A therapist shares insights on changing unhealthy habits after working with hundreds of clients. Why willpower fails and what actually works for lasting change.
Our Latest Blogs
12
Jan
Jan
Discover what inner child healing is and learn 5 practical ways to reconnect with your younger self. Transform childhood wounds into emotional resilience.
08
Jan
Jan
Learn how humor can help neurodivergent children with ADHD and autism regulate emotions. Practical, respectful strategies for parents and caregivers.
05
Jan
Jan
Learn how to use mental health chatbots safely without replacing your therapist. Discover benefits, risks, and practical guidelines for digital mental health tools.
26
Dec
Dec
After years of failed attempts to stop nail biting, I finally found what works. An honest look at BFRBs, compulsive behaviors, and practical solutions.
22
Dec
Dec
Practical strategies for protecting your peace at family gatherings when toxic family members push boundaries. Learn how to set limits and stay safe.
19
Dec
Dec
Learn the 6 warning signs your child may need a child psychiatrist.
17
Dec
Dec
Discover science-backed strategies to protect your mental health during the holidays. Learn how breaks, mindfulness, and connection reduce holiday stress.
11
Dec
Dec
Discover how a mental health retreat can support your healing journey. Learn why changing your environment helps create lasting recovery and inner peace.
08
Dec
Dec
Discover how laughter therapy supports emotional recovery through stress relief, mood elevation, and resilience building. Learn practical ways to use humor for healing.
28
Nov
Nov
Only 26% of Americans relax at home daily. Discover why clutter, guilt, and noise are blocking rest—and simple ways to make your home support mental health.
20
Nov
Nov
Does marriage counseling work? For 70% of couples, yes. Learn when to seek help, what to expect, and why success doesn’t always mean staying together.
17
Nov
Nov
Language barriers can prevent teens from getting mental health help. Learn how professional interpreters and translation services make healing possible.
13
Nov
Nov
Learn how childhood trauma and social media pressure are driving the teen mental health crisis—and what parents can do to help their teens thrive.
06
Nov
Nov
Learn how to find the right marriage and family therapist. Expert guide covers credentials, therapy approaches, costs, and what to look for in consultations.
31
Oct
Oct
RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile Uri Berger, PhD, MA Psychologist Founder and clinical director, The Lighthouse Psychological Services PLLC New York City, NY Dr. Uri Berger is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and parents navigate life’s most complex emotional challenges. Grounded in empathy and clinical expertise, Dr. Berger […]
30
Oct
Oct
Feeling off for more than a few days? Learn when “not feeling like yourself” means it’s time to check in on your mental health—and how to take the first step.
20
Oct
Oct
Learn essential first steps for supporting a loved one struggling with mental health. Practical guidance for concerned family members on how to help.
16
Oct
Oct
EMDR or TMS for trauma, PTSD, and depression? Learn how each therapy works, what to expect, and which treatment fits your goals and lifestyle.
09
Oct
Oct
Complete guide to Medicaid mental health coverage: services included, who qualifies, and what work requirement changes mean for your benefits.
02
Oct
Oct
Discover how one man transformed his struggle with sexual compulsions into personal growth through self-awareness, practical strategies, and professional support.
25
Sep
Sep
Learn to recognize when “I’m fine” masks hidden struggles. Discover subtle signs someone needs support and how to respond with compassion and care.
22
Sep
Sep
Discover practical mindfulness techniques that take just 10 minutes daily. Learn evidence-based practices to reduce stress and improve focus without myths.
18
Sep
Sep
Discover the science behind positive affirmations and how they boost emotional resilience. Learn neuroscience-backed techniques to build mental strength daily.
15
Sep
Sep
Discover why executive dysfunction, not laziness, causes struggles with task completion and productivity. Learn the clinical signs and evidence-based strategies that help.
11
Sep
Sep
RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile Jeffrey Guance, LCSW Psychotherapist New Canaan, CT Jeffrey Guance is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Founder and Primary Clinician at Sacred Orientation PLLC based in New Canaan, CT. Jeffrey has extensive experience supporting individuals and families affected by substance use. He specializes in helping clients navigate the complex […]
11
Sep
Sep
Discover 10 simple hobbies that can help ease depression symptoms. From journaling to clay work, learn gentle activities that add structure, spark joy, and support mental health recovery.
