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Understanding Anxiety The Story Behind Your Worries And Fears

Understanding Anxiety: The Story Behind Your Worries and Fears

Anxiety is a common yet often misunderstood mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It manifests in various forms, ranging from mild unease to severe panic attacks, and can significantly impact an individual’s daily life. In this comprehensive guide, we aim to delve deep into the intricate workings of anxiety, exploring its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies. The Essence of Anxiety Anxiety is a natural response to stress and a crucial survival Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

Getting Started with a Mental Health Counselor

What to Expect in Therapy Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You may be carrying a lot right now, and the thought of sitting down with someone new might feel overwhelming. That’s completely natural. Many people wonder what the process will be like, what they’re “supposed” to talk about, or whether they’ll feel understood. My goal is to make therapy a place where you can exhale, and where you don’t have to have Read more…

By Nickolus Highland, ago
couple having a misunderstanding

How Do You Handle Conflict?

Conflict is a normal part of any relationship – whether with family, friends, or coworkers. But each of us approaches conflict a little differently. Some people shy away from disagreements, while others meet them head-on. As a therapist, I’ve seen how understanding your conflict style can be a game-changer for improving communication. In the 1970s, researchers Kenneth Thomas and Ralph Kilmann identified five primary conflict-handling styles based on how people balance their own needs with Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
Attachment Styles as Heart Illustrations

Attachment Styles and Their Role in Mental Health

Here’s your text with em dashes removed, sentences restructured where necessary so it still reads smoothly, and with notes on anything that feels stereotypically “AI” in style. How we connect with others begins with our earliest relationships. Attachment theory, developed by psychologists John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, explains how these early bonds with caregivers shape the way we relate to people throughout life. Bowlby believed attachment is a survival system: babies instinctively seek closeness to a Read more…

By Nickolus Highland, ago
Two women of different generations ascend a staircase.

The Invisible Inheritance: How Your Family’s Past Is Shaping Your Present

Have you ever had a reaction to something that felt… bigger than the situation called for? A flash of panic when someone raises their voice, even slightly. A profound sense of guilt over taking a sick day. A stubborn inability to trust a partner, even when they’ve given you no reason not to. You try to reason with yourself, but it’s a feeling that seems to come from a deeper place, something you can’t quite put your finger on.

By Nickolus Highland, ago
What is Neuroplasticity?

Title: What Is Neuroplasticity? How Your Brain Can Heal and Grow (At Any Age)

Ever feel like your brain is stuck on the same setting – like one of those old TVs that only plays reruns of your worst moments? Or maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “after all these years of [thinking this way / doing this habit / failed relationships / struggling in this way,” is there any hope of change?” If you’ve experienced those thoughts or thought pattern, there’s good news: our brains are very capable of Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
A female teenager with a serious expression sitting in front of the silhouette of another person

Supporting Teens in Therapy: How Counseling Helps Adolescents Thrive

Adolescence is one of the most pivotal – and often challenging – stages of life. As teens navigate identity, independence, peer pressure, and the stress of academic and social expectations, many begin to struggle with their mental health. For parents, it can be difficult to know how to help. That’s where therapy comes in. As a therapist who specializes in working with adolescents, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the counseling process can be when it’s Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
aerial photo of boat on sea

Managing Chronic Anxiety: A Guide to Lasting Relief

If you’ve been living with chronic anxiety, you know it’s more than just feeling nervous now and then. It’s the racing thoughts that won’t stop, the tightness in your chest for no clear reason, and the constant anticipation that something bad is just around the corner. You may have even heard “just relax” more times than you can count – and wished it were that simple. I want you to know this: chronic anxiety is Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
aerial photo of boat on sea

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 respond to the world around them. Individuals who master this mindset tend to feel more empowered, more capable, and more resilient – traits that directly Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
Woman reclining with a book over her face

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 find relief. Whether you’re navigating everyday pressures or dealing with something more persistent, let’s break down the clinical distinctions between stress and anxiety Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
Girl with head rested on a bench, dreary scene, conveying a sense of hopelessness

Helping Teens Cope with Stress

Stress isn’t always bad – sometimes it helps us rise to the occasion, like practicing extra for a recital or studying hard for a test. But when stress sticks around too long or becomes overwhelming, it can do serious harm. Chronic stress in teens is linked to physical problems like high blood pressure and a weakened immune system, and it increases the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression – both of which Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
Several candles lit in a row

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 resurfacing. And when we dig deeper, we often uncover a common culprit: spiritual bypassing. What Is Spiritual Bypassing? Coined by psychologist John Welwood Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
Colorful Brain with Stormcloud in part

Understanding Substance Use and Mental Health Through Neuroscience

Substance use and mental health struggles don’t arise in a vacuum. They are deeply connected to brain development, early life experiences, and the environments in which young people grow up. While we have recognized this link for quite a while, groundbreaking neuroscience research is shedding light on how adverse experiences shape the brain and how early intervention can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. By focusing on prevention, fostering empathetic responses, and recognizing Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
Notebook in lap, pen in hand writing in notebook.

