GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Stress is uncomfortable, but we all feel it sometimes. When understood and handled properly, some stress can be healthy. When stress becomes unhealthy it can be difficult to find the way back to a reasonable and manageable amount of stress. Stress can be caused by different reasons. Each person handles stress differently and is more […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Irritability can be a challenging feeling to cope with. We feel irritable for different reasons, and sometimes we feel irritable and do not understand why. Irritability is often difficult to manage, but with practice, it is possible to learn how to keep your composure when irritated. We can feel irritated for different reasons. Sometimes the […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that causes a person to suffer from obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions and compulsions are the primary symptoms of OCD. These symptoms are challenging to live with. The day-to-day lives of people with OCD are impaired by obsessions and compulsions. They cause significant anxiety and stress and impact a person’s […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents The Oedipal Complex The Phallic Stage The Electra Complex Penis Envy Considerations The Oedipal complex (also known as the Oedipus complex) is a theory that was introduced to the study of human development by Sigmund Freud. Sigmund Freud is known to be a founder of the field of psychology. He proposed many theories of […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Anxiety is a condition that affects so many people, but we most often hear about how anxiety affects adults. It makes sense because by adulthood we have learned a bit about what anxiety is and how it feels. As adults, we learn how to identify our anxiety. We have also learned skills to cope with […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Pica is a disorder in which a person eats inedible objects. People who suffer from pica will have cravings to eat non-food items and can affect a person at any age over 3 years old. It is typical for children under 3 years old to try to eat objects or put inedible objects into their […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Gift giving is a practice that is used by many people to strengthen relationships. The act of giving a gift expresses appreciation for another person, whether it is a family member, friend, partner, or coworker. Giving and receiving gifts can be a great way to help someone feel loved. It also helps the gift-giver feel […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Dealing with hypochondria is challenging. It affects many different aspects of a person’s life and can be debilitating at times. People with hypochondria struggle to feel like they fit in. They are often misunderstood and dismissed. This causes them to feel alone in their struggles. Hypochondria and Illness Anxiety Hypochondria is a term that has […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
The 5 Love Languages is a concept that was developed by Dr. Gary Chapman in 1995. It is a concept that is often discussed in different settings. The 5 Love Languages are often used in couples, marriage, and relationship counseling. It may also be used in family counseling, communication, and life coaching. The 5 Love […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Stress can be powerful, but it is a part of life. Everyone feels stressed about different things, and the symptoms affect each person differently. Prolonged or unmanaged stress can lead to anxiety, which affects how you go about your day. Some people are more prone to stress and anxiety than others, and a major part […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Acute stress disorder is a disorder that a person may develop following a traumatic event. This disorder is similar to post-traumatic stress disorder but does have key differences. Acute stress disorder begins to affect a person within weeks following a traumatic event. The effects of the stress reaction can last between a few days to […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Depression is a condition that affects each area of a person’s life. It is a powerful mental health disorder that can impact people in many ways. People who suffer from depression will struggle with many different types of symptoms. Some people will struggle with mood swings, and others will struggle to feel anything at all. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
The Little Albert experiment was performed in the early 1900s by Doctor John B. Watson. Dr. Watson was an American psychologist with a focus on human behavior. Watson was inspired by Doctor Ivan Pavlov’s theory of classical conditioning. He wanted to understand the science of human learning and the way action and consequence affected a […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Time management is a critical component to having prolonged success in any life goal. It is important to have effective time management skills that set you up for success. Without healthy and effective time management skills, you will find yourself struggling to keep up. Unhealthy and ineffective time management skills can bring about consequences. You […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Self-care is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. To practice healthy self-care, you must first understand what self-care means and what to focus on in developing a self-care routine. Self-care is the active practice of taking care of your personal needs. It is the act of taking time and energy and putting it […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Social anxiety can be a challenging condition to cope with. When a person struggles with social anxiety, they struggle to feel comfortable in social situations. This discomfort around others causes affected people to withdraw, and disengage from the conversation and social interactions. Feeling like you are socially anxious can really hold you back. Often affected […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Grief is a powerful feeling that deeply affects people who are experiencing loss. It can manifest in many ways, and cause feelings of loneliness and isolation from friends and family. People who are grieving often pull away from friends and family as they learn how to cope with the new void in their lives. Sometimes, […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Anger and depression often affect each other. People with a depressed mood can suffer from irritability and a short temper. In moderate to severe cases of depression, it is not uncommon for an affected person to struggle with feelings of anger. These feelings of anger may become acts of rage, along with other behavioral challenges. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Adjustment disorder (AD) is a condition in which a person experiences stress after a major change. The change may be anticipated or unanticipated and is related to grieving the loss of previous circumstances. It has a significant impact on the affected person’s life. This disorder will cause a person to have emotional and behavioral reactions. