EB Psychotherapy Blog

If you’ve ever found yourself feeling extra emotional in a therapy session—maybe suddenly irritated with your therapist, or overly attached—you’re not alone. Therapy brings up a lot, and it's rooted in interpersonal vulnerability. But sometimes, those feelings aren’t just about what's happening in the moment—they’re tied to something deeper, and this can be addressed in the process of working together with your therapist. That’s where transference and countertransference come in.

Family is often considered the first and most lasting source of emotional connection, identity, and belonging. For transgender youth, this foundation becomes even more critical as they navigate the complex journey of self-discovery and gender identity in a world that can be both affirming and challenging. Family therapy offers a powerful way for families to come together, learn, grow, and strengthen their relationships—especially when a young person is exploring or affirming their gender identity.

Have you ever found yourself doubting whether an experience, memory, or perception is real? Or maybe you've questioned the validity of a thought or belief you held onto for years. This process—of evaluating whether one's perceptions align with reality—is known as reality checking in psychology. Reality checking plays a crucial role in mental health, cognitive processing, and even everyday decision-making. In this article, we’ll explore what reality checking is, why it matters, how it relates to mental health conditions, and practical ways to improve it in daily life.

When it comes to mental health, certain conditions can appear deceptively similar, leading to misdiagnosis and misunderstandings. Two such conditions often confused with one another are bipolar disorder (specifically mania) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While both can present with high energy, impulsivity, and rapid speech, they are distinct conditions with different underlying causes, treatment approaches, and long-term management strategies. Understanding their differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. While they are often thought of as individual struggles, research shows that eating disorders frequently develop within family systems and can be passed down through generations. The interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and learned behaviors makes these disorders particularly difficult to understand and treat. By exploring how eating disorders emerge in families, we can better address the root causes and promote healing across generations.

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by millions of Muslims worldwide, is a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and community bonding. From dawn to sunset, fasting individuals abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs, focusing instead on prayer, reflection, and self-improvement. One of the most anticipated moments each day is Iftar, the breaking of the fast at sunset. While this moment carries deep religious significance, it also has profound mental health benefits, promoting emotional well-being, mindfulness, and social connection.

Marriage is one of the most significant life commitments a person can make in the United States. Marriage rates throughout the country have fluctuated over time, and divorce remains a common experience for many couples. There are also bureaucratic complications when it comes to non-heterosexual couples or religious processes that allow for niche processes in arrangement. While an effort to create healthy companionships is seen as the key motivators for marriage, stress, personal growth, and compatibility challenges with expectations often contribute to dissolution.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by intense difficulties with regulating emotions, maintaining stable and healthy relationships, and impulsivity; there is typically a theme amongst all of these challenges rooted in a significant fear of abandonment that might be seen as exceeding the norms.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is a powerful and compassionate approach to psychotherapy that helps individuals understand and heal the different "parts" of themselves; these internal parts are thought to be representative of someone's family structure during early developmental years. IFS operates on the belief that everyone has a core "Self" and various sub-personalities or "parts" that hold emotions, memories, and roles developed throughout life.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet many people hesitate to seek treatment when they are struggling. Whether due to stigma, uncertainty, or the belief that they should be able to handle things on their own, individuals often delay seeking professional help. But just as you wouldn’t ignore a persistent physical illness, mental health challenges deserve timely care and attention. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to seek treatment, here are some key signs and considerations to guide your decision.