex: Are you still able to enjoy moments of intimacy with your partner even though there are problems in the relationship? Is the quality of sex that the two of you…
Making Skype Sexy: Sex Therapy
Sex Therapy & Couples Counseling in Philadelphia: Communication is the key in any long distance relationship. Luckily, in our modern, tech-savvy society there are several mediums that can promote and enhance sexual communication. One unique…
Making the Transition from College to Career
THERAPY & COUNSELING IN PHILADELPHIA, OCEAN CITY, SANTA FE, MECHANICSVILLE AFTER GRADUATIONMaking the Transition from College to Career So you’re coming into the home stretch of your senior year at college, and the list of…
Males with Anorexia Nervosa
Center for Growth / Anorexia Therapy in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Ocean City, Santa Fe Males with Anorexia Nervosa: Approximately 5 % to 10 % of people with Anorexia are male. Unfortunately, there is currently not a…
Managing Anxiety in a New Relationship
When you're an anxious person, dating can feel really, really tough. Especially, in a new relationship (within the first few months) there are lots of things that may cause your anxiety to spike. How will…
Managing Anxiety: I See/I Hear/ I Feel Exercise
Anxiety sits at an uncomfortable intersection of two thoughts: that something is wrong, and that we can and should correct it. Anxiety keeps us focused on the future and the past: we replay over and…
Marriage Counseling Philadelphia
Communication(couples counseling, marriage counseling, marriage therapy, couples therapy) Communication Strategies That Are Effective In Couple Therapy / Marriage Counseling Effective Communication: Learning to Listen and Validate Fair Fighting - Listening Communication for Couples: Focusing on…
Masturbation for Self (women only)
Masturbation for Self: turning yourself on One of the many benefits of masturbation for self is that it is something that you have complete control over. There is no need to negotiate with anyone else…
Maximizing your Pre-Cana experience
Maximizing your Pre-Cana experience: Pre-Cana is all about you, your partner, and your marriage, so for the entire length of your Pre-Cana class, that is your focus. Prioritize Pre-Cana, just like you prioritize your relationship…
Medical Complications Associated with Bulimia Nervosa
Medical Complications Associated with Bulimia Nervosa: remember always talk to your medical doctor if you or someone in your care has Bulimia Nervosa. Make sure the doctor is informed about the eating disorders. If the…
Medical Doctors and Anorexia
Anorexia Treatment in Philadelphia: Medical Doctors and Anorexia why is seeing a medical doctor so important with Anorexia? Seeing a medical doctor is extremely important in the treatment of a person with this disorder because…
Medication for Adult ADHD
The goal of medication for Adult ADHD is to reduce hyperactivity, increase attention and the ability to focus, and to reduce impulsive behaviors. Stimulant medication is generally the most effective medication for the treatment of…
personality disordersMeeting Your System
Meeting Your System is designed for people who have Dissociative Identity Disorder and have a basic understanding of their alters. One way to develop this understanding is by completing a DID Role/Roll Call Sheet. Once…
Mental Health Care and Seasonal Affective Disorder
Center for Growth / Seasonal Affective Disorder Therapy in Philadelphia, Providence, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe Mental Health Care and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Do you find yourself becoming tired, or irritable during the winter…
Metabolism
Metabolism: the burning of fat and calories. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within the body to maintain life. These processes include the breakdown of nutrients from food and the conversion of those…
Mindful Sex: A Guide To Becoming Fully Present Sexually
Mindful Sex: A Guide To Becoming Fully Present Sexually: Do you feel that you do not fully experience your sexual experiences and sexuality? Do you sometimes feel like you are not present during sex or…
Mindfulness and Hunger Awareness
Mindfulness and Hunger Awareness: Mindful Breathing Inventory Exercise Many people have difficult relationships with food and their own bodies. When we fall into the habit of judging our bodies, our choices, and even our desires…
Mirror checking and the Traps for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Therapy in Philadelphia: Mirror checking and the traps for Body Dysmorphic Disorder Mirror checking is a common ritual performed by people with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Close to ninety percent of individuals with body dysmorphic…
More about Binge Eating Disorder
Center for Growth / Binge Eating Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia: More About Binge Eating Disorder Binge Eating Disorder affects about 4% of the population. Many people with this disorder also struggle with Nicotine Addiction and…
Most People Who Diet and Lose Weight Manage to Maintain the Loss
Eating Disorder Myth: most people who diet and lose weight manage to maintain the loss: FALSE The majority of people who diet regain their weight. Permanent weight loss is best achieved through lifestyle changes (exercise…
Multicultural Competence with Clients
Multicultural Competence with Clients: If you’re a psychologist, marriage counselor, social worker, psychiatrist or clinical therapist, it’s important to have a level of multicultural competence with clients, as it allows you to understand your background…
My Child Just got Diagnosed with Autism, What does this mean?
If you’re reading this, your child or a child of a friend or relative has probably just been diagnosed with Autism. You’re also probably wondering what that means, and how your child’s therapist, psychologist, and/or…
Narcissism and Shame Treatment and Tips
Narcissism and Shame (therapy in philadelphia, ocean city, mechanicsville, santa fe) Narcissism and shame go hand in hand in so many ways. Narcissists carry a LOT of shame. From mistakes made in the past, fear…
Narcissism: Common Thought Patterns
Narcissism: Common Thought Patterns: Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe Narcissism is beyond the notion that one is “vain”. The personality Narcissism Disorder often develops from childhood experiences that create thought patterns, or…
Narcissism: The concerns and pitfalls
Narcissism: The concerns and pitfalls : Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe We have all been in contact with a narcissist. Whether you’ve been around a person who insists on being the center…
Navigating Living Alone Together
Couples Counseling Services in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe Navigating Living Alone Together (LAT) In a time when the trend is going toward cohabitating prior to marriage, there is also a trend to Living…
Navigating Online Dating
You’ve picked out your best pictures, you came up with a cute/sexy/funny (whatever you’re going for) tagline, you’ve had your friends read over your profile and now, you’re ready to go. How do you navigate…
Negative Self Talk
Negative Self-Talk Negative self-talk is often formed through our experiences with others, especially during childhood, who have subconsciously embedded thoughts in our minds throughout our life. Often times as an adult, it is hard to…
Negative Stories and Anxiety
When life is uncertain and your anxiety heightens have you ever made up really negative stories that just continue to raise your feelings of anxiety? You may be asking what I mean by a negative…
New Relationship and Facebook
Managing a New Relationship in the Land of Facebook So you began dating someone new, and you’re just a few weeks in and it’s going really well, but then he/she sends you a request. A…
Not Being The First
You found the perfect partner. You connect on so many different levels. You really feel like they get you, and your family and friends all love them. There’s just one catch. You’re not their first…
Noticing Your Emotional Labor in Relationships
Emotional labor is something that we do every day, yet rarely pay attention to. Acting understanding to a demanding boss, being friendly to rude customers, and being patient with stressful kids are all examples. Though…
Obesity
Obesity affects between 5% and 10% of the population. The rate is rising. Obesity means that a person has a bmi (body mass index) of 30 or above. People within this category may have higher…
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER: Approximately one-third to one fifth of people suffering from anorexia are diagnosed with an obsessive-compulsive disorder. (Similarly, people struggling with the different problematic behaviors, gambling, sex, and hoarding also have a high right…
Obstacles and Coping Skills for Sexual Compulsion
Obstacles and Coping Skills for Sexual Compulsion: the first step when recovering from a sexual compulsion is to stop the sexually compulsive behavior. This step may seem simple enough, however willpower alone or just telling…
Our philosophy about Pregnancy Childbirth and the First Year
Our philosophy about Pregnancy, Childbirth and the First Year. pregnancy before during and postpartum: Life will never be the same as you new it. You can’t go back. Parenthood is permanent. Once a child is…
Overcoming Anxiety: Moving Beyond: Anxiety Therapy
Center for Growth / Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe, and Ocean City Overcoming Anxiety: there are various methods available for overcoming anxiety to those who suffer with it today. A new onslaught of…
overeating versus binging
What is the difference between overeating versus binging? The difference between overeating concerns and binging is the element of control the individual has over their eating habits. When one overeats, they are usually consuming large…
Overview of Spontaneous Pneumothorax
How is a collapsed lung treated? Very small lung collapses (less than 5% collapsed) require little treatment and will get better with time and rest. In most cases, a chest tube is inserted to re-expand…
Painful Sex: Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder
A Guide To Different Categories Of Sexual Pain, And Some Tips For Dealing With Painful Sex. Self-Schedule an InPerson or a Virtual Sex Therapy Appointment Today At some point in their life, most women will…
Panic Attacks
Panic Attack Therapy in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe, Ocean City - What are panic attacks? Ever feel like you suddenly can’t catch your breath? Your heart is pounding in your chest, and yet you are…
Panic Attacks and Psychiatry: Should I take medication daily or as-needed?
If you have ever told a psychiatrist or primary care provider about experiencing a panic attack, chances are they’ve offered you a limited prescription for xanax or another tranquilizer to use “as needed.” The implication…
Parenting An Overview
Parenting for the long haul: When you think of your parenting role, what immediately comes to mind? More than likely, your thoughts turn to surviving the day (and/or getting the jelly bean out of your…
Parenting A Distant Teenager
Have you found that your teen has been shutting you out lately? When you ask curious questions about their life, do you get a dramatic sigh and an eye roll as an answer? If your…
Parenting and ADHD/ADD during Homework and at Home Task Times
Parenting can be a challenge all on its own! What is even more challenging is learning how to manage your child's ADHD/ADD in their daily routine, specifically during homework and at home tasks. If you…
Parenting Strategies for Preschool Kids
Parenting Strategies for Preschool Kids in Philadelphia and World Wide: Are you at your wits’ end? Have you no idea how to get your little one to listen? Do you feel powerless and at his/her…
Parenting Your ADHD Child
Parenting your ADHD Child ADHD Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, and Santa Fe: When your child receives a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or its quieter cousin, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) you…
Parking Lot of Emotions
Do you find yourself bringing past fights into current fights with your partner? Do you hold back talking to your partner because you’re holding a grudge? Have issues popped up, without warning, which creates a…
Partners Who Cheat
Partners Who Cheat With Married Individuals: This couples counseling tip will focus on understanding partners who are in committed relationships, but who cheat with married individuals. This comes in wake of the Ashley Madison email…
Pelvic Floor Flex/Relax Continuum Exercise
Though many men have never paid much attention to their pelvic floor muscle, it plays an important part in maintaining erections. If you are experiencing difficulty with your erections, strengthening your pelvic floor muscle could…
Pelvic Floor Muscle Strengthening Exercise
One of the most common contributors to Erection Dysfunction is anxiety. Anxiety from relationship stress, pressure at work, financial duress or any number of things can show up in your sex life, getting in between…
Perfectionism
Perfectionism: We all have a need to feel accepted, believe we belong and are valued for who we are. But oftentimes this universal human need gets distorted, becoming a deep source of hidden pain. At…
Perfectionist
Perfectionist therapy in Philly, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe: perfectionism is more than just setting high standards and working hard to achieve goals. Perfectionism is the idea that if something is not perfect or ideal…
Perinatal Depression Assessment
Perinatal Depression Assessment: Do you or your loved one suffer from Regular Depression or Perinatal Depression? If you are not sure, use this assessment to help you determine what type of depression you or a…
Perinatal Depression Quiz
Center for Growth / Therapy in Philadelphia: Take the perinatal depression quiz to determine what type of depression you or a loved one are suffering from. Regular Depression VS Perinatal Depression. Are you pregnant or…
Perks of Vaginal Dilator Therapy
Perks of Vaginal Dilator Therapy The thought of using vaginal dilator therapy to treat recurrent or chronic sexual pain can be intimidating. Vaginal dilator therapy has been an effective treatment to eliminate or reduce female…
personality characteristics and issues of females with binge eating disorder
Common personality characteristics and issues of females with binge eating disorder? * Feeling sad, lonely or depressed* Interpersonal problems, which can be thought of as difficulty getting along with others* Relationship problems with friends…
Personality Disorders and Anorexia
Therapy in Philadelphia / Personality Disorders and Anorexia Personality disorders are Patterns of behavior that are pervasive, pathological, and persistent. The behaviors present by late adolescence or early adulthood. Personality Disorders Commonly Associated with Anorexia…
Personality Disorders Commonly Associated with Bulimia Nervosa
Personality Disorders Commonly Associated with Bulimia Nervosa AVOIDANT PERSONALITY DISORDER (personality disorders commonly associated with bulimia nervosa): As described earlier People with this personality avoid situations due to their social anxiety. Avoidant people are…
Personality Profiles Associated With Anorexia
The Personality Profiles often associated with Anorexia Nervosa While Anorexia Nervosa can affect anyone, eighty percent of all people suffering from Anorexia Nervosa are females between the ages of 12 and 30. Approximately, ninety to…
Personality Traits Associated with Bulimia Nervosa
Personality Traits Associated with Bulimia Nervosa * High reward dependence: People with high reward dependence tend to be compassionate and social. They can be sensitive, intuitive, and empathetic to the needs of other. However, they…
Pet therapy: Casey’s Depression
Pet therapy: Casey’s Depression What people don’t know about depression is that a lot of times there is no reason for the unhappiness; there doesn’t need to have been a traumatic experience to feel depression…
Physical Labor and Mental Health
When discussing the ways in which to improve mental health, we tend to focus on the abstract. We explore family influences, maladaptive thinking, reoccurring themes, and several other intangible concepts. Though this focus on the…
Plan for Reducing Anxiety
Center for Growth / Anxiety Treatment Developing a plan of action for reducing anxiety. One of the best ways for reducing anxiety is to be prepared for the sensation of anxiety. To be prepared…
Play Therapy Interventions for Autism
Center for Growth / Play Therapy in Philadelphia for Autism Autism is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Pervasive Developmental Disorders are a range or “spectrum” of disorders that are characterized by severe impairment in developmental…
Poor Body Image and Thought Records
Center for Growth / Body Image Therapy in Philadelphia: Completing a Thought Record to Address Poor Body Image It is common for individuals living in Philadelphia to struggle with self-confidence about their body and appearance…
Positive Thinking; Depression Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, and Sante Fe
Positive Thinking to Counteract Low Self Esteem; Mechanicsville in Mechanicsville PA, Mechanicsville NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Sante Fe NM Looking Up - How to use positive thinking to counteract low self-esteem - Low self-esteem is…
Positive Thinking Techniques
Individual Therapy in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe & Ocean City: Positive Thinking Techniques Before you can use positive thinking, you must learn to recognize negative thinking, and that can take a little work. We live…
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe: Postpartum depression, or PPD is a common problem that should not be ignored. Somehow women have learned to expect that the birth of a baby…
Postpartum Depression and Expectations of Motherhood
Postpartum Depression and Expectations of Motherhood When experiences don’t meet our expectations — what we imagined something to be like or feel like—it is a big disappointment. And, when we have expectations for ourselves, and…
Postpartum Depression Support Group in Philadelphia
The Postpartum Depression Support Group: The Postpartum Depression Support Group is for you if your baby is less than six months old and you find yourself sometimes: Feeling depressed or anxiousWondering why motherhood is not…
Postpartum Depression Therapy
Here, at the Center for Growth, Postpartum Depression Therapy is What you can expect? You can expect a therapist who has had specific training on postpartum depression and experience with other forms of adult depression…
Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum Psychosis: postpartum psychosis is a serious problem that can result in injury or death to the mother or child. This condition usually starts as postpartum depression that rapidly worsens to the point where the…
Practical Spirituality
Practical Spirituality: Identifying the spiritual element in everyday life When we think of spirituality, we conjure images of fantastical settings and beings, gilded halls of religious worship containing exotic artifacts, studied and eccentric holy men…
Practicing Fair Fighting
Practicing Fair Fighting Techniques: a technique to reduce marital problems used at TCFG in couples counseling Step one: After listening to your partner’s position, summarize what she said. In your summary, withhold your perspective. To…
Practicing Gratitude When Feeling Disconnected
Practicing Gratitude When Feeling Disconnected: ‘Tis the season for practicing gratitude in your life. You see it everywhere during the month of November, in fact the very holiday that we celebrate encourages us to be…
Premarital Counseling for Same-Sex Couples
Premarital counseling for same sex couples: Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville While many therapists are “couples counselors” not all couples counselors are trained in all types of couples counseling. Gay and lesbian…
Prepare for Motherhood Class
Pregnancy Class: Prepare for Motherhood Class / Group - Now Forming Are you the only one you know who is pregnant? Do you want to make friends with other women who will have babies about…
Preparing for a Panic Attack
Panic Attack Treatment in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe: Preparing for a Panic Attack Be Prepared: as a sufferer of Panic Attacks you know how suddenly they can appear. Preparation can be a…
Preparing for Academic Success
Are you struggling with achieving academic success? The semester is winding down and your grades are being posted. This may prove to be an exciting and validating time if the grades are what you expected…
Present Moment Awareness
Do you find yourself stuck in the past, ruminating over previous conversations or interactions? Or maybe you’re focused on the future, stressing about what could happen or how your future could be affected by your…
Preventing Panic Attacks: Anxiety Scale
Many people with anxiety can describe exactly what a panic attack feels like. Your heart feels like it’s racing a million beats per minute, you can’t get enough air, you get sweaty or nauseated. You…
Preventing Panic Attacks: The Anxiety Scale
Preventing Panic Attacks: Anxiety Scale Many people with anxiety can describe exactly what a panic attack feels like. Your heart feels like it’s racing a million beats per minute, you can’t get enough air, you…
Processing Emotions
Processing emotions: once you identify what you are feeling, try to find a way to process it. Below is a list of action oriented suggestions for how to do this. Processing Emotions * Keep a…
Processing Grief Through Writing Letters
Processing Grief & Loss Through Writing Letter: Losing a person and grief is often the toughest thing we can go through in our life. Things get left unsaid, emotions not shared, and no closure gained…
RelaxedProgressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise: Are you suffering from anger, anxiety, or insomnia? Have you tried countless breathing and relaxation exercises to no avail? Progressive Muscle Relaxation may be right for you! Created by physician Edmund…
Protecting yourself from your partners anxiety
Center for Growth - Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia - Protecting Yourself from Your Partner’s Anxiety - Having a loved one with anxiety is not easy. Living with that loved one can be extremely challenging. Separating…
Psychiatry and Therapy Together
Getting the help you need to overcome major issues in your life can come in layers. Participating in psychiatry and therapy together can be helpful to unpack these issues. You may need someone to discuss…
Psychotherapy and Counseling: What is the Difference?