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Therapy can be intimidating to start but can make a huge difference in your life. Whether you are struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or stress, talking to a therapist can help. It can help you develop coping skills to manage your feelings. Like any relationship, therapy requires the right fit between therapist and client. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Social anxiety is a condition in which a person feels anxious in social situations. Each person with social anxiety is different. They will have different triggers and different reasons for developing social anxiety. Social anxiety is a challenging disorder to have. It causes insecurity and trouble with building relationships. Many people suffer from social anxiety. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Practicing healthy methods of self-care is an important part of staying mentally and physically healthy. When we don’t practice self-care, we make ourselves at increased risk of burning. Burnout can lead to other consequences. Among the many consequences that you may experience from burnout include: Anxiety Depression Relationship issues Exhaustion Anger Being sure to dedicate […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
In any relationship, it is important to have and respect boundaries. This is especially important in your marriage. People may sometimes think that a person cannot have boundaries, personal thoughts, or privacy from their spouse, but this is not the case. Setting and respecting boundaries with your spouse can actually strengthen your relationship. It can […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Self-Actualization Key Contributors Carl Rogers Self-Concept Ideal Self Abraham Maslow Humanistic psychology is an approach that looks at a person as a whole. It is a theory that has been developing over time and was founded by a collection of psychologists in the field. Among the most influential psychologists include doctors Carl Rogers and […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Both self-confidence and self-esteem can be a challenge to achieve in life. There are moments where we can lose confidence in ourselves. There are moments where we can not feel good about who we are, what we have accomplished, and where we are going in life. Our levels of both self-esteem and self-confidence can have […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Life can throw us a lot of curveballs. Sometimes it can be hard to feel okay while everything in your life is becoming overwhelming. It is also possible to not feel okay, even if everything in your life is going according to plan. Even the happiest and most put together of people do not feel […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Humanistic Theory The Good Life Client-Centered Therapy Self-Actualization Self-Concept Ideal Self Key Therapeutic Components Congruence Unconditional Positive Regard Carl Rogers was an American clinical psychologist who developed his own approach to therapy. He is well-known in the therapy profession, as he made many accomplishments in the field of psychology. Carl Rogers is considered to […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Gambling addiction occurs when people struggle to control or moderate their gambling habits. While gambling can be just a hobby, many people can become addicted to gambling. A person may have a gambling addiction when it interferes with their quality of life. A person may have a gambling addiction if the following are affected by […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Self-Actualization Empathy Reflective Listening Congruence Unconditional Positive Regard The Ideal Self Self-Concept Self-Esteem Self-Image Person centered therapy is a therapeutic approach that was developed by Carl Rogers. Carl Rogers was an American clinical psychologist. He is also a founder of humanistic psychology. Carl Rogers believed that therapy could be helpful when the therapeutic approach […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
The holidays can be an exciting time for people, but it is common to also experience a great deal of stress during the holiday season. Most adults tend to be stressed about the holiday season for a number of reasons. Whether it is finances, family drama, work stress, or simply having too much to do, […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Short Term Memory And Long Term Memory How Long Term Memory Is Stored Accuracy Of Long Term Memories The term ‘long term memory’ refers to memories that last more than a few minutes. Long term memory is different from short term memory, which only holds information for up to a few minutes. Long term […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Sex addiction is a term used to refer to people who suffer from a constant need to have sex. It may also be referred to as hyper-sexuality. People who struggle with sex addiction struggle with a constant preoccupation with sex. They seek out sexual encounters with others. They also struggle to achieve sexual gratification, even […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a condition in which a person has different personalities. This condition was previously known as multiple personality disorder. People with Dissociative Identity Disorder have different personalities. People with Dissociative Identity Disorder struggle with the experience of having one or more personalities. These personalities can take control of the body. Alternate […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Process Of Short-Term Memory George Miller’s Magic Number The Magic Number and Chunking Short-Term Memory and Long-Term Memory Short-term memory refers to information that is immediately being processed in the brain. The information stored into short-term memory consists of immediate thoughts, attention and sensory stimulation. Short-term memory is fleeting. It is not stored in […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) causes a person to struggle with relationships. People with AVPD struggle to feel comfortable with other people. They tend to have a persistent fear of being judged. People with AVPD crave healthy relationships. Their fear of judgment often holds them back from being able to connect with others. This fear goes […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Visual Attention Auditory Attention Broadbent’s Filter Model of Attention Dichotic Listening Task Treisman’s Attenuation Theory Selective attention is the process of focusing on certain environmental factors while ignoring others. In any given moment, a person is exposed to a significant amount of environmental stimulation. Typically, we use selective attention to cancel out sensory stimuli. