Author name: Angel Rivera

I am a Bilingual (Spanish) Psychiatrist with a mixture of strong clinical skills including Emergency Psychiatry, Consultation Liaison, Forensic Psychiatry, Telepsychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry training in treatment of the elderly. I have training in EMR records thus very comfortable in working with computers. I served the difficult to treat patients in challenging environments in outpatient and inpatient settings

Cymbalta vs Effexor: Differences and Side Effects

Approximately 16 million American adults are living with major depression and around 7 million American adults experience generalized anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.  With so many people experiencing these and other mental health conditions, prescription medications have become an effective part of treatment. Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine HCl)

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Lexapro vs Wellbutrin: Differences, Similarities and Which is Better

Wellbutrin and Lexapro can both be used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, which is estimated to affect approximately 17 million adults in the United States each year.  While both drugs are available in both brand-name and generic forms, like most anti-depressant medications, they have important differences including side effects that you should consider

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Lexapro vs Prozac: Differences, Similarities, and Which is Better

Escitalopram (Lexapro) and Fluoxetine (Prozac) are two of the most well known antidepressants on the market, with millions of prescriptions for each drug being written in the United States each year.  Both medications belong to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and work in a similar way to treat symptoms of

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Using Citalopram with Alcohol: What Are the Risks?

Citalopram, a popular Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription antidepressant drug that is also sold under the brand name Celexa, is used by millions of people across the United States for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions.  Mixing antidepressants with alcohol is always

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Effexor Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Effexor is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These drugs are also commonly called selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs), as they affect  neurotransmitters by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine back into the nerve cells they were released

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Does Taking Effexor Cause Weight Gain?

People who are struggling with symptoms of common mental health conditions like depression or anxiety may be interested in seeking help for their condition. However, they may be concerned about side effects reported with some of these drugs.  Antidepressant medications are commonly associated with weight gain regardless of which drug class they belong to, and

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Duloxetine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Duloxetine, an FDA-approved generic antidepressant prescription medication sold under the brand name Cymbalta, is commonly used for the treatment of mental health issues such as major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder,  diabetic neuropathy and associated nerve pain, fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain and chronic pain in the joints.  Duloxetine belongs to a class of drugs

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Citalopram Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Citalopram is a popular FDA-approved antidepressant that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that is also sold under the brand name Celexa. Citalopram can be used to treat depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and panic disorders marked by regular panic attacks.  SSRIs like citalopram work by increasing the availability of

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Hydroxyzine vs Xanax: What’s the Difference?

Chronic anxiety is estimated to affect approximately 40 million American adults, or almost 20 percent of the population. Some patients can manage their anxiety symptoms through lifestyle changes like exercise and meditation, while others may need to use prescription medications to manage their mental health.  There are many different short-term treatment options for anxiety, including

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Cymbalta: Does it Make You Gain Weight?

Millions of Americans suffer from common mental health conditions like major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, but many of these same individuals also suffer from conditions that cause chronic pain like fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy. For individuals suffering from multiple conditions, it is possible to find relief with just one prescription medication: Cymbalta.  Like other

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Paxil vs Zoloft: Differences, Similarities and Which is Better

Paxil and Zoloft are both popular Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antidepressants that are used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions. Both medications commonly treat major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and different types of anxiety disorders in adults, while Zoloft can also be used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder in children as

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Lexapro Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, and Precautions

Lexapro is a popular Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, brand name prescription antidepressant that is also sold under the generic name escitalopram.  Belonging to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Lexapro is commonly used for the treatment of mental health issues and medical conditions like major depressive disorder in adults and

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Buspirone Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Buspirone hydrochloride (BuSpar) is an FDA-approved prescription medication that belongs to a class of anti-anxiety agents called anxiolytics. Buspirone mainly stimulates serotonin receptors and has moderate, mixed effects on dopamine receptors. It can be prescribed for longer-term use. This is in contrast to benzodiazepines, like Ativan or Xanax, that are for short-term relief of anxiety

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Clonazepam Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Clonazepam is a medication that is commonly used for the treatment of panic disorder and certain types of seizures. Clonazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepine drugs that work by increasing the effects of GABA, a chemical that slows down activity in the brain.  Clonazepam is classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