Psychotherapy vs Counseling: What’s the difference? You decide to find a therapist, and as you start searching the web, you probably see many different names, different titles of their profession and many different types of…
Psychotherapy and Family History
Psychotherapy and Family History Many individuals decide to attend psychotherapy for a number of reasons: anxiety, depression, sexual and emotional affairs, divorce, sexual abuse, physical abuse, conflicts in family or at work, self-esteem issues, codependency…
PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
What does PTSD stand for? PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Who gets PTSD?Anyone who has been exposed to trauma could possibly develop PTSD. It is estimated that of people who experience trauma, a…
PTSD Know Your Triggers
What is a “trigger?”A trigger is anything that causes your PTSD symptoms to occur. Triggers are detected by your senses (sight, sound, touch, taste and smell). A trigger may involve only one sense or it…
Quick Boundary Tips
Once you have Identified Your Boundaries, you are ready to share them with others and express your feelings about the relationship and your boundaries for how you want others to interact with you. Remember people…
Raising Children in the Midst of Divorce
Raising Children in the Midst of Divorce Children are the most innocent victims of divorce. They become of the center of battles over child custody, support and visitation. Divorce changes their lifestyle, because they now…
Rape
Rape: It’s not your fault. These are some of the first words you need to hear if you have been raped or sexually abused. You’ve gone through a traumatic experience. The aftermath of this experience…
Reframing the Concept of Boundaries
Boundaries: Re-framing the concept The term boundaries means the limits you set with others based on what you feel most comfortable with; this can be physically, emotionally,intellectually, sexually, the list goes on. If you are…
Reasons Spouses Cheat
Reasons Spouses Cheat: ideas explored within couples counseling: she cheated and broke your heart. Or maybe you’re the one who cheated and broke hers. WHY do husbands and wives cheat? And why don’t they just…
Recognize/Respond: Eating Disorders & Therapy Services
Recognize/Respond: Eating Disorders & Therapy Services in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City, New Jersey, Mechanicsville VA, and Santa Fe, NM Recognize and respond to an eating disorder: (Beyond Health, Beyond Beauty; Eating Disorders & Therapy…
Recognizing when you're Flooded
We’ve all had the feeling - you and your partner are fighting and suddenly you’re feelings “take over” so that you can barely speak, let alone listen. Therapists call this "feeling flooded." When you're flooded,you…
Recognizing your Cognitive Distortions
The way we see the world has a huge impact on our mood. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be extremely effective in improving mood by focusing in on our cognitions, or thought patterns. We all have…
Recovering from Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder
Recovering From Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorder My Doctor states that I am overweight. Will I gain or lose weight in recovery? During the process of recovering from Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder…
Redirecting Your Negative and Anxious Thoughts
Anxiety Therapy: How to change your thoughts: Steps for redirecting your negative and anxious thoughts Have you ever found yourself so consumed with negative, or anxious thoughts that you can’t focus or do anything…
Redirecting your Post-Wedding Day Blues
Redirecting your post wedding day blues: Many newlyweds can recall the many bits of advice they received leading up to the wedding day, “Enjoy every moment, the day goes by in a flash,” “Don’t sweat…
Reducing Anxiety
Reducing Anxiety in Philly / Therapy in Philadelphia: Reducing Anxiety in Philly: Ok, congratulated yourself. You have achieved the first step of reducing the amount of anxiety you experience. You have identified the name…
Releasing Anxiety Through Repetitive Motion
Releasing Anxiety Through Repetitive Motion: anxiety can be thought of as an accumulation of stress that builds up in our minds and bodies creating a host of unwanted symptoms which only perpetuate the cycle. Releasing…
Relief Dates to Quell Your Anxiety
Set ‘Relief Dates’ to Quell your Anxiety: anxiety is a thief. It robs those who suffer with it of their time and attention. It steals their peace and joy and makes every day one to…
Relieving Depression
Relieving Depression Over ten percent of the population experiences depression at least once in a lifetime. If you have difficulty enjoying life or find yourself sluggish or angry much of the time, unfortunately, it may…
Religion and Spirituality
Religion and Spirituality The words religion and spirituality are often used interchangeably, though they are uniquely different things. Spirituality is the pursuit of a relationship and understanding of the world around us as it relates…
Repairing Self-Worth After Infidelity
Being the victim of infidelity can be incredibly damaging to one’s ego and self worth. Once learning your partner committed infidelity, it’s common to have an array of negative thoughts and questions swimming in your…
Replacing Triggers
Replacing Triggers: Focusing on Anti-Anxiety Alerts Anxiety triggers are key circumstances that engage the anxiety response. Some people may find that crowds trigger their anxiety. Others may discover that deadlines, office meetings, or even certain…
Resiliency And Rewards
Resilience and Rewards: Grief & Loss Therapy The battle of resilience versus rewards has had an impact on our survival throughout time. In our early years as Homo Sapiens, failure meant the loss of life…
Resolving an Argument
Couples Therapy in Philadelphia : Fair Fighting Techniques - Resolving an argument Successfully resolving an argument requires: Bringing the issue up in the moment. By stating what is happening in the moment, gives both…
Resting Metabolic Rate
Resting metabolic rate (RMR): The minimum calorie requirement of a person at rest.OUR GUARANTEE: you deserve the best therapist. If you don't feel like the therapist that you met with was the right fit, then…
Risk Factors for Anorexia Nervosa
What are the Risk Factors for Anorexia Nervosa: While anyone can develop this disorder, certain people are more likely than others to suffer from it. Here are some of the risk factors associated with developing…
risk factors for binge eating disorder
What are the risk factors for binge eating disorder? * Obesity and psychiatric illness.* Negative comments from family members regarding shape, weight, and eating* Compulsive dieting* Childhood and parental obesity Center for Growth / Binge…
Risk factors for Prenatal Depression
Prenatal depression is a type of depression that occurs during pregnancy. It can cause symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the unborn baby. Risk Factors for Prenatal Depression & Postpartum Depression…
Ritual Spirituality
Ritual Spirituality: Tools for Positive Change Spirituality is mystifying to many because of its unseen qualities. That something so abstract could carry such a profound affect on the human psyche makes the spiritual quest both…
Role of Anxiety in Erectile Dysfunction
Understanding the Role of Anxiety in Erectile Dysfunction: This self help article was created by our therapists who do Anxiety & Sex Therapy A lot more men have trouble getting or maintaining an erection than…
Safer Sex Life at College
Practicing Safer Sex at College: going to live at college opens up a wide new world of freedoms. As you start of your college career, you discover that you have some choices to make about…
Self Care After the Election
America’s dysfunctions are the highlights of the news. Candidates pointed their fingers at their opponent(s). They dodged answering important questions and continuously displayed reactivity. Therapists teach their clients to grow out of the maladaptive behavior…
Self Esteem Writing Exercise: A Tool Used By Therapists To Develop Self Esteem
Self-Esteem Writing Exercise: A tool used at TCFG, located in Philadelphia PA, Mechanicsville VA, Ocean City NJ, Santa Fe, NM Self-esteem is the picture we have of ourselves in our minds. It’s how we view…
Self Esteem Flower Pot
The Self Esteem Flow Pot Exercise is often used in Depression Therapy at The Center For Growth. Are you feeling consumed by negative thoughts about yourself? Have you been feeling a low sense of self…
Self-Care for Partners of Trauma Survivors
Trauma Therapy in Philadelphia (267-324-9564) Self-Care for Partners of Trauma Survivors tip focuses on the importance of self-care for partners of trauma survivors and offers some ideas about how to engage in self-care. It is…
Separation with Adult Children
Center for Growth / Separation and Divorce Therapy in Philadelphia A Parent’s Separation: Through the eyes of an adult child. This is a vignette written by an adult child’s perspective. Some would say I am…
Set Point Theory
Set point theory: This refers to the concept that the body raises or lowers it’s metabolism in an attempt to stay within its genetically pre-determined weight range. Also, the body increases or decreases hunger signals…
Sex Compulsions and Shame
Sex compulsion and shame When it comes to sex compulsion, shame plays a significant role. Shame is a primary drive and trigger in sex compulsion, from having shame and guilt for the sexual acting…
Sex Dependence Recovery
Sex dependence recovery: The first step in recovering from a sex dependency starts with you! True recovery means becoming honest with oneself. One must acknowledge ones own problems. In the beginning of recovery it is…
Sex and Pregnancy: The First Trimester
Sex and Pregnancy: The First Trimester The first trimester of pregnancy is a different experience for every woman, especially when it comes to your sex life. Some women have morning sickness, some women have…
Sex and Pregnancy: The Second Trimester
Sex and Pregnancy: The Second Trimester Some women experience sex as the most enjoyable during the second trimester. For one reason, most of your earlier pregnancy symptoms (nausea, exhaustion, etc) may have subsided by…
Sexnology: Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville
Sexnology: Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville Everyone has heard that watching porn can increase the sexual experience between you and your partner. But with technology advancing, you can do so much…
Sexpectations: Sex Therapy
Sexpectations: Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville Do you hold beliefs around sexuality that your lover is not fulfilling? Is sex a sensitive area that you have trouble talking about with your…
Sexual Compulsion: Sex Therapy
Sexual Compulsion: Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville What is a sexual compulsion? The Center for Growth / Sex Therapy believe sexual compulsions are best understood as a form of an intimacy…
Sexual Anxiety And Premature Ejaculation
The Connection Between Sexual Anxiety and Premature Ejaculation What is anxiety? Anxiety is frequently described and experienced in different ways. From a laypersons perspective, having anxiety is similar to having the “jitters.” Many people…
Sexual Aversion Defined: Sex Therapy
Sexual Aversion Defined by Sex Therapy in Philadelphia. Call today to schedule a consultation. Most people are not in the mood for sex twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Sometimes people get…
Sexual Boredom: Sex Therapy
Breaking the Cycle of Sexual Boredom Sexual Boredom: Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Ocean City, Santa Fe Sexual Boredom: Are you tired of the same monotonous sexual routines in the bedroom? Frustrated with your spouses’…
Sexual Communication Technique: Sex Therapy
Sexual Communication Technique used in most Sex Therapy Cases The Center for Growth Does Sex Therapy in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Santa Fe NM, Mechanicsville VA Sexual Communication Technique Exercise: (Sex Therapy): Communication…
Sexual Health: Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe
Sexual Health: Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Ocean City, Santa Fe When thinking about sexual health, most people immediately think about this question from a “plumbing” perspective. “Am I having sex? Could I get pregnant…
Sexual Health Overview
Many people first think of health from a medical lens where health is the absence of illness. A lot of people do have to navigate sexually transmitted illnesses, fertility, chronic illness that impacts their sex…
Sexual Trauma and Shame
Sexual Trauma and Shame: Trauma Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville There are many aspects of shame that can develop for a survivor of sexual trauma. Here at the Center for Growth in…
Shacking up: Should I or Shouldn't I?
Couples Therapy in Philadelphia: Shacking Up - Should I or Shouldn't I? So your partner popped the question you’ve been waiting for. Not “the” question, the other question, “will you move in with me?” It’s…
Shacking Up: We decided to move in together, now what?
Couples Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville : Shacking up: We decided to move in together, now what? So the two of you sat down, had the painful discussions as recommended in the…
Should we do Couples Counseling or Individual Counseling?
