What Is Triangulation in Psychology?
Triangulation is a psychological manipulation tactic used when one member of a two-person conflict pulls in a third person to better control the situation. Triangulation refers to a manipulation tactic where one person uses a third party to control and divide relationships, often through indirect communication and confusion. It’s problematic because the third person is…
Object Relations Theory and Therapy: An Overview
Object relations theory refers to a theoretical orientation that is used by therapists who are trained using psychoanalytic theory as a foundation. This theory asserts that our experiences early on in life with objects, including people and things, subconsciously form relationships with those objects, impacting our thoughts and standards throughout our lives as adults. Object…
Emotional Affairs: Cheating Without Sex
An emotional affair is when a person in a relationship invests more of their emotional energy into a companion outside their marriage or a committed relationship. In some ways, the individual in an emotional affair feels much closer to their new companion than their spouse or partner and may even feel chemistry or sexual tension…
Does Hot Weather Make People Aggressive?
While we all seem to have individual responses to changes in weather depending on our personal preferences, when it comes to heat, there seems to be a more consistently negative reaction among many people. In fact, researchers have found a link between heat waves and increased aggressive and violent crimes (Anderson, 1989). The summer heat…
10 Signs You Might Be a Perfectionist
Perfectionists constantly set incredibly high standards for themselves and expect nothing less than perfection. They have a relentless drive to achieve success and are continually striving to improve themselves. Many very successful people from all different walks of life consider themselves perfectionists. However, having unattainable goals can lead to an overwhelming sense of pressure and…
Birthday Depression: How to Cope With the Birthday Blues
Birthdays are usually associated with feelings of joy, excitement, and happiness. But for some people, it’s quite the opposite. Birthday depression, or birthday blues, refers to feeling sad, distressed, or disinterested in celebrating or even thinking about your birthday. Individuals with birthday depression may feel low energy, focus on the past, and get caught up…
Can Your Marriage Survive Substance Abuse and Addiction?
Marriage is a commitment between two individuals to honor each other every day until death “do they part.” While the statistics around divorce can cast doubt on the institution of marriage, many can agree that when vows are exchanged, they intend to see it through to the end. However, as many of us married folks…
Coulrophobia: An Overview of the Fear of Clowns
Coulrophobia can be categorized as a specific phobia, an irrational and intense fear related to a specific object or situation. Phobias tend to involve such an intense fear that they lead the individual to avoid certain situations in which they may encounter the things they fear. It even has the potential to heavily impact a…
How to Stop Enabling Grown Children
Once considered unusual, it is now quite common to encounter parents who treat an adult child like a teenager in one respect or another. Approximately half of the adults in the US aged 18 to 29 live with their parents (Fry et al., 2020). This might include having the child live at home rent-free, while the…
How Family Involvement in Addiction Treatment Can Support Recovery
Addiction is considered a family battle as it affects those addicted and everyone else around them. The whole household always carries the burden when one person struggles with substance use. However, involving family members in the treatment program can also enhance recovery. Here are three key support components that can significantly improve treatment outcomes. 1….
5 Tips for Choosing a Psychiatrist to Support Your Mental Health Journey
If you need a psychiatrist, choosing your provider is an important step in your journey to wellness. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, the professional you choose is a large part of your recovery and ultimately your quality of life. It is about more than credentials; you must…
What Is the Oedipus Complex? Freud’s Theory Explained
Sigmund Freud is best known as the father of psychoanalysis. Through psychoanalytic theory, Freud attempted to explain behavior while simultaneously mapping out a way to treat mental illness. The Oedipus complex is a central concept in Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. Freud believed that one’s personality and adult life were shaped and molded by important events from…
Peter Pan Syndrome: What You Need to Know
Peter Pan syndrome is not a clinical diagnosis but rather a term that describes someone (usually male) who refuses to grow up, avoids personal and professional responsibilities, and displays a general unwillingness to face the adult world (Overprotecting Parents Can Lead Children to Develop “Peter Pan Syndrome,” 2007). There is also a related slang term…
What is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy?
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a therapeutic approach within cognitive behavioral therapy that follows the basic belief that the way people think impacts the way they feel and behave. Mental health practitioners using REBT work with patients to change the way they think, causing them to change and impact the way they feel and…
Is It Normal To Have A Crush On Your Therapist?
