Educational Blogs from Our Mental Health Therapists

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

Internships, College Students, Resources Melissa Wesner Internships, College Students, Resources Melissa Wesner

Top Reasons to Do Your Internship at LifeSpring Counseling Services

Choosing an internship site is an important decision. The experience you get and the site you choose have the potential to significantly impact your future directions, career opportunities, and skills. You want to choose a site that will give you opportunities that are in alignment with your interests and areas of desired growth. Here’s hoping that this will provide you with the guidance you need to make thoughtful decisions about internship opportunities that have the potential to greatly impact your future.

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Anxiety, Resources Melissa Wesner Anxiety, Resources Melissa Wesner

5 Calming Strategies to Cope with Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can be frightening and overwhelming. When they occur, many people believe they’re having a heart attack.  Some believe they’re going to die, and some have a general sense of doom.  And, because of this, many people end up in the emergency room, only to find out that they had a panic attack. In addition to seeking out counseling services, here are some steps you can take to manage a panic attack when they occur.

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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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Anxiety, Burnout, Resources, Business Owners Melissa Wesner Anxiety, Burnout, Resources, Business Owners Melissa Wesner

Signs of Burnout and How to Break the Cycle and Take Action for Your Wellbeing

Burnout is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide and can have serious consequences for our health and well-being if left untreated. Burnout takes a toll on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being due to extended periods of stress and overwork.  However, recognizing the signs of burnout early on can help us take action before it's too late. Here are some common symptoms of burnout and what you can do to address them.

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Burnout, Anxiety, Resources Melissa Wesner Burnout, Anxiety, Resources Melissa Wesner

5 Ways The School Systems Can Prioritize Teachers' Mental Health

Teaching can be an incredibly rewarding profession, but it can also be challenging and stressful. Teachers are responsible for the education and well-being of their students, which can be a heavy burden to carry. As a result, teachers often experience high levels of stress and burnout, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. In this blog post, we will explore some ways that school systems can support teachers' mental health.

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Anxiety, Burnout, Trauma and PTSD, Resources Melissa Wesner Anxiety, Burnout, Trauma and PTSD, Resources Melissa Wesner

Innovative Ways Hospital Systems Can Support Nurses' Mental Health

Nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing essential care to patients and supporting doctors and other healthcare professionals. However, the job of being a nurse can be extremely demanding, both physically and mentally, which can lead to burnout, stress, and other mental health issues. In this blog, we will discuss some ways in which hospital systems can support the mental health of their nurses.

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Anxiety, Depression, Resources Melissa Wesner Anxiety, Depression, Resources Melissa Wesner

How Doctors’ Offices Can Prioritize Patients’ Mental Health and Wellness

In today's world, mental health has become a growing concern and more people are seeking help to manage their mental health issues. Doctors' offices can play a significant role in addressing the mental health needs of their patients by providing support and resources. Here are some ways that doctors' offices can support their patients' mental health.

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

Why Going Out-of-Network for Therapy May Be the Better Option

Using insurance to pay for therapy can be valuable for those seeking affordable mental health counseling services. However, there are also several reasons why individuals may choose not to use insurance to pay for therapy services. Understanding these reasons can help individuals make informed decisions about their mental health care and support their overall well-being.

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

The Pros and Cons of Using Your Insurance for Mental Health Services

Mental health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, and many individuals seek therapy services to improve their emotional and psychological wellness. However, therapy can be expensive, making it difficult for some people to access the care they need. In these situations, using insurance to pay for mental health therapy can be a valuable resource.

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

How Motivational Interviewing Can Help You Make Change

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling technique that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about making changes in their lives. It helps individuals identify their own reasons for change, rather than imposing change on them. The reality is that we all have behaviors that we want to change. And we all have behaviors that we have talked about changing for a long time without actually following through.