If you have finally been brave enough to admit some things in your relationship need work, should you do individual our couples counseling? Below are some things to consider as you make your decision. The…
Signs and Symptoms of Giving Too Much
Signs and Symptoms of Giving Too Much: a power imbalance in a relationship does not mean that your partner is being overly demanding or abusive! When a relationship goes from balanced to imbalanced, it is…
Signs and Symptoms of Stress
Center for Growth /Stress Therapy in Philadelphia Stress is a condition that occurs in response to actual or anticipated difficulties in life. The psychological signs and symptoms of stress: The tendency to worry too…
Simple Things You Can Do To Lose Weight
Simple Things You Can Do To Lose Weight Drink at least 8 8 oz. servings of water a day (8 oz. is a small glass—4 tall glasses of water a day is plenty, although you…
Single on Valentines Day
Single on Valentine’s Day : For some Valentine’s Day is full of chocolates, fancy dinners, and perpetual doting over relationships. However, for many single people Valentine’s Day is none of these things. The day itself…
Single Persons Guide To Valentines Day
A single person’s guide to Valentine’s Day: No longer just for lovers Valentine’s Day seems to elicit many reactions from many different people. A common reaction from single people when dealing with Valentine’s…
Skin Picking Treatment
Skin picking is considered a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorder which effects up to 5% of the population. Examples of skin picking include, but are not limited to: picking acne or scabs, scratching itchy skin until…
Sleep and Binge Eating
Binge Eating Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Providence, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe: Sleep and Binge Eating: In the U.S., the prevalence of obesity across the board—men, women, all age groups, income levels and ethnicities—is…
Smartphone Boundaries for Parents
Smartphone Boundaries for Parenting Are you practicing SMART smartphone parenting strategies? Try the exercises below to begin establishing healthy smartphone boundaries for your family. It is helpful to observe your current smartphone behaviors along with…
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia : What is a Social Anxiety Disorder Social Anxiety Disorders are characterized by a persistent fear of being publicly embarrassed and an intense fear of being judged by others…
Social Gambling VS Gambling Compulsion
Social Gambling VS Gambling Compulsion Gambling becomes a compulsion as opposed to a social behavior when it feels out of control. Addicted gamblers experience a loss of control. Typically, gambling compulsions are progressive. With time…
Space for Emotional Availability
Space for Emotional Availability: There are two kinds of “space” one has in this world. The space that a person has in their own head, and the space that a person takes up within their…
Speaking Up
Speaking Up: men and women have been equal in modern America for several decades. They can work the same jobs, take the same roles in military and politics, and they have the same rights in…
Spiritual Connection
Spiritual Connection: one of the primary benefits of pursuing a spiritual path is the feeling of ‘connectedness’ that often follows as a result. Human beings are innately social creatures. We long for touch, social stimulation…
Spirituality As My Moral Compass
Spirituality As My Moral Compass: morality is the set of standards by which we deem something, particularly conduct or behavior, good or bad. Morals, our personal principles in regard to ethical living, derive from many…
Staging Anxiety to Uncover Your Triggers
Center for Growth / Anxiety Treatment in Philadelphia- Staging Anxiety to Uncover Your Triggers: anxiety can be a debilitating diagnosis for many of its victims. Often, it feels as though it strikes without warning, leaving…
Steps You Can Take To Reduce Anxiety
Center for Growth / Anxiety Reduction in Philadelphia Steps you can take to reduce anxiety, anxiety can impact work, your interpersonal relationships, hobbies, and prevent you from enjoying life to the fullest. You do not…
Strategies for New Moms
Strategies for New Moms to Survive the First Few Weeks After Delivery: during the first few weeks after delivery you might feel overwhelmed, exhausted, scared, sad, tired, happy, thrilled, energized and / or elated. It…
Strategies for Parents of Children with an Eating Disorder
Parenting Help Strategies for parents of children with an eating disorder to help them recover 38 Strategies for parents of children with an eating disorder (Anorexia, Bulimia, or binging or Over Eating) to help them…
Strategies for supporting a person recovering from an Eating Disorder
Center for Growth / Therapy in Philadelphia Strategies For Supporting A Person Recovering from an Eating Disorder * Ask them how they are feeling today* Ask them how their job/school is going* Ask them who…
Stress
Stress: everyone has their own definition of stress. For a young mother at home with her children it may be when everyone is crying at the same time. For a commuter who is already late…
Stress Management Techniques
Stress Management Techniques: dealing with stress might seem like a battle that you can never win, but you can learn how to manage the stress in your life. Stress left untreated can get worse. Here…
Suggestions for People With Anorexia and Depression
Center for Growth / Anorexia and Depression Therapy in Philadelphia Suggestions for people with Anorexia and Depression * Seek professional help from a person experienced in the field of eating disorders and depression* Remember that…
Support Group in Philadelphia
When a group of individuals with similar issues gather to discuss a common concern or way of coping with a condition, it is called a support group. Support groups at the Center for Growth, Inc.…
Supporting a Child in Treatment for Anorexia
To address the child's anxiety: Listen with compassion Ask if you can give them a hug or hold their handHelp them identify their sources of stress outside of the eating disorderHelp them articulate their anxietyHelp…
Supporting after a Tragedy
Supporting after a Tragedy: As one is coming back from tragedy and returning to normalcy it can feel weird to be around those who are affected by the tragedy. As people go about their normal…
Surviving Wedding Season Single
Wedding season is upon us. As if the stress of finding something appropriate and affordable to wear was not enough, you may find yourself very stressed out at the idea of going to another wedding…
Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa Treatment in Philadelphia: Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa * Repeated episodes of binging; A PERSON CONSUMES an unusually large AMOUNT OF FOOD WITHIN a RELATIVELY short period of time (Within 2 hours) most…
Talking to Your Kid About Going to Play Therapy
Play Therapy in Center City Philadelphia: There are many reasons for seeking play therapy for your child. Every parent has his or her own specific set of reasons. Regardless of how and why you made…
Talking to Your Partner About PTSD
Trauma Therapy in Philadelphia / PTSD Recovery in Center City This tip is for anyone who is recovering from trauma or PTSD and who has a significant other in their life. Even if you do…
Telling Your Partner That You Are Asexual
Telling Your Partner That You’re Asexual You've done some research and personal reflection, and you're confident that you’re asexual. You are well-versed in this orientation and how it applies to you, but you still wonder…
Temperamental Traits Associated With Anorexia
Is there a certain personality profile associated with people who are Anorexic? Yes there is. Low novelty seeking: This indicates that a person does not have a desire to seek out new experiences. They are…
The 5 Stages of Grief
Classically, therapists believed there were 5 stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages of grief comprise a lifetime process, and are not an end in themselves. Each stage may reoccur throughout…
The Compulsive / Dependent Family System
Center for Growth / Compulsive and Dependence Recovery in Philadelphia: The Compulsive / Dependent Family SystemGrowing up a part of a family, it’s easy to believe that how you are raised and what you see…
The Art Of Seduction
Sex Therapy in Philadelphia - the art of seduction. Having “good sex” is oftentimes determined even before the act is committed. Therefore, it’s surprising that the topic of mood and atmosphere are often not deemed…
The Benefits of Play Therapy for Parents
Play therapy is designed for children ages 3-11, as play is the way children make sense of their world and express themselves. The benefits of play therapy for children include developing appropriate social skills, learning…
The Big O
The Big O: How to Achieve an Orgasm ( Again, and Again, and Again...) Sex Therapy Help Do you have difficulties achieving an orgasm? Have you been diagnosed with primary anorgasmia, secondary anorgasmia and situational…
The Brain - a Departmental Overview
The Brain – a departmental overview Much has been written in recent years about the brain, neuroplasticity, and what it has to do with our choices and behavior. While it may all seem like Greek…
The Cycle of Grief: Grief Therapy in Philadelphia
The Cycle of Grief: Grief Therapy in Philadelphia PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, and Santa Fe NM The Cycle of Grief (Grief Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, and Santa Fe): loss of any…
The Deceptive Behaviors of Anorexia
Therapy in Philadelphia: The Deceptive Behaviors of Anorexia - remember these behaviors are not acceptable but they are part of the illness. Separate the illness from how you love the person suffering from Anorexia. …
The Defiant Child Challenging Behaviors
The Defiant Child & Challenging behaviors The Center for Growth / Family Therapy in Philadelphia Anyone raising a child has undoubtedly encountered a multitude of extremely “challenging behaviors.” These are often described with words like…
The DID Role/Roll Call Sheet Exercise
This tip is designed for people who have identified that they have Dissociative Identity Disorder and want to get to know their alters better. This tip will assist you with 1) gathering basic information about…
The Emotional Experience of Infertility
Infertility is an extremely emotional experience. The diagnosis of infertility catches people off-guard. You have not planned for or anticipated an infertility diagnosis, and are now experiencing the many emotions associated with infertility. You may…
The Female G-Spot
Sex Therapy: Discovering The Female G-Spot What is the G-Spot? The G-spot (shorthand for the Grafenberg spot, and also known as the urethral sponge) is a bean-shaped soft mass of tissue that swells from the…
The Four Phases of Gambling
The four phases of gambling The Winning Phase: (four phases of gambling) Gamblers experience many wins. During this phase, they feel a rush. Typically, they are excited and have unreasonable optimism that their good fortune…
The Four Worst Places to Discuss Money
The Four Worst Places to Discuss Money: Are these areas a trigger for you or your partner? Concepts that come from couples counseling. Schedule a couples therapy appointment today. Do you and your partner…
The Gifts of Shame
The Gifts of Shame Shame Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville Shame tends to be viewed as this negative emotion that we shouldn’t talk about, let alone experience. Very seldom do people talk…
The Importance of Reciprocal Relationships
The Importance of Reciprocal Relationships: while most of us would agree on the importance of reciprocal relationships, we don’t consciously think about this idea of reciprocity when it comes to friendships and romantic relationships. Reciprocity…
The Power of Compliments
The Power of Compliments: compliments can become few and far between in relationships, and worse, the compliments can often become stale or too general. As nice as it is to hear someone say, “You look…
The Power of Rituals When Grieving
Center for Growth / Grief Therapy in Philadelphia, Providence, Ocean City, Mechanicsville The power of rituals when grieving: How to Honor a Loved One’s Memory Whether you lost a loved one a few months ago…
The Self Esteem Workout
Center for Growth / Self Esteem Therapy in Philadelphia, Providence, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe: Increasing confidence and self esteem. Self esteem is a measure of how favorable you rate your abilities and value as…
The Stages of Cultural Sensitivity
Everybody struggles with cultural sensitivity. You may offer someone pork when they don’t eat it. You may find yourself stumbling to find the correct words or phrase that helps you relate to someone. Or, you…
The Strong Black Woman in Relationships
When we think about the Strong Black Woman, one of the struggles that plagues this badge of honor is the idea of balancing strength and vulnerability in life and relationships. The old idea of the…
The Wave
Are you feeling overwhelmed by negative feelings? Are these feelings compounded by the negative feelings you have about your initial emotion, as in meta-emotions. Meta-emotions are way that they feel about the feelings you experience…
Theraplay
THERAPLAY(as adapted from the book by Booth & Jernberg) If we could peek into a child’s mind, we might encounter very profound yet fundamental questions. Am I important to you? Am I needed? Am I…
Therapy For Sexual Compulsion
There is Help: Therapy For Sexual Compulsions and Sexual Compulsion Therapy Group: Do you find that you have conflicting feelings about giving up your sexual compulsion? Your sexual desires and behaviors have likely been a…
Tips for Academic Success
You want to start next semester off right so below you will find tips for achieving academic success. In order to do well, you must first set yourself up for success. One way you can…
Tips for getting the most out of your psychiatrist
Whether you’ve been seeing the same psychiatrist for your entire adult life or you’re considering psychiatry services for the first time, you could probably benefit from taking a more intentional approach to your relationship with…
Tips for recovering from binge eating disorder
Tips for recovering from binge eating disorder? Make sure that you are seeing a primary care doctor that you are comfortable with and who is educated about binge eating disorder. Request that your PCP…
Tips for Recovering from Bulimia Nervosa
Tips For Recovering From Bulimia Nervosa: Twenty Two Tips on How to Recover from Bulimia Nervosa and Questions to Ask Yourself * Write information about your binges. Write the time, place, and what thoughts and…
Tips for Recovery from Binge Eating Disorder
Tips for Recovery from Binge Eating Disorder1) Make sure you are seeing a primary care doctor that you are comfortable with. Ask your PCP to arrange for blood work to check your thyroid, cholesterol, and…
Tired of Not Feeling Desired
You’ve been dating for a while and you’re feeling frustrated with the progress you’ve made. There are endless categories you could put yourself in: divorced and looking for the real love of your life, young…
Tragedy: Making sense of the senseless
Tragedy: Trying to make sense of the senseless (Grief Therapy in Philadelphia 267-324-9564) When violent tragedies and trauma occur, our sense of safety is completely shaken. When targeted violence occurs, our belief in the good…
Trauma Sensitive Yoga For Survivors of Trauma
Trauma -sensitive yoga (TSY) has been shown to provide a safe healing process to those who have experienced trauma. Talk therapy is an important step in trauma recovery, but if talk therapy is not done…
Trauma: Coping with Your Partner's Isolation
Trauma Therapy in Philadelphia: 267-324-9564 As the partner of someone who experienced trauma, you have likely noticed significant changes in your partner, not to mention your relationship. These changes have probably challenged you about how…
Treatment for Anorexia in Adolescence
Recommendations for treatment for Anorexia Nervosa in Adolescence If your child is under 18 and has had the Eating Disorder of Anorexia for less than three years than I would highly recommend something called The…
Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa -what to expect: Treatment of the client with Anorexia usually requires close attention to medical, psychiatric, and nutritional components of the disease. If someone has Anorexia, their therapist should be…
Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa in Philadelphia
Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa in Philadelphia / Center for growth WHAT IS TREATMENT LIKE FOR ANOREXIA NERVOSA? Treatment of the client with Anorexia usually requires close attention to medical, psychiatric, and nutritional components of the…
Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders
Center for Growth / Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders Suggestions for the professional who is working with cilents who are suffering from Bulimia Nervosa and / or Binge Eating Disorder (IPT, CBT)…
Treatment Options for Adults with Anorexia
Treatment options for Adults with Anorexia * Day treatment* Inpatient* IOP* Outpatient (such as the Center for Growth) The Maudsley method is only indicated for adolescents (usually 18 or younger) who have had the illness…
Types of Cohabitating Couples
Set yourselves up for cohabitating success by addressing the issues discussed in How to Move in with Your Lover*. This tip is about the common couple types to help you create the cohabitating relationship you…
Understanding Depression
People throw around the word depression as a feeling that everyone experiences. However, clinical depression is a lot more than feeling very sad. Depression is a mental illness that can be treated with psychotherapy, lifestyle…
Understanding Hypermobility Syndromes
Each year, thousands of Americans are diagnosed with hypermobility syndromes, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, joint hypermobility syndrome, and Marfan syndrome. These conditions are chronic illnesses; although the symptoms can be treated and the syndromes can be…
Understanding Past Relationships
Understanding past relationships: Getting back into dating and relationships can be a fun, but anxiety provoking time. Perhaps your dating experience hasn't been that great. Or your past relationships have been pretty bad. You may…
Understanding Sexual Compulsions
What is a sexual compulsion? Sexual compulsions are best understood as a form of an intimacy disorder. Individuals who suffer from sexual compulsivity typically experience compulsive sexual thoughts and/or actions. For example, people who struggle…
Understanding the Role of PTSD Symptoms in the Cycle of Isolation
PTSD Treatment in Philadelphia: 267-324-9564 Some of the actual symptoms of PTSD can cause a person to isolate himself/herself. PTSD is characterized by three categories of symptoms: hyperarousal, intrusion and constriction. The way people cope…
Understanding the Role Your Family of Origin has in the way you Resolve Conflict with a Partner
This Genogram tip is designed for individuals in relationships who want to explore their family of origin as one way to learn more about their role in conflicts they have with their partner. If you…
Understanding Turner Syndrome
Has your child just been diagnosed with Turner Syndrome? Does a loved one, such as a family member or close friend, have Turner Syndrome? This article will provide an overview of what Turner Syndrome is…
Understanding You and Your Partners Attachment
Have you ever become so frustrated with you partner that you say to yourself, “I just don’t understand him/her”, “What were they thinking”, and “What could possibly be their motivation to do…”. You become baffled…
Unwanted Advice
Pregnancy and Postpartum Therapy in Philadelphia , Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville: Ways to Handle Unwanted Advice During pregnancy, you might have noticed that random strangers started smiling more at you. The majority of people…
Using Music to Cope With Grief
Music Therapy & Grief Therapy in Philadelphia: Using Music to Cope With Grief For some people, music is a very healthy, soothing, and comfortable way to express emotions. Whether you have a great appreciation…
Using Social Stories To Treat Autism Spectrum Disorders?
