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Alexandra Smith, MA, LPCC
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Can Chronic Inflammation in the Body Cause Mental Illness?
Researchers have begun exploring the link between chronic inflammation and psychiatric disorders.

What Is a Behavioral Addiction?
Shopping, gambling, social-media use, and sex are all behaviors that are potentially addictive. Learn how they happen and what defines this type of addiction.

What Are Seniors’ Most Common Mental Health Issues?
Depression and physical decline are just two issues many seniors face.

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Mingling with unfamiliar people and eating in front of others are just two things that can cause debilitating symptoms for people with social anxiety disorder.

Support After a Suicide
A grief specialist offers thoughts on how to support yourself or a loved one after a suicide.

How to Talk About Mental Health — and Ask for Help
The key? Understanding and overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health.

Coping With Ambiguous Loss
How do we find closure when we're not even sure the door has closed?

Adolescents’ Most Common Mental-Health Issues
When is it depression, social anxiety, or substance abuse — and when is it normal "teen angst"?

The Promise of Psychedelics in Mental-Health Care
Psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA have been used to treat everything from depression to PTSD to substance use.

The Benefits of Group Therapy
Individual therapy sessions are great for mental-health support, but group therapy also offers a variety of unique advantages.


The Emotional Impact of Miscarriage
Coping with the loss of a pregnancy can take a toll on both a person and a relationship. Here's why — and what to do about it.

Understanding ADHD
Treating ADHD starts by understanding what it is — and what it isn't.

How to Find the Right Therapist
Credentials, cost, and length of treatment are just a few factors to consider when finding a therapist.

The Warning Signs of Depression — and When to Seek Help
Depression is more common than you might think. Here are some symptoms of depression, as well as new treatments.

5 Tips to Cultivate Empathy
Practicing empathy is an essential step to resolving conflict and developing meaningful relationships. Here are five ways to activate empathy.

How to Stop Ruminating
These strategies can help you break free from the spiral of negative thoughts.

When to Seek Help for Anxiety
If you're struggling with anxiety and unsure whether to seek help or ride it out, consider the following factors.

4 Ways to Treat Anxiety
Learn why anxiety goes hand in hand with depression and irritability — and how to treat it.

Self-Care for Activists
Self-care is not escapism: It’s a way to remain present, connected, and committed. Here's how to battle burnout if you're an activist.

A Path to Self-Forgiveness
How to stop self-loathing and learn to forgive yourself.