Thriveworks

11/07/2024

According to Thriveworks’ annual research, this year, seasonal depression will peak this week. Thriveworks therapist and Regional Clinic Director Jami Dumler, spoke with Fox Carolina News on what seasonal depression looks like and how we can cope.

Dumler says that symptoms of seasonal depression could include feeling withdrawn, lonely, isolated, hopelessness, and having difficulty concentrating and sleeping.

“We all go through normal ebbs and flows of life where we might be down for a couple days or a week. But if someone is experiencing seasonal depression, they’re going to have prolonged symptoms,” Dumler explained.

Watch the segment here:

Thriveworks reports the first week of November is peak for seasonal depression

11/04/2024

As we approach the presidential election, many Americans are feeling stressed and overwhelmed by near-constant political discourses. Nikki Stark, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Thriveworks, spoke with the Austin American-Statesman on how to cope with political anxiety, particularly in the aftermath.

If you’re still having anxiety after election day, Stark suggests practicing radical acceptance. "Accept it for what it is," Stark said. "You can only deal with the cards you have been dealt. ... You can only control what you can control."

Read the more here:

Do you doomscroll on social media? Are you hyperfocused on politics? Is the end of the world near? Time to focus on mental health during an election.

10/29/2024

For some, Halloween is a time for spooky fun and eating lots of candy but for others, it can create situations that are overwhelming. Dr. Maddy Brener, a Licensed Psychologist with Thriveworks, shared her thoughts with USA TODAY 10Best on how to create a sensory-friendly Halloween.

Dr. Brener says that planning ahead is key. Talking to your child in a stress-free environment prior to the festivities is a great way to understand their needs beforehand.

Check out more tips for a sensory-friendly Halloween here:

Get expert tips on creating a safe and fun sensory-friendly Halloween, from costumes to trick-or-treating strategies.

10/24/2024

October is National Bullying Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness and take a stand against bullying. Whether it’s at school, online, in the workplace, or in social circles, bullying can have devastating impacts on mental health. KaiLi McGrath, LMSW with Thriveworks, joined CBS Detroit to discuss online bullying and how spending too much time online in general can impact our overall well-being.

When asked about how parents can support their kids, McGrath suggests keeping an open dialogue and having a conversation about setting better boundaries with social media and other online platforms.

Check out the full interview here:

A new report from the Boys and Girls Club of America found that more than 80% of kids have suffered online harassment. Kaili McGrath, a therapist with Thriveworks Royal Oak, joined CBS News Detroit to discuss the impact of social media on kids.

10/14/2024

As we draw closer to November, employers are preparing for the potential fallout from polarizing political outcomes; divided team dynamics, heightened anxiety and depression and low productivity. In an interview with WorkLife on the topic, Thriveworks’ Chief People Officer, Shawnee Irmen-De Anda, emphasized the importance of preparation

“We know exactly when it’s coming and can prepare for the potentially disheartening — and as a result, disruptive — feelings it will stir up,” Irmen-De Anda explained.

Read the full article here:

They face unique challenges in managing employee reactions and behavior while maintaining productivity and a positive work environment.

10/10/2024

Happy World Mental Health Day! This year’s theme is prioritizing mental well-being in the workplace. Adina Godette, LCSW with Thriveworks joined QC Life this morning to discuss the importance of addressing mental health at work and how employers can support their teams.

Godette advises that managers and companies listen to their employees by regularly scheduling meetings to check in on their needs. For employees, she encourages them to take breaks as needed and advocate for themselves should they feel overwhelmed by their workload.

Watch their full sit-down here:

Improving mental health in the workplace.

10/07/2024

“Sober October” is a time to evaluate your relationship with alcohol and the role it plays in your life. Johanna Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor with Thriveworks spoke with HuffPost about having a healthy relationship with alcohol and warning signs of an unhealthy relationship.

One sign that you might have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol is you use it to cope with life situations. Jones said, “When it (alcohol) becomes something that we’re using for a specific emotional purpose — to overcome anxiety, to release the cares of the day, to make us feel more comfortable with other people — I think it invites potential problems.”

Check out the full story here:

Experts weigh in on how to tell if your drinking habits are causing you harm. The answer might surprise you.

10/04/2024

Last month, in support of Su***de Prevention Month, Thriveworks Regional Clinic Director and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Jami Dumler addressed over 200 delegates at Mental Health America of Lancaster County's Su***de Prevention Month.

Her presentation, Beyond Statistics: The Power of One in LGBTQ+ Youth Su***de Prevention, addressed the alarming statistics associated with LGBTQ+ su***de rates and how preventative, upstream measures such as increasing positive, supportive spaces and access to mental healthcare have critical impacts on these outcomes.

Thank you, Jami, for your dedication to this important issue.

10/01/2024

Employee recognition programs are becoming common place in workforces big and small. Shawnee Irmen-De Anda, Chief People Officer at Thriveworks offered her thoughts to WorkLife on the impact these programs have on employee morale and company bottom line.

“We know that employees who are happier and feel appreciated are more likely to be more productive, so employee recognition programs really are a win-win,” said Irmen-De Anda.