One of the things we desire in romantic relationships is to be heard and given space to express our innermost thoughts and feelings, which is a key aspect of the therapeutic relationship. Therapy sessions typically last an hour, providing ample time for clients to express their feelings and thoughts openly. This is precisely what therapists…
The 4 Best Anxiety Apps of 2025
Now, maybe more than any other time in recent history, people have to change how they connect and access information. Not only are we going online to order groceries, but we’re also getting medical and mental health care via mobile apps. With their ease of access, lower cost, and convenience, therapy apps have become a…
Lachanophobia: Understanding the Fear of Vegetables
Lachanophobia, or the irrational fear of vegetables, is a specific phobia, an intense and irrational fear of a thing or situation that poses no real danger. It’s important to understand that lachanophobia is much more than disliking the taste of broccoli or green beans. Those struggling with this condition may experience significant amounts of anxiety…
Is Anatidaephobia a Real Condition?
While there are many credible and crippling specific phobias, due to their irrational and intriguing nature, people have come up with a lot of impossible and non-credible specific phobias to entertain the public. Among these is anatidaephobia, the irrational fear that one is being watched by a duck. One of the most common conditions treated…
Is Success Anxiety Real?
The word “success” is most commonly linked to positive feelings resulting from some level of accomplishment. Most people strive for success in various aspects of their lives, including academics, work, relationships, health, and any other area they care about in which progress and achievement are visible. The list of potential areas for success can go…
How to Fall Back in Love With Your Partner
Throughout a long-term relationship or marriage, it’s perfectly normal for things to feel a little flat. Daily responsibilities, work-related stress, kids, the rhythm of life, and many other factors can get in the way of that heart-skipping-a-beat feeling you once had for each other. But as we all know, the honeymoon always eventually fades. This…
Effects of Positive Punishment Techniques
If you have ever done potty training for a toddler, behavior training for a dog, or even had cheat meals while dieting, you have engaged in a technique called operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a behavior modification technique developed by B.F. Skinner, which uses reinforcement and punishment to shape behavior (Staddon & Cerutti, 2002). It’s…
6 Signs You Have Lost Your Identity
As we mature into adults and become independent from our parents, we develop a sense of self. This refers to the individual identity, values, and self-image that define who we are. This process often takes time and involves learning and accepting yourself by first discovering the way you organize your thoughts, how those thoughts affect…
7 Reasons Open Relationships Don’t Work
Open relationships can seem like a great opportunity for people who want to be in a relationship but also want to explore their sexuality with multiple partners. However, as the old saying goes, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. The truth is that open relationships are extremely difficult to navigate and challenging…
What Is a Choleric Temperament?
People characterized as having a choleric temperament or personality are generally known as go-getters. They are active, quick-thinking, confident, passionate, strong-willed, and motivated to succeed. This categorization is based on the work of Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived from 460-370 BC, who had a theory that connected the inner workings of the body to…
What Is a Type C Personality?
Individuals with Type C personalities are characterized by an inward-oriented approach to managing their emotions and stress. According to psychologists, they tend to suppress not only their negative emotions but their positive ones as well. Type C personality is lesser known than the more common Types A and B which are essentially opposites of one…
Understanding Asperger’s Relationships
Most married couples will tell you that it takes a lot of work to enjoy a strong relationship. But when one partner has Asperger’s Syndrome, keeping the relationship healthy and happy can become even more challenging. Asperger’s is a condition on the autism spectrum. Asperger syndrome is recognized as a distinct condition within the autism…
Why Loneliness Feels Different During High-Functioning Depression
While some already see high-functioning depression as a normal thing nowadays (and, unfortunately, it is quite normal), one shouldn’t ignore it just because it’s been folded into office culture, weekend plans, emotionally unavailable group chats prone to ghosting, and other places where this condition has found an ideal breeding ground. It can look clean. It…
Coping With Stay-At-Home Mom Depression
For many moms, staying at home with their children is ideal. Witnessing milestones firsthand, enjoying quality time, and saving on childcare costs are just a few of the benefits. However, stay-at-home parenting isn’t always all that it’s cracked up to be. Research indicates that stay-at-home moms are more likely to experience depressive symptoms, i.e., stay-at-home…
Stress vs. Frustration: What’s the Difference?
It can be easy to confuse the concepts of stress and frustration. After all, at first glance, these words appear to refer to similar emotions. People utter phrases all of the time, “I’m so stressed” or “I’m so frustrated,” but what exactly do they mean? Although somewhat alike, stress and frustration are terms that refer to two completely…
Why Do People Engage in Risky Behavior?
