The Grouport Journal

Explore all things mental health. Check out some of our latest journals below.

Embrace Detachment: A Guide on How Not to Take Things Personally

Mental Health

Embrace Detachment: A Guide on How Not to Take Things Personally

In a world full of diverse opinions and personalities, it's easy to fall into the trap of taking things personally. However, this behavior can lead to unnecessary stress, damaged relationships, and hindered personal growth. In this article, we explore the reasons behind why we take things personally and provide effective strategies to cultivate detachment and resilience.

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Mastering the Art of Asking for Help: An Essential Life Skill

Mental Health

Mastering the Art of Asking for Help: An Essential Life Skill

Asking for help is an essential life skill that many people struggle with. This struggle often stems from feelings of vulnerability or a fear of appearing weak. However, the ability to ask for help is a testament to one's self-awareness, resilience, and humility. This article will explore why it's important to ask for help, barriers that prevent people from doing so, and how to ask for help effectively.

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Control Freaks: Understanding and Interacting With Them Effectively

Mental Health

Control Freaks: Understanding and Interacting With Them Effectively

A "control freak" is a term often used to describe an individual who exhibits an obsessive need to exercise control over themselves and others. Their behavior can be challenging to understand and manage. This article delves into the character traits of control freaks, the reasons behind their behavior, and how to effectively interact with them.

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Walking on Eggshells: Understanding and Navigating High-Tension Relationships

Mental Health

Walking on Eggshells: Understanding and Navigating High-Tension Relationships

The term "walking on eggshells" is often used to describe a situation where one feels the need to be extremely cautious around someone to avoid conflict or displeasure. This state is typically experienced in relationships with high tension and unpredictable behaviors, where the fear of causing upset results in a constant state of apprehension.

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Understanding Your True Worth: A Journey Towards Self-Value and Appreciation

Mental Health

Understanding Your True Worth: A Journey Towards Self-Value and Appreciation

Knowing your worth is about understanding and acknowledging your value as an individual. It's about recognizing your strengths, embracing your weaknesses, and realizing that your value doesn't lie in what others think of you, but rather in your self-perception and acceptance.

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A Closer Look at Reality Therapy: An Approach for Better Living

Mental Health

A Closer Look at Reality Therapy: An Approach for Better Living

Reality therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals control their own lives and make more effective decisions. Developed by Dr. William Glasser in the 1960s, this method is based on the principles of choice theory and highlights personal responsibility, direct problem-solving, and the development of fulfilling relationships.

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Unseen Wounds: Understanding Emotional Neglect

Mental Health

Unseen Wounds: Understanding Emotional Neglect

Emotional neglect, though less visible than other forms of abuse, can cause profound damage. It's a form of maltreatment where an individual's emotional needs are consistently ignored, minimized, or denied. By exploring its signs, effects, and strategies for healing, we can deepen our understanding of this subtle yet potent form of neglect.

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What Mentally Strong People Avoid

Mental Health

What Mentally Strong People Avoid

Mental strength, similar to physical strength, demands consistent training and understanding. It requires individuals to focus not only on their actions but also on what they should refrain from doing. Understanding what mentally strong people don't do is as essential as knowing what they actively pursue. This article aims to shed light on the practices that mentally strong people typically avoid to preserve and boost their mental strength.

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Exploring Boundaries and Bonds: The Psychology of Male-Female Friendships

Mental Health

Exploring Boundaries and Bonds: The Psychology of Male-Female Friendships

In the realm of human relationships, one of the most intriguing dynamics is the male-female friendship. The exploration of these friendships offers a captivating study into interpersonal dynamics, societal expectations, and the influence of gender on the platonic relationship. This article delves into the psychology behind male-female friendships and aims to shed light on the nature of these complex and multifaceted bonds.

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Decoding the Human Mind: Formation Reactions in Psychology

Mental Health

Decoding the Human Mind: Formation Reactions in Psychology

In the intriguing field of psychology, the dynamics of how individuals respond to various situations forms a significant area of study. Formation reactions, a concept within this field, relates to the ways in which individuals generate mental structures in response to their experiences. This article will delve into the fundamentals of formation reactions in psychology, the various types, and how they influence behavior and mental well-being.

