The Grouport Journal

Explore all things mental health. Check out some of our latest journals below.

How to Achieve a Sense of Belonging

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

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Have Eating Disorder, Will Travel

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

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Can Journaling Help My Mental Health?

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

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Understanding the ISTP Personality: The Virtuoso in Action

Personal Growth

Understanding the ISTP Personality: The Virtuoso in Action

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Is It Okay to Set Boundaries with Yourself?

Personal Growth

Is It Okay to Set Boundaries with Yourself?

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

Personal Growth

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

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

Personal Growth

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

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Understanding Central Route Persuasion: A Deep Dive into Effective Communication

Personal Growth

Understanding Central Route Persuasion: A Deep Dive into Effective Communication

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

Personal Growth

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

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

Personal Growth

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

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Understanding Emotions: The Power of an Emotions Chart

Personal Growth

Understanding Emotions: The Power of an Emotions Chart

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Love Yourself: The Key to True Happiness

Personal Growth

Love Yourself: The Key to True Happiness

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Developing Social Skills in Adults

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.

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Empowering Connections: A Guide to Improving 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.

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The Secrets of the Fetal Position: An Insight into Sleep Psychology

Mental Health

The Secrets of the Fetal Position: An Insight into Sleep Psychology

Sleeping positions can say a lot about a person's personality and mindset. Among these, the fetal position is one of the most common. Sleep psychology suggests that sleeping positions can be linked to our subconscious thoughts, feelings, and even personality traits. This article will delve into the psychology behind the common practice of sleeping in the fetal position.

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The Complexity of Male Emotion: Unraveling Gender and Emotional Expression in Psychology

Mental Health

The Complexity of Male Emotion: Unraveling Gender and Emotional Expression in Psychology

While emotions are universally experienced by all humans, societal norms and expectations have played a significant role in shaping how different genders express these emotions. The realm of male emotional psychology is often unexplored, largely due to persistent stereotypes that suggest men should be stoic, unemotional, or even emotionally invulnerable. This article aims to delve into the world of male emotion psychology, challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding.

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Unipolar Depression: Understanding Its Nature, Causes, and Treatments

Mental Health

Unipolar Depression: Understanding Its Nature, Causes, and Treatments

Unipolar depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in outside stimuli. The world seems colorless and empty to a person suffering from this disorder, leading to a significant impairment in daily functioning. This article delves into the characteristics, causes, and treatment options for unipolar depression.

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Narcissistic Parenting: Understanding Its Impact and Navigating Its Challenges

Mental Health

Narcissistic Parenting: Understanding Its Impact and Navigating Its Challenges

Narcissistic parenting is a form of child rearing where the parent's needs and desires take precedence over the child's. Children who grow up under the influence of narcissistic parents often face various emotional and psychological challenges. This article aims to shed light on the characteristics of narcissistic parenting, its effects on the child, and strategies for adults who grew up with narcissistic parents to cope and heal.

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Navigating Difficult Decisions: Recognizing When to End a Friendship

Mental Health

Navigating Difficult Decisions: Recognizing When to End a Friendship

Friendships play an integral part in our lives, contributing to our sense of identity, happiness, and wellbeing. However, not all friendships are beneficial or healthy. Sometimes, one might find themselves in a friendship that causes more harm than good. It's a challenging situation to be in, but it's crucial to know when to end a friendship that isn't serving you well. This article aims to guide individuals through the signs of unhealthy friendships, the impact they have, and how to navigate ending such relationships.

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The Essence of Authenticity: Understanding What It Means to Be Genuine

Mental Health

The Essence of Authenticity: Understanding What It Means to Be Genuine

The quest for authenticity is a popular topic in the modern age. But what does it truly mean to be authentic? It goes beyond surface-level honesty or expressing oneself openly. Authenticity is an inward journey that requires introspection, self-awareness, and an ongoing commitment to personal growth. This article explores the deeper understanding of authenticity, its impact on individual and social levels, and how one can cultivate it.

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Finding Healing Together: Exploring Trauma Support Groups

Mental Health

Finding Healing Together: Exploring Trauma Support Groups

Experiencing trauma can be isolating and overwhelming. One of the most therapeutic ways to process trauma is through connection with others who share similar experiences. Trauma support groups provide a safe space for individuals to share, heal, and learn. This article will delve into the significance of these groups, what to expect from them, and how to find a local trauma support group.

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A Journey of Healing: Learning to Trust Again

Mental Health

A Journey of Healing: Learning to Trust Again

Trust forms the bedrock of any relationship, and when this trust is broken, it can be devastating. However, it's crucial to remember that the process of healing and learning to trust again is achievable. This article will guide you through the journey of regaining trust, addressing why trust is essential, steps to rebuild trust, and methods to foster trust in future relationships.

