For today’s teens, social media isn’t just a way to pass time—it’s part of how they communicate, form identity, and interact with the world. From filtered selfies to 15-second videos, the impact of social media on teens’ mental health has become one of the most pressing conversations among parents, therapists, and educators. At Lepage Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how the…
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Starting therapy is a big step. Whether you’re managing anxiety, navigating a relationship challenge, or simply seeking greater self-awareness, it takes courage to walk into a therapy office and begin exploring your thoughts and feelings. But once you’ve started therapy, how do you know if it’s helping? Determining if therapy is working isn’t always straightforward. Progress doesn’t always look like…
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Have you ever noticed how a simple, uplifting conversation can brighten your day? This isn’t just a coincidence. Intentionally tuning into happy conversations, uplifting music, or motivational speeches can subconsciously rewire your mood and enhance your overall well-being. When we overhear positive interactions, our brains respond by releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role…
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In our fast-paced world, reacting quickly often feels necessary. However, taking a moment to pause before responding can profoundly impact our happiness and emotional intelligence. This simple act of pausing allows us to process our emotions, think more clearly, and respond more thoughtfully. When we pause, we give ourselves the opportunity to step back from immediate emotional reactions. This can…
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Nostalgia often gets a bad rap as mere reminiscing, but it’s much more than that. It’s a powerful tool that can boost positivity and motivation, helping us navigate the present and future with a renewed sense of purpose. When we look back on cherished memories, we’re not just indulging in a sentimental journey; we’re actively engaging with our past to…
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In the ever-evolving landscape of dating, a new trend has emerged among Gen Z—floodlighting. Coined by Brené Brown and recently highlighted by psychologist Mark Travers, floodlighting refers to the act of overwhelming someone with vulnerability early in a relationship. While it might seem like a fast track to intimacy, it often has the opposite effect. Imagine you’re on a first…
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Imagine a day filled with tiny bursts of joy, like the first sip of freshly brewed coffee or the sound of your favorite song playing unexpectedly. These small, delightful moments are what we call “joy snacking.” Just as a snack can boost your energy between meals, joy snacking can uplift your mood throughout the day. The magic of joy snacking…
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In today’s fast-paced world, feelings of anxiety and overwhelming stress have become increasingly prevalent, and are often referred to as the ‘common cold’ of mental health. These emotional states not only impact our mental well-being but can also hinder our ability to function optimally in various aspects of life, including work, studies, and personal relationships. However, it’s essential to understand…
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Attorneys and clients have at times expressed frustration in their attempts to find a board certified expert in North Carolina. Here is some information to clarify this for NC. The term ‘board certified’ can be confusing when referring to psychologists. The NC Psychology Board licenses psychologists and does not grant any specialty certificates; thus a psychologist is never board certified…
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In the ever-evolving landscape of dating, a new trend has emerged among Gen Z—floodlighting. Coined by Brené Brown and recently highlighted by psychologist Mark Travers, floodlighting refers to the act of overwhelming someone with vulnerability early in a relationship. While it might seem like a fast track to intimacy, it often has the opposite effect. Imagine you’re on a first…
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In a world where we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s refreshing to take a moment to appreciate the lighter side of nature. The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards for 2024 have done just that, bringing joy and laughter to all who view the delightful images. This year’s competition saw over 9,000 entries from…
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Have you ever noticed how doing a favor for someone can make you feel happier and more connected? This phenomenon, known as the Ben Franklin Effect, is a fascinating psychological concept that explains why helping others can boost our mood and strengthen relationships. The Ben Franklin Effect is named after Benjamin Franklin, who observed that people who do favors for…