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Burnout, Anxiety, Resources, Business Owners Melissa Wesner Burnout, Anxiety, Resources, Business Owners Melissa Wesner

How Companies Can Partner with Local Therapy Practices to Improve Their Employees’ Mental Health

Partnering with local counseling practices can be a valuable way to improve the mental health of your employees. These collaborations help your employees on an individual basis while helping the productivity and health of the company as a whole. Here are a few ways that companies can collaborate with counseling practices to support your employees’ mental health.

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Anxiety, Depression, Parenting, Resources Melissa Wesner Anxiety, Depression, Parenting, Resources Melissa Wesner

Post-Weaning Depression and Its Effects on a New Mom's Mental Health

Shortly after I started weaning my toddler, sadness engulfed me. I felt like melted ice cream, honestly. This led me down a rabbit hole of reading. I am sure that you are joining me in my surprise that as a therapist, a former educator, and a mother who reads every parenting article I can get my hands on, I had never heard of post-weaning depression. Well, I think that the answer is two-fold. From what I can gather, there is limited research on post-weaning depression. This blog is centered on raising awareness on post-weaning depression, along with an encouragement for greater societal attention and research.

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Parenting, Children & Teens, Resources, Anxiety Melissa Wesner Parenting, Children & Teens, Resources, Anxiety Melissa Wesner

Supporting Your Child with ADHD Through Promoting Self-Esteem and Capability

Supporting your child in effectively managing their symptoms of ADHD, while celebrating them and accepting them for all that they are, will aid long term success and elevated self-esteem. This will promote self-confidence, self-acceptance, and assurance that can handle all that life throws their way. 

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Brainspotting, Resources Melissa Wesner Brainspotting, Resources Melissa Wesner

Helpful Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Brainspotting Services

Brainspotting is a cutting edge brain and body based treatment modality that doesn’t require you to do a lot of talking. Despite the fact that Brainspotting was discovered almost 20 years ago, many people have still not heard about it. In this blog, we’ll be going over common questions that people have when they first learn about Brainspotting. Have questions? Let us answer them!

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Resources, Biases, Oppression, Depression, Recovery Melissa Wesner Resources, Biases, Oppression, Depression, Recovery Melissa Wesner

Important Mental Health Awareness Dates to Add to Your Calendar

Every year, several organizations and programs dedicate time to bring awareness to certain topics, including mental health, substance use, stress management, and more. Over the course of the year, each organization and/or program brings awareness, reduces stigma, offers a variety of shareable resources, and hosts helpful events locally and nationally. If you’re looking to learn more about a particular topic, share helpful resources, and partake in local opportunities, be sure to mark your calendars with these important dates!

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Resources, International Clients, Biases, Oppression Melissa Wesner Resources, International Clients, Biases, Oppression Melissa Wesner

Helpful Strategies to Assist with Tackling Culture-Related Struggles

Multicultural counseling does not provide quick solutions. I understand that in front of me is a unique person with a rich history of cultural interactions. This is their journey toward the fruition of their own identity. This is not just about culture. This is about who they are as a person and whether they are ready, and how to get ready to bring wholeness and self-leadership into their identity. In multicultural counseling, we explore what is a relationship that one wants to develop with their own culture and other cultures? And more importantly, how to get there? I feel honored to be on this journey with many clients. I found the following strategies really helpful to support this personal growth. 

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Anxiety, Resources, International Clients, Biases Melissa Wesner Anxiety, Resources, International Clients, Biases Melissa Wesner

Understanding Emotional Struggles from a Cultural Lens

I have never felt so Chinese before I came to the U.S. As a matter of fact, I rarely mentioned the word “Chinese” in my daily life while I was in China–I never had to, given that everyone around me was Chinese. Cultural diversity in the U.S. has given me a chance to reflect on my relationship with my own culture, and more importantly, what is the relationship that I want to develop with my own culture. As a therapist, my experiences with clients tell me that culture plays a significant role in people’s mental wellbeing, especially in U.S. society. In this article, I will share some examples of when culture is at the center of people’s mental struggles.

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