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Welcome to The Expanding Mind, the blog of the Institute for Personal Growth — a space to explore the many dimensions of emotional and relational well-being. We write about the bonds and identities that shape our lives — marriage and couples counseling, sex therapy, child, adolescent, and family life, and LGBTQ+ and gender identity — and the emotions that can quietly take over: anxiety, depression, stress, and bipolar disorder.
We also have honest conversations about harder terrain — trauma and PTSD and EMDR, grief, loss, and life transitions, sex addiction, and the strain of work and financial pressures. And we share the tools that help, from individual therapy to mindfulness, meditation, and stress reduction. Wherever you are on your path, we hope you'll find something here that helps you feel a little more grounded.
Clinically reviewed by Jill Lavender, LMFT — last updated Aug2026. You know how it goes before it even starts. A small comment, a certain tone, and suddenly you’re right back in the middle of the fight you’ve had a hundred times before. Different night, same argument — and the same frustrating dead end. If it…
Did you know that as many as 28.8 million Americans are estimated to have an eating disorder once in their lifetime? So, if you feel you have an eating disorder, you’re not alone. The good news is that help is available. The National Center for Biotechnology Information says that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an…
Maybe you snapped at someone over something small and couldn’t figure out why. Or you froze in a moment when you wished you could speak up. Or you found yourself smoothing things over, apologizing, going along with what everyone else wanted — even when it cost you. These aren’t character flaws or signs of weakness….
Maintaining healthy relationships is an essential part of our well-being, and it’s common to face challenges that require the help of a professional. If you are in New Jersey, finding a good relationship counselor can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine who will be the best…
From the outside, you look like you have it all together. You hit your deadlines, answer every text, show up early, and rarely let anyone see you sweat. But underneath, your mind never really stops — there’s a low hum of worry, a running list of everything that could go wrong, and a nagging fear…
Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences we face in life. The grief that follows can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling lost, confused, and emotionally drained. In times like these, grief counseling can provide a lifeline, guiding us towards finding balance and healing. Understanding Grief and Its Impact on Mental Health…
Raising a child with trauma can be an incredibly challenging and delicate task. Understanding the unique needs of a child who has experienced trauma is essential in providing them with the support and nurturing they require. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective strategies and techniques to help you navigate the complex journey of…
If you’ve been told EMDR might help with trauma or anxiety, you may be picturing something mysterious — hand-waving, hypnosis, or being forced to relive your worst memories in vivid detail. Maybe a friend mentioned it changed their life but couldn’t quite explain what actually happened in the room. That uncertainty stops a lot of…
A certain degree of anxiety is not necessarily bad. It helps us stay alert, motivates us, and makes us more energetic. But a perpetual state of concern and worry can affect your ability to live life to its fullest potential. Anxiety is a top mental disorder in the US affecting 40 million adults. The global…
Family therapy developed in the second half of the 20th century. It is a type of psychological counselling that builds stronger relationships in a structured way. This creates a loving home with a healthy and well-functional family. There are open communications and collaborations while learning emotional validation, cognitive reframing, and empathy. It is a much-needed…
