Blog
Mental health insights, therapy tips, and wellness resources from our team
87 articles
May 5, 2026
Mental Health for First Responders: How Trauma Can Show Up Years Later
First responders train to manage crisis, stay focused under pressure, and move toward danger when others step back. Over time, repeated exposure to trauma can affect mental health in ways that do not...
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April 27, 2026
Health Anxiety and Identity Shifts: When Your Body Changes, Everything Feels Different
Health anxiety is often misunderstood as simply worrying about symptoms or diagnoses. In reality, it reaches much deeper: into identity, purpose, and how you experience the world. When something in...
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March 23, 2026
Play Therapy That Supports Kids After Trauma
Children don’t always have the words to explain what they’ve been through.
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March 16, 2026
How Long Does Counseling Take to Improve Daily Life?
Counseling can begin improving daily life sooner than many people expect. Most adults, children, and families notice meaningful shifts within the first few weeks, especially when they attend...
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February 16, 2026
Anger Counseling and Knowing When It’s Time to Get Support
Anger often gets mislabeled as the problem. In reality, anger is usually the signal that something deeper is happening beneath the surface. Many adults, parents, and families don’t seek anger...
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January 19, 2026
Trauma Counseling: 5 Myths That Keep People from Seeking Help
Many people live with the effects of trauma for years without realizing that support could ease the weight they carry. Trauma often hides in plain sight. It shows up as irritability, emotional...
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January 5, 2026
Couples Counseling: What to Expect on Your First Session
Deciding to attend couples counseling is a meaningful step toward improving communication and rebuilding connection. Whether you’ve been together for years or are navigating new challenges, the first...
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December 22, 2025
How to Choose the Right Mental Health Counseling for Your Family
When families face emotional stress, behavior challenges, or communication breakdowns, counseling can help restore balance and connection. But finding the right mental health provider can feel...
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December 15, 2025
The Benefits of Support Groups: Feeling Understood, Not Alone
Mental health challenges and life transitions can feel isolating. Even when people around you care, it’s hard to explain what you’re really going through. That’s where support groups can make a...
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December 10, 2025
Holiday Depression: What Triggers the Blues When Everyone Else Seems Happy
For many people, the holiday season brings more stress than joy. While the world around you seems to be celebrating, you might feel overwhelmed, withdrawn, or numb. This isn’t just holiday stress—it...
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December 8, 2025
The Role of Therapeutic Relationship: In‑Person vs AI Counseling Explained
When someone begins therapy, they’re seeking connection. A therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and human presence is often what makes the difference between temporary relief and...
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December 1, 2025
When to Begin Postpartum Therapy: Timing & Red Flags
The postpartum period is a major adjustment for both mind and body. While it often includes moments of joy, it can also bring emotional changes that feel unexpected or overwhelming. Recognizing when...
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November 24, 2025
ADHD Looks Different in Adults, Kids & Teens
ADHD is often described as a single condition, but in reality, it looks very different depending on age, development, and even gender. What seems like hyperactivity in childhood might become internal...
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November 17, 2025
Talking About Suicide: Why It Matters and How to Help
At Thrive Counseling Services, in Gilbert, AZ we believe that honest conversations about suicide are not only possible—they’re essential. When we talk openly, we reduce shame, break isolation, and...
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October 29, 2025
Fresh Perspectives in Therapy: The Strength of Intern Counselors
Therapy continues to evolve as new professionals bring curiosity, empathy, and dedication to the field. At Thrive, intern counselors play an essential role in expanding access to care and enhancing...
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October 23, 2025
Recognizing Depression in Kids & Teens
Depression is more than sadness or a temporary drop in motivation. It can impact how a child thinks, feels, and interacts with others. For younger children, depression might appear as irritability,...
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October 16, 2025
What Causes Postpartum Depression, and How to Overcome It?
Bringing a new life into the world is often pictured as pure joy, but for many mothers, the reality feels very different. Instead of happiness, they face emotional heaviness, fatigue, and feelings of...
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September 30, 2025
How Do You Tell Your Partner That You Need Couples Therapy?
Conversations about relationships can be delicate, and bringing up the idea of therapy is often one of the most sensitive. Many people hesitate to suggest professional help, worried their partner...
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September 29, 2025
How Neurofeedback Works to Train the Brain
When people first hear about neurofeedback, they often wonder how it works. The idea of training the brain with technology can feel complex, but the process is both gentle and effective. At Thrive...
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September 22, 2025
How Long Does a Ketamine-Assisted Therapy Session Take?
Many people considering ketamine-assisted therapy want to know how much time they should set aside for a session. The answer depends on several factors, but in general, the process is structured to...