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25 Must Read Mental Health Statistics About College Students 2024

1) By age 25, 75% of people who will eventually be diagnosed with a mental illness have already experienced their first bout of illness. It is not too surprising given the fact that most mental illnesses start before adulthood (in childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood) and are made worse by stress. College is often the

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Sertraline Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, and Precautions

Sertraline  is a generic prescription antidepressant medication that is also sold under the brand name Zoloft. It is a popular SSRI antidepressant.  approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) forobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder (PD). It is also approved for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and

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Prozac Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Prozac is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants on the market, despite a relatively low risk of withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing the drug. Sold under the generic name fluoxetine, Prozac is a prescription antidepressant medication used for the treatment of various mental health illnesses including panic attacks, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, and

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Cymbalta vs. Prozac: Comparison Guide

Approximately 7 percent of adults in the United States are currently suffering from major depressive disorder, which is a serious mental health condition that can affect a person’s quality of life dramatically.  Antidepressant medications like Prozac and Cymbalta are commonly prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions. These medications

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Cymbalta Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Cymbalta (duloxetine)  is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medication. It is FDA-approved for a number of conditions, including major depressive disorder, anxiety, and fibromyalgia. Like other antidepressants, it can cause withdrawal if it is stopped suddenly or the dosage is reduced too quickly. Who is likely to experience symptoms of duloxetine withdrawal? The risk of

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Cymbalta vs Zoloft: Differences and Similarities

An estimated 17 million adults in the United States experienced a depressive episode in the last year. Depressive episodes can severely affect a person’s quality of life.  Treatment with antidepressant medications like Cymbalta and Zoloft can help those with major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions by balancing certain neurotransmitters in the brain to

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Prozac vs Zoloft: Which is Better for Anxiety?

What is Prozac | What is Zoloft | Similarities | Differences | Treatment Options Occasionally feeling anxious or excessively worried is a normal part of life. These feelings are triggered by an upcoming event like a public performance, job interview, or test for most people, and these feelings usually go away after some time. However, when they persist, it may be due to

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Paxil Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Paxil is an FDA-approved selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is commonly used for the treatment of mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.  Paxil is the brand name variant of the generic

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How Long Does It Take for Prozac to Work?

What is Prozac | How does Prozac work | How long does it take to work | Side Effects | Treatment Options Prozac is one of the most well-known and popular antidepressants on the market and is the preferred prescription drug treatment for millions of Americans suffering from common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. If you’re wondering how long it takes

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Zoloft Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Zoloft (sertraline) is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant  available in both brand and generic forms. It is FDA-approved for a number of mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and panic disorder (PD).  SSRIs, like Zoloft, can

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Zoloft and Weight Loss: Everything You Need To Know

What is Zoloft | Does Zoloft cause Weight Loss | Treatment Options | Side Effects Most antidepressants are associated with weight gain, but anecdotal evidence suggests that Zoloft, a popular Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antidepressant medication, may cause weight loss in some patients.  With millions of adults suffering from common mental health conditions and mood disorders like depression and anxiety

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Prozac Overdose: Signs, Symptoms, and Precautions

Prozac is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, brand name prescription antidepressant drug that is also sold under the generic name fluoxetine or fluoxetine hydrochloride. Fluoxetine is also sold under the brand name Sarafem.  Prozac was the first drug that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to be approved

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Using Effexor with Alcohol: What Are the Risks?

Millions of adults in the United States use Effexor to treat common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Like other antidepressants, Effexor can cause side effects that affect many different symptoms of the body, and these side effects may be exacerbated when the medication is combined with alcohol.  If you are taking Effexor to

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Lexapro Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Lexapro is one of the most popular antidepressants on the market. Used for the treatment of depression including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders including general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorders including panic attacks, Lexapro is sold under the generic name escitalopram and belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake

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Does Taking Lexapro Cause Weight Gain?

Patients who are suffering from major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder have a wide variety of prescription medications available as treatment options, but many are associated with unpleasant side effects like weight gain and sexual dysfunction.  Lexapro is one of the most popular antidepressants on the market, but does taking Lexapro cause weight gain?