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Narcolepsy is a condition that causes sleepiness. The sleepiness experienced extends past typical fatigue a person feels in a day. It causes a person to feel consistently drowsy during waking hours. People with narcolepsy have to battle intense drowsiness. Sometimes the urge to fall asleep can be managed, but there are moments when affected people […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Classical Conditioning Pavlov’s Dog Little Albert Operant Conditioning Skinner Box Social Learning Theory Observational Learning Shaping Vicarious Reinforcement Modeling and Imitation Bobo Doll Study The behaviorist approach is an observational approach to psychology. In the behaviorist approach, observation is used to understand the human condition. It utilizes the observation of behavior to understand people’s […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Classical Conditioning Aversion Therapy Flooding Systematic Desensitization Operant Conditioning Token Economy Contingency Management Social Learning Theory Modeling Behavioral therapy is a form of therapy that targets behavioral patterns in people. The goal of behavioral therapy is to increase healthy behaviors. It is also a goal to extinguish unhealthy behaviors. Behavioral therapy utilizes key concepts […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Albert Bandura Observational Learning Modeling And Imitation Shaping Vicarious Reinforcement Stages Of Observational Learning Attention Retention Reproduction Motivation The Bobo Doll Study The social learning theory is a theory developed by Dr. Albert Bandura in the 1960’s. It is a behavioral theory that challenges previous theories of behavioral psychology. These previous theories maintained that […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Introduction Punishment Positive Punishment Negative Punishment Reinforcement Positive Reinforcement Negative Reinforcement Schedules of Reinforcement Continuous Reinforcement Fixed Ratio Schedule Variable Ratio Schedule Fixed Interval Schedule Variable Interval Schedule Burrhus Frederic Skinner (B. F. Skinner) was a researcher and psychologist who received his PhD in 1931. Inspired by E.L. Thorndike and John B. Watson, Skinner […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Connectionism The Law of Effect The Puzzle Box Experiment Edward Thorndike was an American Psychologist. His contributions to the study of behavior most significantly influenced the field of psychology in the early 1900’s. Initially, Thorndike’s research focused on animal behavior. Later on in his career Thorndike’s focus of research shifted to the cognitive functions […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Ivan Pavlov Pavlov’s Dog Experiments John B. Watson Little Albert Classical Conditioning and Extinction Classical conditioning is a process of learning through stimulation. With classical conditioning, a subject learns a behavior in response to a stimulus. This behavior is learned through repetition. The more a stimulus is presented to a subject, the more likely […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Cognitive Development Four Concepts Of Adaption Four Stages Of Development Theory Of Moral Development Jean Piaget was a psychologist who was born in Switzerland in the mid-1890’s. His research on human development significantly contributed to the understanding of human cognition. His works include research on child development, which he performed in the 1920’s through […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Morality During Childhood Morality of Constraint Relative Morality Morality of Cooperation Morality During Adolescence Reciprocity of Moral Decisions Simple Reciprocity vs. Ideal Reciprocity Jean Piaget was a psychologist who focused on child development. He has published a series of articles and journals about how children develop in the 1920’s and 1930’s. He is well-known […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Key Components Deductive Reasoning Hypothetical Deductive Reasoning The Pendulum Task Abstract Thought Third Eye Problem The formal operational stage is the fourth and final stage of Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Jean Piaget was a psychologist. He is most well known for his work with understanding child development. His theory on cognitive development […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Inductive Reasoning Deductive Reasoning Reversibility Conservation Conservation Tasks Decentration Egocentrism Mountain Task The concrete operational stage is the third of four stages in Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Jean Piaget centered his work as a psychologist around the development of children. The theory of cognitive development is among his most influential theories. There […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Preoperational Stage Egocentrism Parallel Play Animism Imaginative Play Symbolism Problem Solving Centration Conservation Conservation Tasks The preoperational stage is the second stage of Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Piaget’s work as a psychologist centered around the development of children. His theory of cognitive development has had a major impact on the field of […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Substages of Sensorimotor Reflexes Primary Circular Schemas Secondary Circular Coordinating Secondary Tertiary Circular Early Symbolic Thought Object Permanence The sensorimotor stage is the first stage to Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Jean Piaget was a psychologist who studied child development. His theory on cognitive development is among the most influential theories of his […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Key Concepts Psychoanalysis The Id, Ego and Superego The Levels of the Mind The Unconscious Mind Defense Mechanisms Repression Anna Freud’s Contribution Rationalization Denial Counseling Techniques Dream Analysis Jung’s Contribution Fromm’s Contribution Free Association Horney’s Contribution Freudian Slip Transference The psychodynamic approach to therapy derives from the works of Sigmund Freud. Freud used his […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Unconscious Mind Preconscious Mind Conscious Mind How The Levels Of The Mind Work Together Sigmund Freud is the creator of the first theory about the unconscious mind. His theory is called psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis focuses on how unconscious drives affect behavior. Freud believed that most conscious thoughts and impulses derive from the unconscious. According to […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Are Defense Mechanisms Harmful? Repression Reaction Formation Displacement Fixation Regression Projection Introjection Sublimation Defense mechanisms are methods people use to defend themselves. According to Dr. Sigmund Freud, people use defense mechanisms as a defense against stressful situations. Sigmund Freud is the founder of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is a therapeutic approach that explores the unconscious mind. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents 5 Stages of Development The Oral Stage The Anal Stage The Phallic Stage Oedipus Complex Electra Complex Latency Stage Genital Stage 3 Periods of Development Infantile Period Latency Period Maturity Period The psychosexual stages of development is a concept developed by Dr. Sigmund Freud. Freud believed that the development of sexuality began at birth. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Application of Psychoanalysis Dream Analysis Jungian Approach Fromm’s Approach Free Association Transference Horneyian Approach Defense Mechanisms Psychoanalysis is a theory developed by Sigmund Freud. It is a theory that focuses on unconscious drives, and how they fuel personality. The theory focuses on how the unconscious affects human behavior. It indicates sex and aggression as […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Dr. Aaron Beck How CBT Works Dr. Albert Ellis The ABC Model The Cognitive Triad Cognitive Bias Cognitive Distortions Who CBT Can Help According to the concepts of cognitive behavioral therapy, distorted thinking accounts for emotional issues. Distorted or negative thinking causes behavioral and interpersonal issues. It also causes issues with self-esteem and one’s […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Contents Id Ego SuperEgo The model of the id, ego and superego was developed by Dr. Sigmund Freud in the 1920’s. It derives from his work of psychoanalytic theories. The goal of this model was to create an understanding of the link between the conscious mind and the unconscious mind. Freud’s intention was to make […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Anger is a complicated emotion. It is an emotion that has a profound effect on a person, and the people around that person. Anger causes us to act in ways we may not be proud of, and can cause us to make mistakes in our lives that we may regret. Anger can be difficult to […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Cognitive distortions (CDs) are ways of interpreting situations that make you think in the negative. CDs fuel negative core beliefs about yourself and the world around you. They create a negative self-image and low self-esteem. They can also create paranoid thoughts and invalid assumptions about others. Cognitive distortions cause people to see the world through […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Communication skills are a critical part of a strong relationship. Without good communication, there cannot be good understanding between partners. That is why trust, understanding and growth, all start with communication. Communication must be not only strong, but also dynamic. People tend to think they only need to work on communication when they are having […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
A powerful method of dealing with the stress of each day is to practice deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing exercises can help relieve any symptoms of stress, including daily stressors, unexpected challenges, or prolonged family and life issues. No matter the stressor, deep breathing exercises are very helpful in relieving symptoms of stress. The Science […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Agoraphobia is a condition that causes a fear of situations that are perceived to be inescapable. People who suffer from agoraphobia struggle with excessive fears and anxiety for triggering situations. This fear causes them to avoid situations that they feel compromise their wellness. People with agoraphobia are fearful of different kinds of environments and situations. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Even the strongest of relationships hit a romantic slump sometimes. It can happen to anyone, and there can be many different reasons why it happens. Sometimes work, family or unexpected stress can distract us from our relationship. Sometimes the responsibility of nurturing and stimulating romance in a relationship is pushed to the side while other […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Everyone suffers from stress. Sometimes the stress will be stronger than others. Stress can trigger different feelings, like anxiety, depression, anger, fear and dread. People may feel stress for different reasons. Everyone has life stressors that trigger prolonged stress, or stress that is not resolved quickly. Bottling up the stress can cause health issues. It […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Depression is a difficult condition to cope with each day. People who have depression suffer from a daily struggle to feel okay. Depression affects each area of a person’s life, including their relationships. Partners, family and friends often struggle to understand what depression is like, and how they can be supportive of their loved ones […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Trichotillomania is a term used to refer to people who pull out their hair. A person with this disorder will compulsively pull out their body hair. Because affected people struggle to stop the behavior, it is considered an impulse control disorder. The hair-pulling behavior includes pulling hair out of one’s own body. Many affected people […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Addiction is a powerful condition that has a serious effect on an addict and their family. It can be hard to understand what addiction is, and how it is affecting a loved one. Having a loved one who is suffering from addiction can be overwhelming. It can be challenging to support them while they are […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Lawrence Kohlberg is well known for this theory of moral development. According to his theory, cognitive development leads to moral development. Kohlberg proposed that there is a distinction between moral reasoning and moral behavior. Moral reasoning refers to the ability to make distinctions between right and wrong. Moral behavior is the act of behaving based […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a disorder in which a person feels more important than others. A person with NPD will feel an unreasonable sense of entitlement. They will also have a big ego. Narcissists feel more important than others. As a result, they struggle with relationships and behavioral issues. It is possible for someone […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Emetophobia is a term used for people who fear throwing up. It is a condition in which a person has an irrational fear of vomiting. People with emetophobia will fear throwing up or being exposed to a situation in which they may throw up. People with emetophobia are suffering from a specific phobia. A specific […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Erik Erikson Erik Erikson was a developmental psychologist who lived through the 1900’s. He was born in Germany and died in Massachusetts. Erikson is most well-known for his theory of psychological development of children as they grew into adulthood. His contribution to the field includes an understanding of psychosocial development of humans. His theory breaks […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
There has been a growing tolerance for sexual diversity. With tolerance has come the emergence of several different types of sexualities. It has become safer and more acceptable to talk about different types of sexualities. With this safety and acceptance, a more diverse perspective of sexuality and gender has emerged. Sexuality is fluid, and can […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Separation anxiety is experienced when a child feels distressed when away from parents, loved ones, or their home. The distress that they feel is outside of the norm for their age and development. The anxiety that affected children feel can cause them to have outbursts. They may struggle to cope with developing independence. A child […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
