Blogs

A difficult year can leave lasting emotional marks. Whether challenges came from personal loss, work stress, relationship changes, or ongoing mental health struggles, it is common to feel disconnected from your sense of self afterward. Confidence may feel shaken, motivation may be low, and self-doubt can become louder than it once was. Rebuilding self-esteem is possible, but it requires patience, understanding, and intentional care.

At Chenal Family Therapy, we often remind clients that self-esteem does not disappear overnight, and it does not return overnight either. Emotional healing after hardship happens gradually, through compassion and consistent support.

The start of a new year often brings a renewed sense of motivation. Many people focus on physical health, productivity, or financial goals, but mental health goals are just as important. Creating a new mindset rooted in emotional well-being can lead to lasting change, not just temporary motivation. At Chenal Family Therapy, we believe meaningful self-improvement begins with realistic, compassionate goals that support long-term emotional resilience.

Setting mental health goals is not about perfection or rapid transformation. It is about building sustainable habits that support your emotional health throughout the year, especially during times of stress, transition, or uncertainty.

As the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes less abundant, many people notice changes in their mood, energy, and motivation. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs in a seasonal pattern, most commonly during the fall and winter months. 

Understanding seasonal affective disorder and learning effective coping strategies can help individuals maintain emotional wellness during these darker months.

Practicing gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”, it’s a powerful tool for enhancing emotional wellness and building resilience. Gratitude and mental health are closely connected, and taking the time to recognize and appreciate positive aspects of life can create lasting benefits for mood, stress management, and overall well-being. At Chenal Family Therapy, we believe that cultivating gratitude can be an essential component of a balanced and fulfilling life.

Adolescence is a challenging time for many young people, but LGBTQ youth often face additional stressors related to identity, acceptance, and social pressures. Supporting LGBTQ teens in their mental health journey is essential to helping them thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. 

By understanding the unique challenges LGBTQ youth face and providing compassionate guidance, caregivers and mental health professionals can make a meaningful difference.

Depression in men often goes unrecognized, in part because societal expectations can make it difficult for men to express vulnerability or seek help. While anyone can experience depression, understanding the unique signs of depression in men is essential for early intervention. 

Men may display symptoms differently than women, and recognizing these early symptoms of depression can make a significant difference in outcomes. Early recognition can prevent depression from worsening and help men regain control over their emotional health before challenges impact relationships, work, or daily life.

Losing a pregnancy can feel like the world stops spinning. While the physical healing may be visible and monitored, the emotional journey is often quieter, more private, and far less acknowledged. At Chenal Family Therapy, we know how deeply miscarriage can impact a person’s emotional and mental well-being, often in ways that others may not see or fully understand.

If you’ve experienced pregnancy loss, it’s important to remember: your grief is valid. Your pain deserves support. And your mental health matters.

Career changes are more than a shift in job title or workplace, they often come with deep emotional experiences and identity questions. Whether it’s a voluntary decision or a transition brought on by external circumstances, career changes can feel destabilizing. At...

We often think of nutrition as something that only affects our physical health, energy levels, digestion, weight, but what we eat plays an equally important role in our emotional well-being. At Chenal Family Therapy, we believe in caring for the whole person. That...

Becoming a mother is one of the most profound transitions a woman can experience. It brings love, connection, and joy—but it can also bring exhaustion, anxiety, and an unexpected sense of isolation. At Chenal Family Therapy, we understand that this season of life is...