Educational Blogs from Our Mental Health Therapists

Learn about common challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationships,
trauma, and more, written by Maryland therapists!

Why You Should Take a Relationship Assessment Before Getting Married

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. 

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4 Reasons to Invest in Premarital Counseling

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. 

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Depression, Anxiety, Motivation, Online Counseling Melissa Wesner Depression, Anxiety, Motivation, Online Counseling Melissa Wesner

Things Our Maryland Therapists Want You to Know If You’ve Been Avoiding Starting Therapy

Have you been dreading the idea of starting therapy? Perhaps you’ve been dragging your feet, even though you know that it’s a good idea. Or perhaps you don’t really want to do therapy, but everyone around you is encouraging you to go.  If that’s the case, here are some things that our Maryland therapists want you to know!

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Resources, Online Counseling Melissa Wesner Resources, Online Counseling Melissa Wesner

Not My Therapist’s Keeper: A Guide for Therapists to Enjoy Therapy as the Client

If you think about it, your doctor probably has a doctor and that doctor probably also has a doctor. Your teacher had a teacher who was taught by another teacher. Your mailman has a mailman who has a mailman and your dentist has a dentist…who has a dentist!

So, why is it harder for therapists to see or talk about their own therapists?

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Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner

Meet Your Match at LifeSpring PART 2: Find a Therapist Who’s a Good Fit for You!

You’ve heard of speed dating, but have you ever considered how nice it would be if you could speed interview a bunch of therapists at the same time, so you could quickly decide who’s the best fit for you? You can always schedule consultation calls with various therapists to ask them some questions and see which person feels like the best fit.

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Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner

Meet Your Match at LifeSpring: A Chance to Find a Therapist Who’s a Good Fit for You!

You’ve heard of speed dating, but have you ever considered how nice it would be if you could speed interview a bunch of therapists at the same time, so you could quickly decide who’s the best fit for you? You can always schedule consultation calls with various therapists to ask them some questions and see which person feels like the best fit.

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Brainspotting, Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner Brainspotting, Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner

What Is Brainspotting? Answers to this Very Popular Question and More in this Video!

Our Greater Baltimore counseling practice loves Brainspotting, and there’s one big question that we hear all the time!  “What is Brainspotting?”  Most people have never heard of it, but they’ve seen it on our website!  If you’re curious to learn more, I encourage you to check out this informative podcast interview with LifeSpring Founder, Melissa Wesner, LCPC. Melissa is a Certified Brainspotter and Brainspotting Consultant who loves sharing about Brainspotting. 

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Online Counseling Melissa Wesner Online Counseling Melissa Wesner

Common Misperceptions about Online Counseling Services Thanks to Commercials From Big Tech Companies Who Have Entered the Mental Health Space

When mental health became the next hot new topic, big tech companies suddenly took an interest. They entered into the mental health space, opened up their own mental health platforms, and gave the public plenty of misleading advertisements. This is what happens when mental health services are advertised by people who have received no formal training in providing therapy. These commercials have misinformed the public, leaving actual therapists to set the record straight. So, here are 3 misperceptions about online counseling created and reinforced by the commercials you’ve been seeing and our attempt to correct them! 

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Brainspotting, Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner Brainspotting, Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner

Frequently Asked Questions About Brainspotting Intensives

In the therapy world, there are Intensives for EMDR, couples work, and other counseling modalities. Intensives involve completing hours of therapy in just a few days. Intensives are great for people who are not interested in (or able to) participate in weekly therapy. In these cases, people are looking to do extensive amounts of work in a short period of time.  Other people seek Intensives in response to a recent life event that they want to work through as quickly as possible. Learn more about Brainspotting Intensives and what you can expect.

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Resources, Online Counseling Melissa Wesner Resources, Online Counseling Melissa Wesner

How to Reduce the Stigma Around Mental Health and Normalize Seeking Therapy

Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, but for many people, seeking therapy is still stigmatized. Seeking therapy should be seen as a normal and proactive step towards taking control of one's mental health, just as going to a doctor for a physical ailment is seen as a necessary part of healthcare. In this blog, we will discuss ways to normalize seeking therapy and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

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Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner

Sunshine and Self-Care: Why Summer is the Perfect Time to Invest in Your Mental Health

As the sun shines bright and warm breezes fill the air, summer is often associated with carefree days, beach vacations, and outdoor adventures. It's a season that exudes joy and relaxation, which is one of the reasons why starting therapy might not be the first thing that comes to your mind for the summer. In this blog, we'll explore why summer is a great time to seek therapy and how it can enhance your overall well-being during this vibrant season.

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Brainspotting, Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner Brainspotting, Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner

How to Attend a Brainspotting Intensive When You Live Out of State

Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic approach that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its ability to help clients overcome trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Brainspotting Intensives are becoming increasingly popular for people who want to do a lot of deep work in a short period of time. There are a limited number of practices that offer this service, so it may be difficult to find. 

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How Brainspotting Can Unlock Your Creative Potential as a Business Owner

As a business owner, you're constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, managing your team, and trying to grow your business. It can be a challenging and stressful experience, and it's important to find ways to stay focused and centered amidst the chaos. That's where Brainspotting comes in. Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic approach that helps you access and process emotions and thoughts that may be blocking your success and growth.

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Common Experiences During and After Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a form of therapy that is gaining popularity among mental health professionals. It is an innovative approach that uses eye positions to help people process and heal from emotional and psychological traumas. If you are considering this type of therapy, you may be wondering what to expect after your Brainspotting sessions. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the possible outcomes during or after Brainspotting therapy.

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How Brainspotting Intensives Help with Improving Your Mental Health and Accelerating Healing

Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that can help individuals process and heal from emotional and psychological traumas. Brainspotting intensives, which are extended and focused therapy sessions, offer clients a unique opportunity to delve deeper into their healing process. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the reasons why you should consider attending a Brainspotting intensive.

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Brainspotting, Depression, Online Counseling Melissa Wesner Brainspotting, Depression, Online Counseling Melissa Wesner

Finding Relief Through The Power of Brainspotting: Treating Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy and motivation, making it difficult to enjoy life and perform daily activities. While there are many different treatments available for depression, including medication and talk therapy, one newer approach is Brainspotting.

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Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner

How To Break Barriers And Start Therapy With Confidence

Starting therapy can be a big step, and it's completely normal to feel nervous about it.  It’s important to know that therapy can be incredibly beneficial, providing you with the tools and support you need to manage your mental well-being and live a fulfilling life. Here are some tips to help you get started, even if you're feeling nervous.

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Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner Online Counseling, Resources Melissa Wesner

When Does Therapy End? How to Recognize When It's Time to “Graduate” Therapy

Therapy is a powerful tool for helping people get support for their mental health, emotional struggles, and personal challenges. It provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences and work towards personal growth and healing. But with all good things, therapy must come to an end at some point. So, when does therapy end?

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