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. But what if that wasn’t the whole story? What if we could find the moments that were left out – moments where creativity still shone Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
person holding a pen and notebook with a swirling black form in front of them

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 a name yet, but it’s been following you around for a long time, shaping how you see yourself and the world. What if, instead of Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
Girl looking at cell phone

Mental Health Support for Adolescents and Young Adults

Schedule a Free Consultation Adolescence and young adulthood are full of change, pressure, and confusion – and many young people feel lost in the middle of it all. I specialize in connecting with teens and young adults in a real, non-judgmental way, offering support that’s tailored to who they are and what they’re going through. Whether it’s anxiety, neurodivergence, identity shifts, or major life transitions, I meet them with empathy and expertise. Your child doesn’t Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
pencil sketch of an older man with his eyes closed and his chin in his hand

The Power of Meditation for Mental Well-Being

In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns. However, an ancient practice is gaining new popularity as an antidote to modern mental health struggles: meditation. By taking time to focus inward and cultivate mindfulness, meditation provides powerful benefits for psychological well-being. Reduces Stress and Anxiety One of the primary advantages of meditation is its ability to lower levels of stress and anxiety. When we meditate, Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
prescription bottle

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 paramount in providing effective intervention. By reframing behaviors as symptoms rather than moral failings, we can offer compassion and appropriate treatment. Understanding the primal drive Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
colorful artistic image of a human brain

Part 3 of 4 – Decision Fatigue: An Unseen Hurdle In The Recovery Journey  

Even after restoring healthy dopamine levels, recovering individuals face another neurological challenge – decision fatigue. Research shows the more choices we navigate daily, from mundane to momentous, the harder it becomes to exert willpower and self-control by evening. In recovery, each day brings a deluge of decisions loaded with relapse risks: refusing drug offers, avoiding triggers, battling cravings. This unrelenting gauntlet wears down finite cognitive resources before tackling other commitments like securing employment or housing. Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
brain scans showing that D2 dopamine receptors are significantly lower after cocaine use

Part 2 of 4 – Decoding Dopamine: The Motivation Molecule

Dopamine, often dubbed the “motivation molecule,” plays a pivotal role in human behavior. Essential for functions ranging from forming bonds to driving ambition, dopamine influences our everyday actions. From the moment we wake up to pursuing our goals, dopamine serves as the driving force behind our endeavors. Understanding the significance of dopamine levels provides insights into addiction. On a typical day, our dopamine levels fluctuate, impacting our mood and motivation. However, substances like methamphetamine disrupt Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
human brain, one lobe colored red

Part 1 of 4 – The Quiet Epidemic: Understanding Addiction as a Disease

Addiction, a complex and devastating disease, affects millions in the United States alone. With over 21 million individuals grappling with addiction, it’s a crisis that demands our attention. Among these, 15 million suffer from alcohol use disorder, while 3 million battle opioid use disorder, a leading cause of injury-related deaths. In 2015, over 50,000 people succumbed to overdose. This is a remarkably high number, but to illustrate the prevalence and severity of the disease of Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
watercolor painting of a woman with a burst of color over her head

What Is Trauma?

In my network of mental health counselors, many of us are recognizing a shift in how American culture processes mental health issues. On the positive end, mental health diagnoses and concerns are becoming far less stigmatized, and society as a whole is more accepting, understanding, and accommodating of mental health needs.  Certainly, there are still significant limitations to this rule, but when I walk into a children’s museum with my kids and see that they Read more…

By Nick Highland, 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.

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 mental health crisis can take many forms, such as self-harm, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or aggression. It can be scary and overwhelming for both the Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
a woman sitting in an armchair reading a book and sipping a drink from a mug while a cat rests at her feet

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 can we make it a part of our daily routine? The term “self-care” often gets conflated with “selfishness.” And certainly, it is possible to behave Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago
artistic depiction of a brain

The Link Between Substance Abuse and Dopamine

Introduction Substance abuse is a complex issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with far-reaching consequences for both physical and mental health. While the reasons behind substance abuse are multifaceted, one critical factor to consider is the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the brain’s reward system. In this article, I will explore the connection between substance abuse and dopamine, shedding light on the neurochemical pathways that contribute to addiction. Read more…

By Nick Highland, ago

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