When we think about our friends, we usually do not consider that they are an important aspect of our health. However, it is true: friendships can help us live a healthy lifestyle, both emotionally and physically. Let’s take a look at friendships and why they are so critical for our well-being. Friends Boost Confidence and […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Exercise is one of the best things that you can do for your body. Not only does exercise make you feel better, but it also has major health benefits- both for your physical health and your mental health. Luckily, you do not need to spend tons of money on expensive equipment or a gym membership […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Opiates are a dangerous and highly addictive drug to use. They are considered narcotic drugs and are often used recreationally. People may also be prescribed certain types of opiate medication to relieve pain. Opiates cause changes in the brain, addiction, and permanent damage to the user. Opiates create a euphoric high that makes them appealing […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Jean Piaget was a psychologist who focused on child development. Piaget is arguably most well-known for his theory of cognitive development. Other theories of his time placed importance on environment or biology. Piaget believed that development depended primarily on cognitive function. Piaget’s theory is based on the idea that development comes from challenging what the […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
For some people, achieving their dreams and goals comes quite easily. Other people find it more difficult to understand what their purpose is in life. Some questions that they might ask themselves are: Why am I here? What am I supposed to be doing with my life? What will bring me the most happiness in […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Somnophilia is a paraphilia, which is a sexual interest that is outside of the norm. The norm refers to a typical sexual activity between two consenting adults. These sexual interests may involve risky, violating, and dangerous sexual behaviors. Someone with somnophilia suffers from a desire for sexual contact with someone who is unconscious. This condition […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
It would be great if all of us could magically find the secret to being happy. The truth is that happiness is not something that can be found; it is already inside of us, waiting to be cultivated. Happy people have traits in common. They are able to use these traits to bring more happiness […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Hoarding disorder is a disorder in which a person struggles to discard their possessions. It is not unusual for a person to hold onto certain things for sentimental reasons. Sometimes people will hold onto certain belongings in anticipation of needing them one day. These behaviors are typical, and not harmful to a person. It becomes […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
A poor night’s sleep is not helpful for starting your day. The mental fog and grumpiness that comes from poor sleep affects you in many ways. Millions of people suffer from poor sleep. It can be hard to live with sleep deprivation. Knowing the causes of poor sleep can help in developing healthier sleep hygiene. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Confrontation is tough. It is uncomfortable and stressful. Confrontation can cause tension between people, which can affect relationships. For each of these reasons it is normal for a person to try hard to avoid confrontation. The problem with avoiding confrontation is that when you avoid confrontation you prevent change and growth. You also are stuck […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
A person may have narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) if they have an inflated sense of self-worth and a lack of empathy for others. They may be called a narcissist, be pretentious, and exaggerated sense of self-worth. Narcissists can be challenging to live with and can be very resistant to change. NPD causes a person to […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Anxiety is a feeling that everyone will experience regularly in their lives. It is an emotion that can be triggered by several factors. Sometimes it will be triggered by recognizable situations and sometimes it will be triggered by circumstances that are more difficult to identify and understand. How Stress Triggers Anxiety Every person has triggers […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Anger is a natural emotion that we all feel sometimes. It is normal to be angry when things are upsetting, but there is a line between normal, appropriate anger and anger that is unusual and problematic. There are people who are chronically angry or struggle to control their anger. This could be due to different […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
People who have experienced a panic attack know that they are oppressive. They take a major toll on a person’s day. Panic attacks create physical, mental and emotional reactions that are uncomfortable. Many people may even develop unhealthy strategies to prevent a panic attack. For example, a person with agoraphobia will go to great lengths […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
It is natural for a person to grieve when dealing with loss. Grief is a normal reaction to losing a loved one, along with other things. People can grieve people, pets, careers, lifestyles, and even objects. A person can develop an emotional attachment to any of these things, so they can grieve their loss as […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
There is an alarming increase in the rates of obesity in America and around the world. Currently, we are seeing the highest percentage of overweight Americans in US history. Between 2017 and 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that the prevalence of obesity among adults over 20 years old in the United […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
There are currently millions of people who suffer from anxiety each day. Each person who suffers from anxiety has different symptoms, causes and challenges to face. It can be hard for most people to cope with their symptoms of anxiety. Understanding how to cope with anxiety is critical. Coping properly can improve an affected person’s […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
It can be hard to know that a loved one is suffering from alcoholism. It is not uncommon for loved ones of an alcoholic to be confused or mistaken about what alcoholism is and what it does to the person they love. Families of alcoholics endure a great deal of frustration and heartache. It is […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder in which a person suffers from obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are persistent thoughts and impulses. They are difficult to manage and cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors. They are performed to reduce anxiety or neutralize feared things from happening. Compulsions may also be referred to as rituals. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