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August 26, 2025
Exploring Internal Family Systems: A Guide for Adults, Children, and Families
At Thrive Counseling Services, we use IFS with children, teens, adults, and families because it creates space for clarity, calm, and connection. Whether someone feels anxious, withdrawn, reactive, or...
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August 18, 2025
Safe, Fast, Trusted: Ketamine’s Role in a New Chapter of Depression Care
For some clients, traditional treatments like talk therapy and SSRIs just don’t go far enough. When depression feels entrenched—when it’s hijacked your joy, relationships, or sense of purpose—it can...
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August 15, 2025
What Is the Role of Counseling in Promoting Positive Parenting?
Parenting is one of the most rewarding roles in life, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From managing tantrums and sibling rivalries to navigating teenage mood swings, parents...
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August 11, 2025
Med Management with Catherine Cook
At Thrive Counseling Services, we believe healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Sometimes, therapy alone isn’t enough. When symptoms feel overwhelming or progress has stalled, medication can be the...
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August 7, 2025
Why Ketamine Isn’t a Cure-All—And When That’s Good News
There’s a lot of buzz around ketamine these days. From podcasts to TikToks to headline news, you might hear it called a “breakthrough” or even a “miracle” for depression, PTSD, or anxiety. And while...
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August 6, 2025
The One ADHD Type We Don’t Talk About — But Should
When most people think of ADHD, they picture a hyperactive child who can’t sit still: bouncing in their chair, interrupting others, always on the move. That’s the version we hear about in school...
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July 16, 2025
EMDR and Ketamine Therapy Potential in PTSD Treatment
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people, including veterans, trauma survivors, and those who’ve experienced life-altering events. Traditional treatments, such as talk therapy...
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June 16, 2025
How to Support Children Through Grief Without Hiding the Truth
Grief not only affects adults. Children, even very young ones, experience deep emotional responses to the death of a loved one. Whether it is a grandparent, parent, friend, or even a pet, loss can...
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June 9, 2025
The Silent Impact of Unresolved Trauma on Daily Life
Not all wounds bleed. Some settle deep in the nervous system, buried quietly under years of coping. Trauma doesn’t always announce itself with loud panic or nightmares. Sometimes it whispers into...
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May 13, 2025
Ketamine Therapy and the Journey Toward PTSD Relief
Living with PTSD can feel like being stuck in a mental loop—reliving trauma, navigating intrusive thoughts, and struggling to find peace. For many, talk therapy and medication have brought some...
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May 10, 2025
EMDR vs. Talk Therapy: What's the Difference?
You’ve probably heard the term EMDR tossed around—maybe from a friend, a podcast, or even a medical provider. You might also know about talk therapy, which feels more familiar: you meet with a...
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May 9, 2025
Understanding Therapy Options for Different Life Challenges
When you’re overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in patterns of depression, or carrying the weight of trauma, it can feel like therapy should be the answer. But what happens when you look at all the...
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April 7, 2025
How Therapy Enhances Brain Neuroplasticity
There’s a lot we still don’t fully understand about the brain—but one thing we do know is that it’s always changing. That ability to change and adapt is called neuroplasticity, and it’s one of the...
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March 28, 2025
What to Do When Nothing Else Has Worked: A Closer Look at Ketamine Therapy
You’ve tried everything—therapy, medications, lifestyle changes—and yet, the anxiety lingers. The depression won’t lift. The trauma still feels fresh. When healing feels out of reach, it’s easy to...
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March 21, 2025
What to Expect During a Neurofeedback Session
If you’ve never experienced neurofeedback before, it can sound a little mysterious. Electrodes? Brainwaves? Screens and sounds? It’s natural to wonder what it all means. At Thrive Counseling Services...
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March 10, 2025
How to Support a Loved One in Therapy
Watching someone you care about go through therapy can bring up a mix of emotions. You want to help, but you might not be sure what to say or do. Should you ask about their sessions? Should you give...
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March 10, 2025
The Benefits of In-Person Ketamine Therapy vs. At-Home Options
Understanding the differences between these approaches can help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your mental health journey.
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February 24, 2025
Therapy with Passionate Interns: Expert-Guided, Accessible Care
Access to quality mental health care is essential, but for many people, the cost of therapy can be a barrier. At Thrive Counseling Services, we believe that financial limitations shouldn’t prevent...
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February 17, 2025
How to Find a Therapist That Matches Your Needs
Finding the right therapist is an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or simply...
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February 15, 2025
Communication Breakdown: How Couples Counselling Can Help Reconnect
Communication is the foundation of any successful relationship. When communication breaks down, misunderstandings, frustration, and emotional distance can take over, leaving couples feeling...
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February 10, 2025
The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing Anxiety and Stress
Mindfulness is a practical and accessible tool for managing anxiety and stress. By focusing on the present moment, mindfulness helps individuals break free from cycles of worry and tension, promoting...
