“Mom Brain” or Something Else? Understanding Undiagnosed ADHD in Women
Many women report having “mom brain,” in which they report being forgetful, having difficulty concentrating, and being impatient. While “mom brain” has been proven to be a real phenomenon, it is typically reported by women who are pregnant or have young children. “Mom brain” is situational and typically goes away on its own. These same symptoms, however, can also be indicative of...
Learn More
What Are Intrusive Thoughts? And What Can You Do About Them?
Intrusive thoughts can occur at any time and are just as they sound—intrusive! Intrusive thoughts are thoughts that come out of nowhere, are involuntary, and can be difficult to get rid of. Common examples of intrusive thoughts include wondering if the doors are locked, if the stove or curling iron is turned off, or if people like you.
Everyone experiences intrusive thoughts at some...
Learn More
Know the Signs: “Baby Blues” vs. Postpartum Depression
A new baby, whether your first, second, or seventh, can come with a lot of other “newness.” New responsibilities, new memories, new roles, new aches, new fears— parenthood comes with the good, the bad, and all the in between. Adjusting and finding ways to balance this new normal can easily overwhelm the best of us. While newness is one change that comes from bringing a baby into...
Learn More
The Five Love Languages, The Basics
Have you ever felt like you were putting a lot of effort into showing love to your partner, but they just didn’t seem to be getting the message? Or maybe you have felt like you and your partner aren’t speaking the same language when it comes to showing affection. Learning which of the five languages is yours and which is your partner’s could be the key to unlocking a...
Learn More
Ever Feel Like A Fraud? Understanding Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is not an official diagnosis, but it is a mental phenomenon where you consistently doubt yourself. It is hard for you to appreciate your own skills. Other people might even point out your accomplishments and how hard you worked to earn them yet you believe it is due to coincidence or luck.
You attempt to overcompensate by placing expectations that are hard to reach....
Learn More
Are These Relationship Expectations Holding You Back?
I remember watching Cinderella as a young girl and dreaming about the day that I would find my own true love. After all, who wouldn’t want a prince to save them from the mundane tasks of everyday life? But it turns out that those Disney movies, and the relationship expectations they created for future relationships, held me back from establishing healthy relationships early on. I...
Learn More
Reading a Therapist Bio? Counseling Intern? Why That’s Great
Deciding to begin therapy is never an afterthought. Therapy requires a significant level of vulnerability. Add in the worry over choosing which therapist is the right one for you, makes the decision even more impactful. Imagine you’re reading a therapist bio on a therapy website and you see the word intern listed alongside a description of a provider. What would you think?...
Learn More
Is Losing Weight Your New Year’s Resolution? Advice From a Health Coach
Ah, the New Year! A clean slate, a fresh start, a new beginning—365 days of possibilities. Are you one of those folks who sets a slew of New Year’s Resolutions, including losing weight, only to find yourself unable to live up to those very high expectations?
Back when I taught fitness classes at various gyms, my classes would be PACKED in...
Learn More
Relationship Resolutions for 2023 from a Marriage Counselor
Setting Couples New Year’s Resolutions is a great way to create a stronger connection, reinforce your bond, and set expectations for the future. Having shared goals can help you both stick to your promises—the more effort you two put in, the stronger the relationship. If you’re looking for some goals to work toward with your partner, this list of 6 Relationship Resolutions...
Learn More
What is Trauma? Types, Symptoms, and Treatments
What is Trauma?
When you hear the word trauma or trauma counseling what comes to mind? It is common for people to hear the word trauma and think of those one-time catastrophic events (car accidents, assault, robbery, natural disasters, etc.) that result in major injuries like broken bones, head injuries, or lacerations, and symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder...
Learn More
Gut Health and Mental Health, What’s the Link?
In more recent years, studies have been emerging that focus on the possible connection between gut health and mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. The microbiome makes up all microorganisms in the human body. The microbiota encompasses all the microorganisms in a particular location, such as the GI tract. These together are developed while in the womb. During...
Learn More
What is Sex Therapy and How Can it Help?
Sexual intimacy plays an important role in our lives. The benefits of a healthy sex life have been linked to stress reduction, improved sleep, immune health, pain reduction, increased self-esteem, and increased closeness to a sexual partner; all-important aspects in living our happiest best lives! Sounds easy enough, have sex and be happy, right? Unfortunately for many, it is not...
Learn More
32 Questions to Ask Before Marriage
If you have recently answered ‘yes’ to a marriage proposal, then along with the rush of planning your version of the perfect wedding you also may also be considering whether you should be going to premarital counseling. Premarital counseling is a form of couples therapy that emphasizes wellness. Our counselors have put together a list of questions to ask before marriage to...
Learn More
How to Get the Most Out of Therapy
If you’re here, congratulations on taking the first step and beginning therapy! Deciding to go to therapy is a major step in overcoming issues like anxiety or depression, healing trauma, getting support to cope with difficult life transitions, managing stress or working on developing healthier relationships. We asked the therapists at the Counseling and Wellness Center of...
Learn More
Signs Your Child Is Involved in Too Many Extracurricular Activities
Every good parent knows that providing an enriching environment lays the foundation for future success. Or does it? From summer camp, to instrument lessons, and afterschool programs, how many extracurricular activities are too many and where do parents’ good intentions bleed into something less helpful and even have the unintentional consequence of creating a stressful and...
Learn More
4 Dietitian Tips for Body Positive Weight Management
In more recent years, society has progressed towards a body positive mindset, inclusivity and loving your body at any size. In turn, the question surrounding food and nutrition is transitioning to “what can my body do,” instead of a detrimental focus on the number on a scale. With this shift, the focus on nutrition and a weight management mindset of restriction is also changing....
Learn More
8 Sober Activities To Do in Pittsburgh
National Recovery month is observed in September every year. It gives us the opportunity to celebrate Sober life, break down stigmas and bring awareness to addiction. The month serves as a celebration of the steps taking to improve access, information, and treatment. You can observe National Sober Month by spending it Sober. While that may seem simple enough, it may come as a...
Learn More
5 Fall Drinks You’ll Want to Make This Fall
Fall is here and our senses look toward Autumn: nutmeg & cinnamon, pumpkin patches, warm coffee, light jackets, and gorgeous sunsets. There’s nothing like evenings in the Fall. It’s just cool enough during the day that cozying up with a warm tea is the perfect medicine to wind down. Here’s a list of some of our favorite fall drinks to warm you up, boost your immune...
Learn More