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An Exploration of Locus of Control in Psychology

Mental Health

An Exploration of Locus of Control in Psychology

In our daily lives, how we perceive the control over events and outcomes can drastically shape our attitudes, behaviors, and overall mental health. The psychological concept addressing this perspective is known as the "locus of control." This article delves into the meaning of locus of control, its types, its implications on mental health, and strategies to shift one's locus of control for a healthier, more balanced life.

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The Healing Power of Creativity: A Deep Dive into Expressive Arts Therapy

Mental Health

The Healing Power of Creativity: A Deep Dive into Expressive Arts Therapy

In the realm of therapeutic approaches, expressive arts therapy holds a unique place. By utilizing creative arts as a form of expression and communication, it allows individuals to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, and develop new insights. This article offers a comprehensive overview of expressive arts therapy, delving into its definition, benefits, techniques, and its effectiveness in different contexts.

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A Look at Gender Differences in Emotional Expression

Mental Health

A Look at Gender Differences in Emotional Expression

The belief that women are more emotional than men is deeply ingrained in many societies. It is a topic that has drawn attention from psychologists, sociologists, and neuroscientists alike, all of whom seek to shed light on the complex interaction between gender and emotion. This article explores the validity of this widely held assumption, delving into the research and potential explanations behind perceived emotional differences between women and men.

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The Mirror of Perception: Exploring the Connection Between Social Media and Body Image

Mental Health

The Mirror of Perception: Exploring the Connection Between Social Media and Body Image

In the digital era, social media has transformed how we perceive ourselves and others, significantly influencing our body image. Through a myriad of perfect images and idealized standards, social media has ignited concerns about its impact on body satisfaction, self-esteem, and overall mental health. This article will delve into the complex relationship between social media and body image.

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Love Bombing: Understanding the Whys and Hows

Mental Health

Love Bombing: Understanding the Whys and Hows

Love bombing is a manipulative tactic often used in the early stages of a relationship where one person showers the other with excessive affection and attention. This behavior, while seemingly positive on the surface, can be a precursor to control and abuse. To navigate such situations, it's vital to understand why people engage in love bombing and the psychological mechanisms at play.

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Unpacking the Psychology of Scapegoating

Mental Health

Unpacking the Psychology of Scapegoating

Scapegoating is a common, albeit unhealthy, psychological phenomenon where a person or group assigns blame to others to avoid accepting responsibility. This dynamic can occur in various contexts, including families, workplaces, social groups, or even nations. This article seeks to explore the psychology behind scapegoating, its impacts, and strategies for addressing it.

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The Silent Divide: Understanding Family Estrangement

Mental Health

The Silent Divide: Understanding Family Estrangement

Family estrangement is a complex, deeply personal experience that affects countless individuals and families worldwide. It refers to a considerable distancing or total cut-off in a family relationship, often between parents and their children or among siblings. This article delves into the causes, impacts, and ways of managing family estrangement.

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Feathers and Flight: Understanding Empty Nest Syndrome

Mental Health

Feathers and Flight: Understanding Empty Nest Syndrome

As parents, watching children grow and thrive is one of the most rewarding experiences. But what happens when those fledglings take flight, leaving the nest empty? This transition can lead to a unique form of grief known as Empty Nest Syndrome. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of Empty Nest Syndrome, its impacts, and coping strategies.

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Unfolding the Layers of the Mind: Intellectualizing in Psychology

Mental Health

Unfolding the Layers of the Mind: Intellectualizing in Psychology

In the vast expanse of human emotions and reactions, psychology attempts to understand the complex tapestry that makes up our behaviors and responses. One such fascinating aspect is the concept of intellectualizing, a defense mechanism widely studied within the field. This article aims to explore the nuances of intellectualizing in psychology, its purpose, and its potential impacts on individuals.

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Charting the Course: How to Choose the Right Therapist

Mental Health

Charting the Course: How to Choose the Right Therapist

Embarking on a therapeutic journey can be a life-altering decision, but the process of choosing the right therapist may feel daunting. It's crucial to find a professional who not only possesses the necessary qualifications but also aligns with your needs and preferences. This guide aims to simplify this process and equip you with the tools to make an informed decision.

