Are you new to therapy? Do you have awkward questions you want to ask your therapist? Are you hesitant to ask them because you’re not sure if you can? Do you feel more comfortable searching for answers on Google?

You’re not alone. Every day, thousands of people ask Google questions that only a therapist can answer.

As a licensed therapist myself, I want to help, so I spent some time analyzing search queries on Google. There are dozens and dozens of them, so I picked 12 that you might have a hard time asking. …

In the world of mental health blogging, giants like Psych Central, Healthline, and Mental Health America dominate the landscape. There’s nothing wrong with that. These organizations publish reliable and informative content.

But if you prefer smaller, more personal mental health blogs, then this list is right up your alley.

Mental health is one of those fields where readers benefit from multiple perspectives. Perhaps you prefer personal stories about mental health struggles — they often provide comfort and support. You might also prefer mental health blogs written by licensed professionals, especially if you value clinical insight and expertise.

Regardless of your…

The opening crawl of The Empire Strikes Back makes one thing clear: Darth Vader is a man on a mission. In the previous Episode, the Rebellion has struck a critical blow to the Empire with the destruction of the Death Star, but Vader remains undaunted.

If anything, his failure has only strengthened his resolve. The last paragraph sums up his motivation:

The evil lord Darth Vader, obsessed with finding young Skywalker, has dispatched thousands of remote probes into the far reaches of space….

Say what you will about the Sith — Vader is all about setting goals. He knows what…

The subject of Narcissism has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. I first thought it was a reaction to the election of Donald Trump, but in truth, we’ve been heading in that direction since the novel 50 Shades of Grey first introduced a Hollywoodized version of Narcissistic Personality Disorder to tweens in 2011.

Almost a decade later, you can’t toss a dead squirrel without hitting dozens of articles, memes, and videos from self-proclaimed “Narcissistic Abuse Recovery” experts who seek to shame, vilify, and expose the narcissist for what he truly is.

And why not? Narcissism is big business. According to…

Communication is an art. This is especially true in psychotherapy, where effective communication is critical. A well-chosen word can strengthen a therapeutic relationship. Words help establish rapport, demonstrate empathy, and build trust.

In short, what a therapist says matters.

And this is also true for the average person as well. Especially in relationships, where healthy and effective communication is often the difference between a painful breakup and a love that lasts a lifetime.

Of course, not all words are created equal, and poorly chosen words can stop a session dead in its tracks. …

Do you attract creeps, control freaks, abusive alcoholics, and narcissists? Have you had to secure at least one restraining order because you broke up with some lunatic who had his mom text you that he was going to commit suicide unless you took him back?

Would you like to learn how to ruin a great relationship?

Let’s back up a second here because this is important:

Do you want to date train-wrecks?

Are train wrecks your spirit animal?

Are train wrecks your jam?

These guys satisfy your need to be in control while reinforcing your poor sense of self-worth. …

“I don’t think I should be here anymore,” she said, digging for her keys. This was in 2008. The sky was overcast and gray, the air crisp and dry.

The neighborhood was so still I could almost hear her thoughts.

“I had a good time,” I said hopefully. “And my mom always likes to see you.”

“Your mom’s great,” she conceded. She had found her keys and was walking to her car. I followed.

“I’m really starting to feel better now,” I told her. “Really I am. The sky is bluer. I can hear the birds chirping. I can think…

This is for all the people who are broken. You know who you are. We all have the same look in our eyes. You know the one. It’s like if sadness could stare at nothing. I’ll bet you know it well.

Here we go.

Anger

I have been told by those who know me that I can be an ass. That’s fair; I own that. It’s not my defining trait, but sometimes it’s true.

Once I was happy and personable and eager to please. …