Finding LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy: A Guide to Empowering Mental Health
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

Finding LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy: A Guide to Empowering Mental Health

Finding LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy is essential for your mental well-being. This guide offers practical steps to help you discover a therapist who respects and celebrates your authentic self. By asking the right questions, seeking recommendations, and exploring online therapy options, you can break down barriers and prioritize your mental health

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Breaking the Ice: A Guide to Your First Therapy Session
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

Breaking the Ice: A Guide to Your First Therapy Session

If you're feeling nervous or uncertain about starting therapy, you're not alone. It's natural to feel intimidated or vulnerable when seeking support for your mental health. In this blog post, we'll explore what you can expect during your first therapy session and provide tips on how to prepare yourself for this important step in your journey.

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The Psychology of People-Pleasing: Causes and Strategies for Overcoming Approval-Seeking Behavior
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

The Psychology of People-Pleasing: Causes and Strategies for Overcoming Approval-Seeking Behavior

Do you find yourself saying yes to things you don't want to do, just to please others? Do you have a hard time setting boundaries or saying no? If so, you might be a people-pleaser. While being considerate of others is a positive trait, people-pleasing can lead to exhaustion, resentment, and a lack of self-care. In this blog post, we'll explore the causes of people-pleasing and provide strategies for how to overcome this habit and prioritize your own needs.

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Anxiety Therapy: 5 Signs You Need to Seek Professional Help
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

Anxiety Therapy: 5 Signs You Need to Seek Professional Help

Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide, and seeking therapy for anxiety can be life-changing. In this article, you'll learn about the signs that indicate it might be time to seek professional help for your mental health. By identifying these signs, you can take the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your mental health.

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Don't Let Them Dim Your Light: Understanding Gaslighting and How to Break Free
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

Don't Let Them Dim Your Light: Understanding Gaslighting and How to Break Free

In this article, we will explore the damaging effects of gaslighting, a subtle form of emotional abuse. Learn practical strategies for identifying and managing gaslighting, as well as tips for building self-awareness and regaining a sense of power and control. Don't let gaslighters dim your light - it's time to break free.

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Myths About Mental Health Therapy
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

Myths About Mental Health Therapy

Many misconceptions regarding therapy continue to exist. These myths and resulting stigma about mental health can be powerful enough to prevent people from seeking help altogether.

Learn more about some common myths around therapy and how they can be dispelled by taking a deeper look at what it means to see a therapist—and why it's worth it.

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Coping With Grief During the Holidays
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

Coping With Grief During the Holidays

The holidays are a time for joy and celebration. Unfortunately, many of us are also dealing with the loss of a loved one at this time. Grieving over the holidays can feel overwhelming and difficult to handle. Continue reading for guidance on coping with grief during the holidays.

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How to Achieve a Healthy Work/Life Balance
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

How to Achieve a Healthy Work/Life Balance

Most people strive to have a healthy balance between work and their personal life, but it can be hard to achieve, especially in today's economy where it seems like everyone is working harder than ever before just to keep and excel in their job. Read on to learn how to achieve a healthy work/life balance.

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Why Does Making Decisions Give me Anxiety?
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

Why Does Making Decisions Give me Anxiety?

When it comes to decision-making, anxiety can present many challenges. Whether it’s a decision big or small, like buying a house or figuring out what to each for lunch, being indecisive can negatively affect your mental health. So what causes this? Read on to learn more about the relationship between anxiety and decision-making and strategies you can use to start making decisions today.

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How to Honor Your Boundaries This Holiday Season
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

How to Honor Your Boundaries This Holiday Season

While the holidays are a time for celebration, they can also be a source of stress. Along with the holidays comes traveling, gatherings, gift-giving, and complicated family dynamics… and for some, this can be physically, psychologically, and emotionally draining. Read on to learn healthy ways to express where your boundaries lie when it comes to your time, space, and energy this season.

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5 Signs You Need Couples Therapy
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

5 Signs You Need Couples Therapy

Relationship troubles? It might be time for couples therapy. If you're stuck in constant unresolved conflicts, struggling with communication breakdowns, or feeling more like roommates than lovers, therapy can help. Read on to learn more about signs you and your partner could benefit from counseling.

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6 Daily Habits to Ease Anxiety
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

6 Daily Habits to Ease Anxiety

Anxiety: the seemingly unconquerable feeling of being out of control. It creeps into every aspect of your life and feels debilitating. The good news is that not all hope is lost: you can live a life that isn’t ruled by worry. Here are six habits you can adopt to relieve anxiety and feel more in control of your life.

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The Professional People-Pleaser: How to Set Boundaries at Work
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

The Professional People-Pleaser: How to Set Boundaries at Work

People-pleasing, while well-intentioned, can sometimes lead to self-doubt and anxiety, especially in a work setting. Recognize if you relate to behaviors like overcommitting, fearing disapproval, or overworking yourself. Setting boundaries may feel daunting, but it's vital to protect your time and well-being. Challenge unhelpful thoughts, be mindful of people-pleasing habits, communicate your boundaries clearly, and consider seeking therapy for guidance in breaking free from these patterns.

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6 Ways to Stop People-Pleasing
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

6 Ways to Stop People-Pleasing

Excessive people-pleasing, often stemming from anxiety, can erode self-esteem and strain relationships. Recognize signs like fear of disappointment and neglecting your own needs. Combat this pattern by setting boundaries, fostering self-worth, embracing discomfort, and seeking professional support.

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8 Ways to Manage Seasonal Depression
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

8 Ways to Manage Seasonal Depression

Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), can cast a shadow on the changing seasons. As days get shorter, energy levels can plummet, leaving us sad, disinterested, and socially withdrawn. But there's hope. From staying active and connecting with support systems to considering light therapy and therapy, you can brighten your winter days and find the light even in the midst of the winter blues.

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4 Steps to Set Boundaries in Relationships
Nikki Hurley-Hines Nikki Hurley-Hines

4 Steps to Set Boundaries in Relationships

Creating boundaries is vital for maintaining healthy relationships and safeguarding our mental and physical well-being. These limits define how others should treat us and how we respond when they're crossed. While the list is not exhaustive, boundaries can be set in areas like personal space, time, emotions, possessions, beliefs, politics, and religion. Setting boundaries enhances self-esteem, self-respect, and assertive communication, and preserves mental and emotional energy. If you need help with setting and maintaining boundaries, reach out to me today for support.

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