Educational Blogs from Our Mental Health Therapists

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

DIY Creative Stress-Relief Crafts for Children: Calm Jar for Reducing Stress

Have you ever noticed that when your child is upset, stressed, or frustrated, it can seem impossible for them to control their behaviors and reactions? You may also notice that their breathing is fast and short and that their heart rate has sped up too. The calm jar is one tool that we can use to help kids practice mindfulness, the ability to calm down and focus on what is going through their mind, body, and environment. This is an excellent (and fun!) craft for you and your child to make together. 

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Anxiety, Resources Melissa Wesner Anxiety, Resources Melissa Wesner

Mental Health Therapists Recommend Their Top 16 Strategies for Managing Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the top reasons people seek counseling at our office.  For this reason, our mental health therapists have a lot of experience to offer people who are struggling with their anxiety.  If your anxiety has been showing up frequently, intensely, and it has been impacting your functioning, we hope you’ll find these strategies helpful.  As always, it’s important to remember that coping strategies only work if you use them!

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Internships, Resources, Careers Melissa Wesner Internships, Resources, Careers Melissa Wesner

What I Love About Being a Therapist at LifeSpring Counseling Services

At LifeSpring, we love the work that we do! The trust placed in us is a privilege and an honor that we do not take lightly. If you’ve ever wondered how therapists do what they do all day, let us be the first to tell you.  We asked our therapists what they love about being a therapist, so we could share it with you!

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Internships, Resources, Careers Melissa Wesner Internships, Resources, Careers Melissa Wesner

Here's What There Is to Love About Working at LifeSpring Counseling Services!

At LifeSpring, we work really hard to create a supportive work environment for our staff members.  In order to provide quality care for our clients, we have to care for our team. It’s one thing to read that on a website, it’s another thing to hear it directly from members of the team. We asked our clinical and administrative team what they love about working here at LifeSpring Counseling Services in Maryland, and here’s what they had to say.

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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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Resources, Communication Skills Melissa Wesner Resources, Communication Skills Melissa Wesner

Ways to Offer Support to Family Members Who Refuse to Seek Therapy

Encouraging family members to seek therapy can be challenging, especially if they are resistant to the idea. However, therapy can be a valuable tool for helping individuals address mental health conditions, emotional struggles, and personal challenges. If your family members won't seek therapy, here are some steps you can take.

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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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