Risky behaviors are those that expose us to harm or danger in pursuit of what is perceived as a positive outcome. People are willing to take a chance and engage in these behaviors because of the appeal of some reward. There is a range of risk-taking, as riding in a boat, jumping off a high…
Conditioned Stimulus and Its Role in Psychology
Most people have at some point heard of Pavlov’s famous dog. Ivan Pavlov was a Russian psychologist famous for his study of conditioned stimuli. He took dog food (the natural stimulus) and paired it with a bell (the neutral stimulus). The bell would be rung, and the dog would be given food. After repeating this…
CBT vs. DBT: Understanding the Difference
CBT and DBT are two of the most popular therapeutic approaches among mental health professionals worldwide. Both therapy modalities utilize a modern, solution-centered, and evidence-based approach to mental health and well-being, helping clients manage a wide range of problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, and even personality disorders. Given that they rely on the…
What is Aphantasia?
Aphantasia describes a condition in which a person is unable to recall images in their mind. When asked to think of a red apple sitting on a windowsill, most people can mentally picture what that looks like. Even when prompted, someone with aphantasia is not able to visualize the image in their mind.[1] They know…
Celebrities Who Have Struggled With Depression
Designer clothes, luxury cars, and million-dollar homes can give off the impression that celebrities have it all. But for many famous people with depression, fame and wealth are no protection against mental illness. The smiles on the red carpet and charismatic interviews with the press often hide the fact that these A-listers struggle every day…
How to Identify and Treat an Anxiety Rash
We all experience anxiety and stress from time to time. While these feelings are unpleasant, they do not necessarily manifest in our bodies. However, when they’re intense, anxiety and stress can have a substantial bearing on our physical health. Common physical symptoms of stress and anxiety include headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, and rashes. Our bodies and…
An Overview of Aerophobia (The Fear of Flying)
Aerophobia is a type of specific phobic disorder that is characterized by dread and an intense fear of flying. Specific phobias are a category of anxiety disorders in which people experience irrational and intense fear in response to certain objects and situations. A person suffering from aerophobia will feel extremely anxious when thinking about or anticipating…
Venustraphobia: The Fear of Beautiful Women
Irrational fears that cause severe anxiety and impede people from functioning normally are known as specific phobias. One such phobia is venustraphobia, characterized by an excessive and persistent irrational fear of beautiful women. Individuals suffering from venustraphobia experience extreme anxiety, leading to intense fear and panic attacks. There is little evidence-based research to confirm that…
What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You?
Psychologists and other researchers have long studied the impact that colors have on human life; color has been found to influence people’s ideas, perceptions, and preferences for things both obvious and discreet. Color is used in marketing and advertising to entice people to purchase products and can influence a person’s emotional state and mood. The…
What Is a Sanguine Temperament?
Many theories about personality and general psychology were developed long ago, but still hold true today. Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived from 460-370 BC, had a theory that connected the inner workings of the body to a person’s personality and behavior. He theorized that human feelings and behaviors are connected to an overload or…
The Principle of Parsimony in Psychology: An Overview
The law of parsimony, a problem-solving principle, states that the simplest explanation for something is typically the most likely. Putting this into practice requires focusing on the most impactful and effective evidence and data, without considering extraneous factors. When discussed in the context of psychology, parsimony refers to seeking explanations and theories that are practical,…
What Is Agitated Depression?
Depression is a condition impacting nearly one-fifth of the population and presenting with a range of different symptoms across a variety of subtypes. Agitated Depression is a term used to describe a subtype of depression characterized by agitation and exhibiting symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and anxiety during a depressive episode.[1][2] In a clinical setting,…
Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?
While the nuanced differences between psychologists and psychiatrists are extensive, the main thing that sets them apart is that psychiatrists undergo medical training and are authorized to prescribe medication, whereas psychologists do not have medical degrees and are not authorized to prescribe medication. Aside from that, they also differ in the types of patients they…
What Is a Sociopath?
Sociopath is a layman’s term that is never utilized in a formal psychiatric or mental health diagnosis, though it is connected to a personality disorder recognized by psychologists. The most common definition of the term sociopath is someone living with antisocial personality disorder, a condition in which one ignores societal norms, possesses little to no…
Traits of a High-Functioning Sociopath
The term “sociopath” is typically associated with serial killers, assassins, and criminals. The actual definition of a sociopath, however, is a person with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). This condition involves engaging in behavior that harms others without remorse. Although some sociopaths do have murderous and violent tendencies, most are not destined to become convicted felons….