If you have or know a child who has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD for short) including Autism and Aspergers, you probably know that there are thousands of treatment options available. This…
Vaginal Dilator Therapy for Sexual Pain
Your journey towards pain free sex has been difficult. You have been undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and may feel like you are going crazy. You are frustrated that there is no medical treatment for your pain. Your…
Vaginismus
Do You Have Vaginismus? In the world of sex therapy Vaginismus is a disorder defined as painful spasms of muscles around the outer third of the vagina. Sometimes the muscles at the opening of the…
Valentines Day for Couples with Kids
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and many couples will begin the conversation about how will they celebrate this year, (or at least every couples therapist will tell you they should). There are many…
Visualization Technique Part One
Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville : Visualization Technique Part One: visualization and imagery are powerful weapons in the arsenal against anxiety. Whether guided by a therapist at the Center for Growth…
Visualization Technique Part Three
Visualization Techniques Part III: White Light By now, you’ve no doubt mastered the ‘ Safe Place ’ technique and have used it to both relieve stress and work on bettering your self image. At the…
Visualization Technique Part Two
Center for Growth / Anxiety Therapy in Philadelphia, ocean city, mechanicsville, santa fe Visualization Technique Part II Learning the power of visualization and guided imagery through the construction of a safe place is key to…
Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome
Vulvar Vestibulitits Syndrome (VVS) is a medical condition that involves pain upon touch of the vaginal opening or penetration (Bergeron, Bouchard, Fortier, Binik, and Khalife, 1997). Some women also feel pain without any direct touch…
Ways to Improve Self Esteem
Self-Esteem Therapy Philadelphia Ways to improve self esteem: Each day take a few minutes and tell yourself that you are important. Remind yourself that no one is perfect. Everyone is a work in progress. People…
Ways to Support Someone Suffering From Postpartum Depression
Ways to Support Someone Suffering from Postpartum Depression the most important concept that fathers need to understand is that the diagnosis Postpartum Depression is a real syndrome. Postpartum depression typically happens for one of several…
Wedding Survival Strategies
Weddings are intended to be a beautiful day allowing those who truly care for a couple to share in a very special moment for two people in love. At times, it may be difficult to…
What are Boundaries?
One of the most challenging, emotional, and stressful tasks within relationships is setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries. However, most people don’t realize this until their boundaries have been crossed and a friendship or romantic relationship…
What are Open Relationships and Are they for Me?
Often when couples are considering opening up their relationship (i.e. transitioning from emotional and sexual exclusivity to some form of emotional or sexual nonmonogamy) they may feel overwhelmed about where to start. What agreements should…
What are the health problems strongly associated with obesity?
What are the health problems strongly associated with obesity? High cholesterol Gallbladder disease Diabetes (type 2) High blood pressure Sleep Apnea Problems with joints Muscle pain Heart problems Shortness of breath PCOS Gastrointestinal problems…
What Does It Mean To Be Diagnosed With Borderline Personality Disorder?
Center for Growth / Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a subcategory of general Personality Disorders. A personality disorder is a psychological disorder that is marked by a long-standing pattern…
What is a Doula?
What is a doula: A Doula is a coach to support parents-to-be during this transitionary period of labor & delivery as well as the few first few days after the baby is born. A doula…
What is a narcissist?
What is a narcissist? Personality Disorder Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville (as opposed to a healthy narcissist) WHAT The term “narcissism” is often thrown around as a synonym for someone who is self-absorbed. While…
What is a Panic Attack?
Panic Attack Treatment in Philadelphia What is a panic attack: Panic attacks can be devastating for the people suffering from them and mystifying for their friends and loved ones. Although they are different…
What Is A Sexual Aversion
Sexual Aversion Treatment in Philadelphia. 267-324-9564 Most people are not in the mood to have sex all day long, every day – accept maybe on vacation or in the early stages of dating. In long…
What is a Spontaneous Pneumothorax AKA Bleb Disease?
What is a spontaneous pneumothorax?Spontaneous pneumothorax refers to the condition when a lung leaks air and collapses. In this condition lung collapses are caused by blebs, not by trauma or an underlying lung disease. Blebs…
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety Treatment in Philadelphia What is Anxiety: suddenly you’re overcome with an intense fear or sense of gloom. You feel as though you want to run, but don’t know why. You’re restless, unable…
What is binge eating disorder?
What is binge eating disorder? Binge eating disorder appears to be the most common eating disorder. Although it was first discovered in the late 1950’s it was not added to the Diagnostic statistical Manual of…
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia: What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a severe preoccupation with one or more aspects of one’s appearance. People with body dysmorphic disorder ( BDD) believe…
What is Codependency?
Center for Growth / Codependency Therapy in Philadelphia, Santa Fe, Ocean City, Mechanicsville: Codependency This tip is to provide you with the typical characteristics of people who struggle with codependency, a brief history of the…
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Center for Growth / Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Philadelphia, Santa Fe, Ocean City, Mechanicsville Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a prominent evidence-based therapeutic process developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s. CBT is a form…
What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?In layman’s terms DID is mental health disorder in which a person experiences extreme dissociation to the point where they have different personalities known as alters or parts. In clinical…
What is Ethical Porn and Where Can I Find It?
The term “ethical porn” has become an increasingly popular descriptor in the sex entertainment world. Its rise in popularity could be compared to the use of “organic” in the food industry. These labels seem to…
What is Narrative Therapy?
What is Narrative Therapy? Narrative therapy is a post-modern psychotherapy approach based on the tenets that everyone has a story. Rather than seeing the therapist as the person who will give you advice to work…
What is Play Therapy?
What is play therapy? Play therapy is a structured approach to therapy that builds on the natural language of children, the language of play. Therapists use various play materials to help children express what is…
What is Pre-Cana?
What is Pre-Cana? Pre-Cana is a catholic tradition which teaches couples how to be married. This premarital course is named after the wedding feast at Cana, in Galilee where Jesus turned water into wine. According…
What is Pre-Marital Counseling?
Congratulations! You’ve gotten engaged to the person whom you adore. As you begin planning for your wedding, something else to consider is premarital counseling. There are many reasons to explore premarital counseling with your sweetie…
What is Psychotherapy? And Is It For Me?
Since you’re reading this tip, you’re probably seeking answers to quite a few questions concerning Psychotherapy. First and foremost this tip is designed to answer questions such as “What is Psychotherapy?” and “Is Psychotherapy the…
What is Self-Esteem?
Center for Growth / Self-Esteem Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville: What is Self-Esteem? Self-esteem is a broad psychological concept that is used to as a measurement of how highly a person rates their overall…
What is Trauma?
What is Trauma? From a trauma counseling therapist’s perspective, trauma is defined as a deeply disturbing experience, which can be sexual, physical and / or emotional. Here at the Center for Growth in Philadelphia, we…
What is Vulvar Vestibulitis
You may have never heard of vulvar vestibulitis. Or maybe you are afraid that you have it and you are too scared to attempt sex therapy? Vulvar vestibulitis is an inflammation in the vestibule, otherwise…
What it means to be your authentic self?
Authentic self means: Being your true authentic self means what you say in life aligns with what your actions. Your authentic self goes beyond what you do for a living, what possessions you own, or…
What Should Your New Year’s Resolution Be?
What Should Your New Year’s Resolution Be? Ideas stemming from individual therapy Before you make your standard New Year’s resolution to go to the gym at least three times a week, think about what you…
What Stage Of The Problem Are You In?
What stage of the problem are you in? Pre-contemplation (what stage of the problem) You do not believe that there is an actual problem. Thus, you are not ready to consider the idea that…
What to Expect in a Workshop at the Center for Growth
Workshops in Philadelphia our workshops are designed to teach people a wide spectrum of approaches and practices that can be useful for achieving a particular goal. Workshops are not appropriate for individuals, couples, or families…
What To Expect When Leaving College
STARTING OUTWhat To Expect When Leaving College Leaving college is a plunge into the unknown. For the past four years, or more, most of your energy has been spent on passing college classes, most of…
What to look for in a couples counselor
Deciding to go to couples counseling can be a difficult decision. In fact, most couples put off going to couples counseling, either because they want to avoid further conflict, or they don’t want to spend…
What Your Body Language Is Saying
Do you ever wonder why you didn’t get that job? Or, how about that loan at the bank? Do you want to have the hotty across the bar come up and talk to you, but…
What Is Your Childs Learning Style?
Understanding your child’s learning style is an essential step in assessing which school setting is the best fit for your child. As parents, you have the power to send your child to a school that…
When Does Grieving Becoming Problematic?
When Does Grieving Become Problematic? Whenever we experience a loss in our life, a grief process begins. Grieving is our psyche’s way of acknowledging a loss and adapting to life without that person, thing, idea…
When Porn Becomes a Problem
Sex is a natural behavior that can feel great, relieve stress, and strengthen relationships. However, like most subjects, it can have negative consequences. Porn is no different. Sexual attitudes, experiences, and personal morals can color…
When to End a Relationship
Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Santa Fe, Mechanicsville, When to End a Relationship - Is your relationship worth saving? While most people will have an opinion about whether you and your partner should stay…
When Trauma is Misdiagnosed as ADHD in Children
Has your child been a little more rambunctious than usual? Many are quick to slap on an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis to a hyperactive child, but sometimes this diagnosis doesn’t capture the true…
When You Give Too Much
Codependency Therapy In Philadelphia, Santa Fe, Ocean City, Mechanicsville When You Give Too Much - Helping Individuals Regain Equality in Their Relationship: Relationships mean sacrifice. We all want our partners to be happy, and…
When You See Your Teen Looking at Porn
You come home to what seems to be another ordinary day. However, as you stop to say hello, you unexpectedly see your teen in the middle of looking at porn. You’re not sure on what…
When You Think About Touching Yourself
For men who want to learn more ways to touch themselves and experience pleasure without ever engaging sex therapy: People have an amazing ability to feel pleasure based off of touch alone. Touching yourself is…
Why Diets Are Bad For You
Eating Disorder Treatment in Philadelphia - why diets are bad for you Why diets are bad for you: the word dieting implies that someone is going to deprive him or herself for a set…
Why People Occassionally Cheat
Why People Occasionally Cheat Have you ever wondered why people occasionally cheat in their relationships? What could possibly be their motivation and how could they violate the delicate thread of trust? To understand an occasional…
Why the Idea of Mediocrity Tortures Millennials
Many millennials (twenty-thirty somethings) struggle with a constant sense of anxiety and depression. Pushing happiness away because it does not fit for the emotional highs and lows they’re used to. Much of the stress comes…
Will I Gain or Lose Weight in Recovery
My Doctor states that I am overweight. Will I gain or lose weight in recovery? During the process of recovering from Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder some people lose weight and others gain…
Will This Relationship Last
Will this relationship last? Relationship and Marital Problems: The answer is simple, it all depends upon how determined each individual is to make the relationship work. If two people want to make the relationship last…
Women and Body Image Exercise
Body Image Therapy in Philadelphia: Women and Body Image: How to Restructure Your Thinking by Nurturing your body When it comes to our own perception of our body image, many people tend to submit…
Working Towards Healing After a Loss
Grief Therapy in Philadelphia - Working Towards Healing After a Loss developing a plan of action First and foremost, acknowledge your loss. Recognize that your life, your activities, your relationship with the person…
Writing Your Newlywed Chapter
Some couples enter marriage believing nothing will change. Maybe you already bought a house together, raised 3 children together or with the help of lawyers created living wills together Maybe for some couples, nothing really…
Your First Anxiety and Depression Support Group
What to Expect in Your First Anxiety Depression Support Group at The Center for Growth / Therapy in Philadelphia / Ocean City: In the beginning of the Anxiety and Depression group session, the therapist begins…
“Big T” versus “little t” Trauma
The Center for Growth Offers Trauma Counseling in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe, Providence If you’re questioning whether you might have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), this tip can be helpful in identifying the type…
“Real-time” Connection over Your Smartphone
I often see couples with concerns over limited connection with one another. We live in a world where we are constantly connected. Smartphones have changed the way we communicate. We receive work emails when we…
Self Care during the Holidays
For some the holiday time can be an exciting time of year filled with great food, loved ones, and traditions. For others, it can bring feelings of anxiety, loneliness, frustration, and fear. Not everyone has…
Sensate Focus Touching for Body Image
Do you struggle with your body image? Do you feel out of touch with your sexuality? These concerns are common for women throughout their lifespan. Body image is defined as one's thoughts and feelings about…
Learn How To Squirt
Squirting. A wet and wild phenomenon beyond your experience. You learned about it somewhere. Magazines? Online? Or maybe a friend told you about it. What exactly IS squirting though? Squirting is when the vagina releases…
How To Support A Survivor Of Sexual Assault
How to Support Your Partner Who’s Survived Sexual Assault: The United States is in the middle of tackling a monumental problem: sexual assault and harassment. Seemingly, every other week, people are calling out actors, CEOs…
How to Test Your Gut
Are you feeling less sure of the decisions you make? Anxious that everything you touch is crumbling? If you have been feeling like you need help navigating your decision making and re-centering your gut instinct…
Making Sense of Not Trusting Yourself
Many people who have learned to talk themselves out of following their gut tend to feel worse about decisions made where they did not follow their gut instinct. Even though distrusting the gut is habitual…
How to Support A Partner With Anxiety
How to support a partner with anxiety Relationships can be difficult at times, especially when an anxiety disorder is added to the mix. Living in constant fear is not fun, but anxiety not only affects…
Talking to your partner about Erectile Dysfunction
Not everyone who has Erectile Dysfunction needs to have an in depth conversation with their partner about it. Maybe your partner is new, and ED is just part of the adjustment process. But if erectile…
How to Satisfy Skin Hunger When Single
You have been single for some time now. You’ve managed the single life rather well, at the same time, there’s one aspect that you’re struggling with: satisfying your skin hunger. This article is going to…
5 Signs Your Friendship Might Be Unhealthy
When we think of abusive relationships romantic partners and family members may come to mind. However, friendships have the capability of being emotionally abusive that can cause overwhelming anxiety. Intimate friends provide support, love, and…
Identifying and Managing Your Emotions
Depression, anxiety, shame and guilt are emotions that nobody likes to experience. Unfortunately, when you are in recovery from sex, love, food, money, especially early on, these emotions are often present. Sometimes depression and anxiety…
Managing Problematic Thinking