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The Art of Vulnerability: Expressing Your Feelings to Someone You Love

Mental Health

The Art of Vulnerability: Expressing Your Feelings to Someone You Love

Expressing your feelings to someone you love can often be a challenging endeavor. It requires courage, authenticity, and vulnerability. However, it is a necessary process to establish a deep, meaningful connection and ensure clear communication in a relationship. This article will provide insights into why it is essential to express feelings, how to articulate your emotions effectively, and ways to manage the possible outcomes.

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Unearthing the Subconscious: An Exploration of Sandplay Therapy

Mental Health

Unearthing the Subconscious: An Exploration of Sandplay Therapy

Sandplay therapy is a powerful form of expressive therapy that allows individuals to navigate through their unconscious thoughts and emotions. Through symbolic modeling with sand and miniatures, it provides an opportunity for individuals to express feelings and experiences that might otherwise be difficult to articulate. This article will delve into the underpinnings of sandplay therapy, its process, and its therapeutic benefits.

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Rebuilding the Bridge of Trust: A Guide to Restoring Trust in a Relationship

Mental Health

Rebuilding the Bridge of Trust: A Guide to Restoring Trust in a Relationship

Trust is a crucial pillar of every successful relationship. It allows for vulnerability, fosters emotional intimacy, and provides a solid foundation for love to grow. However, trust can also be fragile and once broken, restoring it can be a complex and challenging process. This article aims to guide you through the steps of rebuilding trust in a relationship, from acknowledging the breach to creating a new bond of mutual respect and understanding.

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Understanding and Managing Feelings of Emptiness

Mental Health

Understanding and Managing Feelings of Emptiness

Feeling empty is a complex emotional state that many individuals encounter at some point in their lives. It is often described as a sense of loneliness or numbness, a feeling of disconnection from oneself and the world. This article aims to provide an understanding of why people may feel empty, the potential causes, and the approaches to managing these feelings.

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Embracing the Future: A Guide to Letting Go of the Past

Mental Health

Embracing the Future: A Guide to Letting Go of the Past

Letting go of the past can be a challenging yet crucial step towards personal growth and happiness. This article delves into the process and provides practical strategies for releasing past burdens, embracing the present, and fostering a hopeful outlook for the future.

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Navigating Emotional Landscapes: Understanding the Window of Tolerance

Mental Health

Navigating Emotional Landscapes: Understanding the Window of Tolerance

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Embrace Detachment: A Guide on How Not to Take Things Personally

Mental Health

Embrace Detachment: A Guide on How Not to Take Things Personally

In a world full of diverse opinions and personalities, it's easy to fall into the trap of taking things personally. However, this behavior can lead to unnecessary stress, damaged relationships, and hindered personal growth. In this article, we explore the reasons behind why we take things personally and provide effective strategies to cultivate detachment and resilience.

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Mastering the Art of Asking for Help: An Essential Life Skill

Mental Health

Mastering the Art of Asking for Help: An Essential Life Skill

Asking for help is an essential life skill that many people struggle with. This struggle often stems from feelings of vulnerability or a fear of appearing weak. However, the ability to ask for help is a testament to one's self-awareness, resilience, and humility. This article will explore why it's important to ask for help, barriers that prevent people from doing so, and how to ask for help effectively.

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Control Freaks: Understanding and Interacting With Them Effectively

Mental Health

Control Freaks: Understanding and Interacting With Them Effectively

A "control freak" is a term often used to describe an individual who exhibits an obsessive need to exercise control over themselves and others. Their behavior can be challenging to understand and manage. This article delves into the character traits of control freaks, the reasons behind their behavior, and how to effectively interact with them.

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Walking on Eggshells: Understanding and Navigating High-Tension Relationships

Mental Health

Walking on Eggshells: Understanding and Navigating High-Tension Relationships

The term "walking on eggshells" is often used to describe a situation where one feels the need to be extremely cautious around someone to avoid conflict or displeasure. This state is typically experienced in relationships with high tension and unpredictable behaviors, where the fear of causing upset results in a constant state of apprehension.

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Understanding Your True Worth: A Journey Towards Self-Value and Appreciation

Mental Health

Understanding Your True Worth: A Journey Towards Self-Value and Appreciation

Knowing your worth is about understanding and acknowledging your value as an individual. It's about recognizing your strengths, embracing your weaknesses, and realizing that your value doesn't lie in what others think of you, but rather in your self-perception and acceptance.

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A Closer Look at Reality Therapy: An Approach for Better Living

Mental Health

A Closer Look at Reality Therapy: An Approach for Better Living

Reality therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals control their own lives and make more effective decisions. Developed by Dr. William Glasser in the 1960s, this method is based on the principles of choice theory and highlights personal responsibility, direct problem-solving, and the development of fulfilling relationships.

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