Psychodynamic Therapy: An Overview
Perhaps one of the most well-known types of therapy, psychodynamic therapy is a therapeutic approach based on the psychoanalytic theory. It aims to help patients address mental health issues by exploring their thoughts and feelings. When you hear the word “therapy,” this is probably what you imagine. That’s because it’s the predominant therapy modality featured…
What Is Astrophobia?
Astrophobia is the fear of the stars, outer space, and the night sky. It may also be related to an intense fear of aliens. Astrophobia is a specific phobia, an irrational and intense fear triggered by exposure to or thoughts about a particular object or situation. For many people, gazing up at the stars is…
What Does Depression Feel Like?
Depression is a serious condition that may impact nearly every aspect of the day-to-day life of a sufferer. It can cause the individual to experience severe hopelessness and sadness for months at a time. Contrary to popular belief, depression is about more than just feeling unhappy; it can be a devastating condition that must be…
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a rapidly growing form of psychotherapy. Created in the 1980s by Stephen Hayes, it is considered one of the “third wave” psychotherapies, which include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and schema therapy. It is an offshoot of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and relational frame theory (RFT). In ACT, you want to get…
What Emotional Codependency Really Looks Like in Relationships With Addicts
Emotional codependency in relationships with addicts can deeply affect both partners. The addict often becomes the focal point of the relationship, while the codependent partner sacrifices their well-being to manage the addict’s behavior. Over time, this creates an unhealthy dynamic where one person struggles with self-worth and the other continues their destructive habits. The codependent…
How Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Are Expanding Access to Mental Health Care in Underserved Communities
The United States faces a significant mental health crisis, marked by a growing demand for services that outpaces the availability of qualified professionals. This gap is particularly acute in underserved communities—including rural areas, low-income urban neighborhoods, and regions with large minority populations—where barriers like geographic distance, cost, provider shortages, and stigma create formidable obstacles to…
The Critical Role of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners in Modern Mental Health Treatment Plans
The landscape of mental healthcare is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by increased awareness, burgeoning demand, and persistent challenges in access to care. Amidst this evolution, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs), often referred to as Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs), have emerged as indispensable providers, playing a critical role in shaping and delivering modern mental…
What You’ll Learn in an Online Master’s in Counseling Program
The decision to become a professional counselor often stems from a deep desire to help others navigate life’s challenges and promote growth and mental well-being. A Master’s in Counseling program offers unprecedented flexibility and accessibility without compromising the quality and depth of education required for this demanding yet rewarding profession. But what exactly does such…
How Earning an MSW Online Can Help You Support Mental Health in Your Community
For those passionate about making a tangible difference, pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) provides the advanced knowledge, clinical skills, and ethical grounding necessary to become effective mental health advocates and practitioners within their own communities. The Expanding Role of Social Workers in Mental Health Care Social workers are uniquely positioned within the healthcare…
Fast-Tracking Your Mental Health Career: The Advantages of Advanced Standing MSW Programs
An MSW (Master of Social Work) is a graduate degree that allows someone to practice as a social worker. Typically, getting an MSW takes 2 years of full-time study. However, many schools offer Advanced Standing MSW programs that allow students with a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) to complete their MSW in just 1 year….
Selective Memory: An Overview
Selective memory is a person’s tendency to remember certain pieces of information while forgetting others, often leading them to forget things like everyday tasks or events. The term is often used in the punch line of jokes, like when a spouse gets upset with their partner about forgetting to take out the trash. They might…
Is My Child a Sociopath? Know the Signs
So, your child is showing signs that have you worried. They lie with nothing to gain, show little to no empathy, and exhibit sociopathic behavior by ignoring what is right and wrong. Perhaps it has even crossed your mind that your son or daughter might be a sociopath. If this worry is lingering in your…
What Is the Meaning of Catharsis in Psychology?
The meaning of catharsis in psychology continues to evolve. Originally, it was viewed as the conscious expression of feelings repressed due to a traumatic incident. Later, the definition changes to an outburst of emotion that leads to a sense of profound enlightenment. In modern psychology, however, catharsis can be defined as any form of expression…
Can Sexual Frustration Lead to Depression?
Whether you’re single, in a relationship, married, divorced, or widowed, sex is a vital aspect of life. Any dysfunction that occurs in this area is bound to cause disappointment and frustration. Although the frustration that results from a lack of sexual activity can lead to depressive symptoms, the link between sexual frustration and depression is a…
What Is Submechanophobia?
