Grief is a universal experience—one that does not have to be walked through alone. Typically associated with death, feelings of grief can follow a wide range of experiences. Whether you’re grieving the death of a friend or family member, the loss of a pet, or the pain of divorce, grief counseling can be instrumental in supporting you through the process of healing from grief.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are two widely-used types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). While these two modalities share a few similarities, they involve very different therapeutic techniques.

Knowing how to navigate your mental health needs can be a challenge, especially if you’ve experienced trauma. Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are two conditions that can occur in trauma survivors—but what differentiates the two?

Most people will experience feelings of anxiety at different points over the course of their lives, and if these feelings persist, they may receive a formal anxiety diagnosis—often Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD. Anxious feelings often increase after a traumatic event. But at what point does what seems to be anxiety become something more complex?

When beginning the process of signing up for therapy, understanding your health insurance and its benefits can be one of the most daunting obstacles. However, your insurance doesn’t have to stand in the way of getting the mental health support you need. At Aspire Psychology, our team of experts is here to walk you through each step of the intake process, including navigating your insurance plan.

In recent years, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has gained popularity for the treatment of trauma-based mental health conditions. It’s practiced by more than 100,000 clinicians across the world, and millions of people have been treated successfully. But what is EMDR, and how does it work? Keep reading to learn more.

The beauty of somatic therapy exercises is that many of them can easily be integrated into daily life. For patients working through anxiety, depression, or trauma, incorporating simple somatic approaches can be incredibly beneficial. Keep reading to learn about a few somatic therapy exercises you can do at home.

Have you ever wondered if you’re dating someone with an avoidant attachment style? If your partner displays avoidant tendencies, you may be unsure whether these tendencies are isolated or part of a deeper attachment style.

A newer approach to therapy, somatic therapy emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and the mind-body connection. But how does it work—and who will most benefit from somatic therapy approaches? Keep reading to learn more from Aspire Psychology psychologist Ryan Varian, PsyD.

Most people can relate to turning to a comfort meal or sweet treat after a hard day. But when does this practice go from an occasional occurance to a consistent coping mechanism and become emotional eating? And can an emotional eating therapist help? 

Psychologist Jane Hobart, PsyD at Aspire Psychology shares about the differences between emotional eating and eating disorders, how to recognize when emotional eating has become a problem, and how an emotional eating therapist can help.

In recent years, GLP-1s have become some of the most talked about medications in the medical community. However, despite the extensive attention they’ve received, there is still a lot to learn about GLP-1s, and researchers continue to study and discover more about this recent addition to the world of healthcare. Wondering if taking a GLP-1 will impact your mental health? Psychologist Jane Hobart, PsyD at Aspire Psychology shares more about what to expect, as well as what to look out for while on a GLP-1.

The darker months can dampen anyone’s spirits—but how do you know if something more serious is going on? If you’re wondering if your lethargy, mood changes, and persistent feelings of hopelessness are more than the winter blues, keep reading to learn more and take a seasonal affective disorder test.

The new year is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to prioritize your mental health. If you’ve already begun your therapy or medication journey, the new year is a great chance to resolve to continue working toward healing. Keep reading to learn more about how you can best care for your mental health in the new year—and why a big part of that is being consistent with therapy.

In recent years, the term codependent has become a buzzword, often used loosely in everyday conversation and across the internet. The term, which was initially used in addiction recovery, has quickly become the pop psychology synonym for someone who might be clingy or needy, and has led to a great deal of confusion about what codependency actually is.

The end-of-year holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Yet, for many, it can be a period filled with increased stress, conflict, or a sense of loneliness and disconnection. When the people and culture around you emphasize festivity and cheer, it can be isolating when your internal experience doesn’t match the surrounding environment.

Making the decision to prioritize your mental health is a huge step toward building a healthy, joyful life — and for many people, this means finding the right provider to prescribe or manage medication for a mental illness. But knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming, especially as you navigate a sea of unfamiliar terminology.

College life feeling overwhelming? Explore mental health tips, Starting college is exciting but stressful. Aspire Psychology in Portland provides therapy & psychiatric support for students navigating anxiety, depression, & adjustment challenges.

Have you ever wondered why some relationships feel one-sided or draining? What’s often described as codependency isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a set of learned behaviors that can shape how you relate to yourself and others. Learn the signs, explore the cultural context, and see how therapy can help you find balance.

Codependency can feel overwhelming, but it can be unlearned. Aspire Psychology in Portland offers therapy to help you build boundaries, self-esteem, & healthier relationships.

Curious about how to use your insurance benefits if your mental health provider isn’t in-network? This blog explains what a superbill is, how to submit one, and what to expect so you can make the most of your benefits while getting the care you need without being limited to clinicians who have contracted with your insurance company.

Looking for anxiety therapy in Portland? Aspire Psychology offers CBT, ACT, trauma therapy & medication management. In-person & telehealth available.