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Lexapro vs Zoloft: Differences, Similarities and Which is Better

Lexapro and Zoloft are two popular Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antidepressants that belong to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Other examples of SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil).  Lexapro and Zoloft are the brand name counterparts to the generic brands escitalopram and sertraline hydrochloride, respectively. The

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Using Sertraline With Alcohol: What Are the Risks?

Millions of adults in the United States suffer from common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety each year, and many choose to treat their condition with the use of a prescription antidepressant.  Sertraline is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the United States, with 17 percent of participants in a 2017 study reporting that

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Using Paxil With Alcohol: What Are the Risks?

Paxil is a commonly used antidepressant that is approved for the treatment of a large number of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, in adults. Paxil may also be beneficial in the treatment of depression stemming from bipolar disorder.  The drug is associated with side effects similar to those caused by other medications in

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10+ Social Media and Mental Health Statistics Everyone Must Read 2024

Social media websites are the most popular thing on the internet right now. Everyone uses them, and the opinions on whether they are good or bad are mixed. Some people experience negative effects of using social media, but what do the statistics say? How does social media affect mental health? Science gives us some very

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Making the Switch: CBD Oil and Antidepressants

Information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute as medical advice from a qualified physician. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to prescribed medications. Understanding CBD Oil and Antidepressants CBD oil is gaining popularity as laws continue to increase its access and

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Anhedonia: What To Do When You’ve Lost Your Joy

What is Anhedonia In the simplest of terms, anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure while participating in pleasurable activities. It is a core symptom of a condition known as major depressive disorder (MDD). Many people view anhedonia as only a symptom of major depressive disorder, but don’t realize that it is also a symptom

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Get Your Nasal Ketamine Prescription Online Now

Living with chronic pain, depression, or anxiety can be debilitating. Managing these conditions can be a significant challenge, but there are effective treatments available. One such treatment is nasal ketamine. Nasal ketamine is a safe and fast-acting medication that has been shown to relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. In this article, we

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Methaqualone

METHAQUALONE common names: French Quaalude, furies, mandrakes, quas, quacks, quads, 714s, soaps, soapers, sopes, super Quaaludes, super soper Pop a lude and you’re off on a boozeless drunk, flying high with the Quaalude Culture of the seventies. ‘Safe and nonaddictive” proclaimed the manufacturers of the magic little tablets. “Let’s have a party!” cheered fun-seekers everywhere.

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The CBT Thought Record

Over the last decades, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has rapidly grown in popularity, becoming one of the most sought-after therapeutic approaches. A growing body of scientific literature indicates that CBT is an effective intervention for numerous emotional problems like depression, anxiety, and stress. But its most significant contribution to counseling and psychotherapy is the thought record.

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Paraphrasing in Counselling

In essence, paraphrasing is a micro skill that allows counselors to create an authentic bond with their clients  Together with encouraging and summarizing, paraphrasing plays a crucial role in therapeutic communication, making the client feel understood and listened to.  In other words, paraphrasing in counseling is what makes the client say, “Finally, someone who understands

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Everything You Need To Know About Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Since it was conceived in the 1970s, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) has interested professionals and laymen alike, with its simple and practical therapy methods. The practice makes use of the way an individual’s mind works to change responses to thoughts and feelings. Some of its techniques have become enmeshed with popular culture, such as the so-called

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MDMA Assisted Therapy: Can it Help People Suffering From PTSD?

One of the more controversial drug-based treatments for mental illness is called MDMA assisted therapy. MDMA is most commonly known as the “party drug” ecstasy. It is used illegally by people in the US and around the world for recreation. But research has shown that it can be useful for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Why Men Avoid Self-Care

Self-care has become quite a trendy term, promoted by mental health bloggers and advocates. Simply put, self-care refers to actions that individuals take in order to take care of themselves. And taking care of yourself means developing, protecting, maintaining, or improving your well-being. According to the mental health charity Mind, positive mental well-being is associated

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Bromance

When discussing issues relating to men’s mental health, one area that isn’t touched on a great deal is male friendships. If you suffer from a mental health issue, having a support network can be key to your recovery. Your support network is made up of people who you can trust and rely on for help.