08
Sep
Sep
From ‘I am broken’ to ‘I am healing’—a therapist’s personal journey using mindfulness and self-compassion to transform mental health recovery.
04
Sep
Sep
Learn to set boundaries with toxic family members without guilt. Discover the psychology behind boundary struggles and proven strategies to protect your mental health.
02
Sep
Sep
RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile Matthew K. Phillips, LCSW Psychotherapist Stamford, CT Matthew K. Phillips is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Stamford, CT, who specializes in working with adolescents and adults within the LGBTQ+ community. He supports clients as they navigate challenges related to sexuality, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationships. Grounded in […]
28
Aug
Aug
In recent years, hypnotherapy has re-emerged as a valuable tool in mental health care. Once misunderstood or dismissed, it’s now being embraced by a growing number of clinicians and clients for its ability to help with anxiety, trauma, and stress-related conditions—especially among teens and young adults. Debunking the Myths: What Clinical Hypnotherapy Really Is Hypnotherapy […]
14
Aug
Aug
Water plays an essential role in maintaining overall health, especially brain function, as approximately 75% of the brain is composed of water. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which affects both the body and mental functions. Prolonged dehydration can cause confusion, fatigue, and mood changes. Along with omega-3 fatty acids, known for their […]
11
Aug
Aug
One day in ninth grade, I looked in the mirror in the girls’ restroom and noticed how round my face looked. No one said anything offensive or made fun of me to make me think that. Earlier in the month, an injury took away my ability to play soccer—my main outlet for control and discipline—so […]
04
Aug
Aug
Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion where your mind automatically jumps to the worst-case scenario. Though the original concern may seem rational, this pattern of thinking exaggerates the potential outcome far beyond what is realistic. This blog post will help you identify six signs that you may be catastrophizing and how to stop the spiral. The […]
28
Jul
Jul
Recovery from mental health challenges often requires more than therapy or medication—it also involves finding simple, consistent tools that support emotional healing. Gratitude is one of those tools. Frequently misunderstood as just being polite, gratitude is a powerful mindset that helps us notice and appreciate the small, positive moments in life. This shift in focus […]
21
Jul
Jul
Most people are familiar with the fight, flight, or freeze response as an instinctive reaction to a threat. But there’s another one that often goes unnoticed—fawn. Fawning is the trauma response that doesn’t look like fear—at least not on the surface. It looks like being nice. Like over-apologizing. Like saying yes when we mean no. […]
18
Jul
Jul
RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile Savashia Harris, LMFT Marriage and Family Therapist Stamford, CT Savashia Harris is a trauma-informed Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Stamford, with availability for in-person and virtual sessions in Connecticut. Savashia has worked with individuals across the lifespan, from young children as young as five to older adults. Before […]
14
Jul
Jul
When a service member returns home, the transition to civilian life can be filled with both relief and unexpected challenges. For many veterans, the burdens of military service don’t end when deployment does. Some carry visible wounds, while others struggle to heal from invisible ones, including addiction. Families often find themselves standing at the front […]
10
Jul
Jul
When we think of trauma recovery, yoga might not be the first solution that comes to mind. Yet, for many individuals navigating the long road of healing, trauma-aware yoga can be a powerful—and surprisingly gentle—support. I’ve seen this firsthand, both in my own healing and through working with clients. With the right approach, yoga becomes […]
07
Jul
Jul
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and that’s especially true when your kids hit young adulthood. The rules change, the challenges deepen, and the previously clear parent-child dynamic is suddenly more complicated than ever. If you’ve been losing sleep searching for answers on how to connect with and guide your twenty-something child, you are not […]
03
Jul
Jul
When we talk about eating disorders, most people picture young women battling anorexia or bulimia. But the reality is much broader and far less recognized. About one in three individuals with an eating disorder is male. In the U.S. alone, millions of boys and men will struggle with food, body image, and disordered eating at […]
30
Jun
Jun
More middle-aged women are dying from opioid overdoses, with a 260% increase in fatalities, according to research by Pathways Recovery Center. This research highlights the rising impact of opioid overdoses on middle-aged women, revealing a concerning link between the lack of targeted addiction treatment and increasing mortality rates in this group. For many women, the […]
