We’ve all been there. You set your sights on something—a job you wanted, a relationship you hoped for, a perfect event you imagined in your mind. You put your heart and energy into it. You envisioned how amazing it would feel. But then… it didn’t turn out the way you hoped.

The disappointment that follows can feel like an emotional hangover—an expectation hangover, as life coach Christine Hassler calls it. Unlike a typical hangover, this one doesn’t involve alcohol, but the effects are just as real: emotional heaviness, self-doubt, and a fog of “What now?” that can linger.

So what exactly is an expectation hangover—and how can you move through it with resilience and self-compassion? Let’s dive in.

Everyone experiences stress, sadness, or worry from time to time—these are normal parts of life. But how do you know when what you’re feeling has moved beyond the usual ups and downs and into territory where professional support could make a meaningful difference? Knowing when it’s time to see a therapist can be difficult, especially if you’re used to “pushing through” or downplaying your struggles. But therapy isn’t just for crises—it’s a powerful tool for growth, healing, and clarity at any stage of life.

We all have behaviors and coping styles that show up in predictable ways, especially under stress. Why do we react so strongly in certain situations? Why do some patterns feel so hard to change, no matter how much insight we gain? One framework that offers powerful clarity is The Five Personality Patterns, developed by therapist and author Steven Kessler. This model helps explain not who you are—but how you learned to adapt in order to feel safe.

Breakups are among the most emotionally challenging experiences people face, often triggering intense feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, and loneliness. Whether expected or sudden, ending a meaningful relationship can profoundly impact your emotional health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Understanding how breakups affect you emotionally and psychologically is essential for effectively coping, healing, and eventually growing from the experience.

Resilience—the ability to effectively cope with stress and adversity—is more important than ever in today’s fast-paced and challenging world. Resilient people can manage stress, bounce back from setbacks, and sustain emotional balance during difficult periods. Thankfully, resilience isn't just innate—it’s a skill that can be learned and cultivated through specific strategies.

FMHC's Helga Byrne joins Dr. Aimie Apigian on her Podcast, The Biology of Trauma, on episode 118 to discuss how practitioners can navigate their own chronic illness and healing journey. Helga shares her personal experience and insight.

Are you trying to work caring for others while navigating your own chronic health symptoms? In this episode, we’ll take a look at one woman's decade-long battle with a chronic illness and the actions she took to build and maintain her practice. 

Helga Byrne, worked years in corporate, but wanted a more meaningful life. Becoming a licensed therapist, she spent years struggling with a chronic health issue without having an answer. Eventually, it was discovered it was chronic Lyme disease, but that didn’t bring an overnight solution. 

Physical activity isn't just beneficial for physical health—it profoundly influences mental wellness. Regular exercise is scientifically proven to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, enhancing mood and cognitive functioning.

Workplace burnout, characterized by chronic emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced personal achievement, has become a common challenge in many professions. Recognizing its symptoms and taking proactive recovery steps are crucial to maintaining overall mental and physical health.

In today’s fast-paced and digitally driven world, anxiety has become increasingly prevalent. The constant pressure to perform, endless notifications, demanding work expectations, and social comparisons online often lead to chronic stress and anxiety. Understanding how anxiety manifests and learning effective techniques to manage it are crucial steps toward improving your mental health and overall quality of life.

Childhood experiences profoundly shape psychological and emotional health. Traumatic events during childhood—such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence—can alter brain development, leaving lasting psychological impacts into adulthood. Understanding this connection is crucial for recognizing and addressing unresolved trauma.