Nick Highland - Values

How to Develop an Internal Locus of Control and Regain Personal Power

Struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or a lack of motivation? One key mindset shift can significantly impact your ability to overcome these obstacles: developing an internal locus of control. This powerful psychological concept often comes up in therapy sessions because it plays a central role in how people experience and Read more…

By Nick Highland, 15 hoursApril 28, 2025 ago

person in white shirt with brown wooden frame

Anxiety Mental Health Psychoeducation Values

Understanding the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety

We often use the words “stress” and “anxiety” interchangeably. After all, both can leave us feeling overwhelmed, mentally drained, and physically tense. But while stress and anxiety share similar symptoms, they are not the same—and understanding their differences can be key to knowing when to seek support and how to Read more…

By Nick Highland, 5 daysApril 24, 2025 ago

Anxiety Depression Faith & Mental Health Grief & Loss Mental Health Psychoeducation Spirituality Values

What Is Spiritual Bypassing? Healing Beyond the Mask

As a mental health therapist who works with people of all faiths and spiritual paths, I often meet clients who are genuinely committed to their inner growth. They pray, meditate, journal, and attend spiritual gatherings—but still feel stuck. They can’t shake their anxiety. Their relationships feel disconnected. Old traumas keep Read more…

By Nick Highland, 1 weekApril 21, 2025 ago

Notebook in lap, pen in hand writing in notebook.

Mental Health Narrative Therapy Values

Rewriting the Story You Tell Yourself

Imagine a child who believes they can’t draw because someone once laughed at their art. That belief becomes a part of their story, whispered by a voice in their mind: “I’m not creative. I’m just bad at this.” Over time, the story feels true, like a label they can’t shake. Read more…

By Nick Highland, 3 monthsJanuary 23, 2025 ago

person holding a pen and notebook with a swirling black form in front of them

Anxiety Coping Skills Mental Health Narrative Therapy Self-Esteem & Identity Values

What If the Problem Isn’t You?

Imagine this: you’re sitting in a chair across from a big, blobby figure that seems to be made of shadows. It whispers doubts into your ear, fills your chest with tightness, and makes you feel like every choice you’ve made has been the wrong one. That shadowy figure doesn’t have Read more…

By Nick Highland, 3 monthsJanuary 21, 2025 ago

Depression Mental Health Psychoeducation Substance Abuse Recovery Values

Part 4 of 4 – Behavioral Manifestations of Addiction: It’s Medical, Not Moral

Behavioral patterns offer crucial insights into the complexities of addiction. While chemical imbalances play a role, behaviors serve as tangible indicators of addiction’s grip on individuals. The DSM-5 delineates addiction based on behavioral criteria, emphasizing impaired control, social consequences, risky usage, and pharmacological factors. Recognizing addiction through behavioral cues is Read more…

By Nick Highland, 1 yearMarch 20, 2024 ago

artistic depiction of anxiety, portraying a person experiencing social anxiety while sitting at a table with others, swirling thoughts, rapid breathing, and a person sitting cross-legged while experiencing a panic attack.

Caregivers, Family Members, and Friends Mental Health Values

Supporting a Friend or Loved One through a Mental Health Crisis

Mental health is a vital aspect of our well-being, but it can be affected by many factors, such as stress, trauma, loss, or change. Sometimes, these factors can trigger a mental health crisis, which is a situation where a person has difficulty coping with their emotions, thoughts, or behaviors. A Read more…

By Nick Highland, 1 yearDecember 14, 2023 ago

a woman sitting in an armchair reading a book and sipping a drink from a mug while a cat rests at her feet

Anxiety Depression Mental Health Self-Care Practices Sleep and Rest Values

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is a term that refers to the actions and activities that we do to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Self-care can help us cope with stress, prevent burnout, and enhance our overall health and happiness. But what does self-care look like in practice, and how Read more…

By Nick Highland, 1 yearNovember 12, 2023 ago