Managing your problematic/persuasive thinking is a big part of sexually compulsive behavior recovery. Whether it’s rationalizations or thoughts persuading you to engage in compulsive behaviors, they need to be managed as part of your recovery…
How to Transition from College to Work
For many, college can be a wonderful time of self-exploration, connecting with others, and engaging in fun activities. Regardless if you went to college for four years or more, transitioning from college to working full…
What Causes Stress? Ask A Therapist
Stress is a condition that occurs in response to actual or anticipated difficulties in life. Stress is no laughing matter, and if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications, including high blood pressure, sleep…
Anxiety and Control Chart Exercise
For many people, anxiety is triggered by attempting to control things that you actually have no control over. You feel stressed about the possibility that something might go wrong, and stay up at night imagining…
7 Things To Know About Pegging
When it comes to sex, there are so many more possibilities than penile-vaginal intercourse. There’s intimate touching, kissing, oral, role-play, toys, anal, and so much more. For many couples anal intercourse is a great way…
Identifying Loneliness
Loneliness has historically been defined in many ways: the perception of being alone or isolated, the inability to find meaning in one’s life, or the subjective negative feeling related to deficient social relations. Loneliness is…
Avoidance, Anxiety and Negative Reinforcement
Do you struggle with anxiety, particularly avoidance? For example, do you avoid going to parties or answering the phone due to your anxiety? Do you avoid opportunities even when you desire them deep down? Or…
Do-It-Yourself Desensitization for Anxiety
Is your anxiety preventing you from facing fears and seeing situations through to the end? Perhaps someone close to you keeps telling you “Let go of your anxiety! Face your fear!” or maybe you even…
How to Manage Anger
Anger is an emotional response that is triggered by a real or perceived threat. We often get angry when we have a difficult time communicating our feelings. When we aren’t given the tools to understand…
Talking about Babyloss
Telling Family and Friends about the Loss of Your Baby:There is so much to look forward to during pregnancy: hearing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, watching your belly round into a bump, and…
Pregnancy After Babyloss
Becoming Pregnant After the Loss of a Baby: It’s an unthinkable concept to most expectant parents, but, sadly, many have walked the anguished path of pregnancy loss. Whether your pregnancy ended due to miscarriage, stillbirth…
An Introduction To BDSM
The popularity of 50 Shades of Grey has sparked curiosity of the BDSM world for many. Although the blockbuster brought attention to the BDSM world, 50 Shades Of Grey does not do a particularly good…
Managing Loneliness
Loneliness is an issue that affects all of us at some point in our lives. There isn’t a right or wrong way when managing loneliness, as long as you recognize that it is completely normal…
Parenting Worried Children
Whether you get your news from your personal computer, television, radio, or smartphone, it’s likely that you feel bombarded with negative messages and images from the world around us. Parenting worried children who see news…
Impact Of Attempted Suicide
Limiting the impact of attempted suicide: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds. Teen depression rates are also on the rise, but the stigma associated with asking for help often…
Benefits of Your Wise Mind
In the late 1980’s, Dr. Marsha Linehan created a cognitive behavioral treatment known as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for chronic suicidal, self-injurious individuals who struggled with emotion regulation. A key component of DBT includes mindfulness…
Prenups Can Strengthen Relationships
Learn how prenups can strengthen relationships. DISCLAIMER: The information presented is for discussion purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. “You have made my life and me infinitely better and I want…
Pregnancy Jealousy
If you've experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or ending a wanted pregnancy, then you might be familiar with the scenarios below. You open Facebook to be greeted by pictures of your friend's first ultrasound, announcing a pregnancy…
Food Journal
How to Keep a Food Journal for People Struggling with Binge and Over-Eating: Anyone who has ever kept a personal journal or diary knows how therapeutic it can be to write down your innermost…
Accessing Your Wise Mind
Considering the fast pace of our world, it is not surprising that we may engage in reactive responses or employ knee-jerk decisions. However, if we can find a way to gently disconnect from the noise…
BDSM with Household Items
BDSM With Household Items: Sex Therapy in Philadelphia & Pittsburg, Sex Therapy in Ocean City, Sex Therapy in Providence, Sex Therapy in Santa Fe, Sex Therapy in Mechanicsville You and your partner may be eager…
Babyloss and Mother's Day
Mother's day is just around the corner, and no doubt you've seen a growing number of ads on social media inviting families to "celebrate" the special mothers in their lives through a variety of ways…
Confronting Lying in Recovery
In the thick of your compulsions, you likely engaged in lying to everyone on a regular basis. You likely engaged in lying so frequently that lying is now a regular habit that is impacting your…
Owning Your Porn Problem
Porn is a sexual tool that many people utilize. However, while some have a healthy relationship with pornography, others develop obsessive and destructive tendencies with porn. Some people would argue that they have a problem…
Self-Compassion
Replacing Self-Criticism with Self-Compassion People often think that self-criticism is the key to self-improvement. Self-criticism pushes us to perform better and raise our standards, right? Actually, self-criticism is more affiliated to self-sabotage than self-improvement. Self-criticism…
Use Your Anger Wisely
All across the world, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or culture, babies are born predisposed to express certain emotions. We call these primary emotions, meaning that they are the first emotions that are wired in…
Tracking Worries to Identify Core Beliefs
Core beliefs are the ideas that we hold about ourselves. Some core beliefs that we have are positive such as “I am smart” or “I am talented”. Other core beliefs are negative and these are…
How to Engage in Spanking with a Partner
Are you and your partner interested in spanking but do not know where to start? Trying something new can be fun and exciting, but also overwhelming and anxiety provoking. Below, I will provide a step-by-step…
How to Stay Single as a Serial Dater
Being in a romantic relationship can truly be wonderful. There’s the excitement of being with someone new, the joy of receiving and giving sexual attention, the pleasure of having someone to share memories with, and…
Anxious Behaviors
Everyone experiences anxiety sometimes and exhibits anxious behaviors. Anxiety is a natural human emotion. In fact, experiencing anxiety is important for our survival. It lets us know when we are in danger and alerts us…
Grieving and Coping
It's been said that the intensity of your grief is equal to the intensity of your love. Therefore, it's no surprise that grief hits all of us a little differently, and there's no one true…
Rubber Band Grieving
In Part One of this two-part series, I introduced you to two broad coping styles that I've noticed in adolescents facing the loss of a brother or sister. Since these processes seem to apply to…
Babyloss Grieving Rituals
There are no adequate words to describe the pain of the loss of a child. When you lose a baby early in pregnancy, or due to termination or stillbirth, you may feel as though somebody…
Postpartum 101 with a Rainbow
Not every woman who has experienced babyloss wants to have another child, but many women do decide to try to conceive again. Though this path can be fraught with anxiety, trauma triggers, and fear, the…
Overcoming Negativity Bias
Overcoming negativity bias is far more complicated than most people imagine. Though we often split the world into optimists and pessimists, the reality is our brains are hypervigilant to threats; therefore, we inherently have a…
Mycoplasma Genitalium and Why It May Be a Problem
During the 1980s, scientists recognized mycoplasma genitalium (mahy-koh-plaz-muh jen-nee-tae-lee-um) as a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). To put it simply, mycoplasma genitalium, also known as MG, is a form of bacteria that one can get…
Giving More Than You Receive
Whether they are with our friends, family, or loved ones, the relationships that you hold with others are truly important. We’ve all heard that being caring and supportive is essential for our relationships, but what…
Reality Testing Your Actions
Many people like to imagine that how they see the world is crystal clear: they see everything in 20/20. However, how many people actually have perfect vision? One can say the same about self-assessment and…
Symptoms of Grief
We use the terms "grief" or "grieving" as if there is one standard definition, and that can be a problem to most grievers. Often, the words evoke feelings of sadness, actions of crying, and maybe…
Sex After Babyloss
The loss of a baby can bring about a challenging time in your life. Depending on the stage of your loss, your body may be reacting in a number of ways. For example, is not…
Babyloss and Naming
What's in a Name? Deciding whether to Name the Baby You Lost. I've known, unfortunately, many women who lost babies during various stages of pregnancy. I've walked beside them as they struggled to make meaning…
Virtual Reality Therapy Services
VIRTUAL REALITY: AT THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES WITH 3D SIMULATIONS TO TREAT MENTAL DISORDERS The Center for Growth offers Virtual Reality (VR) as one of their innovative services for mental health with the aim…
Stress-Free Mornings
Reducing Stress in Your Morning Routine: Do you ever find yourself hitting the snooze button several times and then rushing to get out the door for work or school in a frenzy? Mornings can be…
Being Mindful During Sex: Find-the-Smell Activity
Many women and men struggle with being mindful during partnered sex. Difficulty staying engaged, or mindfulness, during sex can make sex less enjoyable, or even cause avoidance of sexual encounters. To address this issue, let’s…
Stopping Anxious Thoughts
Our prefrontal cortex is one of our greatest developmental achievements and challenges. On the one hand, it allows us to perform complex executive functions (e.g., problem solving, judgement, memory, impulse control, etc.); on the other…
Motivating Yourself When Depressed
Unfortunately, nearly every person has or will experience symptoms of depression to a certain degree. These symptoms include anhedonia (i.e., loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities), melancholy, lethargy, changes to your sleep and diet…
Sexual Scripts and ED
According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (2018), Erectile disorder (ED) is a challenging sexual dysfunction that approximately 53% of US men have experienced at some point. Though there are physical factors contributing to ED…
Musical Emotional Awareness
Creating Emotional Awareness Through Music Sometimes it can be difficult to be in touch with your own emotions. This can be a frustrating experience that may lead you to feeling disconnected from yourself and those…
Babyloss Grief: Couples
What happens to relationships after the loss of a pregnancy, and do men and women grieve differently? While this has been the focus of much academic literature, I would like to share my clinical experiences…
Resolving Shame
Resolving Shame: Shame Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe What exactly is shame? Shame is the feeling that results from how we negatively judge ourselves about an action we did. Actions that create…
Premarital Counseling Q and A
Engaged? Planning your wedding? How will you plan for your marriage? This tip clarifies many of the questions people have before entering premarital counseling. Q: What is Premarital Counseling? Premarital counseling can be a…
Healthier Person in a Relationship
What do you do when you are the emotionally healthier person in a relationship? Emotional health can be described through the concept of differentiation. Differentiation is a balance between independence and connectedness. More differentiated people…
Differentiation Strategies
You read the tip on mismatched differentiation for those who feel healthier in their relationships. Now, what do you do about it? How do you fix something that takes two of you? You are in…
Knowing When to Date Again
After some deliberation, you made the conscious effort to stay single for some time. Specifically, you decided to take a break from pursuing a committed relationship. Perhaps you found yourself consistently rushing into relationships…
Talking about Herpes
How to Tell a Potential Sexual Partner about Herpes Herpes simplex virus (HSV), often called herpes, is a common virus that is usually transmitted through sexual contact. According to the National Institutes of Health, …
Babyloss and Holidays
Coping with Babyloss during the Holidays: It's a magical time of year: snow may be beginning to fall, ornaments are hanging delicately from Christmas trees, and decorations appear across neighborhood lawns. Maybe you've begun to…
Relationship Ambivalence Counseling
Feeling breakup ambivalence? Not sure if you want in or out of your relationship? Are you fighting for working on your relationship but feel like your partner is half out the door? Feel yourself looking…
Feelings 101
Emotions can be hard for some to identify, express, listen to, or manage. Whichever your difficulty with emotions, sometimes it is helpful to have a refresher on feelings. This tip is an introductory tip on…
Saying No
It can be so very challenging for most of us to say no, and for a number of very good reasons. First and foremost, we are all taught from an early age to be helpful…
Dual Process Grief
You may be familiar with the stages of grief conceptualized by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, or the acronym DABDA. The model consists of stages that are cyclical, sometimes repetitive, and come in no particular order. The stages…
Negative Self-Talk is not Accountability
For many people, their biggest critic is themselves. In an attempt to learn from their mistakes, many people fall into the trap of confusing negative self-talk with accountability. They believe that yelling at themselves…
Recognizing Your Conflict Style
Conflict is one of the experiences that everyone has to go through, especially in relationships. According to Dr. John Gottman, couples’ therapist and researcher, the majority of conflicts happen due to differing personalities. Disagreements…
Winter Relaxation Exercise
Winter can be a stressful time of year. Between weather changes, the holiday shopping frenzy, and deciding which relatives to visit first, you may feel the tension building already. For many, winter also brings an…
Codependent Couples
Codependent Couples: Couples Counseling in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe How to Heal from being Codependent on your Partner Codependency, a popular buzz-word today in many social circles, is still often misunderstood in relationships…
Decoding your Feelings
Being hit by a big emotion, whether it’s anger, sadness or fear can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Most people don’t like to sit in uncomfortable feelings, and we often make sense of our feelings by…
Continuing Bonds
Believe it or not, there are many people out there who believe that grief is something that humans are meant to "resolve", and that good grieving is a process that has a beginning (the death)…
Complicated Grief
"The amount that you grieve is equal to the amount that you love" - Unknown. Grief is a universal, normal human process that we must all experience. I often tell these people, that the hardest…
Tidying Up Your Mind
Using the KonMari Method to Let Go of Unhelpful Core Beliefs You have likely heard about the Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. You may have spent hours binge watching it and wistfully imagining…
Bring Your Own Porn
Porn can be a wonderful tool to learn more about your own desires and your partner’s turn-ons. It can provide a way to share new ideas from a distance - you and your partner can…
Anxiety Timeline
Some people who experience anxiety interpret every negative feeling that they have as anxiety. A different way to work with anxiety is with an anxiety timeline. Anxiety can mask different types of meta-emotions but sometimes…
The Six Rs
In the aftermath of babyloss, you may wonder where, in your grief, you should begin. Often, I encounter individuals experiencing grief who feel completely overwhelmed and are looking for a simple process to begin coping…
Couples’ Formula for Successful Requests
One of the most common communication issues I see in my couples’ sessions are difficulty with successful requests, or self-sabotaging requests. What do I mean by this? Often when we really need something from our…
Final Words
Final words: Just as no two people have the same personality, no two individuals leave the world the same way. For some, the moment of departure is silent, and happens after the individual has lost…
Creating a Mantra Card
In Hindu and Buddhist practices, mantras are considered sacred phrases that are sung or spoken in order to enhance concentration during meditation. These days, psychologists, yogis, and others have borrowed the term to mean a…
Am I Too Emotional
“Am I too emotional?” is a question that many people ask about themselves. There is the worry that they’re being overly “dramatic,” “sensitive,” or “extra.” This concern of being too emotional may stem from…
Hardships Are Temporary
It doesn’t matter who you are or how many luxuries you have; every person is going to experience hardships in their life. These are the moments where life feels especially difficult, and they often…
