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Addressing Intimacy Through Couples Therapy

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Intimacy is a crucial component of any healthy romantic relationship, encompassing not only physical closeness but also emotional, psychological, and relational bonds. When intimacy struggles arise, they can deeply affect the dynamics of a relationship, leaving partners feeling disconnected, misunderstood, and frustrated. However, research from the last decade has shown that both couples therapy and sex therapy can be effective in addressing intimacy issues, helping couples foster a deeper connection and rebuild trust, communication, and affection. In this post, we’ll explore how couples therapy and sex therapy can be powerful tools for addressing intimacy issues, citing recent research and examining how these therapeutic approaches can lead to long-lasting improvements in relationships. Understanding Intimacy Issues in Relationships Intimacy issues can manifest in various forms—emotional distance, sexual dissatisfaction, communication breakdowns, or an inability to share vulnerability …

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The Impact of Pets on Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Pets have long been a source of comfort and companionship, but in recent years, there has been increasing scientific recognition of the significant positive impact they have on mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving emotional well-being, the relationship between humans and animals is powerful and deeply beneficial. Let’s explore how pets, particularly emotional support animals (ESAs), can enhance our mental health and the many advantages of pet ownership. The Link Between Pets and Mental Health Research has shown that pets offer emotional support that helps reduce feelings of loneliness, alleviate stress, and even combat more serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that pet owners often experience lower blood pressure, reduced levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), and increased levels of …

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The Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction: Understanding Dual Diagnosis

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Addiction and mental health disorders are often intertwined, with each influencing the other in profound ways. When both conditions occur simultaneously, they are referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. Understanding the connection between mental health and addiction, and why integrated treatment is essential, is critical for those struggling with both conditions. What is Dual Diagnosis? Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia) and a substance use disorder (such as alcohol or drug addiction) in the same individual. These conditions often develop concurrently, with one disorder influencing or exacerbating the other. Research has shown that approximately 50% of individuals with a severe mental health disorder also have a substance use disorder (SAMHSA, 2019). How Mental Health and Addiction Are Connected …

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How Journaling Supports Emotional Well-Being

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Between work, personal life, and societal pressures, it’s easy to neglect our inner emotional landscape. However, one simple yet powerful practice can help us reconnect with ourselves: journaling. Whether you’re writing for mental clarity or emotional release, journaling offers numerous benefits for emotional well-being. Here’s how journaling can become a valuable tool for nurturing your mental health. The following are some researched benefits that people will often glean from journaling: Researched Benefits of Journaling 1. Self-Reflection and Clarity At its core, journaling allows us to reflect on our thoughts and feelings. When we write, we often uncover emotions we may not have been fully aware of. This process of self-reflection gives us the space to confront our inner thoughts without judgment. Whether you’re experiencing stress, sadness, joy, or confusion, journaling provides an outlet to …

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Music and Mental Health: A Creative Way of Healing

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Music has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, transcending boundaries of time and geography. Music evokes emotion, fosters connection, and provides comfort. Beyond this, music is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in mental health therapy. Recent research highlights the profound benefits of music therapy in addressing mental health issues, offering patients a creative outlet for emotional expression and a pathway to healing. Let’s explore the role of music therapy in mental health treatment, its therapeutic benefits, and how it’s being used in innovative ways to support emotional well-being: What is Music Therapy? Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based therapeutic approach that uses music to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Trained music therapists work with individuals or groups to facilitate healing, using a variety of musical techniques …

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