Personal Growth | Grouport Journal

Personal Growth

How to Achieve a Sense of Belonging

The core parts of who we are as individuals is crafted and molded by the experiences we had as a child, how our parents raised us, the environment in which we spent most of our time, and the friends we choose to surround ourselves with. In his book, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, Don Miguel Ruiz writes, “We are so well trained that we are our own domesticator. We are an autodomesticated animal.” He makes an excellent point. We are all predisposed and programmed to be

Personal Growth

Have Eating Disorder, Will Travel

I just got home from Vegas. My husband and I trekked through the chilly Pittsburgh airport, triumphantly remembered where we parked our car, hit the road for home, and now I’m nestled comfortably on the couch in between two snoring dogs sans bra. I’ve only just posted “I’m happy to be in you, Pgh” on Facebook and people have messaged me about where we’re going next. Everybody loves to travel, right?‍‍Except me. Well, that is until recently. For most of my life I’ve harbored the very unpopular op

Personal Growth

Can Journaling Help My Mental Health?

You might hear the words “personal journal” and immediately conjure an image of an angsty teen sitting in their room, scribbling away in a diary, lamenting about an unrequited crush or a failed test. However, if you're like me and you’ve carried on with the practice of journaling into adulthood, you know that sitting down to write in your journal can provide a much needed moment of clarity. Journaling allows me to organize my thoughts in the good times and can help me release some anxiety in the

Personal Growth

Understanding the ISTP Personality: The Virtuoso in Action

Personal Growth

Is It Okay to Set Boundaries with Yourself?

Personal Growth

The Impact of Passivity on Choices: A Path to Stagnation or Clarity?

Personal Growth

Embracing the Freedom of "I Don't Care Anymore"

Personal Growth

Understanding Central Route Persuasion: A Deep Dive into Effective Communication

Personal Growth

Understanding Common Personality Traits: What Are the Characteristics That Define Us?

Personal Growth

Confidently Assert: The Power of Assertiveness in Personal and Professional Life

Personal Growth

Understanding Emotions: The Power of an Emotions Chart

Personal Growth

Love Yourself: The Key to True Happiness

Personal Growth

Developing Social Skills in Adults

While often associated with childhood development, social skills remain integral to adult life. They play a significant role in personal relationships, professional success, and overall well-being. However, developing these skills later in life can seem daunting to many. This article provides insights into how adults can effectively and confidently enhance their social skills.

Personal Growth

Empowering Connections: A Guide to Improving Social Skills

Strong social skills are more than just a necessity in a world deeply rooted in human interactions—they're an asset. Effective communication and social abilities are fundamental to personal relationships, professional collaborations, or networking opportunities. This article delves into ways to enhance social skills, offering tips that can help create more meaningful, successful connections.

Mental Health

Approval From The Outside: Understanding External Validation

External validation refers to the process of seeking or receiving affirmation, acceptance, or approval from outside oneself. While everyone appreciates acknowledgement and acceptance, relying too heavily on external validation can have significant implications for mental health and self-esteem. This article delves into the concept of external validation, its origins, and its impact on individuals.

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Mental Health

Unfenced Terrain: Lack of Boundaries Personality Type

Boundaries play a critical role in relationships and personal well-being. They establish the limits of acceptable behavior, protect individuality, and promote respect. However, certain personality types have difficulty setting or maintaining boundaries. The lack of boundaries personality type often struggles with assertiveness, personal space, and autonomy. This article delves into the characteristics and implications of this personality type.

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Relationship Issues

The Road to Relationship Healing: Types of Couples Therapy

Couples therapy can be an effective tool in strengthening relationships, resolving conflicts, and fostering deeper understanding between partners. There are several types of couples therapy that cater to the specific needs and dynamics of the relationship. This article will outline a few popular types of couples therapy, providing a brief overview of each.

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Mental Health

Drawing the Lines: Examples of Boundaries with Family

In every relationship, boundaries are essential for maintaining a healthy interaction and preserving individuality and respect. Establishing boundaries with family members can often be more challenging due to the emotional depth and complexities associated with these relationships. This article aims to provide examples of effective boundaries that can be established within the family setting.

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BPD

Exploring the Average Length of BPD Relationships

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by emotional instability, intense interpersonal relationships, fear of abandonment, and impulsive behavior. These symptoms can significantly impact the duration and quality of relationships for those diagnosed with BPD. This article aims to provide an understanding of the factors influencing the length of BPD relationships, the challenges faced, and strategies for maintaining healthier and longer-lasting relationships.

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OCD

Understanding What Causes OCD to Worsen

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Like many mental health disorders, the severity of OCD symptoms can vary over time. It is important to understand the factors that might cause OCD to worsen to better manage the condition and seek effective treatment. This article explores the common triggers that can exacerbate OCD symptoms.

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Mental Health

BIPOC Mental Health Month: Its Importance and Objectives

BIPOC Mental Health Month, formerly known as Minority Mental Health Month, takes place every year in July, highlighting the unique struggles faced by underrepresented groups in the United States. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and the observance aims to raise awareness about the distinct mental health needs and disparities affecting these communities. This article delves into the significance of BIPOC Mental Health Month, the specific challenges faced by these communities, and the call to action that the month embodies.

