LifeStance Insights

This content has been updated from the previous article on December 7, 2023. What Is Post-Divorce Depression? Divorce is a significant life change that can trigger deep emotional struggles, including depression. Post-divorce depression goes beyond temporary sadness and affects daily functioning, self-esteem, and social interactions. Affected individuals often experience prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, and physical symptoms like disrupted sleep or appetite changes. So how come some people bounce back quickly while others become deeply depressed? According to Robin Fleming, LCPC, recovery speed from divorce-related depression depends on the timing of the individual’s acknowledgment of relationship issues, their willingness to openly grieve and accept support, and how they interpret the divorce experience. Those who proactively seek and use support and allow themselves to genuinely grieve tend to move forward faster. Fleming explains: “People som...

This content has been updated from the previous article on October 15, 2020. 1. Flip the Script Sometimes when we experience stress, negative thoughts about ourselves creep in. These invasive thoughts may declare that you aren’t good enough or you can’t handle what’s going on. Therapists teach and utilize tools such as “cognitive reframing” to help people avoid a feeling of spiraling into stress. Take a moment and notice any negative thoughts you’ve had about yourself. Include anything you thought about yourself but would never say about your best friend. Once you have identified these thoughts, turn them around. Examples of turning negative thoughts into positive ones include: “I can’t handle this!” becomes “Considering all that’s going on, I’m handling it well.” “Nothing is going my way. Everything is awful.” becomes “I’ve hit a few obstacles, but I know good things will happen too.” “I am alone in this.” becomes “I can reach out for help if I need it. People care ab...

Co-parenting after divorce is no small feat. It’s a journey filled with emotional baggage, logistical hurdles, and strained communication. For many parents, this transition begins with unfamiliar terms like “co-parenting counseling” or “co-parenting therapy;” concepts they may never have encountered until their separation or divorce. Take, for instance, the challenge of prioritizing children’s well-being when unresolved conflicts or differing parenting styles complicate collaboration. Co-parenting counseling steps in as a lifeline. It provides separated or divorced parents with education and skills to raise their children together. Unlike couples or family therapy, the focus here is entirely on the children. Instead of dwelling on the past, co-parenting counseling shifts the focus to the future—helping parents learn to work together, talk to their children about divorce, and present a united front. Co-parenting counseling may sometimes be court-mandated during divorce proceedings involving children. In these cases, judges require parents to attend counseling to address communication issues, reduce conflict, and ensure the well-being of their children. However, even when not required by the court, co-parenting counseling can provide valuable tools for parents struggling to navigate their new dynamic....

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a global shift in how mental health services were delivered. Online therapy surged from a niche option to the primary mode of care for millions. For many clinicians, online therapy has proven to be a powerful and effective way to deliver care. As of 2025, the share of online visits is now close to 70%, according to LifeStance data across 33 states served. Some providers have seen greater consistency and engagement from clients who no longer have to commute, take time off work, or navigate anxiety about going into a clinical setting. Some people open up more quickly in the comfort of their own space, leading to faster rapport-building and therapeutic progress. For people with mobility challenges, social anxiety, or those living in rural areas, virtual therapy can be a lifeline. However, with the pandemic now long past, many therapists are actively encouraging their clients to book onsite appointments for a variety of beneficial reasons. Advantages of In-Person Therapy...

Retirement is often associated with feelings of joy, relaxation, and freedom, but research shows it can also be a surprisingly challenging time emotionally. In my own practice as a therapist, I see this frequently because I specialize in helping clients navigate significant life transitions. Many individuals who retire struggle with unexpected feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness as they leave behind careers that provide structure, identity, and daily purpose. Recognizing this reality is crucial. By proactively addressing potential emotional pitfalls, you can equip yourself with useful strategies to maintain mental wellness and emotional balance as you enter retirement. How To Prevent Depression in Retirement Fortunately, there are specific, actionable steps you can take to significantly lower your risk of depression during retirement. These strategies have been effective in my clinical practice, and I consistently recommend them to my clients as practical ways to foster...

We all long for connection—and yet our closest relationships can become battlegrounds where the same arguments repeat themselves, each more painful than the last. If you feel trapped in a loop of frustration—arguing about chores one day and money the next, only to circle back to those same resentments—know that you are not alone. What seem like surface disputes over dishes or forgotten texts are almost always driven by deeper emotional needs and vulnerabilities. Below, you will find insight into why these cycles persist, a powerful strategy to interrupt escalation in the moment, and guidance on authentic repair once the storm has passed. Why Couples Fight, and Why It Keeps Escalating On the surface, it might seem as though you are fighting about parenting styles, household chores, or how much time you spend together. Those are often just smoke and mirrors. The real fire burns beneath: unmet emotional needs tied to fear of abandonment, feeling unheard, lack of validation, or a d...

Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming – there are so many factors to consider, from location and insurance to therapeutic approaches and specializations. It’s one of those important decisions that can significantly impact your mental health journey, yet many people don’t know where to start. If you’re feeling lost in the search process, you’re not alone. There are strategies that can help you navigate this process and find someone who’s truly the right fit for your needs. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, remember that the first session is your opportunity to really get a feel for whether this person will work for you—and there are specific questions you can ask to determine compatibility before committing to ongoing sessions. But when you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, finding the right therapist can be even more complex. LGBTQ+ individuals face unique mental health challenges, including: Minority stress from discrimination Identity development concerns Family rejection or acceptance issues Workplace discrimination Healthcare access barriers Higher rates of anxiety and depression This brings up a question many LGBTQ+ individuals face: Should your therapist also be LGBTQ+? Or can a straight, cisgender therapist who’s knowledgeable and affirm...