In today’s world our lives revolve around technology. We depend on technology for many things, and we sometimes do not even realize when it is negatively affecting us. One of the biggest pitfalls those with insomnia and sleep issues face is their inclination to turn to technology while trying to sleep. Three of the biggest […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder that has become more prevalent in the last 30 years. It is considered a neurological and developmental disorder that is typically diagnosed between the ages of 1 and 5 years old. ASD causes deficiencies in the following areas: Learning and academics Socialization skills Communication Impulse control Behavioral regulation […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
We’ve all been there: after a busy day you just want to lay down and fall asleep. As soon as your head hits the pillow all of these intrusive thoughts come flooding into your mind, preventing you from getting that good night’s sleep that you desperately need. Thoughts like ‘I cannot forget to…’, ‘what am […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
When we hear depression, we think of someone who cannot stop crying, cannot get out of bed, or is feeling hopeless. While these can be ways that a person shows their depressed mood, depression can be felt in other ways. We can feel depressed sometimes without realizing it. Not all people feel their depression through […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
A personality disorder (PD) is different from other mental health disorders. A patient with a PD will have unhealthy behavioral and thought patterns. These unhealthy patterns affect how the patient can function with others. PD causes strains in the patient’s personal relationships and concept of self. A PD is not identified through emotional disturbance or […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
People who suffer from agoraphobia have an intense fear of certain places and situations. People who suffer from agoraphobia fear being in a situation that may be difficult to escape from. This fear is paired with a fear of having a panic attack or of being embarrassed in some way. A person with agoraphobia will […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Depression is can be especially difficult to cope with when you do not understand the reason why you are depressed. Many things can trigger depression, and understanding what caused the depressed mood is the first step in learning how to cope and feel better. There are several factors and conditions that can cause depression. Some […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
It is scary to think that you may be an alcoholic. Being able to accept that you are struggling is the first step to understanding your condition. Alcoholism is challenging, and if left untreated can have devastating consequences on your life. Knowing the signs and causes of alcoholism can help you know if you need […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
People who suffer from insomnia know that it can be very difficult to carry out their day after a bad night’s sleep. It is hard to live with insomnia because a lack of sleep affects your mind, body, and emotions. This prevents you from doing what you need to be able to do to carry […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
A psychotic break is an incident in which a person loses touch with reality. This typically happens as the result of severe stress or emotional distress. A psychotic break can also occur as a result of drug use or withdrawal. Professionals may also refer to a psychotic break as psychosis or brief psychotic disorder. A […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Anxiety is a word often heard and often misunderstood. It is something that we experience when something that is unexpected, unpleasant, uncomfortable, or unpredictable is about to happen. The uncertainty of an outcome, or simply the idea of something happening or not happening, can affect us so much that our bodies and minds react through […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is not easy to live with. It can be confusing to suffer from SAD, because it causes mood changes during certain parts of the year. While some people may experience SAD during the summer months, most people who suffer from SAD will experience symptoms during the winter months. Symptoms of SAD […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Marijuana is a drug that is becoming more socially accepted in current generations. Many people think that marijuana is harmless, and is not a drug that a person can become addicted to. Despite this belief, becoming addicted to marijuana is possible. It is also possible for a marijuana user to suffer from symptoms of withdrawal. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Binge eating disorder is a condition in which a person overeats. This overeating habit is chronic. It causes affected people to eat to the point where they are uncomfortable. People who binge eat tend to have an unhealthy relationship with food. This means they do not see food as only fuel and the occasional treat. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Anorexia is rarely ever solely a body image issue. Most people who suffer from anorexia also suffer from deep emotional issues that are not properly managed with healthy coping skills. Without healthy coping skills, a person with anorexia turns to unhealthy and dangerous eating habits to cope with their unsettled feelings. People who suffer from […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Video game addiction is not currently considered a diagnosable disorder, but it is under consideration by the American Psychological Association (APA). People who struggle with video game addiction are often referred to as ‘gamers’. While not every gamer has an addiction to video games, many gamers become consumed with gaming. This causes their mental health […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Proper diagnosis of bulimia is a critical component to ensuring that a patient is properly treated. Without proper diagnosis treatment will likely be ineffective. It can sometimes be a challenge to accurately identify a case of bulimia because symptoms can appear to be similar to binge eating disorder or anorexia nervosa. This is why there […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that has major consequences on a person’s life. Bulimia nervosa is a condition in which a patient struggles with body image. In effort to cope with the poor body image the patient will engage in compensatory behaviors. Such compensatory behaviors include restricting diet, excessive exercise, and binging and […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that has serious medical and physical health consequences. A patient who is bulimic will engage in behavior to prevent weight gain. He or she will struggle with self-esteem and self-image. There will be destructive behavior that has an effect on the patient’s overall health. A patient with bulimia nervosa […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