Journaling Through Grief
When you’re grieving, you can feel very disoriented. On the outside, you may be faced with a million new tasks both immediate and long term. You may have to decide what to do about the…
Anxiety and Strength Training
Anxiety & Strength Training Close your eyes, take a deep breath and imagine you are standing at a barbell, barefoot or with chucks, getting your footing, bending down checking your form, grabbing the bar with…
Building Intimacy With Massage
Massage has many mental and physical benefits that promote overall wellbeing. Soft and light touch activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which allows the recipient to get into a relaxed state of mind. Deep and…
Mourning Your Affair Partner
Losing anyone you love is difficult. But losing an affair partner is difficult and complicated. This is because you may be excluded from normal mourning activities and rituals, and may not be able to reach…
Releasing Anxiety Through The Body
Learning to clear your mind and let thoughts go is vital in managing anxiety. But this is much easier said than done, right? If it was that easy, we wouldn’t need psychotherapy! Therapy can…
Your First Time
Okay. Be honest. When you first read this title, Your First Time, were you thinking this article was going to be about sex? Especially given that one of the services offered here at…
Moving Towards Recovery or Relapse
Recovering from an dependence or compulsion, whether it be sex, work, or money, has its rewards as well as challenges. Although relapse prevention may appear to look easy, preventing relapse is as much a…
Changing Core Beliefs
Many people who struggle with anxiety have negative core beliefs that contribute to their symptoms. The good news is that we can work on changing negative core beliefs whether they create shame, anxiety, depression, or…
Marina France
Marina France Resume Center for Growth May 2019-PresentTherapist and Manager of Quality Assurance Provide weekly individual and couples therapy, drawing upon relational, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques to tailor treatment to specific client and…
Triggers
The abortion debate in this country has never been more topical, and more rampant. Due to recent legislative attempts to regulate women's reproductive rights, it is likely that you'll see many posts about abortion on…
Disclosing Invisible Illness
What are invisible illnesses? Chronic illnesses are problems that affect one’s physical, psychological, spiritual, and social wellbeing. Some chronic illnesses are more obvious than others. Some people has visible aspects of their illness like hearing…
Babyloss and Anxiety
Even if you have always believed yourself to be psychologically healthy, the experience of babyloss can challenge how you view yourself, others, and the world. Of course, it's not uncommon for first-time moms to experience…
Creativity and Babyloss
After the loss of a much-wanted pregnancy, the last thing on your mind may be creativity, and that's understandable. The early days of grief feel so very physical, and that's because there is a large…
Keeping Your Relationship Balanced
Keeping Your Relationship Balanced Keeping your relationship balanced, through an equal distribution of “giving” and “receiving” with your partner is the same as keeping your relationship intact or “afloat.” Sometimes it is hard to conceptualize…
PCOS and Mental Health
How Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Can Impact Your Mental Health Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a chronic health condition characterized by hormonal imbalance in people with ovaries. It can also, but not always, include cysts…
Asking for Help
Asking For Help: Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe Asking for help may seem easy for some and difficult for others. Usually it is not asking for help itself that is the issue…
Initial and Subsequent Emotions
Even though everyone experiences emotions every day, understanding them can still be tricky. For instance, a person may have an initial feeling over a situation, only to discover more emotions underneath the first one…
How to Handle Rejection
Dating culture has changed since the 20th century. Apps have made it easier to meet people, dates can happen more frequently, and rules for dating are less rigid. However, there are some parts of…
OB Care Post Babyloss
There are so many practical details to consider following the loss of a pregnancy, even though nobody wants to think about them. For example, the painful process of removing yourself from a baby registry (hopefully…
Baby Showers
One of the most challenging experiences after babyloss can happen when you are invited to a baby shower. Maybe the person who is expecting was unaware of your loss, or perhaps they are a close…
End Binge Eating with the Hunger Scale
Many people who struggle with binge eating have successfully disconnected from their bodies and their ability to sense hunger. This is because binges are triggered by uncomfortable emotions such as shame, sadness, anger or fear…
Couples: Talking About Money
Couples: Talking about money can be really hard - it’s a subject that’s as taboo (if not more) than sex. Everyone is raised with different attitudes towards money, and they carry these values and expectations…
Maintaining a Long-Distance Relationship
Maintaining a Long-Distance Relationship As rewarding and pleasurable as they may be, relationships are always challenging. In this day and era, the landscape of relationships has begun to change, and geographic separation has become reality…
Postpartum OCD
Life after baby should be blissful, shouldn’t it? After 10 months of scans, stretched ligaments, restless legs, insomnia, and overheating, once that baby is on the outside, shouldn’t you get a break? In particular, if…
Balancing Your Thoughts
How to Change Your Negative Mental Filter Do you find that you are often focusing on the negative thoughts or events around you? Do you ignore or discount positive experiences in your life? Do you…
Slowing Down Eating Binges
For many people, sitting with an uncomfortable feeling such as anxiety, shame, sadness or anger can be intolerable. Behaviors like drinking, exercising, watching netflix and binge eating are all things our brains have developed to…
Expressing Emotions Nonverbally
What happens when you hear the question “can we talk?” or the statement “I need to talk to you?” For many, a rush of anxiety can shoot through your gut with nervousness about what…
Moving Toward Emotional Availability
Whether it be a discussion among close friends or your significant other, moving toward emotional availability may sound easy, but it can be very difficult to be emotionally available to another person, especially your…
Coping during Fertility Treatment
While not every woman wants to have children, those do, but struggle to conceive, face a unique and often isolating journey. Often, society tells us that if we cannot conceive spontaneously and naturally, or carry…
Non-Violent Communication
Non-Violent Communication: One of the most common topics partners are challenged with is communication. If you have found yourselves in arguments that revolve around the same issues and end up the same way every time…
Emotional Violence: The Subtleties of Emotional Abuse
Do you feel like when you try to talk to your partner about a situation in which they hurt your feelings that the conversation turns into a conversation about how you hurt them and all…
4-7-8 Breathing Technique: The Biology of Calming Down
4-7-8 Breathing Technique: The Biology of Calming Down Breathing is one of the automatic functions of our bodies and is the function that literally keeps us alive. One of its most essential jobs is to…
Managing Anxiety: Color Breathing Technique
Managing Anxiety: Color Breathing Technique We all have experienced anxiety at some point in our lives, whether it was preparing for an important job interview, asking someone on a date, or giving a presentation in…
7 Day Intimacy Challenge
Intimacy is the building block of emotional health. Without it, meaningful relationships are hard to create, let alone maintain. Despite its importance, many people struggle with building intimacy across their relationships - whether platonic, familial…
Non-Validated Reproductive Loss
October 15th marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance day. If you have been anywhere near social media, you may have noticed pink and blue ribbons on profile pictures, friends disclosing their loss experiences, and photos…
Helping Siblings Cope
October 13th marked the annual observance of Sibling Loss Awareness Day. Often called the "forgotten mourners", siblings--especially children who lose a brother or sister--may not always have their grief acknowledged, validated, or supported during the…
Essential Oils for Mental Health
What are Essential Oils? Essential oils have been used for thousands of years as a way to improve wellbeing. The first documented usage dates back to 3000-2500 B.C.E., where oils were used in medicinal…
Color Breathing Guided Meditation
Deep breathing is a great tool to relax the body and mind by oxygenating the blood, slowing the heart rate and allowing the brain to function more effectively. Guided meditation and visualization allow the…
Having Difficult Conversations
Choosing to have an abortion is never easy. Many difficult considerations come into play, and the decision is never taken lightly. However, in the aftermath of abortion, you may find yourself encountering others who have…
Decatastrophizing: Challenging Anxious and Depressive Thoughts
When faced with a difficult or unknown situation, do you tend to focus on the worst-case scenario? Our thoughts are extremely powerful and influence how you handle situations. If the lens through which we see…
Feeling Stuck in Therapy
Being in therapy can be a wonderful experience. You have the opportunity to increase your insight, sharpen your emotional intelligence, and resolve maladaptive habits. However, despite the many merits of therapy, there are some…
Understanding Denial with Compulsive Problematic Behavior
It is common to hear the question “why are you doing this?” from the loved ones of people with different compulsive behaviors. The hope behind this inquiry is to help loved ones gain insight…
How Long Grief Lasts
While all of us have and will experience grief at some point in our lives, there are many common misconceptions about how long grief lasts. Specifically, there’s often a lot of pressure from others and…
The Chakras Explained
What are Chakras? Chakras were first described in the ancient Hindu scriptures, known as The Vedas, which are the earliest Sanskrit literary records originating in India around 1500-500 BC. The Vedas contain wisdom on how…
Defining the Relationship
Using a Relationship Smorgasbord to Manage Relationship Expectations Relationships can be confusing. Most of us have preconceived notions of what types of things are included in a friendship vs romantic relationship vs business partnership, which…
Denial of Problematic Compulsive Behavior
Knowing someone or living with a person who is in denial of problematic behavior can be very frustrating, especially if the person’s behavior is problematic and obvious to you. It can also be frightening…
Pleasure, Physical Touch, and Low Sexual Desire
Low sexual desire is a common challenge that individuals and couples face and often prompts them to seek sex therapy. Think of the last time you felt desire, and ask yourself “why?”; you will probably…
Lying and Compulsions
Although someone with a compulsion / dependence problem or their loved one may not want to admit it, lying and compulsions / dependence go together. This is especially true when the compulsions / dependence…
Complex trauma: what is it?
Complex trauma: what is it? Many of us have experienced some sort of trauma in our lives. Whether it is experiencing a death of a loved one, a severe accident, divorce, natural disaster, sexual violence…
Doula Care
Losing a baby, and then after...If you have experienced the heartbreaking loss of a pregnancy, you may have powerful memories of the healthcare you received during your time of miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination. While not…
Ambiguous Loss
Being human means feeling the pain of loss, usually through death, at some point in our lives. Though we all want our loved ones to live long, healthy lives, and die painlessly in their sleep…
Beat Anxiety and Worry
Beat Anxiety and Worry; As a human being, chances are that you have a lot of first-hand experience of worry and anxiety, and you might even identify as someone with especially high anxiety or stress…
Create Your Body Pie: Body Image Game for Couples
Create your Body Pie: Body Image Game for Couples Through media and television, our societies and cultures place expectations for appearance and standards of beauty on people’s bodies. We all learn early on in our…
I Don’t Like My Therapist
Going to therapy can be a scary, vulnerable experience. After all, you may reveal aspects of yourself that you haven’t with anyone else. Though the experience can be daunting, sometimes the connection between the…
What to Do When You Don't Like Your Therapist
Similar to most relationships, having a smooth, instant connection with your therapist is rather rare. Sometimes, the client simply does not click with their therapist. Even worse, the client might find themselves saying, “I don’t…
Babyloss and Guilt
I was responsible for what happened to my baby. My body failed my baby; I failed my baby. Now that I'm pregnant again, I should be bonding with this baby, but I can't. It will…
How many children?
One of the hardest questions a babyloss mother can encounter is, "how many children do you have?". It's usually an innocent question, posed by a stranger, perhaps when meeting a mother and her child or…
(Not) Kissing Game
(Not) Kissing Game: Sex Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe Often when couples discuss sexual desire, they imagine it as a concrete, independent force that they have no control over. Either a person…
Talking about Babyloss to Children
Whether your first child was healthy and you lost a subsequent pregnancy, or your first pregnancy ended and you had subsequent healthy children, it is natural to want to have a discussion with surviving children…
Understanding Your Sex Values
Why do some sexual desires and practices make us feel good and others make us shrink with shame? Sometimes, this is due to a mismatch between our desires and our beliefs about what is right…
Expanding Cultural Lens
Expanding our Cultural Lens: Cards for Humanity Activity Have you ever walked into a setting where you felt that no one can relate to you? What was your emotional experience? How did you feel? Did…
Sexual Consent: Self Check
Giving sexual consent, in the simplest terms, means voluntarily agreeing to engage in a specific sexual activity. There are many conversations, articles, and resources around how to ask for consent, what “no” and “yes” look…
Managing Anxiety During Self-Isolation
As we move into Philadelphia’s 2nd week of self-isolation, it’s normal to feel anxious. Information about COVD-19 is continually updating, normal routines have been shifted, and in-person social support systems have been disrupted. It’s hard…
How to Self-Soothe
A Self Soothing Exercise: Self-soothing is the ability to care for yourself emotionally in times of distress or discomfort. Self-soothing is the process of acknowledging how you’re feeling and dealing with it head on, and…
Babyloss, Pregnancy, and COVID-19
"It's funny watching people whose entire worlds have been turned upside-down by COVID-19," my babyloss patient tells me. "It's as if this is the first time their lives have been destroyed. For me, it's like…
Healing from Trauma
Trauma often robs us of the feeling that we are in charge of our lives. It can make us question the world and feel out of control in relation to our mind, body and emotions…
COVID-19 and Anxiety Thoughts
The uncertainty of COVID-19 has created anxiety for many people. COVID-19 changed many of our routines and daily life almost overnight which creates anxiety for many. While anxiety is a reasonable response to COVID-19 and…
Dealing with Death during COVID-19
Though it first emerged and made headlines at the end of last year in China, COVID-19 has been formally impacting our way of life in the United States for well over two months. Current statistics…
Improve Your Therapy Experience
Sometimes seeing the same therapist for long periods of time can begin to feel unhelpful, stale, or create feelings of being stuck despite having a good working relationship with your therapist. This can especially…
Learn to Love Your Body
Loving our bodies can be a challenge. Although our physical bodies work hard to carry us safely and efficiently through the world, if we’re facing illness, pain or physical limitations it can be hard to…
Chakra Clearing
PART 1: SENSING ENERGY True health encompasses the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual or energetic body. One way to tap into healing through the energetic body is to use the chakras, the spiraling vortexes of…
Teens and COVID-19
Teens and COVID 19 Therapy in Philadelphia, Mechanicsville, Ocean City, and Santa Fe Social Distancing, staying at home due to COVID-19 and being a teen is a major shift. Adapting to this new normal is…
Hope during a Pandemic
Since coronavirus began its spread in the US, social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders have been implemented across the country in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. This has been an extremely…
Strengthen Your Inner Voice
What are your needs? Your dreams? Your values? Your priorities? Some people have a very definite “inner voice” that can easily answer these questions. But for others, especially those who identify as “people pleasers,” it…
Ending a Wanted Pregnancy
Getting the Diagnosis and Making the Decision : Few, if any, parents anticipate when they see those two pink positive lines on a pregnancy test that their baby will be diagnosed with a rare and…
What is Self-Abandonment?
