Collaborative Minds Blog
Education to empower your mental health journey.
Redefining Self-Care
Self-care is the new “buzzword” term that we read about all over social media. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), self-care is defined as “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health” (NIMH, 2024). But, what really is self-care? Keep reading to learn more.
What is Psychodynamic Therapy?: Exploring the Mind to Unlock Your Potential
When the average person hears the term “Psychodynamic Therapy,” they usually have some questions (and often some misconceptions) about what to expect. Keep reading to learn more about what psychodynamic therapy entails and whether or not it might be right for you.
My Teen Thinks They Have Autism–But Are They Right?
Social media plays a huge role in influencing trends, especially amongst adolescents. But there’s one trend in particular that has caught the attention of healthcare providers and researchers all over the country; it’s become increasingly popular for teens to “self-diagnose” mental health conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Keep reading to learn more about the signs and symptoms of ASD in teens, how to go about getting a formal diagnosis, and ways to support your teen’s needs.
“Why Won’t My Daughter Talk to Me?”: Communication Tips for Moms of Young Girls
Navigating the complex terrain of communication with your teen can be daunting and demoralizing at times. Keep reading for communication tips from an adolescent therapist.
Motherhood in a Nutshell: Invisible Labor
Motherhood is exhausting, thrilling, rewarding, challenging, frustrating and, at times, undervalued or unrecognized. Keep reading to learn strategies to help manage your responsibilities and improve your quality of life.
Relax & Recharge: The Mental Health Benefits of Spring Break & How to Maximize Them
With the days getting longer and warm weather approaching, Spring Break offers a much-needed respite from the routine hustle and bustle of daily life. But it's not just a chance to soak up some sun; it's a vital opportunity to prioritize your mental well-being. Keep reading for tips on how to make the most of your Spring Break for your mental health.
The Case for Adult Pacifiers: The Paradox of Psychotherapy
The reality is we all rely on pacifiers. Whether it’s an overt silicone mold that can be seen from someone’s mouth or internalized/externalized behaviors one exhibits, is a different story. Keep reading for therapist Max Kirshblum’s explanation of this concept and what it means for you.
Raising Teens with a Healthy Body Image
Parents are pretty aware of the fact that most teens struggle with insecurities; in fact, a recent study found that two-thirds of parents reported that their child is self-conscious about some aspect of their appearance. Keep reading to learn about how you can help your teen develop a positive relationship with food and their body.
Unlocking the Power of Communication
With the kids at play dates, dinner in the oven, and the weather a manageable 45 degrees, Jen is determined to utilize the next 20 minutes by taking a walk with her husband. Emotional connection: check. Physical health: check. Mental health: check. What could go wrong? Keep reading to see how important communication can be and how to effectively express your needs.
I Am Not Okay; How Are You?
One of the most common greetings nowadays is “How are you?” In turn, we are expected to respond with “Good, how are you?” But what if we are not “good”?
Deepening Your Relationship with Your Teens: Benefits and Tips to Foster Trust
For a lot of parents, trying to get your teen to open up and talk to you about their lives can feel like pulling teeth–but it doesn’t have to be this way. Making an effort to foster your connection with your teen now can help to lay the foundation for a strong relationship even well into their adulthood. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a strong parent-teen relationship and for tips on how to cultivate trust.
Interpersonal Process Groups: What They Are and Who They’re For
The term “Interpersonal Process Group” might sound a bit intimidating, but this type of group therapy is actually the perfect space for individuals who are looking to explore their feelings and connect with others in a safe, supportive environment. Keep reading to learn more about what interpersonal process groups are and whether or not you might benefit from joining one.
What is ACT? How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Can Improve Your Life
Coming to terms with the problems we have or the pain we may carry can ACTually be very empowering. Keep reading to learn more about how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help you to recognize your own resilience and live a rewarding life despite the hardships you may face.
Ditch the Resolutions and Get SMART About Your Goals for the New Year
It’s natural to set intentions at the start of a New Year, and those intentions usually come in the form of grand “resolutions” that, more often than not, we don’t end up keeping. But don’t get discouraged–keep reading to learn about how SMART Goals can help to set you up for success this year.
7 Things Your Teen Wants You to Know (From a Licensed Therapist Specialized in Treating Teens)
As parents, we’ve all been teens at one point…but raising teenagers can still feel like a total mystery at times. This time of their lives is crucial for exploring who they are and creating an identity of their own, but it’s equally as important to have your unconditional love and support (even if they pretend not to care). Practice owner and licensed clinical social worker Sara Schreiber shares 7 things teenagers want their parents to know but struggle to communicate themselves.
Skills Groups vs. Process Groups: Which Type of Group Therapy is Right For You?
The term “Group Therapy” seems pretty self-explanatory…it’s just therapy, but in a group setting, right? Well, yes and no. There are many different types of therapy groups that differ based on the intended goals of the groups, the condition(s) they aim to treat, the clinical methods used by the facilitating therapists, and more. Keep reading to learn more about two of the most common types of group therapy, Skills Groups and Process Groups.
Big Emotions? Difficulty Coping? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Might Be Right For You
Over the past few years, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has become extremely popular among providers and patients alike–and for good reason. Keep reading to learn more about what DBT is, how it works, and who it is helpful for.
Common Holiday Stressors and How to Handle Them
While the time between Thanksgiving and New Years is known as the “most wonderful time of the year,” it can also be the most stressful; in fact, one study found that a staggering 88% of Americans feel more stressed while celebrating the holidays. Keep reading to find out what some of the most common holiday stressors are and tips for handling them this holiday season.
Healing Trauma with EMDR Therapy
For individuals who have experienced trauma, it can feel like you’ll never be the same–and this isn’t totally inaccurate. Research has shown that exposure to traumatic events can actually cause physical changes in our brains that make it harder for us to tolerate and cope with stress. The good news is that there are treatments you can use to help heal from these traumatic experiences and their consequences, one of the most effective being Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Keep reading to learn more about this incredible intervention and whether it sounds like the right treatment for you.
What is CBT? A Simple Explanation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
You may have heard the term “CBT” before, but what exactly is it? Keep reading to learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including what it is, how it’s used, and who can benefit from it.