Psychology: Resources, Treatment, Symptoms, and More

Can You Inherit Trauma?

By Jessica Weinberger, Contributor
August 30, 2019

Pivotal historic events from centuries past like wars, famines, and genocide can seem far removed from our daily experience. Many believe that what previous generations faced was several lifetimes ago, having little impact on their descendants today. Time and physical proximity may cause you to feel similarly, yet new research suggests that trauma may cross generational lines and affect those that come after us.

Intergenerational trauma – or trauma that has the potential to impact future generations of individuals within a family system – has become hotly contested as researchers dive into the field of epigenetics. So what is epigenetics and what does it mean for us today? Continue reading Can You Inherit Trauma?

What Is Cognitive Dissonance?

By Wendy Wisner, Contributor
August 17, 2019August 12, 2019

Have you ever had an experience where you see yourself doing something you know you shouldn’t be doing — a behavior that you yourself don’t support or condone — but you find yourself doing it anyway?

Cognitive dissonance is that disconnect between what we believe and what we do — it’s an experience we all have at one time or another. While it can be uncomfortable and stressful to act in a way that feels contrary to what we believe, it’s a common experience. In a way, living with a little cognitive dissonance is simply part of being human. Continue reading What Is Cognitive Dissonance?

What is Transference?

By Jessica DuBois-Maahs, Contributor
July 20, 2019July 17, 2019

Originated by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, transference is the experience of a person’s expectations, feelings, and desires unconsciously transferring and being applied to another person. Often this term refers to a person’s experience in therapy, wherein the person who is in a therapy session begins redirecting certain unresolved conflicts and emotions toward the therapist. While it may be surprising, this experience is a normal part of therapy, and it can happen both on the part of a person seeking treatment, as well as on the part of the therapist. Continue reading What is Transference?

What is a Sociopath?

By Wendy Wisner, Contributor
July 6, 2019July 2, 2019

“What a sociopath!” one might exclaim to describe someone’s erratic, cruel, strange, or manipulative behavior. It’s not a term that should necessarily be thrown around loosely, yet many of us use it to describe someone who is off-putting, secretive, and doesn’t seem to be cognizant of other people’s feelings, or how their actions impact others. The term sociopath may also describe someone who seems dangerous or unhinged.

What you might not know, however, is that the term “sociopath” isn’t really a psychological term, at least not anymore. It’s more of a figure of speech, though it’s linked to a personality disorder that is recognized by psychologists. Continue reading What is a Sociopath?

5 Reasons People Avoid Mental Health Treatment

By Jamie Wiebe, Contributor
July 1, 2019June 27, 2019

You’ve accepted that you need to go to therapy — but getting yourself out of the door and into the office feels like an insurmountable challenge. After all, most of us aren’t familiar with therapy. We don’t know what we’re going to say. Should we actually lie on the couch like they do in movies, or is it okay to just sit? (Sitting, by the way, is fine and often preferred.)

Overcoming your fear of therapy is the only way to reap the benefits that it can provide. Here are five common reasons people avoid getting treatment. Do any ring true for you? Continue reading 5 Reasons People Avoid Mental Health Treatment

Can Ketamine Really Treat Depression?

By Jamie Wiebe, Contributor
May 24, 2019May 23, 2019

With Denver recently legalizing psilocybin mushrooms, discussions of microdosing — using a tiny dose of a psychoactive drug that is too small to induce a “trip” — are on the rise. One of the most popular microdosing treatments being studied is using ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, i.e. depression with an inadequate response to two or more antidepressants of adequate dose and duration.

But does it work? Initial studies are mixed, and it must be cautioned that further inquiry is needed. Continue reading Can Ketamine Really Treat Depression?

What is an Empath?

By Jessica DuBois-Maahs, Contributor
May 11, 2019May 9, 2019

Are you impacted by the feelings of those around you? Do people describe you as empathetic? Perhaps you have always had the ability to feel the emotions and physical symptoms of others as if they were your own. If this rings true in your life, you may be an “empath.”

Only 1 to 2 percent of the population experience this type of sensitivity, having the ability to feel and absorb the emotions surrounding them. They likely view the world through their emotions and intuition rather than putting too much logic behind their decision making. While this characteristic can be a source of personal strength, it is also important to know how to manage common challenges of being an empath. Continue reading What is an Empath?

32 Surprising Mental Health Statistics

By Wendy Wisner, Contributor
April 30, 2019

Mental health statistics may not always be at the top of your mind, even when you’re going through a crisis of your own. Some of us get headaches when we even think about math – especially statistics. Yet, hard data based on empirical research helps us better understand the world around us and the people in it. When it comes to mental health, so many of us feel isolated and utterly alone in our struggles. Looking at mental health statistics can put our challenges into context, help us understand the pervasiveness of certain conditions, and offer some bit comfort and solace knowing we’re not alone.

And when you look at the stats about treatment for mental health — such as the fact that mental illness affects tens of millions Americans each year, but only about half of people receive treatment — you can see how these surprising mental health statistics necessitate additional education, awareness, and funding for mental health services.

Ready to take a deeper look at some of the most relevant mental health stats? Continue reading 32 Surprising Mental Health Statistics

Why Am I So Emotional?

By Jessica DuBois-Maahs, Contributor
April 20, 2019April 18, 2019

Do you find yourself experiencing emotions more deeply and intensely than those around you? Perhaps you’re told you are “too sensitive” or “too emotional.” For those who feel emotions more intensely than others, their brain is processing information differently and reflecting on a deeper level it may even manifest as being exceptionally perceptive. Yet these individuals can also be easily overwhelmed by the constant wave of feelings and overstimulation.

For the 15 to 20 percent of the population who are classified as a “highly sensitive person,” there are other contributing factors that also play a role. Continue reading Why Am I So Emotional?

What is a “Psych Evaluation?”

By Jessica DuBois-Maahs, Contributor
April 13, 2019April 11, 2019

If you are new to therapy or are exploring different options for treatment, it’s natural to have questions about first steps. A common, but misunderstood initial step is the psychological or “psych” evaluation.

It may sound intimidating, but a psych evaluation is a simple way for your therapist or health care provider to understand what you’re going through at the moment. Continue reading What is a “Psych Evaluation?”