26
Jun
Jun
Have you ever found yourself reacting strongly to something and not understanding why? Maybe it was a smell, a sound, or a certain situation—and suddenly, you felt anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. It’s possible that what you experienced was tied to a repressed memory. But what exactly are repressed memories, and how do they affect your […]
19
Jun
Jun
Mental health in rural America is shaped by a complex web of challenges—geographic isolation, economic constraints, limited services, and lingering cultural stigma. For many residents in these regions, accessing mental health care feels out of reach, both physically and emotionally. As national conversations around mental well-being continue to grow, rural communities remain in need of […]
13
Jun
Jun
RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile Emma Kate Freatman, LPC Psychotherapist Wilton, CT Emma Kate Freatman is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wilton, CT. Emma Kate most recently worked at Silver Hill Hospital (SHH), where she managed, developed, and facilitated Intensive Outpatient groups for adults and adolescents struggling with addiction, mood disorders, trauma, and emotional […]
12
Jun
Jun
Mental health is a deeply complex and personal experience shaped by everything from genetics to our daily environment. While therapy, medication, and social support are all powerful tools in building emotional resilience, there’s another factor that often gets overlooked: what we eat. Nourishing the body and brain with the right foods can be a critical […]
09
Jun
Jun
Have you ever struggled to recall a painful memory, only for it to resurface unexpectedly—raw, vivid, and emotionally intense? You’re not alone. This phenomenon, often referred to as repressed memories, is common among trauma survivors. But why does the brain choose to hide certain experiences? Is it a survival tactic, a neurological glitch, or something […]
06
Jun
Jun
Peer pressure can feel like an invisible hand steering decisions—especially for teens and young adults. Whether it’s the urge to fit in, avoid rejection, or gain approval, this social pressure often pushes people toward choices they wouldn’t make on their own—including experimenting with drugs or alcohol. Understanding how peer influence works and why it’s so […]
04
Jun
Jun
Sobriety is often described as an emotional minefield. When the numbing effects of alcohol or drugs wear off, what’s left can be overwhelming. For many, sobriety feels like standing in front of a mirror after years of avoiding eye contact. Seeing yourself as you are can feel vulnerable, raw, and, more often than not, extremely […]
02
Jun
Jun
An increasing number of adults are receiving diagnoses related to neurodivergence, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and sensory processing differences—traits that may have been misinterpreted or overlooked during childhood. Neurodivergence refers to natural variations in how people think, feel, and perceive the world, often differing from what is considered ‘typical’ in areas […]
29
May
May
Behavioral issues in teens and adolescents are often rooted in underlying mental health challenges. Recognizing this connection enables schools to provide better support for students. When educators and caregivers understand that such behavior is not merely a disciplinary issue but a sign of deeper struggles, they can respond with empathy and appropriate interventions. This approach […]
27
May
May
RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile Johanna Rayman, LCSW Psychotherapist Westport, CT Johanna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 40 years of clinical experience. She brings deep expertise in working with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship challenges, LGBTQ+ concerns, grief and loss, and substance abuse. Johanna is deeply […]
26
May
May
Mental health recovery is not a fixed destination — it is a journey with moments of progress, pausing, and resilience. Whether recovering from depression, anxiety, or trauma-related challenges, the process impacts not only individuals but their loved ones as well. This guide provides practical strategies, based on international clinical research and experience, to help patients […]
22
May
May
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Its effects on the brain are both immediate and long-lasting, often resulting in severe physical, emotional, and cognitive damage. Understanding how meth alters brain function is crucial for recognizing the dangers of use and the challenges faced […]
19
May
May
Anger is a normal, healthy emotion—when expressed constructively. It helps us recognize injustice, protect boundaries, and advocate for our needs. But when anger becomes intense, chronic, or hurtful, it can erode trust, damage relationships, and take a serious toll on mental and physical health. Unmanaged anger isn’t just about outbursts—it’s often a sign of deeper […]
15
May
May
