Beyond Mental Health

Fear

Deep Connections Around Death for an Enriched Life

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on October 1, 2024

An interview with physician and advocate Shoshana Ungerleider, M.D.

Autism

The Problem With the Term "Functioning"

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on September 30, 2024

What does "high-functioning" even mean?

Grief

Are Some Things Unacceptable? On Radical Acceptance

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on September 24, 2024

Does radical acceptance play a role in healing from grief, estrangement and trauma?

Psychosis

Can Trauma or PTSD Cause Psychosis?

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on September 23, 2024

The relationship between psychosis and trauma is complex.

Deception

Are You Lying to Your Therapist? Are They Lying to You?

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on September 22, 2024

The request for total honesty in therapy is a tall order.

Neurodiversity

When Neurodivergence Meets the Teen Social Scene

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on September 17, 2024

The mysterious codes of the adolescent social scene are tricky, especially for neurodivergent teens. Two neurodiversity experts speak out on social connection and inclusion.

Mental Health Stigma

Final Rule Marks Victory for Mental Health Equality

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on September 10, 2024

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act of 2008 was meant to expand mental health coverage to match physical health coverage. Challenges remain.

Suicide

Your Life Is Worth So Much More Than a Phone Call

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on September 9, 2024

September is Suicide Prevention Month.

Attention

When Is a Problem Actually a Problem?

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on September 8, 2024

When is a problem actually a problem? It's a question that can be surprisingly tricky.

Family Dynamics

Caught in the Drama Triangle?

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on September 3, 2024

We are not characters in a play.

OCD

Psychosis, OCD, and Questions of Reality

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on September 2, 2024

What can OCD and psychosis teach us about the nature of reality?

Autism

How to Best Support Autistic Children in Grade School and Beyond

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on August 29, 2024

Autistic children face a variety of challenges in school, including an increased risk of bullying and social challenges. How can schools create a welcoming space for them?

Anxiety

Why Is My Mind So Loud?

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on August 26, 2024

Loud thoughts is a common mental health challenge with a variety of origins.

Empathy

2 Tools to Improve Any Relationship

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on August 21, 2024

2. Suspend judgment.

Bipolar Disorder

Could Your Depression Be Bipolar Disorder?

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on August 19, 2024

Bipolar II disorder is an often-underrecognized source of depression.

Anxiety

You Are More Than the Sum of Your (Social) Anxieties

Jennifer Gerlach LCSW on August 18, 2024

Research suggests that while introversion is a personality trait, social anxiety is a phobia. Not all people who are socially anxious are introverted.