I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for reality TV, especially when it involves tangled up relationships and drama. 90 Day Fiance is my absolute favorite reality series, not only because of the twisted story lines but because of the lessons we learn from their relationships, both positive and negative. Although not every relationship is the same, there are common truths and situations that relate to everyone’s relationship. February is the season of love, so what better way to learn relationship advice from some of 90 Day’s most famous couples. 

The last past two weeks (or even months) for federal workers have been exhausting, fearful, confusing, and uncertain. With many executive orders filing in, there is a cloud of mystery and unknown with what is going to happen to all aspects of life in the coming days, weeks, and even years.

Moving to a new city? Have a recent break up? Have a new job? All of these life changes can have an impact on friendships as an adult. A common goal is making and keeping meaningful relationships. As children, teens, and even young adults, there can be a pool of possible friendships readily available! As an adult, however, it can feel harder to connect and find people with the same values, ideals, and even humor. Here are some ideas on how to connect with others in the Baltimore community. 

Distraction is a skill that can be used, NOT to solve our issues but, to give us time to calm ourselves. By allowing our intense emotions to lessen over time, we can have more control and power in our lives. DBT uses an A.C.C.E.P.T.S model. While my last post focused on the outdoors, this one highlights indoor activities in Baltimore where you can apply this model. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a skills based model that teaches tools to help people with many struggles. These range from depression, anxiety, and anger. One central concept is self-soothing. While these techniques aren’t the solution to difficult feelings, they can help serve as tools in your tool box. I often tell my clients we want as many tools as we can! I describe self soothing and free ways to engage locally in the Baltimore area. 

With the inauguration last week, it’s important to check in with how we are feeling. It is often easier to ignore those feelings because facing them invites vulnerability, but when we take a moment to face the music, we realize the power we have in our voice. 

While some therapists see participating in therapy as a normal and necessary thing to do when working in this field, others may experience shame over needing to seek help themselves. That shame might come from a place of asking, “How am I going to help my clients if I can’t help myself? I should have it together!” However, one thing I have come to learn is EVERYONE needs to check in with their mental health, therapists included.

Over the years, countless clients have shared how social media affects their lives and their thoughts about taking a break from it. Many people face similar stressors tied to technology and social media use, and recently, there’s been a growing conversation around unplugging—but for different reasons than before. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common reasons people consider digital detoxes and offer tailored strategies to help you address the specific challenges you may be facing.

This last election created a divide. For the first time, it wasn’t about Red vs. Blue, it was about humanity and the loss of human rights. With the inauguration just days away, it has been difficult to come to the realization that certain human rights may not be rights for much longer. So how does one navigate relationships with people who share vastly different morals and beliefs?

As the holiday season approaches, the idea of shopping locally and supporting small businesses takes center stage. From finding unique gifts to dining at neighborhood restaurants, buying local helps keep your community thriving. But have you ever considered the importance of "shopping local" when it comes to your healthcare choices?

If you clicked on this article, there’s a chance that means you’re in a relationship, and that you’re starting to think about the long term view of where you’d like things to go. Perhaps you’re discussing engagement with your partner. As a licensed mental health therapist who’s seen firsthand what can happen when couples jump the gun, I believe marriage is certainly not something to be taken lightly, or on a whim. Hopefully, these questions will give you and your partner a good start at taking a look at some of the bigger picture questions before approaching the conversation of engagement. 

Perhaps you’re discussing engagement with your partner. If so, congratulations! Moving forward in relationships is an exciting endeavor - and one I’m a personal fan of. However, as a licensed mental health therapist who’s seen firsthand what can happen when couples jump the gun, I believe marriage is certainly not something to be taken lightly, or on a whim. Hopefully, these questions will give you and your partner a good start at taking a look at some of the bigger picture questions before approaching the conversation of engagement. 

As teachers you make a promise to show up everyday for your students, regardless of the storm brewing underneath the surface. Every year more gets added to your plate without relieving some of the pressure or responsibilities to make room for the new policies and procedures. But what happens when the weight becomes too much? What happens when the plate falls and shatters into a million pieces? 

What are the 5 Main Ways to Manage Stress?

What are 5 Coping Strategies for Stress?

How Will You Manage Stress?

How to Destress Quickly?

We're all living in a world that seems to be constantly spinning out of control. 

With all the political drama, economic worries, and social issues, it's no wonder we're feeling a bit stressed. 

But don't worry, you're not alone in this.

In this blog post, we're going to talk about some ways to manage stress, even when it feels like the world is falling apart around you. 

Let's dive in.

What Does It Mean to Feel Helpless?

What Should I Do If I Feel Helpless?

What Does "I'm Feeling Helpless" Mean?

How to Heal from Helplessness?

Ever felt like you're just a tiny speck in a giant, chaotic world? 

Sometimes, it can seem like there's nothing we can do to change the things happening around us. This feeling of helplessness can be really tough and can leave us feeling down.

In this blog post, we're going to talk about what it means to feel helpless, why it happens, and what you can do about it. 

We'll also explore how therapy can be a helpful tool in navigating these tough emotions.

What are the 5 skills in communication skills?

What are 7 good communication Skills?

How do you describe good communication skills?

How can I improve my communication skills?

Effective communication is the cornerstone of human interaction, helping us build stronger relationships, resolve conflicts, and achieve our goals.

In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of communication skills and how therapy can be a powerful tool for developing and improving them. 

We'll delve into specific communication skills that are essential for success and provide practical tips for enhancing your communication abilities.

Why not just wing it?

Why not just talk about marriage with your fiance one day over a cup of coffee and call it a day?

We already know everything we need to know about each other.

We’ve been living together for a while, so we’re basically married and there’s nothing new to learn.

Anything sound familiar? While there can certainly be some truth behind those statements, I would assume that - if you’re engaged to be married - there’s a high likelihood that it’s because you value your relationship with your partner and you want it to last a lifetime. If this is true for you, I MUST recommend an assessment (specifically the Prepare/Enrich assessment) as a part of your journey to marriage. 

If you’re reading this, I hope it’s fair to assume you and your other half are engaged (or about to be)! If you haven’t found out by now, the world of engagement can be… a lot. Maybe you’re getting 20 questions from family members, hearing unsolicited opinions, and probably already feeling behind on the planning process. I’ve seen firsthand the impact wedding planning can have on a relationship. It’s very easy for couples to lose sight of the marriage that awaits them on the other side of the wedding. That’s where premarital counseling comes in. 

The unwavering dedication of first responders – police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) – is the backbone of our communities. You bravely face danger head-on, providing critical aid in times of crisis.

However, constant exposure to traumatic events can take a significant toll on your mental well-being. This blog delves into strategies for managing stress and trauma as a first responder.

Here at LifeSpring Counseling, we believe therapy can play a powerful role in helping first responders find balance and peace in their lives.

Many young adults fall into the trap of hanging out at the bars with their friends when they’d actually really like to be engaging in healthy activities like yoga, hiking, kayaking, and book clubs. Other adults tell us that their children are too busy for them or that they’re struggle to rediscover who they are now that their children are out of the home. If you’re in Baltimore City, know that we’ve created a small list of activities and organizations we love where you can engage in healthy activities and build a group of new friends too!