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February 3, 2025
Recognizing the Symptoms of Burnout and How to Recover
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It can affect anyone, from working professionals to parents managing busy households. Recognizing the...
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January 21, 2025
Why Setting Boundaries Improves Mental Health
Establishing clear personal boundaries is a crucial step in fostering emotional well-being. At Thrive Counseling Services in Gilbert, we often help individuals explore the ways boundaries support...
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January 16, 2025
How Dialectical Behavior Therapy Transforms Depression: A Step-by-Step Guide to Emotional Balance
Depression is a heavy burden, one that clouds judgment, drains energy, and leaves a lingering sense of hopelessness. For many, traditional therapy methods might not fully address the depth of these...
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January 13, 2025
The Connection Between Trauma and Physical Health
Trauma affects more than just the mind; it deeply influences the body. At Thrive Counseling Services, we work with individuals and families to understand the intricate relationship between emotional...
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December 29, 2024
Keys to Navigating Grief with Compassion
Grief is a deeply personal experience that touches every aspect of one’s life. At Thrive Counseling Services, we understand the complexities of loss and the importance of meeting grief with...
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December 18, 2024
5 Surprising Mental Health Benefits of Movement Integration Therapy
In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent, innovative therapeutic approaches like Movement Integration Therapy are making waves. This unique...
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December 13, 2024
Strengthening Connections: Couples Counseling for Lasting Love
Relationships are often the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Yet, maintaining a strong connection with your partner can feel overwhelming in the face of daily stresses, miscommunication, or past...
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December 9, 2024
Understanding ADHD in Kids: Tips for Parents and Teachers
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children, yet it remains widely misunderstood. For parents and teachers, navigating the...
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December 4, 2024
Beyond Surviving: How Therapy Can Transform Your Life
Life’s challenges often leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply in survival mode. While therapy is commonly associated with addressing crises, its potential extends far beyond crisis...
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November 27, 2024
Helping Kids Thrive Post-COVID: Addressing Social and Emotional Challenges
As children return to school and social activities post-COVID, many families are noticing a range of social and emotional struggles that weren’t as visible before. From difficulty connecting with...
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November 14, 2024
Understanding Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Path to Healing
Trauma can leave lasting emotional and behavioral scars, affecting how individuals perceive themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (...
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October 18, 2024
Financing Options for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Counseling Services: Advance Care vs. Care
Financing Options for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Counseling Services: Advance Care vs. CareCredit
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October 8, 2024
Understanding EMDR and Ketamine Therapy: The Synergistic Potential in PTSD Treatment
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people, including veterans, trauma survivors, and those who’ve experienced life-altering events. Traditional treatments, such as talk therapy...
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August 13, 2024
Breaking Down Barriers: How to Overcome Obstacles to Seeking Counseling
Breaking Down Barriers: How to Overcome Obstacles to Seeking Counseling
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August 9, 2024
The Power of Collective Healing: Benefits of Group Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Group ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (G-KAP) is an innovative approach that combines the transformative potential of ketamine with the supportive dynamics of group therapy. This emerging modality...
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August 2, 2024
When Ketamine is Not Enough
While ketamine infusions can provide rapid symptom relief, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy offers several advantages that make it a more effective and comprehensive treatment approach:
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July 16, 2024
6 essential tips for co-parenting with a narcissistic ex: navigating challenges for your child's wel
Co-parenting can be challenging under the best circumstances, but when you’re dealing with a narcissistic ex, it can feel like an uphill battle. As a psychotherapist, I’ve helped many clients...
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June 26, 2024
5 things to know about matthew perry’s death
1\. Using ketamine or undergoing ketamine treatments in a hot tub is a terrible idea.
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June 26, 2024
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Choose the Right Therapist for You
Seeking therapy is a courageous step towards self-improvement and mental well-being. Whether you are struggling with a specific issue or simply want to enhance your personal growth, finding the right...
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June 26, 2024
Harnessing the power of light: the impact of early morning and sunset exposure on mental health
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where stress and mental health issues are on the rise, finding simple yet effective ways to enhance our well-being has become … \[Continue Reading…\]
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June 26, 2024
How to avoid conflicts in healthy relationships
Are you struggling with frequent arguments with your partner? Read on for 3 tips to manage relationship conflict!
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June 26, 2024
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy: a game-changer for new mothers with postpartum depression
Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience, but for many women, it can be overshadowed by the darkness of postpartum depression (PPD). Traditional treatments often fall short, leaving new...
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June 26, 2024
Meet hazel: our newest therapist and beloved facility dog
At our group private practice, we are thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Hazel, a lovable and highly trained Facility Dog provided by the esteemed Canine Companions organization With her...
