31.9% of adolescents have anxiety-related disorders (ADAA, n.d.). According to Solmi et al. (2022), the age at which mental health disorders most commonly begin to manifest worldwide is 14. Why is mental health in teens so fragile? Are there known risks we can identify early to protect against them? Who is at the highest risk, […]

Setting healthy, unapologetic boundaries offers peace and freedom where life was previously overwhelming and chaotic. When combined with practicing assertiveness and self-discipline, boundary setting can support us in creating the life we want – one of flourishing (Tawwab, 2021). Consequently, boundaries are at the heart of self-care and must be considered a right and a

Motivation is vital to beginning and maintaining healthy behavior in the workplace, education, and beyond, and it drives us toward our desired outcomes (Zajda, 2023). While many motivation theories exist, a few stand out for their enduring practical and ecologically sound application. Victor Vroom’s ‘expectancy theory of motivation’ is one of the most popular, based

From time to time, we all experience intrusive, unwanted thoughts in our stream of consciousness (Shackelford & Zeigler-Hill, 2020). While many are frivolous, such as what we are planning for dinner tonight, others are disturbing, distressing, or upsetting. ‘Thought stopping’ is a commonly taught approach for helping prevent recurring negative thoughts or interrupt them before

In our relentless quest for productivity and success, we often fall prey to the misconception that rest is a reward for hard work. But what if the true path to peak performance lies not in asking if we’ve worked hard enough to earn rest, but in questioning whether we’ve rested enough to work at our

Humans are complex creatures. We are made up of more than skin and bones. We are more than just a “computer” mind that processes information. We have emotions, the freedom to think, experience physical sensations, and develop social connections. Psychology is often thought of as the study of the human mind. But even that is

Recent statistics suggest that over a quarter of UK nationals feel a deep sense of meaninglessness (Dinic, 2021). In the wake of multiple global economic, humanitarian, environmental, and societal crises, life may appear particularly bleak. Even a quick search of the term ‘existential crisis’ brings up topics such as wars and conflicts, emerging technology, the

Life isn’t always fair, and injustice is everywhere. However, some people see themselves as victims whenever they face setbacks or don’t get their own way. Can you recall someone who ‘plays the victim’ to win sympathy for their point of view? Maybe even accuse others of being bullies, abusers, or psychopaths if they disagree with

Goal setting is vital in business, education, and performance environments such as sports, yet it is also a key component of many coaching and counseling conversations (Clough, Strycharczyk, & Perry, 2021; Woolfolk, 2021). While counselors typically focus on dealing with past and present issues and difficulties and coaches are more future-oriented, both can benefit their

“Manifesting” is a big trend in the self-help and success industry. Because so many people actively try to practice manifesting strategies, it is important for practitioners to understand this belief system and its implications for our clients. Manifesting involves activating the mind-body-spirit connection to bring desires into reality. Adherents believe that by thinking positive thoughts