Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has entered nearly every corner of our lives—from how we shop and learn to how we seek emotional support. Dozens of mental health apps now claim to offer instant “therapy” through chatbots or voice-based companions, promising comfort at any hour of the day. While these tools might seem […]
Can AI Replace Counseling? The Dangers of AI in Mental Health Care Read More »
Have you ever looked around at your life and thought, “How did I get here?” Not in a dramatic, movie-moment kind of way — but in a quiet, disorienting way. Like you’ve been going through the motions, meeting expectations, checking the boxes… but somewhere along the way, you stopped feeling like you. You’re not alone.
How Easy It Is to Lose Sight of Yourself and How to Reconnect Read More »
Shame is one of the most powerful and painful emotions that humans experience. Unlike guilt, which says, “I did something wrong,” shame says, “I am wrong.” When shame becomes internalized, it doesn’t just influence how we feel in the moment—it shapes how we perceive ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we navigate the
Internalized Shame and Its Impact on the Sense of Self Read More »
For many immigrant families, raising children in a new country presents a unique set of challenges. As first-generation parents navigate the complexities of preserving their cultural identity while adapting to life in the United States, their children, born and raised in this new place, often find themselves caught between two cultures. The result can be
As summer winds down, many families find themselves gearing up for the back-to-school transition — an exciting yet often emotional time for both kids and parents. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, entering middle school, or returning to a familiar classroom, big shifts like this can bring up anxiety, resistance, and uncertainty. At Awakened Path
In a fast-paced, emotionally charged world, it’s easy to feel drained without knowing why. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation feeling heavy or exhausted after spending time in a crowded space, you’ve likely experienced an energetic boundary being crossed. Just as we tend to our physical hygiene, caring for our energetic and emotional
Energetic Hygiene: Protecting Your Emotional and Spiritual Boundaries in a Chaotic World Read More »
Rainbow flags fill neighborhoods every June, brands update their logos, and communities host parades celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. It’s a time to honor the resilience, history, and identity of LGBTQIA+ individuals. But once the month ends, much of the visibility and support tends to disappear, leaving many LGBTQIA+ people feeling forgotten or unseen for the
Pride Is Every Month: Mental Health, Visibility, and the Power of Ongoing Affirmation Read More »
How mindful parenting, nature-based strategies, and therapy can support your teen’s relationship with technology In today’s hyper-connected world, screen time has become a central part of teenage life—used for school, socialization, entertainment, and even emotional regulation. While technology has undeniable benefits, there is a growing concern among parents, educators, and therapists about teen screen addiction
Holistic Approaches to Managing Teen Screen Addiction Read More »
Self-compassion is a concept often praised in mental health spaces—and for good reason. Treating yourself with the same care you’d offer a loved one has been linked to lower anxiety, greater emotional resilience, and improved overall well-being. But what’s often left out of the conversation is just how difficult self-compassion can be, especially when one
Why Self-Compassion Feels So Hard—and How to Begin Anyway Read More »
Disordered eating is a complex issue that is often misunderstood, but it affects many individuals across all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Engaging in disordered eating can serve as a way to manage emotional distress, past traumas, or the pressures imposed by society. The behavior often stems from emotional issues rather than the food itself, whether
Understanding and Supporting Disordered Eating Read More »
Navigating the Journey of Acceptance and Support Parenting is filled with unexpected moments—some bringing immense joy and others challenging us to grow. When your child comes out as LGBTQIA+, you might feel a range of emotions: love, confusion, worry, and even fear of fighting with family over differing views. You’re not alone in this. Many
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding and Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth Read More »
In a fast-paced, ever-changing world, family rituals serve as anchors, providing children with a sense of security, belonging, and predictability. While many parents think of rituals as grand holiday traditions, it’s the small, everyday moments—like bedtime stories, Sunday pancake breakfasts, or evening gratitude practices—that shape a child’s emotional well-being the most. These simple but meaningful