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Existential Therapy: Take Charge of Your Own Life

Existential therapy is a ground-breaking style of psychological therapy that emphasizes the human condition and its paradoxical nature as a whole. In existential psychotherapy, a positive approach is used that acknowledges the capacities and aspirations of people while acknowledging human limitations. The human experience does not have a prescribed manual and therefore existential therapy can

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Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Clinical Anger Issues

Do know someone who occasionally seems to explode with anger and even aggression? Of perhaps you sometimes feel full of rage that seems disproportionate to the situation, but is also difficult to control? Such symptoms may be signs of intermittent explosive disorder. This is a little known mental health condition that requires psychological treatment to

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INTP Relationships: The Secret To Understanding This Personality Type

Are you curious to learn more about INTP relationships?  In 1943,  two spectacular women decided to create a personality test that would enable women to find the perfect job that suits them. This personality test is famously known as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator MBTI, and it was created by a lady by the name of

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Are You Dealing with a Sociopath? Here’s How To Tell…

When you think of the word sociopath, you might feel fearful and unsettled. While the word itself is oftentimes hard to describe, the facts show that a sociopath is someone who is antisocial with no conscience or moral standards. They ignore reality and live an uncaring, selfish life. Sociopaths have characteristics defined through interpersonal, behavioral,

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Are you Sexually Compatible With Your Partner? Take This Quiz to Find Out

Sex matters! It’s an important aspect of any romantic relationship. But what happens if your tastes and your partner’s don’t necessarily line up? Maybe you’re into fishnets, candles, and sex toys while he’s more of a missionary style, lights off, socks on kind of guy. If the above speaks to you, I hate to break

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3 Phases of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The continuous negative feedback loop caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and generalized anxiety disorder often requires direct intervention to stop the cycle. Without proper intervention, bothersome beliefs and fears will continue to dominate your mind and threaten to rule your life. Since people are wired to pay close attention when fears come to fruition,

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Guide to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy has been in use in various settings like clinics and hospitals and promising results have been achieved. Emotionally focused therapy refers to a therapeutic approach which is grounded in scientific studies and usually used as an intervention to address issues emerging from intimate relationships.  The bonds and processes that exist between couples

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Expressive Language Disorder

Expressive language disorder is a childhood onset disorder, marked by a difficulty in expressing and communicating ideas clearly. Children with expressive language disorder might have a limited vocabulary, express themselves simplistically, and have difficulty making conversation. Expressive Language Disorder From the moment of birth, we’re all sponges for language, soaking up every word we hear

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Existential Depression: The Mental Illness of the Gifted & Talented

Let’s Define Existential Depression How often have you heard someone who is depressed say “I am depressed because of …” Often when we think about depression, it is in relation to what may have caused or triggered it. Existential depression is no different. However, the exact cause may be harder to identify. Any type of

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Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: What Is It & How to Deal With It

Do you often feel like you are constantly under pressure? Do you avoid trying new things due to fear of failure? Are you in a constant state of panic in your relationships? Is your anxiety unbearable? Do you often feel depressed and alone, and like you are constantly rejected by friends, family, or your spouse

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What Are Daddy Issues and Are They Real?

Arguably the most popular amateur psychological diagnosis is that of “daddy issues.” So many unhealthy and toxic behaviors involving relationships get blamed on a woman’s connection, or lack thereof, with her father.  Perhaps unsurprising, but this condition is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and is not considered a medical

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The Complete Guide To Platonic Relationships and Their Risks

The first idea that comes to mind when you think about having a meaningful relationship is probably something romantic. The idea of a significant other that you share your life with and grow old together while remaining head over heels in love. However, there are actually several types of relationships that are just as important

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6 Signs You’re in a Loveless Marriage and What You Can Do About it Now

Surviving a loveless marriage is perhaps one of the toughest challenges some couples face. From cheating and lying to working sixteen hours a day and spending too little time doing the things that bring you closer, there are numerous reasons why the love that brought you together can run thin.

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What is Narrative Therapy and Why Does It Work?

Narratives, or stories, are central to who we are as human beings, and for centuries, storytelling has been an important way of communicating knowledge and fostering connections between people. Since the days of our early ancestors, for example, people have gathered around campfires and painted on walls to communicate their stories. Furthermore, the teachings of

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