Allium Counseling Blog

You know the drill. You feel a little twinge of worry, maybe about a work email you haven’t responded to yet. No big deal. But suddenly, your anxious brain decides to take that worry, strap it to a rocket, and launch it into a full-blown disaster scenario. Before you know it, you’re spiraling: Or maybe …

You set excessively high standards, fear failure, engage in intense self-criticism, and struggle to accept mistakes. If this sounds familiar, you may struggle with perfectionism, and you’re not alone. Perfectionism is often associated with success, but when extreme, it leads to stress, anxiety, procrastination, and burnout. The relentless pursuit of flawlessness can harm mental health, …

In today’s digital age, social media and smartphones are integral parts of daily life for both adolescents and adults. However, the pervasive use of these technologies can sometimes lead to unhealthy patterns of behavior, including what is often referred to as social media addiction. This phenomenon can significantly impact mental health, leading to increased anxiety, …

As a therapist, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping clients develop skills to navigate the challenges they face, including those surrounding body image. Body image struggles are incredibly common, touching people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. What makes these struggles especially tricky is how deeply they’re tied to our …

The connection between food and mental health is complex and deeply personal. Whether someone is navigating emotional eating, impulsive eating, or other challenges, gaining insight into these patterns can be an empowering step toward a healthier relationship with food. It’s important to understand that you don’t need a diagnosed eating disorder to explore food-related concerns. …

Recovering from an eating disorder is a journey that takes courage, strength, and patience. At Allium Counseling, we know that one of the most challenging parts of this process is learning to rebuild a positive, balanced relationship with food. This often means challenging longstanding beliefs, routines, and fears tied to the eating disorder—steps that can …

If you struggle with anxiety, you may know that it oftentimes shows up at inconvenient times, like when you’re trying to get ready for a busy day or when getting ready for work. So, how can you navigate these symptoms without having to cancel your plans or taking a sick day from work? First, let’s …

Understanding the Challenge Eating disorders are often perceived as issues that primarily affect women, but the reality is that men are also vulnerable. Whether it’s anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, these conditions can have severe physical and emotional impacts on men, just as they do on women. Unfortunately, societal …

Navigating body image during summer months in can be challenging, especially with increased exposure while wearing weather-appropriate clothing, social events, and other pressures. Here are some strategies that we recommend: 1. Shift Focus Away from Appearance: 2. Use Body-Positive Affirmations: 3. Avoid Comparisons: 4. Choose Comfortable Clothing: 5. Maintain a Balanced Routine: 6. Seek Support: …

Maintaining energy and motivation during winter break can be a challenge, as it’s a time when you may be tempted to relax and unwind completely. Here are some tips to help you stay energized and motivated: 1. Set Realistic Goals: Outline achievable goals for the break, both personal and academic. This could include reading a …