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Mental Health

Navigating the High Seas: Dealing with a Dramatic Family

Dramatic families, characterized by heightened emotions and conflict, can be challenging to manage. However, understanding the dynamics, the effects, and strategies to cope can help individuals navigate the stormy seas of dramatic family relationships. This article delves into the ins and outs of dealing with a dramatic family, providing insights and guidance for those who find themselves amidst familial drama.

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Mental Health

Why Do Some Brains Enjoy Fear?

Fear is a primal emotion, crucial to the survival of human beings. However, its enjoyment seems counterintuitive. Yet, some individuals relish experiences that induce fear, like horror movies or thrilling rides. This article delves into the fascinating reasons why some brains enjoy fear, investigating the role of adrenaline, the brain's reward system, and the sense of accomplishment that overcoming fear can provide.

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Relationship Issues

Navigating the Maze of Emotional Affairs

Emotional affairs are a type of non-physical infidelity that involve a deep emotional connection between two individuals outside a primary romantic relationship. Although they lack physical intimacy, emotional affairs can have significant impacts on relationships. This article delves into the nature of emotional affairs, their effects on relationships, and strategies for dealing with them.

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Mental Health

The Healing Power of Safe Space Therapy

The concept of a 'safe space' is vital in therapeutic contexts. Safe space therapy aims to create an environment where individuals feel secure, understood, and free to express themselves without fear of judgment or repercussion. This article delves into the essence of safe space therapy, its importance, and how it can be effectively created in a therapeutic setting.

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OCD

The Complexities of False Memory OCD

False Memory Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, commonly referred to as False Memory OCD, is a less understood subtype of OCD that can greatly affect an individual's life. It involves the intrusion of false memories that lead to immense doubt, guilt, and anxiety. This article will shed light on what False Memory OCD is, its common symptoms, and approaches to manage it.

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Relationship Issues

Love and Guidance: Why Your Partner is Not Your Therapist

In the realm of romantic relationships, emotional support is key. However, there's a fine line between offering support and assuming the role of a therapist. It's essential to recognize that a partner, no matter how understanding, cannot replace the role of a professional therapist. This article explores the reasons why a partner is not a therapist, the dangers of blurring these roles, and the importance of seeking professional help when needed.

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Mental Health

Navigating Love's Terrain: Distinguishing Healthy Relationships from Toxic Ones

Navigating relationships can be a complex journey, often requiring careful discernment to differentiate healthy, nurturing partnerships from toxic ones. Understanding the distinction is crucial for one's emotional well-being and overall quality of life. This article delves into the characteristics of healthy versus toxic relationships, highlighting the importance of maintaining one's individuality and respect within a partnership.

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Mental Health

Charting the Path to Healing: Understanding Success in Therapy

The measure of success in therapy can be subjective, varying significantly from one person to another. The term encapsulates numerous factors including symptom reduction, improved well-being, and personal growth, among others. However, understanding what constitutes success in therapy is critical, both for those seeking help and for the therapists who guide them. This article provides an insight into the definition of success in therapy, its indicators, and strategies to enhance therapeutic success.

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Mental Health

Paving the Path to Change: An Overview of Progress Therapy

In the diverse realm of psychotherapy, progress therapy has emerged as a dynamic approach that focuses on the ongoing development and advancement of individuals. Rather than concentrating on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, progress therapy centers on personal growth, change, and the journey towards achieving one's full potential. This article will delve into the concept of progress therapy, its key components, and techniques employed.

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Grief & Loss

Healing the Wounds of Loss: Grief Therapy Techniques

The process of grieving can be an overwhelming journey, filled with a spectrum of emotions that can feel insurmountable. Grief therapy, a form of psychotherapy, is designed to help individuals navigate this challenging path, offering methods to understand and cope with the complexity of loss. This article examines various grief therapy techniques that therapists use to assist clients through their grief journey.

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Relationship Issues

The Threads of Destiny: Understanding Karmic Relationships

In the realm of spiritual relationships, the term "karmic relationship" frequently appears. Rooted in the concept of karma from Buddhism and Hinduism, a karmic relationship is believed to be a connection formed across multiple lifetimes. This article delves into the intricacies of karmic relationships, their identifying characteristics, and how to navigate them effectively.

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Mental Health

How Therapy Dogs Improve Mental Health

In recent years, the utilization of therapy dogs in mental health treatment has gained significant attention. These specially trained animals provide comfort, relief, and a sense of companionship to individuals dealing with various mental health disorders. This article explores the role of therapy dogs in mental health improvement, the science behind it, and the wide-ranging benefits they offer.

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Relationship Issues

Navigating Insecurity in Relationships

Insecurity in relationships is a common issue faced by many people. It often stems from personal fears or anxieties and can have a profound impact on the health and longevity of a relationship. This article seeks to unpack the concept of insecurity in relationships, its root causes, how it manifests, and strategies for managing it effectively.

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