First responders, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and military personnel, often face high-stress situations that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The nature of their work exposes them to repeated trauma, making effective mental health treatment essential. However, many first responders struggle to find care that fits their demanding schedules. This is where Intensive […]
12
May
May
Millennials are rewriting the narrative around mental health. Born between 1981 and 1996, this generation approaches psychological well-being with unprecedented openness and self-awareness. They view therapeutic conversations as opportunities for deep self-understanding, personal development, and increased emotional intelligence. Research and clinical observations reveal several recurring themes that emerge during millennials’ therapy sessions and explain why […]
08
May
May
Have you ever caught yourself responding to a situation with your mother’s exact words—the same words you swore would never leave your lips? Or perhaps you’ve wrestled with a constant knot of anxiety that has no apparent connection to your life experiences. These moments aren’t mere coincidences or personality quirks. They may grow out of […]
05
May
May
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addiction are closely linked, creating significant challenges for individuals struggling with both conditions. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can contribute to an increased risk of substance use disorders (SUDs). Understanding the connection between ADHD and addiction is essential for developing effective treatment strategies that […]
28
Apr
Apr
Have you ever felt alone, even when surrounded by people? Do you struggle to connect with others, feeling that you don’t match their energy or vibe? If you constantly feel emotionally drained, unheard, or uninterested in conversations, you’re not alone. Many people experience these emotions, often leading to deeper feelings of isolation and loneliness. If […]
25
Apr
Apr
Growing from an overlooked subject to a major topic of healthcare debates, mental health has achieved significant visibility in recent years. Trauma, stress, and emotional struggles affect almost every aspect of modern life, impacting our relationships, productivity, and general well-being. More people are actively seeking help as awareness of mental health issues rises. Mental health […]
23
Apr
Apr
Children don’t always have the words to say, “I’m struggling.” Sometimes, their silence says it for them. Behavioral changes such as slamming doors, sleepless nights, or the sudden loss of interest in things they used to love may be more than moodiness or growing pains. They can be warning signs, and ignoring them can have […]
21
Apr
Apr
When struggling with your mental health, pushing yourself to help others might not be at the top of your to-do list. But supporting other people around us can be a form of self-care, improving our happiness, confidence, and self-worth. Here’s how helping others can improve your mental health and some simple ways you can start […]
18
Apr
Apr
I suppose the first thing to say is that ‘overcoming’ addiction is a bit of a reach. For me, it is ‘one day at a time,’ an ongoing daily process. But after ten years of sobriety, I’m delighted to say that the ‘beast in me’ (a Johnny Cash refrain) is a long way down the […]
16
Apr
Apr
RtoR Family-Endorsed Provider Profile Amir Garakani, MD, DFAPA Psychiatrist Darien, CT Based in Greenwich, CT, Amir Garakani, MD, employs a compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to psychiatric care. He specializes in treating young and emerging adults as well as older adults, offering psychiatric consultations, psychotherapy, and medication management with a focus on anxiety […]
31
Mar
Mar
Teen years are tough—but when does “normal” stress cross the line into something more serious? Parents know their kids best, but recognizing the difference between a rough patch and a real mental health struggle isn’t always straightforward. Anxiety, depression, mood swings, or sudden behavioral changes might seem like part of growing up. But if these […]
28
Mar
Mar
Understanding the Link Between Housing and Mental Health Veterans experiencing homelessness often face multiple barriers, with mental health challenges at the forefront. Many return from military service with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety, making reintegration into civilian life difficult. Without stable housing, these issues can intensify, trapping veterans in a cycle that is […]
26
Mar
Mar
Addiction is a powerful force that can profoundly impact every aspect of a person’s life. Whether it is addiction to substances like alcohol or drugs or behavioral addictions such as gambling or technology use, the grip of addiction can feel overwhelming. However, addiction is not a life sentence. With the right strategies and support, individuals […]
20
Mar
Mar
For years, I lived in the shadow of abusive relationships even after they ended. Most of the time, I was a prisoner of my thoughts and emotions. The scars were not visible, and they ran deep. For a long time, I felt I would never escape the emotional and mental pain of it all. Along […]
