Un-Numb

Family Dynamics

Cranky About Thanksgiving? Ditch the Turkey and the Drama

Duygu Balan LPCC on November 22, 2024

Friendsgiving offers a chance to trade old customs for a fresh, personalized take on celebration.

Singlehood

How to Answer the Question: So, Why Are You Still Single?

Duygu Balan LPCC on November 8, 2024

Being single isn’t a status to apologize for—it’s a chapter to embrace on your own terms.

Mental Health Stigma

Why "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" Matters

Duygu Balan LPCC on October 17, 2024

Exploring barriers to the disclosure of abuse, which include shame, internalized myths about masculinity, and stigma around male victimhood

Gender

Gender Norms: My Son Wants to Be a Princess for Halloween

Duygu Balan LPCC on October 9, 2024

Halloween offers a unique space for children to explore creativity and self-expression, free from rigid gender norms and stereotypes.

Mental Health Stigma

The Dangers of Stigmatizing Mental Health

Duygu Balan LPCC on October 1, 2024

Destigmatizing mental health requires education, empathy, and advocating for supportive policies that create safe spaces and foster a more inclusive environment.

Friends

How to Identify the Subtle Traits of Toxic Relationships

Duygu Balan LPCC on September 4, 2024

Trust your intuition. It’s okay to let go of unhealthy relationships.

Grief

Grief’s Impact on the Body

Duygu Balan LPCC on August 16, 2024

Incorporating a holistic approach to support our minds and bodies in times of stress yields improved outcomes.

Bullying

When the High-School Jerk Grows Up

Duygu Balan LPCC on August 15, 2024

How to confront adult bullies.

Career

What to Do Before Talking to a Boss About Your Mental Health

Duygu Balan LPCC on May 30, 2024

It is essential to understand your own mental health needs before approaching a supervisor about them.

Anxiety

Why Gen-Zers Keep Their Phones on 'Do Not Disturb'

Duygu Balan LPCC on May 23, 2024

Increased digital interactions have paradoxically led to a greater avoidance of direct communication.

Forgiveness

When Forgiveness Can Be Detrimental to Trauma Recovery

Duygu Balan LPCC on May 2, 2024

Deconstructing the myth of "forgive and forget."

Relationships

Beyond Family Ties: Choosing Your Tribe

Duygu Balan LPCC on April 21, 2024

Chosen families offer the opportunity to build relationships based on shared values and mutual support.

Sexual Abuse

An Erection Is Not Consent

Duygu Balan LPCC on April 15, 2024

Inclusive approaches to advocating for sexual assault victims will lead to prevention and healing.

Boundaries

13 Keys to Safe, Healthy, and Positive Sexting

Duygu Balan LPCC on April 7, 2024

Sexting can be a positive and enjoyable aspect of modern relationships.

Relationships

Stuck in a Situationship?

Duygu Balan LPCC on March 27, 2024

Noncommittal romantic relationships, referred to as situationships, have increased in prevalence.

Emotions

Why It Should Be All Right to Cry

Duygu Balan LPCC on March 12, 2024

Vulnerability is a necessary component of intimacy, yet many societies view crying as a sign of weakness.

Mating

Capturing Today's Worst Dating Trends

Duygu Balan LPCC on February 11, 2024

As social media platforms amplify dysfunctional dating dynamics, new viral terms to describe them emerge.

Therapeutic Alliance

Unveiling the Therapeutic Journey of 'Good Will Hunting'

Duygu Balan LPCC on January 30, 2024

‘Good Will Hunting’ (1998) portrays one of the most powerful representations of the healing power of the therapeutic relationship.

Gaslighting

Are You Gaslighting Me, or Am I Really Too Sensitive?

Duygu Balan LPCC on January 16, 2024

Gaslighting can occur in the workplace, medical settings, and romantic relationships. If you are concerned you are being manipulated or abused, trust your feelings and seek help.

Attachment

Breaking the Cycle of Dysfunctional Relationships

Duygu Balan LPCC on January 4, 2024

Recognizing the signs of being raised by dysfunctional parents is the first step to healing.