It can be difficult to cope with a family member’s diagnosis of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia causes many alarming symptoms. These symptoms cause the patient to act in an unusual manner. It can also cause a patient to become fearful or act erratically. Schizophrenia typically shows symptoms in early adulthood. This causes the patient to display a […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Schizophrenia is a complicated disorder that is often misunderstood by the general public. It is a disorder that causes many unique and sometimes scary symptoms that are often misunderstood by others. These symptoms can be alarming to affected people, their families and their peers. When left untreated, schizophrenia can have severe consequences for the affected […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder with many different kinds of symptoms. There are different subtypes of schizophrenia recognized by professionals. Each subtype of schizophrenia has its own features and symptoms. Here is a list of the different subtypes of schizophrenia: Catatonic subtype People with catatonic subtype schizophrenia will show two extremes in their overall personality. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Schizophrenia is a disorder that is scary for both the patient and those around them. It affects friends, family, peers, and in severe cases, the general public. People who are schizophrenic tend to have alarming behaviors and thoughts. Sometimes these behaviors and thoughts confuse and frighten others. This is especially the case for those who […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that causes many scary experiences for affected people. It is a very difficult disorder to cope with on a daily basis. Schizophrenia affects many areas of a person’s life. Day to day activities and interpersonal relationships are negatively impacted by symptoms. Common symptoms of schizophrenia include: Hallucinations Delusions Psychosis Paranoia […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Anorexia nervosa (anorexia) is a serious mental health disorder that has the potential to be fatal. Millions people struggle with anorexia in the United States. Anorexia is not only a mental health disorder, but also a serious medical condition that has severe consequences. If anorexia is not properly treated it can have devastating effects on […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Anorexia is a complex disorder that affects different types of people for different reasons. Many tend to be mistaken when thinking it develops from a desire to be skinny. It rarely develops as a result of one individual issue, like body image or weight management. People who suffer from anorexia tend to have trouble coping […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Anorexia is an oppressive illness. Those who suffer from anorexia will engage in problematic behaviors to maintain a sense of control. They do not realize how severely their health is being affected. Patients with anorexia often exhibit symptoms and warning signs, like: Having a family member who also suffers from Anorexia Nervosa Binging (Eating an […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) is a disorder in a which a child exhibits consistently bad behavior. This bad behavior has an effect on the child’s development. It also affects the child’s peers, parents and teachers. A child with ODD exhibits unhealthy coping strategies for stress. This may include outbursts of rage, tantrums, or acts of […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that a person may develop if he or she has experienced at traumatic event. PTSD is a serious disorder that affects a person’s sense of safety and security. It creates different symptoms that are difficult to cope with on a daily basis. People with PTSD will experience symptoms […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is challenging. It is a disorder that has lasting effects on a person. PTSD can develop when a person goes through significant trauma or abuse. It can cause a person to feel like they are a prisoner to their trauma. People with PTSD often feel helpless as they struggle […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
People often think that bipolar disorder develops when people do not know how to control themselves. This is rarely the case. There are several different contributing factors that can cause bipolar disorder. While bipolar disorder can cause a person to behave erratically and irrationally, it is not due to a lack of control. There are […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
A patient with bipolar disorder is not the only one who suffers from its effects. If left untreated, bipolar disorder will affect a patient, along with his or her family, friends, and loved ones. It is important for family and friends of people with bipolar disorder to be educated on what it means to have […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Conduct disorder is a disorder in which an adolescent, between the ages of 12 and 18, exhibits socially unacceptable behavior. This behavior can sometimes lead to criminal acts or acts of violence. The behavior that is caused by conduct disorder is often dismissed as delinquency, but actually stems from deep emotional issues. Adolescents with conduct […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
If you are finding yourself having trouble with either falling asleep or staying asleep you may be suffering from insomnia. Insomnia is a disorder in which a person struggles to maintain healthy sleep patterns. Their struggle will prevent them from getting adequate rest throughout the night. As a result, people with insomnia struggle to cope […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Manic episodes can cause alarming behaviors in a person. They cause unusual behavior patterns that a person in a manic episode may not realize, even when those behaviors scare or confuse loved ones. A person who is experiencing a manic episode may be at risk of engaging in unsafe or unhealthy activities, so it is […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
A child with ODD will show patterns of defiance, rage, and resentment. They may often be angry, irritable, and unpredictable. These behavioral issues often cause challenges in the home, at school, or in extracurricular activities. Oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD) is a disorder in which a child has a pattern of the following: Irritability Anger Defiant behavior […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
There are millions of people who currently suffer from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes highs and lows in mood. At one end, the mood swings can cause the patient to experience episodes of depression. This could include sadness, numbness, feeling hopeless, not interested in everyday activities. The other end is […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Having a panic attack is an unpleasant experience. Sometimes a person experiences a panic attack due to unusual or excessive stress, and some people may even have a panic attack and not know why. People who struggle with stress, anxiety, and mood disorders are prone to panic attacks. Panic attacks can be experienced as a […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