Check out the full story here:

Employee incentive programs are a key tool for engaging workers, though some may have a greater impact than others.

09/27/2024

Thriveworks’ Chief Clinicial Officer, Heidi Faust, recently spoke with WECT News on the new mental health parity rule that recently went into effect to outline the potential impacts.

“As people are able to access the help they potentially need then that’s going to have a ripple effect. If people are taking care of their mental health then their physical health, then they are better family members and neighbors and community members and that’s going to affect communities and society as a whole,” Faust said.

Read the full article here:

On Sept. 9 the Biden administration announced a new rule that makes private insurance companies provide the same level of coverage for physical, mental and substance use care.

09/25/2024

Today is National Psychotherapy Day– a time dedicated to raising awareness for the benefits of therapy and continue to combat mental health stigma. Thriveworks therapist, Adina Godette , LCSW sat down with QC Life to discuss how therapy can help improve overall well-being.

According to Godette, one of the many benefits of talk therapy is having a safe space to express your feelings without judgment. “It helps you to identify and regulate your emotions in a healthy way,” Godette said.

Check out the full interview here:

Thriveworks joined QC Life to discuss awareness of talk therapy.

09/23/2024

Want to know more about how Thriveworks can support you on your mental health journey? We put together a brief explainer video about what it is that we do. Check it out below.

09/23/2024

As we inch closer to the holiday season many are ready to kiss the heat goodbye and cozy up with a pumpkin spice latte. However, this year it seems many are starting to celebrate the start of fall earlier than ever before. Monica Cwynar, LCSW with Thriveworks offered her thoughts to The Independent on why we’re so excited about fall.

“Autumn symbolizes a time of transition and change, both in nature and in our lives. Embracing the seasonal shift and adapting to new routines can be a way to cultivate resilience, flexibility, and a sense of renewal,” Cwynar said. “The visual spectacle of fall can bring joy and a sense of awe to people.”

Read the rest of the story here:

Starbucks has launched its fall menu already, and TikTok feeds are being flooded with . While some critics believe we’re wishing away summer, Meredith Clark speaks to experts about why fall seems to be arriving earlier than ever

09/20/2024

September is National Self-Care Awareness Month- a reminder that taking care of yourself is imperative for overall well-being. Thriveworks therapist Dr. Denitrea Vaughan, LPC-S, joined WFAA Daybreak to discuss the importance of self-care.

According to Dr. Vaughan, mental, emotional and physical health are all connected. Taking care of our whole health helps us manage stress and learn coping skills.

Watch the full interview here:

Exercise, sleep and healthy eating are great forms of self-care.

09/17/2024

Getting older typically brings a lot of change, especially as a child grows into an adult. It can also mean a dramatic shift in the parent/child relationship dynamic. Carole Cox, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Thriveworks, contributed her expertise to PARADE Magazine on navigating these shifts.

"Resetting boundaries and establishing new relationship dynamics through reevaluating child/parent expectations, communication and other things like how much time they spend together is important to avoid conflict as a child continues to grow into an adult,” Cox says.

Read the full article here:

Family therapists are begging parents to cut these habits out with adult kids.

09/12/2024

Do you dread spending time with your in-laws? Maybe your mother-in-law takes jabs at your cooking or your father-in-law questions your parenting style. If so, you may have toxic in-laws. Dr. Denitrea Vaughan, LPC-S with Thriveworks shared her insights with PARADE Magazine on what makes an in-law toxic and how to deal with them.

“When it comes to navigating toxic in-laws, sometimes you just have to remind yourself that you can’t change them,” Dr. Vaughan said. "Understand and accept the fact that you do not have the power to change them, and they may never change. When in their presence, avoid sensitive topics, try to find common ground when you can, and remember to engage in self-care before and after family events.”

Read the full article here:

Plus, how to respond.

09/09/2024

As a parent, wanting to shower your child with praise can feel instinctual. However, some experts say that too much praise in childhood can have negative effects that last into adulthood. Thriveworks psychologist Dr. Connally Barry recently shared insights with PARADE Magazine on how overpraising children can shape their future selves.

"Children either meet the expectations set by their parents’ praise or they simply don’t," Dr. Barry explains, "Having high ideals for a child is one thing, but placing them on a high pedestal could set them up for a deep sense of inadequacy if they do not feel they could ever meet these expectations."

Read the full story here:

Psychologists explain what traits usually show up in adulthood.

09/04/2024

As we age, staying active in mind and body is vital and having hobbies we enjoy is a great way to do that. Thriveworks therapist Dee Jacobi-Edwards shared her thoughts with Care.com on the mental health benefits of hobbies for seniors.

“Nowadays, older adults are not their grandparents — many were active in their younger days and want to stay that way,” said Jacobi-Edwards. “Regular movement is important for overall wellness and can reduce the risk of various physical and mental health issues.”

Check out the full story here:

Improve mental, social, and physical well-being in seniors with fulfilling hobbies. Discover a wide range of activities suitable for different ability levels.