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June 26, 2024
Pet loss: understanding grief & coping strategies
Losing a pet can be an emotionally challenging event. Learn 5 ways to cope with grief in this article.
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June 26, 2024
Play therapy for children
Play therapy is a valuable form of therapy that can help children who are struggling with emotional or behavioral problems. Play therapy provides children with a safe and supportive environment where...
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June 26, 2024
Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy
Psychedelic assisted psychotherapy is a growing field of research that has gained increasing attention in recent years. Recent studies have shown promising results for the use of psychedelics in the...
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June 26, 2024
The benefits of choosing a private-pay therapist
When looking for a therapist, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to see someone who is in-network with your insurance or opt for a private-pay practitioner. While using...
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June 26, 2024
The rise of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy: unveiling the intriguing popularity
In recent years, a novel approach to psychotherapy has been gaining considerable traction and acclaim worldwide—ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. This innovative treatment has captivated the interest of individuals seeking alternative...
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June 26, 2024
Thrive counseling services, llc on diversity, equity, and inclusion
At Thrive Counseling Services, LLC, we hold a deep commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our clinical work. Our approach is grounded in the understanding that every...
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June 26, 2024
Unlocking the power of sleep intimacy: a journey to deeper connections
In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, the importance of quality sleep often takes a back seat. Yet, the realm of sleep isn’t just a solitary journey; it holds the potential to deepen...
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June 26, 2024
Unveiling little-known facts about autism: what you need to know
Understanding the lesser-known facts about autism is a crucial step toward building a more inclusive and supportive society. By embracing neurodiversity, recognizing sensory sensitivities, and acknowledging the unique strengths...
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June 26, 2024
What to expect from an emdr session
You may have heard about the rapid eye movements, tapping, or hand buzzies often associated with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, but you may not have realized that EMDR...
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June 25, 2024
Community resources for responding to child sexual abuse
Call to Report Abuse Contact the CPS Program at 888-767-2445 or any Law Enforcement Agency at 911. You are not required to provide proof. Anyone who makes a good faith report based on reasonable...
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June 25, 2024
Couples counseling is not just for conflict
Couples counseling is often associated with a couple experiencing conflict in their relationship. However, there are a variety of reasons why a person might seek couples counseling that don’t...
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June 25, 2024
Disconnecting to connect
I recently conducted my monthly social skills groups for children. The session’s topic was on communication skills.
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June 25, 2024
For healthy relationships, set boundaries
Hello Thrive family! My name is Erica, and I am new to the Thrive therapy team. I am excited to get started and begin helping our clients make positive, lasting, change in their lives.
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June 25, 2024
Hygge: a feeling of home
My name is Jackie Picchi MC, LAC and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor, new to Thrive Counseling Services. I absolutely love the field of mental health and wellness, particularly because it is...
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June 25, 2024
Nutrition and supplementation for mental health
B vitamins. The B vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B6, can be helpful in mild depression, and you should know that B vitamins can increase the efficacy of prescription anti-depressants.
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June 25, 2024
Reduce trauma with accelerated resolution therapy
Accelerated resolution therapy (ART), is an evidence based therapy approach used to reduce the effects trauma and mental health symptoms related to psychological stressors within a relatively short...
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June 25, 2024
Rethinking new year’s resolutions
How are those New Year’s resolutions going? We’re almost a month into 2017 and more than likely you started out with a new gym membership, perhaps a commitment to really clean eating, plans to spend...
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June 25, 2024
Separating yourself from disordered eating thoughts
Eating disorder or disordered eating thoughts can feel overwhelming. Ruminating or obsessively focusing on food-related or body-related thoughts can become so stressful to a person that it takes over...
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June 25, 2024
Sexual development in kids
Birth to Age 2 – learn about love and trust through relationships with their parents and caregivers. – Explore their bodies, including the genitals – Have erections or lubricate vaginally
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June 25, 2024
The food and mood connection
Hi There! My name is Carah Elizabeth and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona. I’ve worked with individual suffering with eating disorders for over a decade.
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June 25, 2024
The Healing Power of Pet Loss Counseling: Honoring Our Beloved Companions
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is an experience that tugs at the heartstrings of pet parents. Our furry friends bring unconditional love, joy, and companionship into our lives, making their...
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June 25, 2024
The Transformative Power of Therapy: Why It’s Important for Mental Well-being
In a world that often moves at breakneck speed, our mental well-being can take a toll. From daily stressors to significant life events, our minds navigate a complex web of emotions and thoughts. This...
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June 25, 2024
What exactly is parent-child interaction therapy (pcit)?
Here you will learn exactly what Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is and what you can expect when working with a therapist trained in PCIT.
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