When we have high blood pressure, a fever, or a broken leg, most of us don’t hesitate to go to the doctor. That is often not the case when it comes to mental health. Many people have told me they didn’t think their symptoms were severe enough to get treatment, that they should just be able to figure it out on their own, and/or that seeing a therapist means they are weak. The truth is mental health is health. And it’s time we started treating it that way.…
We all have one of four attachment styles that determines how we form emotional bonds and interact in relationships with friends, family, coworkers, partners, and ourselves. Our attachment style develops based on early experiences with caregivers and it evolves as we grow and develop. Learning your attachment style can help you make sense of your behavior so you can communicate and interact more effectively in your relationship with others.…
The environment surrounding us plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Even subtle differences can change how we think, feel, and act. Some of the environmental factors that may influence you include light, clutter, noise, and comfortability.…
Early life experiences, developmental trauma, adversity, chaos, and neglect can change the biology of the brain, resulting in complex emotional, psychological, and functional challenges in children and adults. Comprehensive psychological testing can identify symptoms and provide diagnoses but rarely takes into account the impact of a person’s early life experiences. In some cases, this makes it difficult for therapists to match effective interventions and treatment approaches to a patient’s developmental needs and current level of functioning. Learn more about the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)™, a developmentally sensitive, neurobiology-informed approach to clinical problem solving, now offered at Dakota Family Services, Fargo, by Dr. Megan Spencer, Clinical Psychologist, and Jessie Mertz, LCSW, Therapist…
Pregnancy and being a new parent can be the most exciting experience you will ever have. It can also be confusing and challenging, which can take a toll on your mental health. For some, the challenges arise long before the arrival of the baby. For others, they come after, when you start to experience the highs and lows of parenting. Whether you are a mom, dad, or partner, know you are not alone.…
Many people actually confuse psychiatrists with psychologists and vice versa. And most people have never even heard of a psychometrist! All are valuable players on a mental health team, and each contribute their expertise to inform psychological diagnoses, recommendations, and treatment.…
Although you might think self-love is automatic, it can be harder to cultivate than it seems. You might think, “Well, of course I love myself.” But what about when you mess up or make a big mistake? Do you define who you are and whether you love yourself by what you say and do?…
PTSD can be frightening to experience, but the first step to recovery is understanding where it comes from and how it can be fixed.…
Mindfulness is about being in the moment. The benefits of mindfulness have been shown to be so great that many modern therapies have incorporated it into their practices. The most well-known use of mindfulness in therapy is with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, better known as DBT.…
While most of us have a general idea of moods, feelings, and emotions—you likely don't know their real differences. Learn what they are here.…
We all encounter challenges in life, but being able to cope with those challenges in healthy ways can make all the difference. These 10 easy steps to building resilience can help you get through any difficult circumstances you may face.…
When anxiety sets in, our breath can reconnect us to a sense of calm. Breathing exercises are a powerful way to reduce stress and regain control of your nervous system. Learn 5 breathing exercises for beginners.…