Self-abandonment can be understood as the rejection of your own thoughts, feelings and needs. Self-abandonment occurs when we experience an emotion that requires our attention, and we ignore it by reaching for an external distraction…
Mindful Touch
Mindful Touch For Couples Exercise When it comes to sharing a life with your partner, it’s common to get lost in daily routines and forget about mindful touch. Mindful touch is an exercise that can…
Loneliness: An Epidemic
You’re not alone in feeling lonely. In our culture, loneliness is an epidemic. Many folks lack supportive social and familial connections, welcoming work spaces and/or physical touch. It’s also possible to feel lonely when surrounded…
Fear of Abandonment: An Overview
Fear of abandonment: Many adults have fears that the people closest to them will leave. There’s something very human about having a good thing and not wanting it to go away. However, if your fears…
Whiteness, Trauma, and the Body
We are living in a moment in which many white-bodied Americans are becoming more aware of systemic racism and its impact on Black and Indigenous people of color (BIPOC). This tip is for white-bodied folks…
Understanding Psychological Assessment
When you think about psychological assessment or testing, what comes to mind? Some of us might picture the famous Rorschach Inkblot Test. Others may remember taking intelligence tests with the school psychologist as children. Many…
Getting in the Habit of Meditating
If you’ve tried getting in the habit of meditating, you know that it’s hard. A recorded voice tells you to “follow your breath” and before you know it you’re off somewhere thinking about what to…
Contacting White Fragility
Whiteness, Trauma, and the Body Part Two: Contacting White Fragility This tip builds on concepts introduced in Whiteness, Trauma, and the Body: Part One. If you haven’t read Part One, click the link above to…
Accepting Anxiety
Picture yourself on a battlefield. You’ve been fighting for years, perhaps decades. In the trenches, you’re trying to take a quick drink and get a bite to eat while the enemy approaches, yet again. You’re…
Make the Most of Telehealth
What is telehealth and how is it different from “regular” therapy? You may be asking yourself whether it’s right for you--and wondering how to make the most of telehealth. Whether you’re moving from in-person therapy…
Relationship Problems with Social Media
In a new relationship, you may not think anything is problematic about texting regularly throughout the day, posting pictures on Instagram, or changing your Facebook status to reflect your newest love interest. Social media…
Trouble Sleeping?
Having trouble sleeping is an incredibly common experience. If you have been having frequent and severe trouble sleeping, you might be experiencing insomnia. A clinical diagnosis of insomnia means that you experience at least one…
Common Reasons People Self Sabotage
Self-Sabotage is a painful and destructive pattern to find yourself in. What’s most troubling is that this pattern often rears its problematic head at the dawn of new endeavors, long-awaited accomplishments, and celebratory milestones. It…
Unblocking The Throat Chakra
Chakras are focal points of energy located in 7 different areas throughout the human body. The word chakra means “wheel” in Sanskrit, which typifies how energy comes into the body and is turned through…
The Boundary Circle
Codependency Therapy: the boundary circle is a journaling exercise for anyone struggling to set boundaries in their interpersonal relationships. This is an exercise frequently used in codependency therapy. Boundaries by definition are guidelines, rules or…
Getting Kinky
Perhaps you and your partner have decided you’re going to try some new kinky activities in the bedroom buuuuuuut you’re not really sure what you and your partner are willing to try together. You know…
Experimenting with Mutual Masturbation
What is mutual masturbation and what are its benefits? (Sex Therapy Self Help Tip) Mutual masturbation is an expression of intimacy that can build upon basic sexual connections. By definition, mutual masturbation is when couples…
Managing Negative Thoughts
Managing Negative Thoughts : Anxiety & Depression Therapy We all have thoughts. We couldn’t survive without thinking, but that doesn’t mean it’s always pleasant. Sometimes our minds race and keep us up at night. Other…
Benefits of Online Therapy
Five months into the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all adjusting to this “new normal” of staying connected virtually as a replacement for in-person services, including online therapy. Although advantages to seeing a therapist live…
Quality Time with Your Partner
The term “quality time” in couples counseling is a commonly used phrase in the context of a close relationship, but most notably romantic relationships. This phrase sometimes has feelings attached to it that could…
“Yes and…” Creating a Sexual Fantasy Roleplay
Starting out on your first roleplay in the bedroom can be difficult. It can be anxiety-provoking to figure out what to say or do next. You may feel ashamed by getting stuck or feeling outside…
Values
Most of the time, we go to therapy because we’re trying to get rid of something. You may struggle with recurring depression, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, relationship issues, insomnia, or any number of other mental…
Identifying Unhealthy Productivity Culture
The desire to be our best, and to do our best is an understandable one. However, what do you do when you start to measure your day by efficiency? What do you do when…
Committed Action
“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” - Annie Dillard The quotation above is both hopeful and daunting: how you live, today, right now, IS your life. The sensation…
Gottman Communication Assessment
Gottman’s Four Horsemen It isn’t always easy to fight well. Ideally, we would calmly talk things over in the moment when issues came up, and leave feeling heard, validated and understood with a plan for…
Manage Money Anxiety: The Financial Snapshot
Do you avoid checking your bank account or credit card balances? Does thinking about your finances make you feel anxious or guilty? If so, you are not alone. Money is a stressor for many people…
Gottman's Four Horsemen
According to researcher and couple’s therapist, John Gottman, only 30% of a couple's fights are finite and solvable. That means 70% of fights are chronic and a by-product of different personalities and temperaments. In other…
Dating During COVID
Online dating is the most popular way to find a partner since 1994. Now with COVID-19 and the social distancing boundaries of our society, online dating has become one of the safest ways according to…
Reducing Unhealthy Productivity
As many of us enter the ninth month of a global pandemic, the rise of unhealthy productivity has been on the rise. There’s the idea that because you’re stuck at home, you should be as…
Finding Resilience During COVID-19
Have you been feeling extra irritable lately? Sad? Anxious? Run-down or low-energy? Perhaps too wired, unable to settle or calm racing thoughts? You’re certainly not alone. These are common responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and…
L&D or D&E?
There are so many painful decisions involved from the moment you learn your baby is facing a life-limiting illness, or serious anomaly. With very little time to spare, parents are forced to determine if…
How To Do Self Care
What Is Self Care? Your body is like a vehicle. We all have an engine that allows us to be functional, achieve our goals, and create masterpieces; everything we do in life can either create…
Emotional Cushioning
Though it sounds like a strange term, if you’re newly pregnant after a babyloss, you’re likely already doing some “emotional cushioning”. Take this short quiz to see if you are. When I think about…
Short-Term Symptoms
Most parents feel that the most challenging aspect of second and third-trimester babyloss is the very painful decision to end a wanted pregnancy. Often, anomalies or complications are diagnosed later in the pregnancy, which…
Pathology
Please note, in this article the term “fetus” or “fetal remains” is used for consistency only and is not meant to take a political stance. You may have called your fetus a baby, or even…
Babyloss in Unintended Pregnancy
If we all had our way, parents would have total control over when and how they get pregnant: minimal trying, minimal effort, and an easy pregnancy journey. Unfortunately, this is not the reality. Sometimes…
The "New Normal"
Once upon a time, you were pregnant, but now you are not. Some time has passed since your loss, and maybe in some ways, life is returning to the way it was. People don’t…
Palumbo
The Academy of Palumbo Workshop *Handout for Dec 22, 2020 Parent - Teen Communication Tool
Covid During the Holidays
It’s December, which means that several holidays are on the horizon. Some people tend to enjoy the holidays, while others see them as a source of stress or melancholy. Regardless of the person’s history with…
Who Am I?
Who Am I? Self-as-Context in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy The atoms that make up your body are constantly changing. The matter that makes it possible for you to think - atoms, making molecules, making cells…
Infertility and Babyloss
Many parents find that they are unable to conceive without help from reproductive endocrinology (RE) and fertility experts. Sadly, even in this age of advanced reproductive technology and diagnosis, in-vitro (IVF) and intra-uterine insemination…
Therapy and Babyloss
Going to therapy always feels like a big decision, no matter what. Sometimes, seeking therapy after a loss can feel especially overwhelming, especially because of all of the harmful messages society tells us about…
Therapy in a Rainbow Pregnancy
Sometimes, getting pregnant again after babyloss is just the tip of the iceberg, and instead of feeling relief after seeing a positive test result, many loss parents feel dread. Though they wanted and hoped…
Early Rainbow Pregnancy Support
For many parents who have lost a baby, the experience of a positive pregnancy test fills them not with excitement and happiness, but a sense of foreboding and dread. Across babyloss parents, there is…
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Covid
As the sun begins to set earlier in the colder months, you may find yourself feeling bummed more than usual. This feeling can be referred to as “winter blues” but is most commonly defined as…
Showers, SAD, and Sexual Desire
Any time individuals feel body insecurity, hypersomnia, and other symptoms of depression, their sex life will most likely be affected. In most cases, if you’re not happy, you’re not horny. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can…
Signs of a Bad Relationship
Relationships can be a great source of support, love, and excitement. Even if they start off fantastic, however, relationships can also be unhealthy or even toxic. Though it makes sense to want to leave a…
Being Your Own Valentine
Being Your Own Valentine – Giving Yourself Love With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching our society’s focus revolves around giving love. If only for the day, do we allow for the overt showering and outward expression…
Arguing Fairly
A Constructive Guide to Arguments We all get into disagreements or arguments with those we love. It is how we handle them that will either provide feelings of connection and resolution or resentment and…
Understanding Process versus Content
Arguments are inevitable within a relationship. It doesn’t matter how well-matched the people are, disagreements are bound to happen. That’s why it can be more beneficial to figure out how to argue. One aspect of…
Why You Should Try Mindfulness
Why You Should Try Mindfulness Therapy For many, 2021 has not been the magic cure for 2020. Last year we were dropped into an alternate universe of COVID-19, world wide protest, seemingly unending political ads…
Spotting Grounding Technique
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, negative feelings and emotions have increased. With having to be in the house for days on end, the mental health field has seen an increase in people's emotions and triggers being…
The ABCS of Burnout
Burnout can affect anyone at any time. It can happen as a result of pressures at a job, increase stress at home, fatigue for caregivers, and many other areas of a person’s life. It’s hard…
The Psychological Impact of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that, if left untreated, can impact the central nervous system and cause chronic systemic issues. When promptly caught, it is generally treated with one round of antibiotics. In those…
Should I Get Back with My Ex?
Relationships can bring so much excitement, warmth, and security, which is why they can hurt so much when they end. During the aftermath of a breakup, it’s very common to wonder if we even…
Self Improvement Spin
aka How To Be A Better Person Are you stuck in an endless pit of self loathing? Perhaps spiraling into a state of crippling anxiety and overbearing depression? When stuck in a cloud of negative…
Socializing Post Pandemic
Socializing post pandemic can be a challenge. Social skills counseling can help with that. Socializing post pandemic has been difficult since the pandemic started in the U.S. For nearly 18 months, people have been isolated…
How to Beat Sleep Anxiety as a Teenager
Why a Teenager May Feel Sleep Anxiety: Teenager Therapy in Philadelphia From time to time, every teenager feels anxious at night. As the day rolls to a close, there’s fewer external events, like school or…
Honoring Your Grief
Loss is an understood part of life, yet losing a loved one can be one of the most intensely devastating experiences. Coping with death and loss is a challenge, and even when expected, it can…
Understanding Your Child
Understanding Your Child There are four different communication styles. Each style allows all individuals a way to interact, express needs, wants and their feelings. When done properly communication proves to be effective for each individual…
Caring What Others Think
No matter how secure we may be as individuals, it is natural to care what others think. It is through the responses of our caregivers that we first develop our understanding of self. The act…
Hiring a Doula
If you are reading this, you or your partner are probably pregnant. Congratulations! You are also probably thinking about hiring a doula – great idea! For many people, hiring a doula is an important…
Affirmations vs. IF-ermations
Have you ever found yourself feeling affirmations aren’t as helpful as everyone claims they are? Do you ever feel affirmations are failed attempts to convince yourself of your own abilities? You might find affirmations are…
The Four Horsemen and OCD
Relationships are dynamic and ever-shifting. Relational conflict can throw anyone for a loop! Fortunately, there are ways to identify patterns of conflict within a relationship. Renowned couple's therapists and researchers Drs. John and Julie Gottman…
Pregnant and Afraid?