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5 Signs a DBT Skills Group is Exactly What You Need

DBT

5 Signs a DBT Skills Group is Exactly What You Need

Do you feel like you can’t get ahead? Like life is just beating you down, or that challenges are overwhelming you to the point of chronic, debilitating anxiety, depression, PTSD, disordered eating, insomnia, or other mental health concerns? Do you feel like your emotions run your life, and you’re exhausted by the ups and downs? If these experiences are familiar to you, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, could be the solution you’re looking for. ‍If you’re unfamiliar with this type of tre

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How DBT Skills Help With Economic Anxiety

All Articles

How DBT Skills Help With Economic Anxiety

Many people will argue that we are actively in a recession, while others say the worst of it is just around the corner. Rising gas and cost of goods cost, supply chain constraints, thousands of businesses going under, peak reports of bankruptcies and foreclosures… it's normal to feel stressed and anxious during these trying economic times. ‍If you’re wondering if you’re dealing with economic anxiety, consider these important symptoms: ‍Overspending: Oddly enough, for many people strugg

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How DBT Skills Help With Climate Anxiety

DBT

How DBT Skills Help With Climate Anxiety

As concerns rise for our climate and the future of our world, so does the anxiety that’s sweeping the planet. Increases in frequency of widespread wildfires and the length of wildfire season, along with rising temperatures and shifts in weather patterns leave many concerned and considering the long-term consequences for the Earth as well as the mental health of those who inhabit it. ‍The sobering ramifications of climate change are real, and present. It’s normal to react to these with emoti

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Understanding Anxiety Disorders and the Power of DBT

DBT

Understanding Anxiety Disorders and the Power of DBT

Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions. These disorders take various forms, each with distinct characteristics and symptoms. Fortunately, therapeutic approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provide effective treatment options. Additionally, according to the U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services, there are five significant types of anxiety conditions, which will cover here. This article will delve into five common types of anxiety disorders and discuss how DBT can aid in managing their symptoms.

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DBT Skills for Coping With Job Loss

DBT

DBT Skills for Coping With Job Loss

Careers fulfill a number of functions in our lives, including satisfying our need to achieve, bringing us income, creating a sense of belonging and stability, and helping us to feel empowered and accomplished. Therefore, when losing a job (which can often be so integrated with your identity), we can notice an immediate and significant decline in your mental health. According to a Gallup poll in 2013, unemployed Americans are more than 2x as likely to be treated for depression as those with full-

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3 Keys to Choosing the Right Online Group Therapy Option

All Articles

3 Keys to Choosing the Right Online Group Therapy Option

In digital health and wellbeing, online group therapy has become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking emotional support and connection. This is particularly true for caregivers, who often deal with high-stress levels and isolation. However, choosing the right online group therapy option can be challenging, with many choices available. Here are three crucial factors to consider when selecting an online group therapy that fits your needs.

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DBT Skills for Developing Self-Compassion

DBT

DBT Skills for Developing Self-Compassion

Although not frequently discussed when referring to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, self-compassion is a beneficial and powerful side effect of this specialized type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ‍Part of the reason DBT can result in a greater sense of self-compassion is that throughout the DBT modules, students will learn to activate their “wise mind,” which is essentially a stronger and more powerful awareness of yourself, your emotions, your instincts, and yo

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How DBT Skills Help With Everyday Stressors

DBT

How DBT Skills Help With Everyday Stressors

No matter who you are, the reality is that you will eventually deal with stress of some kind. This is a simple fact of human existence. Jobs, children, relationships, health, driving, you name it - everyone will experience stress.‍Unmanaged stress can increase your risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, Alzheimers’s, depression, GI problems, diabetes, and asthma, along with chronic physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and insomnia. ‍When looking to manage stress, it’s importan

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Caregivers

All Articles

Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Caregivers

In our digitally connected world, online group therapy has emerged as a beneficial and effective tool for individuals seeking support and connection in their caregiving journey. Often battling feelings of isolation and emotional stress, caregivers can find comfort, companionship, and practical advice through online group therapy. This innovative form of support can profoundly impact their resilience and mental health. Let's explore the significant benefits online group therapy offers to caregivers.