Submechanophobia is the fear of man-made objects that are submerged underwater. People experiencing this condition are typically afraid of things like buoys, submarines, sunken ships, and other objects that sink into the ocean. Submechanophobia is among the many conditions classified under specific phobias, fears that are irrational, overwhelming, and accompanied by symptoms of severe anxiety…
What Is Somnophilia?
Somnophilia is a condition in which one experiences sexual arousal in response to a sleeping or unconscious person. It is a type of paraphilia: a sexual interest in uncommon objects, people, or situations. The name is derived from the Latin word “somnus,” meaning sleep, and the Greek word “philia,” meaning love. It is also known…
The 8 Types of Love: What Can They Teach Us Today?
The concept of love is intricate and multifaceted. It manifests in diverse forms and relationships throughout our lives. Love can lead us to commit to and build a life with a partner, cherishing them deeply. It can evoke an unconditional, wholehearted affection towards our children. Love can also be directed towards our parents or best…
Sons of Narcissistic Mothers: Do They Become Narcissistic Themselves?
Children of narcissistic mothers can be at a higher risk of becoming narcissists themselves. While all children raised by narcissistic mothers tend to be deeply shaped by their mother’s condition, the trauma and abuse experienced by sons typically differ from that of daughters (Green et al., 2020). Below, we’ll explore the potential risks, including various…
Therapy Treatments for Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety, when severe, can be highly debilitating. Even for those who experience mild symptoms of an anxiety disorder, the effects can interfere with their daily functioning and place a burden on themselves and those who care for them. Whether it is generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or panic disorder, it can disrupt your life physically, mentally,…
20 Common Examples of Neurotic Behavior
The term neurosis is informally used by many to refer to a disorder whose symptoms include obsessive or negative thoughts and feelings. While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) does not recognize neurosis as an independent mental health condition, behaviors classified as “neurotic” are often categorized in association with generalized anxiety disorder.[1][2] In trying…
Physical Therapy’s Role in Mental Wellness Shown Through Progress in DPT Programs
Physical therapists do much more than treat injuries and pain. These skilled professionals help people of every age group – from babies to seniors – stay active, avoid surgeries, and boost their mental health. The numbers tell a clear story about physical therapy’s impact. DPT degree programs dedicate 77% of training to classroom learning, while…
How Learning Math Improves Cognitive Function and Mental Resilience
Mathematics is a subject that either sparks enthusiasm or induces dread. It’s not just about the calculations; there’s a richer significance, brain training time. Solving equations isn’t the only benefit of math. It strengthens your mind, making you more resilient to challenges. Problem-solving, adapting, and thinking logically are becoming more important. Math helps you be…
Digital Detox: How Taking Breaks from Your Phone Can Improve Mental Health
Ding. A notification. Another one. Your phone lights up—again. Without thinking, your hand reaches for it, your eyes scan the screen, and suddenly, minutes (or hours) vanish. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. On average, people check their phones 96 times a day—that’s once every ten minutes (Asurion, 2019). And while smartphones connect us, they also…
What is Intimacy Therapy? An Overview
For a couple to seek out a fulfilling sex life and build a strong intimate relationship is natural and healthy. After all, the frequency at which couples have sex is associated with happiness, as physical and emotional intimacy are essential parts of well-being. That said, there’s more to having a satisfying intimate life with your…
Dating Someone With Depression: 23 Tips From a Therapist
Depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 8.3% of people in the United States have experienced at least one episode of major depressive disorder in the past year (2021 NSDUH Annual National Report, n.d.). Depression affects individuals in a variety…
How to Identify a Covert Narcissist
Narcissists are typically associated with the more commonly known behaviors they exhibit such as arrogance, grandiosity, lack of empathy, entitlement, manipulation, and more. While these are definitely traits of someone who might be characterized as having a narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), researchers have found that people can have a more internal presentation and continue to meet…
44 Positive Affirmations for Depression to Inspire Change
Have you ever given yourself a pep talk? You may not have realized it, but you were practicing a form of positive affirmation. Coping with depression can be discouraging and debilitating. By vocalizing positive messages of encouragement to yourself, you can improve your mood and inspire motivation internally, leading toward positive change. Affirmations are a…
Teen Depression: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
The teenage years are a tumultuous developmental period when adolescents are making that big push toward independence. Hormones are raging and they’re at that awkward place between childhood and adulthood. The physical and psychological shifts result in mood swings, and changes in behavior, and often involve conflicts with others as they struggle to find their…