Finding out that you’re pregnant can feel very scary. Even if you had been hoping for a child, whether now or at some point in the future, it is common to experience some amount of…
Why Your Grief May Not Fit in Five Stages
Why your grief may not fit in five stages of grief No matter if you’ve had a breakup or a death in the family, when we experience a significant loss, the first thing we often…
Trauma and OCD
Seventy percent of adults in the United States have experienced trauma. Trauma occurs when a person is overwhelmed by events or circumstances. When trauma occurs, feelings like intense fear, helplessness and terror might arise. Extreme…
Discovering your Deeper Needs
Discovering your Deeper Needs: your deeper need is an exercise designed to help you recognize how and why your feelings arise, what those feelings entail and how they are pointing you into the direction of…
The Inner Critic
Introduction The inner-critic can be experienced as an internal voice that is critical, judgmental or demeaning. This inner-voice is often experienced as thoughts, feelings and stories about yourself. It can sound like “I can’t believe…
My Feelings Matter Meditation
My Feelings Matter: Introduction Introducing a meditation practice into your daily routine can be a powerful act that enhances focus and self-reflection. Carving out the time to meditate sends a message to yourself that your…
The Power of Choice
The power of choice: Life moves fast and expectations are bestowed upon us at rapid speed. We often fail to recognize how many choices we’re presented with throughout any given day of our lives. We…
Creating Your Own Retreat
When we ask others how they’re doing, the response we often get is, “Busy!” The reality is, all of our lives are very full. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We are often busy…
Coping with Goodbyes
There are so many things that happen over the course of life that teach us that goodbyes are inevitable. From sad experiences like losing a job, your car, financial security, a loved one, animal…
Worry Time
Do you often find yourself worrying about events in the future? And not just worrying a little, sometimes worry that can get so big it stops you from wanting or being able to do anything…
OCD Versus Perfectionism
Many people experience anxiety when they engage in “compulsive behaviors” and they aren’t sure what is driving those actions. Some people might look at their behaviors and wonder if they have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)…
See and Be: A Mindful Communication Exercise for Couples
See and Be: A Mindful Communication Exercise is for couples who feel emotionally disconnected from one another. The longer couples are together, often the harder it is for each person to really see the…
Creating a Sensory Toolkit
Introduction We often wait until we are overwhelmed or emotionally dysregulated to try and find something to help us cope. Coming up with a new coping strategy when we’re already in a high state…
Authentic Self & Christianity
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24-26 For those of us who identify…
Reverse Culture Shock
Returning from a foreign country after an extended period can feel very disorienting and isolating. There is a general understanding that entering into a new culture, learning a new language, and blending into a…
Sensory Processing Concerns Post COVID-19
Sensory Processing Disorder (Hyper Sensitivity) in Adults and Post COVID-19 What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? A Sensory Processing Disorder is how your senses (Hear, Smell, Taste, Touch, & See) affects how your brain processes…
Sensory Friendly Tools for Comfort
Explore Ways To Create A Sensory Friendly Tool For Comfort Carry a familiar item that is sensory-friendly & comforting It is impossible to avoid all sensory triggering stimuli around you. If you feel you may…
A Meditation for Medical Uncertainty and Chronic Pain
Chronic Illness Therapy and Chronic Pain Therapy in Philadelphia, PA, Ocean City NJ, Mechanicsville VA, Santa Fe NM This tip is for those grappling with chronic illness symptoms, like pain or gastrointestinal distress, and medical…
Using Music to Identify Your Emotions
Using Music to Identify Your Emotions: Have you ever had the experience of feeling a little down? Then from the radio drifts a song that lifts you straight out of the lows and into…
Clinician to Client: Homework
Clinician to Client: Homework When people think of therapy, they may tend to envision the Freudian based image of a client on a couch and a therapist on a chair talking about the inner workings…
Are You Minding Your Food
Are You Minding Your Food? Mindfulness seems to be one of the new buzz words. If you google it or search in YouTube you’ll find tons of corresponding sites. Most people attribute it to breathing…
Acknowledging the Benefits of Anxiety
Acknowledging the benefits of anxiety (Anxiety Therapy at The Center for Growth): Everyone is wired to experience anxiety, unfortunately some people experience a more exaggerated state of anxiety than intended. Rather than always focusing on…
People Pleasing: Anxiety Therapy
People Pleasing: Anxiety Therapy in Ocean City: Have you ever been called a people pleaser or think that you engage in people pleasing behaviors? Is people pleasing really such a bad thing? Aren’t we supposed…
Field of Protection
Field of Protection (Mindfulness and Spirituality Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe) In a culture that values doing over being, we are constantly striving towards the next thing on the to-do list…
Spiritual Bypassing
Spiritual bypassing – what is it? When we bypass something, we go around or avoid it. Spiritual bypassing is the idea that we avoid or ignore our emotional needs by over-spiritualizing them. This article will…
Aromatherapy for the Holidays
Aromatherapy For The Holidays: Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville and Santa Fe Quickly after Halloween, the holiday season begins. We see gourds decorating front doorways with little haystacks and dried corn husks. The weather…
OCD as a Superpower
Introduction: OCD as a Superpower: OCD Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe Many people focus on the down sides of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but the truth is that the OCD brain is…
Build Stability with Morning Routines
Build Stability With Morning Routines: How Therapy Can Help Our lives can feel unpredictable, with change-- both expected and unexpected-- threatening to shake our foundation at any moment. Each one of us can build more…
Maintaining Motivation: A Foot in the Door
Maintaining Motivation: Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe Do you often find yourself struggling to get things done at home once you’ve had a full day at work or school? If so, you…
The Benefits of OCD Support Groups
The Benefits of an OCD Support Group: Receiving the diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can elicit many reactions for someone. There can be feelings of shock or disbelief that they fit into this category, and…
From Stress to Rest
Do you have a hard time calming down once your body is in high gear, whether it be from stress, fear, or excitement? Do breathing exercises not really seem to work for you? In order…
Shifting Gender Identity
Shifting Gender Identity: Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechancsville, Santa Fe Do you feel your gender pulling you in a new direction lately? Sometimes it moves around and is hard to catch, pin down, and…
How To Stay Broken Up
How To Stay Broken Up: Relationship Counseling In Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe. Breakups are hard, painful, and often messy. Wanting to avoid that makes sense, which is why so many couples struggle…
Identifying your Underlying Values: 80th birthday exercise
80th Birthday Exercise: Identifying Your Underlying Values: ACT Therapy A common feeling among people who present to therapy is that there’s “something missing” or that they’ve “lost direction.” These feelings indicate a general malaise (feeling…
Coping with Pain and Depression during a Chronic Illness Episode
Coping with pain and depression during a chronic illness episode: Maybe you’ve recently gotten a chronic illness diagnosis. Or maybe you’re struggling to find a name for your symptoms. Or you may be years into…
Stressed Out Teens? Try Forest Bathing.
Stressed Out Teens: Try Forest Bathing This is a stressful time for teens and adolescents. School closings, restricted social activities, parents who may be out of work, and an uncertain future. Combine all of these…
The Powerful Pause
Anger Management Therapy in Philadelphia, Ocean City, Mechanicsville, Santa Fe The Powerful Pause Our lives and relationships, it can be very difficult to pause and be intentional about our responses to stressors. It is…
Assertive Patience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Assertive Patience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Philadelphia: The pandemic has given reason for society at large to stay within the confines of their environment on a consistent basis. With the time spent…
Spot Love-Bombing In Action
Spot Love Bombing In Action: Are you being love-bombed? New relationships are often full of excitement, anxiety, romance, confusion, surprises, and fun. In the midst of such strong feelings, it can be very difficult to…
Teen Depression
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Break Up at Work
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Opposite Action for Emotion Regulation--A DBT Tip
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ADHD: Turn Your Brain Off
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How to Calm Your Racing Thoughts: Mindfulness Therapy
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Getting To Know Your Teen : Therapy for Teens
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What are Meta-Emotions?
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Coping with the Death of Your Spouse in Adulthood
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When Your Spouse Dies By Suicide
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The Anxious Brain: Anxiety Therapy
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Breaking through ADHD Paralysis with The Intentional Countdown
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Feel Like Yourself Again After a Breakup
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Mindful Eating with Gratitude
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DBT Distress Tolerance
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When Love Bombing Stops
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Discussing Sex with Your Teen
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Being Accused of Sexual Assault
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Teens Need Positive Regard
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Practicing Gratitude
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EMDR Therapy
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Do You Know What App that Is?
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Body Avoidance: What it is and How to Combat it
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Trauma: the Recovery, Healing, and Personal Growth Journey
What is Trauma? Words like traumatic, triggered, and dysregulated have become more common in day to day talk. This can be especially true if you follow self help influencers on social media as part of…
Changing Your Social Media for a Better Relationship with Your Body Image
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Building Community as a College First Year
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Living with Parkinson's
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Dirty scrabble, Sexy Scrapple or Adult Scrabble. Your call. Regardless of what you call the game, the rules stay the same. The Dirty Scrabble Game can be played with two, three or even four people…
Using Art Therapy To Explore Boundaries
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STOP Your Anxiety Now
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Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
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EMDR is a type of therapy that can help individuals who have had past traumatic experiences. Traumatic experiences are challenging to address and can create significant distress. Tolerating distress in EMDR Therapy is an important…
What to Expect In Your First Clinical Counseling Internship
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Finding Meaning in Healing
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Daughters of Narcissist Mothers
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Understanding and Managing Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (Summer SAD)
Have you ever felt puzzled by increased feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability during the warmer months when the rest of the world seems to be in their prime? Surely you have heard about “the…
The Harm of Food Morality in Orthorexia
Defining Food Morality Every food serves a different nutritional purpose for us. Foods fuel our bodies through different nutrients. Eating a wide range of foods helps us naturally get many nutrients that keep our body…
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Healing Power of Soil
When was the last time you got your hands the soil-kind-of-dirty? For gardeners, farmers, and all around dirt enthusiasts, this answer could be as recent as today. For most of us it turns out, the…
What is DARVO?
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Holiday Survival Guide: Politics
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Text Anxiety
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Recognizing Emotions After Being Parentified
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Filipino American Mental Health
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What is Couples Counseling?
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Trusting Yourself
At some point in the course of your life, you have probably heard someone say, “Just trust yourself.” While we may agree this is a good idea, it can be hard to understand and even…
Talking about your Eating Disorder with your Mom
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Ayurveda and Your Mental Health: An Introduction
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Boundaries When Working Remotely
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Combating Shame About Sexual Pain
For many people, talking about sex is an uncomfortable, even unpleasant, experience. Some people may feel uncomfortable talking about sex because of their upbringing. In their home, sex and intimacy may have been a taboo…
Empathy Overload
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Anxiety and the RAIN Method
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Map Out Your Relationship
10 Questions to Map Out Your Relationship: Making the decision to go to couple’s therapy can be intimidating. Relationship expert Dr. John Gottman speculates that most couples wait an average of six years of being…
Harnessing Anger in Relationships
When was the last time you (or your partner) proudly smashed things in the name of anger? Often, this is a concept driven far from the realm of relationship repair, but I urge you to…
Social Media Overload
Social Media Overload Whether it’s Tik Tok, Instagram, YouTube or any other popular social media websites, if you have a teenager, more than likely they are deeply engaged with their social media family as you…
Anxiety Around Eating in Public
Anxiety Around Eating in Public Eating with other people can serve as a connection with others in our life. Eating in public is not always the easiest for everyone however. Some of us experience anxiety…
Identifying Narcissistic Abuse
Loving a Narcissist is hard. Let our therapists located in Philadelphia, PA, Providence RI, Mechanicsville VA, and Ocean City NJ. Be it a parent, a romantic partner, or a family member or platonic friend- Narcissists…
Building Confidence: Self Esteem Therapy
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Ayurveda and Your Mental Health: The Seasons
Ayurveda (A-yur-ved-a): India’s traditional medical system which is based on the idea of balance bodily systems for whole body health In my Ayurveda and Your Mental Health: An Introduction, we learned the different ways Ayurveda…
How To Feel Your Feelings
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Men: Improve Sexual Performance by Asking Yourself for Consent
As a man, asking yourself for consent before engaging in sexual activity with others can be a helpful step in reducing male sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. By checking in with…
What Does It Mean To Be Non-binary?
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Emotional Invalidation in Relationships
Sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others is one of the most fulfilling ways to establish closeness, intimacy, and safety in a relationship. But when your emotions are dismissed, belittled, or questioned, that…
You Deserve to Feel Safe at Home
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Navigating Parental Caregiving
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Men: Stop Compulsive Sexual Behavior by Healing Your Avoidant Attachment Style
For men who struggle with both an avoidant attachment style and compulsive sexual issues, emotionally focused therapy (EFT) can be a beneficial approach. Avoidant attachment is a pattern of behavior where individuals avoid emotional closeness…
Identify Your Defense Mechanisms
In the vast realm of human psychology, defense mechanisms play a crucial role in safeguarding our mental well-being. These mechanisms, operating beneath our awareness, act as psychological shields that help us navigate distressing emotions, conflicting…
Hair Pulling Patterns: Trichotillomania
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Radical Self-Care Therapy
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Tonglen for Difficult Moments
Feeling down? Depressed? Anxious? Angry with someone? Particularly lonely? Want to feel peaceful, joyful and connected to something larger? Well, there’s good news! There’s a Tibetan Buddhist practice called Tonglen that can help transform difficult…
Pillars of Well-Being
Beginning your mental health journey? Want to be happier and healthier and curious where to start? Well, you’re in luck! In this post, we’ll discuss the pillars of well-being. The pillars of well-being are areas…
Non-Meditation is the Best Meditation
Do you want to start a meditation practice? Is this your first time or have you tried many times before? Has mindfulness or concentration meditation left you feeling aggravated, bored or feeling like a failure…
Embracing the Not-Self of Buddhism: A Path to Inner Freedom
Buddhism offers profound insights into the nature of human suffering and provides a transformative path towards inner freedom and inner peace. Central to Buddhist teachings is the concept of the not-self, which challenges our conventional…
Queer Families of Choice: Understanding Queer Communities and the Role of Chosen Family
For many people, family is where life begins, and family provides the first group of people attending to your physical and emotional needs. Your parent or parents or step-parents, siblings, immediate kin, grandparents, and aunts…
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for FND
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How Can Buddhism Make Me Happy?
Hey gang! Welcome to “How Can Buddhism Make Me Happy?” We’ll outline some lessons from Buddhism that can make you happier! This won’t be a systematic exploration of the religion or its philosophy, just a…
Therapy for Loneliness
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Stuck in a Cycle of Pain
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Compassion-Focused Therapy: Creating a Safe Place Exercise
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Solution Focused Therapy
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Tuning Into Boundaries
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Learning About Boundaries
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Opening Relationships- Therapist’s Guide
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How to Navigate Stress as a Queer Teenager
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Mindfulness Meditation for Anxiety
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Understanding Hurt Between Partners
Why does my partner hurt me? Why do I hurt my partner? Okay, so your romantic relationship is totally fricked. Or! It’s been on the fritz lately. Or! It’s going well, but you want it…
Hack Your Nervous System: Stress Therapy
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Assessing Sexual Boundaries
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Depression and Your Basic Needs
If you’re someone who lives with depression, you might find that caring for your basic needs can become very difficult during your depressive episodes. Essential and routine tasks like eating, bathing, and getting dressed every…
Questions to ask my pregnant partner
So, you just found out that you or your partner is pregnant! Congratulations.
As you enter this new stage of life, we created a series of questions for you and your partner …
Finding Social Support as a Queer Teenager
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Communicating Sexual Boundaries
Recognizing when we have a boundary is challenging. Speaking our boundaries into existence can feel terrifying, especially when we have no idea how the other person is going to respond. While sexual boundaries may feel…
Therapy Hangovers
Therapy Hangovers Alcohol hangovers are the result of dehydration and electrolyte Imbalance. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it pulls out water in the form of excess urination which will create an electrolyte imbalance. Therapy…
Tourettes Summary Handout
An excellent handout describing common common symptoms for people living with Tourette's Syndrome (TS_
Exploring Non-Binary Identity in Therapy: What to Expect
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Accessing Gender Affirming Care as a Non-Binary Person
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Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety
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Reducing Screen Time-- Why? How?
Smartphones are bad. In this guide, we’ll learn how to reduce screen time and why we should reduce screen time. Intro Okay, smartphones are ruining your mind and society. They make you feel depressed, isolated…
Why Attend a Meditation Retreat
In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, finding peace and tranquility can often seem like an elusive dream. The constant barrage of information, the demands of work, and the whirlwind of personal responsibilities…
Setting Boundaries as a College Student
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Caring for the Caretaker
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Effects of Narcissistic Abuse
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Practicing Body Neutrality: A Path to Self-Acceptance
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How to Start Journaling
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A Tool for Exploring Sexuality
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Postpartum Rage
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Changing Your Name as a Trans/Nonbinary Person
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Understanding Yourself Sexually
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Confidently Saying "No"
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for FND
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Limerence and Narcissistic Tendencies
You may have heard of limerence in passing, or it may be a new concept for you. The term itself, coined by psychologist Dorothy Tennov, Ph.D., is described as intense, overwhelming feelings of infatuation for…
Managing FND Symptoms: Completing a Five Areas Assessment
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Mental Health Therapy for Seniors
Mental Health Therapy for Seniors
Are you a senior looking for mental health therapy? Are you unsure of what happens in therapy? Do you worry the therapy is not going to equate to …
Managing Jealousy and Feeling Compersion in Non-Monogamous Relationships
Non-monogamous relationships offer individuals the opportunity to explore love, intimacy, and connection in ways that diverge from traditional monogamous norms. If you have recently opened up your monogamous relationship to include other sexual and/or romantic…
Treating Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria is a complex and deeply personal experience that affects individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Understanding this condition, its treatment options, and strategies for managing it…
Become a FND Detective
Seizures, numbness, migraines, shortness of breath, muscle spasms – these are just a few possible symptoms of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a complex and often misunderstood condition. FND occurs when the brain cannot properly send…
Equity in Relationships
Equity in Relationships: Couples Counseling in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New Mexico How often have you heard one of your friends complain that their partner or spouse doesn’t do their fair share? Chances are, that…