When you hear the word depression, you may picture someone who is very blue or sad. This image is often associated with depression, but sadness and feeling down in the dumps is not the only way depressed people feel. Depression can cause many uncomfortable feelings, so it is important to seek help if you recognize […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) causes a person to feel insecure in relationships. A person with BPD struggles with self-image and mood swings. They may act impulsively and struggle to create secure attachments with others. People with BPD struggle to create and maintain healthy relationships. They engage in testing behaviors that build insecurity and distrust for […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is an anxious personality disorder. It is a disorder in which a person has intense dependence on others. A person with DPD does not believe they can take care of themselves. This causes them to feel dependent on others. It also causes behavior that is often described as ‘needy’ or ‘clingy’ […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
It is common for mothers who have recently given birth to have a low mood or struggle with sadness. Oftentimes these kinds of feelings are temporary and fade as time passes. You may hear of this experience as the baby blues. The Baby Blues The baby blues refers to a mildly depressed mood after giving […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Worrying is natural. It’s a part of life. We all worry about things sometimes, and worrying does often help us resolve issues. While worrying is normal, worrying in excess can exhaust a person. Worrying is draining, and when a person is a chronic worrier, they may be suffering from anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling that […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects both children and adults. It is often diagnosed in childhood. ADHD causes a person to have a hard time focusing. This difficulty with focusing can cause an affected person to be inattentive, forgetful, or impulsive. Some people with ADHD can also be hyperactive, over-talkative, and […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Bulimia nervosa is a disorder that many people struggle to live with each day. It is an eating disorder in which a person suffers from a fear of gaining weight. People with bulimia engage in harmful behaviors to prevent weight gain. They will practice extreme dieting and excessive exercising. They will also engage in binge […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Living with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is challenging. When someone suffers from PTSD their sense of security and safety is fragile, which makes each day a struggle. It is possible to recover from PTSD, but recovery can be a long process that requires patience and support from friends and family. PTSD is a mental health […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder that causes a poor self-image and self-destructive behavior. It is difficult to cope with BPD because the affected person’s self-esteem is low. As a result, the he or she believes that others do not value him or her. This causes a fear of abandonment. It also causes […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a disorder in which a person is dependent on the support of others. A person with DPD feels they cannot support themselves alone and has an extreme fear of abandonment. This fear causes a person to go to great lengths to prevent abandonment or rejection. People with DPD face many […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects a person’s ability to focus and concentrate. People with ADHD may also struggle with behavioral issues related to hyperactivity. ADHD can affect people at any age, and is typically diagnosed during childhood. Those who do not receive treatment during childhood face cognitive and behavioral issues in adulthood. Many also […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Maintaining a relationship with a person with borderline personality disorder (BPD) is challenging. BPD causes a person to believe that they are not valued or worthy of love and affection. This belief creates an intense fear of abandonment. The fear of abandonment causes the affected person act destructively. A person with BPD will have many […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
A struggle for many people comes from social anxiety. People with social anxiety feel very anxious in social situations. These anxious feelings can be overwhelming for affected people. It causes them discomfort and racing thoughts about how they are perceived by others. People who have social anxiety tend to be overly critical of themselves. They […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a condition that is often misunderstood. People tend to mistake the disorder with the term ‘antisocial’, but these two terms do not mean the same thing. The term ‘antisocial’ when used socially refers to people who are not typically social. People with ASPD reject social or societal rules and measures […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Depression is a condition that manifests in many different forms. There are different types of depression, and each type affects a person in different ways. Each type of depression has different causes, but the symptoms may be similar. This article explains the different types of depression and what it is like to live with each […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a disorder that causes a person to feel dependent on others. A person with DPD often has an intense fear of abandonment. This fear of abandonment affects the relationships the affected person has with others. It causes them to feel insecure, which affects their sense of self-worth. Dependent personality disorder […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Having a panic attack is a scary experience. It causes uncomfortable symptoms that can be scary and upsetting. It is not uncommon for a person who is having a panic attack to not know they are having a panic attack. Since a panic attack has physical symptoms, people can confuse it for a medical emergency. […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Many women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. A new baby is an exciting time, but one that can also cause many stressful life changes. It is not uncommon for mothers to suffer from postpartum depression. Both new and experienced mothers may feel depressed after giving birth. Postpartum depression is a depressed mood a mother may […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Postpartum depression is a form of depression in which the mother of a baby falls into a depressed state. This state of depression usually occurs shortly after giving birth. A mother suffering from postpartum depression is not uncommon, and does not last forever. A mother may experience postpartum depression in varying intensities, depending on their […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Binge eating disorder is a condition that has serious health consequences on an affected person. People who binge eat face many health consequences, like obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and kidney dam-age. Binge eaters are also at risk of suffering from emotional issues, like anger, anxiety, and depression. People who binge eat tend to feel hopeless, […]
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
For those who do not suffer from binge eating it can be difficult to understand why people binge eat. You may ask, “Why don’t they just stop eating so much and learn to control themselves?” The reality is that it is not so easy. Binge eaters overeat for reasons that go beyond a love for […]
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