Andrew Berger Andrew Berger

Letting Go of Perfection: Finding Freedom in Being “Good Enough”

Many of us strive for perfection — at work, in relationships, or even in how we present ourselves to the world. While aiming high can motivate growth, perfectionism often comes with hidden costs: chronic self-criticism, anxiety, procrastination, and a persistent sense of inadequacy.

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Andrew Berger Andrew Berger

Staying Grounded in an Overstimulated World

Modern life is full of stimulation. Our phones vibrate with notifications, the news cycle never pauses, and even leisure time can feel crowded with information and noise. While technology and connection bring undeniable benefits, constant input can leave the mind and body in a state of near-constant alert.

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Andrew Berger Andrew Berger

When Life Feels Stuck: How to Move Through Periods of Uncertainty

Most people experience times in life when they feel “stuck.” Daily life continues, yet something feels off — motivation wanes, energy drops, and the path ahead seems unclear. These periods can be frustrating and even disorienting, but they’re not unusual. In fact, they often signal that something important is shifting beneath the surface.

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Desmond Smith Desmond Smith

How Technology Is Changing Mental Health Counseling

Technology is transforming nearly every part of our lives — and mental health care is no exception. What was once limited to in-person sessions during set office hours is now more flexible, accessible, and personalized than ever. For many people, technology is making it easier to seek support, maintain consistency, and feel empowered in their mental health journey.

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Desmond Smith Desmond Smith

Mindfulness for Everyday Living

It doesn’t take much to feel overwhelmed these days. Between busy schedules, personal responsibilities, and the steady stream of stressful headlines, it can seem like our minds are always “on.” Many people describe feeling constantly distracted, tense, or worried about what might happen next.

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Andrew Berger Andrew Berger

Building Healthy Boundaries Without Feeling Guilty

Many of us have been taught — directly or indirectly — that putting others first is the “right” thing to do. While generosity and care are important, always saying yes can come at a cost. Without clear boundaries, we may find ourselves exhausted, resentful, or stretched so thin that we have little left to give.

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Andrew Berger Andrew Berger

How Stress Shows Up in the Body

Most of us recognize when we’re stressed: racing thoughts, restless nights, a short fuse, or an overwhelming to-do list. But stress doesn’t just live in the mind — it leaves a clear imprint on the body. In fact, many people first notice stress not through emotions but through unexplained physical symptoms.

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Desmond Smith Desmond Smith

The Connection Between Spirituality and Mental Health

When we think about mental health, we often focus on the mind and body. But for many people, a third dimension — spirituality — plays an important role in finding balance and meaning in life. Spirituality doesn’t have to mean organized religion, although it can. It can also mean a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, whether that’s nature, humanity, creativity, or a guiding set of values.

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Desmond Smith Desmond Smith

The Fall Reset: Using Autumn to Realign Your Goals

For many of us, fall feels like a season of change. The air turns crisp, the leaves shift colors, and routines naturally adjust as summer fades. While we often think of January as the time to set new goals, autumn offers a quieter, gentler opportunity to pause and reflect.

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Desmond Smith Desmond Smith

Name It to Tame It: How Labeling Emotions Supports Mental Health

Emotions are powerful. Sometimes they show up as a wave that knocks us off our feet; other times, they simmer just beneath the surface, quietly shaping our mood, energy, and relationships. When emotions feel overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in them or try to push them aside.

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Desmond Smith Desmond Smith

Building Routines for Mental Wellness as the Days Get Shorter

It can feel early to talk about fall when summer in North Carolina seems to last well into September. But, as autumn settles in, the days grow cooler, the light fades earlier, and the rhythm of life shifts. While fall brings its own beauty — crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the rich colors of changing leaves — it also ushers in challenges for mental health. For many, the shorter days and longer nights can bring fatigue, low mood, or increased stress.

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Desmond Smith Desmond Smith

You Don’t Have to Be in Crisis to See a Therapist

When people think about therapy, they often picture someone going through a major crisis—maybe grieving a loss, going through a divorce, or dealing with depression or anxiety so intense it’s hard to function. And yes, therapy can absolutely be a lifeline in those moments.

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Andrew Berger Andrew Berger

What Happens in Therapy, Really?

If you’ve never been to therapy before, you might be wondering what actually happens once you’re “in the room” (or on the video call). Do you lie on a couch and talk about your childhood? Will someone tell you what to do? What if you don’t know what to say?

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Desmond Smith Desmond Smith

Keeping Your Cool: Managing Anger Before—and After—It Boils Over

Everyone gets angry. It’s a normal, human emotion that shows up when we feel hurt, threatened, or overwhelmed. But when anger gets ignored, bottled up, or unleashed without control, it can harm our relationships, our health, and how we see ourselves. The good news? With some practical strategies, you can learn to work with your anger—before it escalates, and even after it spills over.

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Desmond Smith Desmond Smith

Maximize Your Mental Health This Summer: 5 Ways to Feel Better, Connect More, and Slow Down

Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and often, a shift in routine. It’s the perfect time to pause, reassess, and find small but meaningful ways to support your mental health. Whether you're craving more rest, more connection, or more time outdoors, summer offers opportunities to nourish your well-being in simple, satisfying ways. Here are five ideas to help you maximize your mental health this summer:

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Andrew Berger Andrew Berger

10 Tips from a Therapist for Navigating Change

Change is a natural part of life—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Whether you're moving to a new city, ending a relationship, starting a new job, or simply feeling like your life is shifting beneath your feet, transitions can stir up anxiety, grief, hope, and everything in between.

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