Adult Mental Health

Therapy insights on anxiety, burnout, boundaries and life transitions from the licensed clinical psychologists at Thrive Collective in Ottawa, Illinois.

Empty bedroom doorway representing the empty nest transition and search for purpose when children leave home

Finding Purpose After Kids Leave Home: Mental Health Support for Empty Nesters

Finding Purpose After Kids Leave Home: Mental Health Support for Empty Nesters 1500 1000 Dr. Menon

Coping With the Empty Nest: Advice for Parents When the last child moves out of the house, parents often describe the experience as bittersweet. On one hand, it’s a moment…

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Sun setting over a lake at the end of summer representing the transition from summer to fall for families

Coping With End-of-Summer Stress: Tips for a Smooth Seasonal Transition

Coping With End-of-Summer Stress: Tips for a Smooth Seasonal Transition 611 458 Dr. Menon

Coping With End-of-Summer Stress: Tips for a Smooth Seasonal Transition Understanding End-of-Summer Stress As summer begins to fade and fall approaches, many young adults notice a rise in anxiety, distraction,…

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Header image for the Autism Unlocked program at Thrive Collective, offering online support for adults exploring autism

Coping with Life’s Transitions

Coping with Life’s Transitions 1500 1000 Dr. Menon

Life’s transitions are hard for everyone. But for you, they feel excruciating. People describe you as smart but also “quirky” or “unique” or “going through a phase.” You’re always forgetting…

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Teenager in a school hallway with a worried expression representing anxiety in middle and high school

Anxiety through the Middle School and High School Years

Anxiety through the Middle School and High School Years 800 533 Shruti Kumar

Why am I always nervous for no reason? This might be the question running through your head as you move through middle school or high school. Anxiety can come from…

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Colorful summer party decorations representing social gatherings that can trigger social anxiety

How to Manage Social Anxiety at Summer Parties and Gatherings

How to Manage Social Anxiety at Summer Parties and Gatherings 1701 980 Dr. Menon

How to Manage Social Anxiety at Summer Parties and Gatherings Navigating Social Anxiety During Summer Events A Trauma-Informed Guide for Adults Feeling Overwhelmed by Summer Invitations? You’re Not Alone. Weddings.…

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Blog post image representing mental health awareness and therapy resources at Thrive Collective

I feel jealous! Why?

I feel jealous! Why? 540 360 Shruti Kumar

Jealousy and Other Complicated Feelings Growing up in a society where expectations are high can create a quiet but constant sense of competition- not just with classmates and colleagues, but…

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All Things Private Practice Podcast artwork featuring Dr. Vinita Menon on neurodivergence and cultural context
1280 720 Dr. Menon

Neurodivergence and Cultural Context I had the chance to sit down with Patrick from @AllThingsPrivatePractice, on his podcast, All Things Private Practice Podcast, where the focus is authenticity, normalizing self-doubt…

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Person sitting alone representing social isolation and the need for mental health support

What happened to us? From connection to silence

What happened to us? From connection to silence 780 438 Shruti Kumar

Finding a connection with someone can be one of the most rewarding feelings. Texting every day, sharing memes and late- night confessions – it all feels so exhilarating. Effortless. Rare.…

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Scenic landscape reflecting four seasons representing seasonal change and its connection to mental health

Perspectives on Seasons

Perspectives on Seasons 2560 1707 Dr. Terry

Spring has come, bringing change, fresh opportunities, and more sunshine! Before long, we’ll be jumping into the summer season. I often talk about seasons in my work with parents. Personally…

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Person looking at a phone with a distressed expression representing anxiety from catastrophic news cycles

Winter 2025:  Managing Anxiety in the Face of Catastrophic News: Navigating the Storms of Wildfires, Politics, and Seasonal Blues

Winter 2025:  Managing Anxiety in the Face of Catastrophic News: Navigating the Storms of Wildfires, Politics, and Seasonal Blues 1200 721 Dr. Menon

In a world constantly bombarded by news of crises—wildfires ravaging California, political chaos shaking our nations, global health emergencies, and the list goes on—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. The weight…

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