Guilt is a complex emotion that often begins in childhood, and for many, it lingers long into adulthood. Whether it stems from feeling responsible for a parent’s emotions, trying to live up to their expectations, or believing that something we did (or didn’t do) was the cause of family turmoil, childhood guilt can weigh us
Healing from Childhood Guilt: Embracing Your Path with Awakened Path Counseling Read More »
Feeling stuck in an energetic rut can be frustrating and overwhelming. An energetic rut refers to a state where we feel trapped in our emotions and/or routines, making achieving our goals seem impossible or far-fetched. In this state, we may experience procrastination, lack of motivation, fatigue, pessimism, or overall exhaustion. Prolonged periods of energetic ruts
How to Get Out of an Energetic Rut Using the Upward Spiral Method Read More »
Technology has undeniably transformed our lives in remarkable ways. It has revolutionized how we communicate, work, and even care for ourselves. Yet, as with any tool, its use comes with consequences—some subtle, others profound. In the realm of mental health, technology’s influence is complex, acting both as a helpful resource and a source of modern
Technology and Mental Health: Navigating the Modern Stress Epidemic Read More »
Trauma is a deeply personal and often distressing experience that can take many forms. Whether it’s emotional, physical, sexual, or psychological, the impacts of trauma are profound and wide-ranging. What’s less talked about, however, is how trauma can influence us in ways we may not even recognize until years later. Sometimes, the aftermath of trauma
Sleep and anxiety are deeply connected. Perhaps this isn’t news to you, but you may be curious about how significantly one affects the other. In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between sleep and anxiety, how poor sleep can exacerbate anxiety, and how improving sleep hygiene can be a powerful tool in managing it. By
The Effects of Sleep on Anxiety: How to Holistically Heal Your Sleep Routine Read More »
Do you ever find yourself chasing the next job, relationship, or opportunity, only to feel unfulfilled once you’ve attained it? This restless search for a better “next” is often referred to as “grass is greener syndrome.” While it’s natural to desire growth and change, constantly believing the grass is greener elsewhere can hinder personal growth
The Grass Isn’t Greener: Overcoming Impulsive Behavior for Long-Term Success Read More »
The holiday season is a time that many eagerly anticipate, filled with joy, connection, and a sense of celebration. For introverts, this is perhaps one of the most overwhelming times of the year—mentally, emotionally, and sometimes physically draining. Amidst the chaos of busy schedules, family gatherings, and a whirlwind of social commitments, the introvert frequently
The Introvert’s Holiday Survival Guide: Finding Joy and Balance This Season Read More »
What happens to your thoughts when you are in a challenging or uncomfortable situation? Perhaps you notice they sound aggressive (blaming others or feeling angry), avoidant (feeling like you can’t deal with this or wanting to immediately escape), or maybe you feel paralyzed or stuck by your thoughts (feeling extremely overwhelmed or unsure what to
How to Effectively Manage Your Thoughts in Challenging Situations Read More »
“People tend to forget that play is serious.” –David Hockney There was a time when play was everything. As kids, we were handed crayons or paint and encouraged to create, delighting caregivers with our imaginative stories and playful spirit. But as we grew up, play seemed to vanish. No one reminds us to make time
Prioritizing Play for Holistic Balance & Well-being Read More »
Anxiety, fear, and at times an overriding feeling of hopelessness— are all examples of what the recent election result has brought on. For many people whose survival, rights, and identities come into question, the burden of that anxiety can be very heavy. The purpose of this post is not to make those feelings go away
In today’s fast-paced world, many people feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, without realizing that their mental health might be linked to an unexpected source: their gut. At Awakened Path Counseling in New Jersey, we take a holistic approach to therapy, addressing not only your mental and emotional health but also your physical well-being. One of
Every single one of us will experience grief at some point in our lives. Grief arises from loss—be it the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or even the loss of a cherished dream. While grief is a profoundly personal experience, society often imposes various misconceptions
Understanding Grief: Unraveling Misconceptions and Embracing the Journey Read More »
What is your initial thought or feeling when you hear the word anger? In most cases, it’s viewed as a “negative emotion.” One reason anger gets a bad reputation is because we aren’t sure how to express it. If we admit to being angry at a person or situation, what do we do about it?
A Holistic Approach to Understanding and Managing your Anger Read More »
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