Okay, so you have a health insurance plan which is supposed to make getting healthcare easier, right? So why is it so difficult to use and confusing to understand? While Twin Lakes Counseling does rely on our clients to understand and track their own individual plan and benefits (because each plan is so different!), we are here to help you figure it out. Here is what we feel you need to know...

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting quarantine measures have no doubt taken a toll on the mental health and social wellness of many. The CDC states that stress can cause everything from anxiety and depression to physical sickness, and even changes in interests and desires. In this article, we will look at some of the ways that COVID-19 has affected relationships and mental health.

When you live with an anxiety disorder, any moment can become one that creates a slow-rising panic within you. Life is normal one second and the next, you feel your chest tighten and your heart begin to race. You may begin to hyperfocus on future events and find yourself getting lost in "what-ifs." Luckily there are many powerful tools and techniques you can use...

Many of us have found ourselves working from home because of the coronavirus. And while the country has slowly begun to open back up, threats of a "second wave" have emerged, which means a majority of us could be working from home for the foreseeable future. Here are some ergonomic tips to help your body feel more comfortable...

All of us have struggled in our own way to deal with the effects of the coronavirus. But if you are a parent, you most likely have even more concerns about the impact the virus and subsequent lockdown have had on the emotional health of your children. 

Most human beings don't get through life without dealing with their fair share of stress. But some people seem to deal with more stress than others. For instance, according to a report by the American Psychological Association (APA), both low-income populations and racial minorities have a greater risk of developing mental and physical health issues as a result of stress...

Most of us from a young age are taught how to be kind, considerate and compassionate toward others. But rarely are we told to show the same consideration to ourselves. This becomes even more true for individuals brought up in abusive or unloving homes.

Not many of us have ever experienced the kind of isolation that this COVID-19 pandemic has brought about. While quarantine for some has been a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of life and a chance to spend more quality time with the family, for others it has been an incredibly lonely experience away from coworkers, friends, and those they love and need most.

In addition, and to make matters worse, loneliness can make managing stress more difficult. And let’s be honest, we are all surrounded by stress these days from worrying about when the world will open up again, when we can start working and earning a living and when life will get back to normal.

You have most likely heard the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – also known as PTSD. It is used to describe the mental and emotional anguish suffered by those who have experienced sudden trauma. PTSD is often experienced by soldiers as well as those who have been victims of rape and other crimes, and even victims of house fires and car accidents.

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) describes a condition that very much presents like PTSD, the difference being the sufferer experienced prolonged periods of abuse or neglect. This could happen as a result of childhood neglect or the abuse suffered at the hands of a narcissistic partner.

It is said we fear the unknown, which is why many people shy away from receiving therapy. It can be intimidating walking into your therapist's office for the very first time, not knowing what to expect.

On the flip side, some people assume they know everything about therapy and are then quite surprised when receiving treatment.

The thing is, although therapy is not as stigmatized as it once was, it is still not talked about in most social circles. And so many people have the wrong ideas about it. If you have been considering seeking help from a mental health professional, you most likely have some questions as well.

With that in mind, here is what no one tells you about therapy -- but should!

Sometimes life spins out of control, and it's all that we can do to keep standing. When that happens, reaching out for help can be the bravest, most vulnerable thing you can do. Researcher Brené Brown, who gave an incredibly powerful talk on vulnerability, says that our ability to lean into discomfort is absolutely necessary for connection and belonging -- a fundamental need for each person to live to their fullest.