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Students

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Students

Midterms, finals, challenging courses, dorm life, social events, sororities and fraternities, prom, PSATs, drama club, sports, college applications, friendships, social media… you name it, the life of a student is busy and there is always something vying for your attention! ‍More and more young adults and college-aged students are understanding the value of professional therapy services, but where do you find the time to prioritize your mental health amidst your class schedule, homework, cl

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Parents

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Parents

Parents know the business of life and caring for children takes priority over self-care, often to the detriment of mental health. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day rush of waking children for school, packing lunches, running errands, sports practices and games and other extracurricular activities. For a lot of parents, mental health winds up on the back-burner of the constant hustle and bustle of family life. Squeezing in your own therapy sessions can be a chore, and has to take a bac

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Working Professionals

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Working Professionals

For working professionals like entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, lawyers, authors, scientists, accountants, and so much more, the daily strain of rigorous scheduling, deadlines, project management, people management, and more can be overwhelming. The daily grind can put a significant strain on the mental health of working professionals, which in turn can aggravate or even kickstart conditions like chronic anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and more. ‍With conflicting priorities often v

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Setting and Achieving Treatment Goals with Online Group Therapy

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Setting and Achieving Treatment Goals with Online Group Therapy

Effective therapy can shorten the distance between where you are now and where you want to be. Increasing your quality of life through group therapy can be a particularly effective solution, as group therapy (both online and in-person) increases the accountability and support around your mental health journey, which improves your chance of success. ‍Good online group therapy is backed by science and years of studies, and good therapy will get you most of the way to where you want to be. Get

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The Power of Group Therapy: How Shared Experiences Can Help You Heal

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The Power of Group Therapy: How Shared Experiences Can Help You Heal

For plenty of individuals around the world struggling to establish a sense of normalcy and better mental health, individual weekly sessions aren’t enough. Overcoming daily symptoms and improving your quality of life can require additional accountability and support - two major benefits of group therapy. ‍Whether you’re managing mild to severe symptoms of mental health conditions on your own, were recently discharged from outpatient services, or just completed a mental health inpatient progr

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How DBT Helps with Bipolar Disorder

DBT

How DBT Helps with Bipolar Disorder

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques are being used in increasing measure in the treatment of various mood disorders and mental health conditions beyond their original intended use (for Borderline Personality Disorder), including for Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is a highly recurrent and disabling condition marked by major depressive state and manic episodes. ‍The reason DBT shows evidence of success in treatment of Bipolar Disorder is likely because there is growing reason t

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DBT Skills to Know - Self-Soothing

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Self-Soothing

The Distress Tolerance module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) incorporates a number of types of Distress Tolerance skills designed to help distract us and get us through challenging emotions in situations where we feel a loss of control. Decreasing emotional distress as a symptom of situational challenges is one of the primary goals of DBT. There are a number of skills trainings that go into the Distress Tolerance module which can help with this, including: ‍ACCEPTSTIP IMPRO

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DBT Skills to Know - Non-Judgmental Stance

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Non-Judgmental Stance

Developing a non-judgmental way of thinking is a critical component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, and falls under the Mindfulness module. Mindfulness helps teach participants to observe their own behavior, thoughts and feelings, and to stay grounded and present in the moment. Learning how to do this is the first step in developing new behaviors and making healthy changes. ‍The Mindfulness module of DBT focuses on our need to improve self-observation and awareness th

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DBT Skills to Know - Setting Goals

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Setting Goals

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally created for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha Linehan in the 1970’s. This structured variation on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy consists of what is often a year-long process of walking through the four main modules, and usually involves both group therapy, individual therapy, and even on-call phone consultations to mitigate crisis situations in the patient’s life as they may arise. ‍While the initial phase of DBT invo

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How to Use DBT Skills to Cope in Crisis

DBT

How to Use DBT Skills to Cope in Crisis

If you’ve ever felt your emotions are so completely overwhelming that you can’t restabilize yourself and may return to unhealthy or high risk behaviors, DBT can help.  Helping individuals to cope in crisis situations is one of the primary goals of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The skills and tools taught throughout DBT can be used in a variety of circumstances and throughout many daily experiences to minimize stress and reduce emotional suffering. If you’re dealing with a high-st

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Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Regulation: Three Quick Skills

DBT

Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Regulation: Three Quick Skills

Anxiety can be an overwhelming and pervasive mental health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasizing practical skills for managing distress and regulating emotions, can be useful for those looking to control their anxiety better. This article will highlight three quick DBT skills that can be used to regulate anxiety: "STOP," "TIPP," and "Wise Mind."

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