EB Psychotherapy Blog

Addiction is a word we hear often. We talk about being “addicted” to our phones, to sugar, to TV shows. But when we step beyond casual conversation, addiction is a deeply serious issue that affects millions of people around the world—cutting across every demographic, social class, and age group.

So what is addiction, really? And why is it so hard to overcome?

Codependency is one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot, especially in conversations about relationships, mental health, or addiction. But what does it actually mean—and how do you know if it’s affecting you or someone you love?

As society continues to evolve in its understanding and inclusion of people with disabilities, there is increasing recognition of the depth and diversity of relationships that flourish in later life. Among these are marriages between two disabled older adults—unions that are often rich with resilience, mutual understanding, and a deeply shared sense of purpose. These relationships defy stereotypes not only about aging but also about disability, and they shed light on the human capacity for love, connection, and adaptability at any stage of life.

In recent years, mental health has become an increasingly important topic of conversation across all age groups, but no generation has brought it into the spotlight quite like Generation Z. Born roughly between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z has grown up in a world transformed by technology, social media, climate anxiety, global pandemics, and rapidly shifting cultural norms. While this generation is more aware and vocal about mental health than any before, they are also experiencing unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Immigration is often portrayed as a courageous journey toward a better future—and of course, it can be. But what’s less often talked about are the emotional and psychological costs of that journey, and some of the complex causes for taking it. Beneath the resilience and strength it takes, lies a difficult reality: immigration trauma.

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.