Mental Health

The end of the holiday season can feel like a relief and also a let-down. Post-holiday winter often turns into a period of low energy and “hibernation mode.” While many Minnesotans shrug this off as the “winter blues,” it’s worth examining if it’s something more than that.  At Associated Clinic of Psychology, we understand that…

After the buzz of the holidays dies down, there’s often societal pressure to hit the ground running with New Year’s resolutions. While traditional resolutions usually demand intense restriction or activity, the pressure of large, vague goals is why many people abandon them before February. Instead of radical overhauls, the secret to lasting change lies in…

When people think of mental health support, the lines often blur between the various professionals available. Is a therapist enough? When is a medical doctor needed? While psychologists and counselors focus on talk therapy, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the biological and psychological aspects of mental health. To help demystify this profession, we…

For some, the holidays bring traditions, excitement, sparkles, and unbridled joy. But for those navigating life after a significant loss, the twinkling lights can feel glaring, and the celebrations can feel hollow. Grieving on holidays is a profoundly challenging experience. When everyone around you seems to be in harmony with the joy of the season,…

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a dynamic and powerful type of therapy that has been helping people since the late ‘80s. It’s a compassionate, skills-based approach that blends acceptance (where you are right now) with change (the steps to move forward). We sat down with Tammy Tucker, MA, LPCC, the Director of DBT at Associated…

Eating disorders are complex mental-health conditions that affect thoughts, emotions, eating behaviors, and body image. If you or someone you care about is struggling, the question “can a therapist help?” is not only valid—it’s essential. Read on to discover how therapy can support recovery, how different approaches work, and the importance of reaching out for…

In today’s culture, being busy is often worn like a badge of honor. We celebrate the “rise and grind”, and the side hustle before dawn- all to pursue our next goal. While ambition and hard work have their place, when pushed to extremes they can morph into something harmful: what we call toxic productivity. This…

Oftentimes, men bear the brunt of masculine expectations: don’t be emotional, be strong, hold down a job, provide for your family. These heavy internalized expectations can create a great amount of pressure, which makes searching for a therapist difficult and frowned upon. For many men, powering through stress, grief, or relationship strain can feel like…

Resilience. The process and outcome of successfully adapting to challenging life experiences, at least according to the APA. Overcoming challenges helps you build resilience in the face of adversity, leaving you stronger and wiser in the end. However, building resilience and perseverance takes time  – it’s not something that always comes naturally.  So what can…

Each year, the Associated Clinic of Psychology team proudly sponsors and partners with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) walk. This annual walk brings attention to the importance of mental health awareness, providing an opportunity for community members to make an impact and spread awareness of mental illness. We invite everyone in our community…

You’ve probably heard the words ‘neurodivergent’ and ‘neurotypical’ a lot more lately- they are buzzwords that our society has been paying more attention to. It can be easy to ask yourself: do I fall on the neurodivergent spectrum? Read on to learn more about what exactly neurodivergence is, how it can manifest, and most importantly,…

In a world full of one-click purchases, on-demand streaming, and food delivery in minutes, the ability to delay gratification can feel outdated—or even unnecessary. But research consistently shows that delayed gratification is a powerful predictor of long-term success, emotional well-being, and overall health. Delaying gratification—the ability to resist an immediate reward in favor of a…

In today’s hyperconnected world, screens are everywhere—phones, laptops, televisions, and tablets galore! While technology offers remarkable conveniences, excessive screen use can take a toll on both our minds and bodies. Understanding the benefits of reducing screen time can help you make healthier choices and improve your overall well-being. From improved mood and sleep to better…

For most students, they yearn all year for those three months in the summer when the weather is idyllic and they get a well-earned break from school. For students of all ages, summer break offers incredible mental health benefits. Below, we explore why summer break is essential to student wellness, backed by research and expert…

Modern social media platforms use powerful algorithms designed to maximize engagement by showing users content that they’re most likely to interact with. While this can improve the user experience, it has profound effects on mental health. Read on to discover how these algorithms can impact mental health- and what you can do about it: How…

ADHD is a diagnosis that affects approximately 4.4% of adults in the United States (about 8.7 million people). Some common symptoms of ADHD include: difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness, restlessness, hyperactive-impulsive behavior and forgetfulness. In order to combat these symptoms, in recent years, studies have been conducted to show the benefits that exercise can have on…

If you’re feeling anxious, exhausted or burnt out, it can be easy to point to circumstantial or situational reasons. However, these symptoms may be symbolic of a dysregulated nervous system. Read on to explore common signs of nervous system dysregulation and techniques to help regulate it. What is a Dysregulated Nervous System? Our nervous system…

In May, it’s important to take stock of our mental health and celebrate mental health awareness month! Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a driving force in addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Mental Health Awareness month is a way to change the discourse around mental…