Explore

Therapists' Role in Family Estrangement Under Scrutiny Amid Rising 'No Contact' Trend

Therapists' Role in Family Estrangement Under Scrutiny Amid Rising 'No Contact' Trend

A growing trend of adult children initiating 'no contact' with family members, often with the involvement of therapists, is raising questions about the role of mental health professionals. Elizabeth Bernstein, a columnist for The Wall Street Journal, highlights that while individual therapists are trained to support their clients, they may not always consider the broader family system. This can lead to situations where therapists, sometimes lacking extensive training in family systems, may encourage estrangement without a full understanding of the family dynamics. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent among young adults, who are often the ones initiating the cutoff. The discussion also touches on the broadening definitions of terms like 'trauma' and 'toxic,' which some psychologists refer to as 'concept creep,' potentially contributing to more frequent decisions to sever family ties.

ChristianaCare Implements Peer-Support Training Program for Healthcare Workers to Enhance Well-being

ChristianaCare Implements Peer-Support Training Program for Healthcare Workers to Enhance Well-being

ChristianaCare, a healthcare provider in Wilmington, Delaware, has introduced a peer-support training program aimed at improving the well-being of its healthcare workers. Researchers at ChristianaCare found that this program significantly enhanced participants' ability to recognize stress, support colleagues, and connect them with available resources. Over a two-year period, 942 clinicians and leaders participated in the program, which was developed by psychologists at ChristianaCare. The training equipped caregivers to identify signs of distress, engage in supportive conversations, and refer colleagues to additional help when necessary. The study indicated improvements across all measured outcomes, with 73% of participants better able to share information about support services, 69% more confident in recognizing stress injuries, and 63% more confident in checking in with stressed colleagues. Nearly all participants found the training useful and would recommend it.

Seasonal Depression Affects Californians in Winter

Seasonal Depression Affects Californians in Winter

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that follows a recurring seasonal pattern, typically during the winter months. Contrary to popular belief, SAD is not caused by cold weather but by reduced daylight hours and later sunrises. In California, shorter winter days, coupled with phenomena like the Central Valley's tule fog and Northern California's rainy season, can lead to a significant reduction in sunlight exposure. This can disrupt the body's internal clock and serotonin levels, triggering symptoms such as oversleeping, carbohydrate cravings, fatigue, and social withdrawal. Bright light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy tailored for SAD (CBT-SAD), and antidepressants are evidence-based treatments for managing this condition (Lean Medical, 2026).

Journaling After EMDR Therapy: Optional Practice Focuses on Key Observations

Journaling After EMDR Therapy: Optional Practice Focuses on Key Observations

Journaling After EMDR Therapy: Optional Practice Focuses on Key Observations

Gratitude Practice and Simple Actions Offer Relief for Low Energy and Mood

Gratitude Practice and Simple Actions Offer Relief for Low Energy and Mood

Gratitude Practice and Simple Actions Offer Relief for Low Energy and Mood

AllOne Health Resources Inc Seeks EAP Counselor in Merrillville, IN to Enhance Workplace Mental Health Services

AllOne Health Resources Inc Seeks EAP Counselor in Merrillville, IN to Enhance Workplace Mental Health Services

AllOne Health Resources Inc Seeks EAP Counselor in Merrillville, IN to Enhance Workplace Mental Health Services

Healthcare Professionals Emphasize Sustainable Lifestyle Changes for Improved Well-being

Healthcare Professionals Emphasize Sustainable Lifestyle Changes for Improved Well-being

Healthcare Professionals Emphasize Sustainable Lifestyle Changes for Improved Well-being

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Offers Free Access to Talkspace Go Self-Directed Therapy App

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Offers Free Access to Talkspace Go Self-Directed Therapy App

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) is providing its members with a free first month of access to the Talkspace Go self-directed therapy app. This offer, available through Blue365 Deals, allows users to engage in mental health improvement activities on their own schedule, requiring as little as five minutes a day. Upon completing an online assessment, Talkspace Go recommends a personalized self-guided support plan from a library of over 55 guided counseling programs. The app also includes daily journal prompts, invitations to anonymous live workshops with mental health clinicians, and suggested interactive courses. This initiative aims to empower individuals to take control of their mental health with flexible and accessible digital tools.

Therapy Addresses People-Pleasing and Boundary Issues in Adults

Therapy Addresses People-Pleasing and Boundary Issues in Adults

Therapy services are increasingly targeting people-pleasing behaviors and boundary issues in adults, recognizing them as significant contributors to mental and emotional distress. Philip Monte Verde Counseling defines people-pleasing as a compulsion to give more than one receives in relationships, often stemming from a default question of 'what can I do to make the people around me happy?' This pattern can originate from unstable childhood environments where approval felt conditional, leading to a survival strategy that becomes an adult relationship style. The cost of this behavior includes unequal relationships, burnout in the workplace, and long-term feelings of depression, anxiety, and resentment.

Iowa Board of Certification Opens Registration for Self-Care and Career Advancement Training

Iowa Board of Certification Opens Registration for Self-Care and Career Advancement Training

The Iowa Board of Certification has opened registration for an interactive training session titled 'Self-Care, Work/Life Balance, and Advancing Your Career.' Scheduled for December 11, 2026, the virtual event aims to support professionals in substance use disorder treatment, a field known for its demanding nature. The training will focus on preventing burnout, strengthening resilience, establishing healthy work-life boundaries, and exploring career advancement opportunities. Participants will learn to recognize signs of burnout and compassion fatigue, identify contributing factors to stress, apply practical self-care strategies, develop healthier boundaries, and create personal career development plans. The session also covers how organizations can support employee wellness and retention.

American Friends of NATAL Hosts NYC Gala to Address Israel's Mental Health Crisis, Featuring Returned Hostage Alon Ohel

American Friends of NATAL Hosts NYC Gala to Address Israel's Mental Health Crisis, Featuring Returned Hostage Alon Ohel

The American Friends of NATAL hosted a 'Communities of Hope' gala in New York City on November 10, 2026, to raise support for Israel's mental health crisis. The event featured returned hostage Alon Ohel, highlighting the urgent need for trauma therapy programs. NATAL, an organization dedicated to treating trauma, is responding to a significant increase in post-trauma rates in Israel, which have nearly doubled since October 7th. The gala aimed to gather resources and awareness for the psychological impact of recent events on the Israeli population. Attendees included various individuals and families showing their support for NATAL's mission to provide critical mental health services.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Hosts Mental Wellness Event in San Antonio to Combat Stigma and Expand Resources

Methodist Healthcare Ministries Hosts Mental Wellness Event in San Antonio to Combat Stigma and Expand Resources

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) recently hosted 'Nurturing Our Well-Being: A Celebration of Mental Health' at its Dixon Health & Wellness Center in San Antonio. The free event attracted over 200 community members and was designed to promote mental wellness, reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges, and connect individuals and families with essential health and community resources. Activities included chair yoga, drum circles, and dance fitness classes, alongside opportunities for attendees to engage with MHM and partners like the San Antonio Police Department Mental Health Unit. The initiative is part of MHM’s broader commitment to supporting whole-person health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), over one in five U.S. adults experienced a mental illness in 2022, highlighting the critical need for such community-based support and awareness efforts.