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Mind Matter's Blog



Boundaries 101: Learning the Art of Disappointing People to Protect Your Mental Health
Have you ever felt like you’re carrying everyone else’s emotional baggage but when it comes to your own feelings, there’s no room left?...
Carol Ann Murphy
Aug 93 min read


Less Chaos, More Calm: The Power of a Good Routine
The Power of Routine: How Structure Supports Mental Health In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, one of the simplest...
Carol Ann Murphy
Jun 173 min read


The Loneliness Epidemic: Why You Feel This Way
As a therapist, I’ve lost count of how many times someone has sat across from me and said, “I just feel… alone.” And I don’t mean they...
Carol Ann Murphy
May 193 min read


Loud, Proud, and Still Holding Space for You
How Therapy Can Feel Safe, Even in a Politically Divided World — Yes, Even With an Activist Therapist If you follow me online, you...
Carol Ann Murphy
May 52 min read


The Art of Challenging verses Changing Someone
One of the most powerful realizations I’ve had in my career as a therapist is this: it’s not my job to change my clients. It’s not even...
Carol Ann Murphy
Apr 132 min read


Grief Has No Rulebook: Understanding Loss in All Its Forms
Grief is often associated with death, but the truth is, we grieve many things in life. The loss of a relationship, a job, a sense of...
Carol Ann Murphy
Mar 243 min read


The Choice to Grow: Why “That’s Just Who I Am” Isn’t Enough
I believe that as human beings, we are constantly learning, evolving, and shaping the way we interact with the world around us. Life...
Carol Ann Murphy
Mar 33 min read


Take Her Freakin Picture
When a baby is born, the focus often lands squarely on the newborn. Family and friends flock to take selfies with the baby, snap pictures...
Carol Ann Murphy
Feb 243 min read


How to Choose the Right Therapist: 7 Questions to Ask in Your First Session
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about what to expect or where to begin. Therapy is a...
Carol Ann Murphy
Feb 34 min read


Is 'High-Functioning Anxiety' Just Another Buzzword? Let's Dig Deeper into What It Really Means
Anxiety is often misunderstood, and high-functioning anxiety adds to that confusion. Contrary to the common idea that anxiety leaves...
Carol Ann Murphy
Jan 274 min read


Breaking Barriers: A Guide to Men’s Mental Health
Men’s mental health is often a silent struggle, overshadowed by cultural expectations and societal norms. Phrases like “man up” or “boys...
Carol Ann Murphy
Jan 62 min read


Christmas Magic
The holiday season is often synonymous with joy, togetherness, and a touch of magic. But for many moms, it can also bring immense...
Carol Ann Murphy
Dec 23, 20243 min read


To My Best Friend on Her 40th Birthday
Dear Melissa, Today is a monumental day—your 40th birthday. I couldn’t let this milestone pass without taking a moment to celebrate you...
Carol Ann Murphy
Dec 16, 20242 min read


Merry Without the Madness: A Holiday Survival Guide for Moms
Last year, I found myself deep in the trenches of holiday burnout. I poured so much physical and emotional energy into making Christmas...
Carol Ann Murphy
Dec 3, 20242 min read


Selfish vs. Self-Centered
One of my favorite “a-ha” moments with clients often comes when we discuss the difference between being selfish and being self-centered....
Carol Ann Murphy
Oct 21, 20242 min read


Growth Begins Where Comfort Ends: Embracing Discomfort for Real Change
It’s human nature to seek comfort when things feel uncertain or overwhelming. Whether it's reaching for a drink, impulsively shopping, or...
Carol Ann Murphy
Sep 17, 20242 min read


The Quest for the Perfect Therapist: How to Find Your Best Fit
Finding the right therapist can be challenging. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another. It’s not a...
Carol Ann Murphy
Sep 10, 20242 min read


What Our Emotions Are Telling Us
Emotions can be complex and overwhelming, but one of the most important skills we can develop is the ability to identify and understand...
Carol Ann Murphy
Aug 27, 20243 min read


When Vacation Isn't Enough
Have you ever eagerly anticipated a vacation, where all responsibilities vanish? You or someone else spent days, weeks, or even months...
Carol Ann Murphy
Aug 20, 20243 min read


How to Prepare for Your Therapy Session
Therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, but it's essential to remember that the work doesn't stop when your session...
Carol Ann Murphy
Oct 12, 20223 min read
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