Bloom Behavioral Health Partners Blog
Welcome to our blog. We’re dedicated to empowering our community with expert insights from our team, all in pursuit of the best possible care.
Our Blog
Is This Just Stress? Recognizing the Early Signs of Anxiety and Depression
Life throws a lot our way, and it's completely normal to feel stressed. Deadlines, financial worries, relationship ups and downs – these can all leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But what if that feeling of being "stressed out" starts to linger, change your daily life, or feel like something more profound? How do you know when it's more than just a bad week, and when it might be the early signs of anxiety or depression? At Bloom Behavioral Health Partners, we often hear people wondering this very thing. It's easy to dismiss persistent changes as "just stress," but recognizing the subtle shifts early on can make a huge difference. Here are some examples of what those early signs might look like, and when it might be time to consider reaching out for professional support. Beyond the Usual Stress: What to Look For (Adults) Stress is typically a reaction to a specific trigger and tends to subside once the stressor is gone. Anxiety and depression, however, can be more pervasive...
Navigating Back-to-School Stress with Resilience
The start of a new school year is often a mix of excitement and anxiety. While a new backpack and fresh notebooks can spark a sense of possibility, the transition back to a structured routine can be challenging for everyone involved. At Bloom Behavioral Health Partners, we know that a little bit of stress is normal, but when it becomes overwhelming, it's important to have strategies to build resilience. Here’s how to navigate back-to-school stress, whether you’re a student, a parent, or a helping professional. For Children and Teens: Building a Strong Foundation The return to school can bring worries about making friends, keeping up with schoolwork, or dealing with social pressure. These anxieties are real and should be acknowledged.Wendy Kopitsch, LLMSW at Bloom Behavioral Health Partners, notes that the first step is to "normalize those feelings of anxiety or nervousness for children." This means acknowledging that new environments require time to acclimate to and that feeling...
Growth and Innovation from the West Coast Symposium
Matthew Thatcher, LPC, CCS, founder of Bloom Behavioral Health Partners, recently attended the West Coast Symposium for Addiction Professionals, a conference focused on the evolving landscape of addiction, trauma, and their respective treatments. The symposium featured highly regarded speakers, including Grand Rapids' own David Dawdy LLP, who presented with a colleague on the topic of Artificial Intelligence. One of the most compelling aspects of the conference for Thatcher was a deeper understanding, guided by current research, of how psychotherapy and substance abuse counseling can be assisted by certain pharmacological agents, all under the expert guidance of psychiatry. "For me," Thatcher stated, "a better understanding guided by current research, of how therapy and substance abuse counseling can be assisted by drugs like ketamine, GLP-1s and psilocybin was most exciting." He also expressed enthusiasm for discussions on therapy assisted by AI, particularly for situations "where...
Navigating Life’s Transitions
Life is a journey filled with constant movement. We experience exciting new chapters and navigate challenging endings, all of which shape who we become. While some changes feel like a breath of fresh air, others can bring significant stress and require a period of adjustment. These pivotal moments can sometimes feel like navigating a stormy sea, and at Bloom Behavioral Health Partners, we understand the complexities of these times and are dedicated to offering support and guidance. Wendy Kopitsch, LLMSW, a valued part of Bloom Behavioral Health Partners, offers insights into navigating these shifts. Her experience helps us understand the common experiences and effective strategies for finding our footing during times of change. Many people feel they don't "qualify" for therapy or that their problems aren't "big enough" to warrant seeking support. This couldn't be further from the truth. Therapy isn't reserved for extreme situations; it's a resource for anyone seeking a supportive and...
Supporting Teens & Young Adults Facing Pain, Chronic Health, and Mood Difficulties
We're incredibly excited to introduce our newest team member, Dr. Dina Karvounides, a licensed clinical psychologist with a passion for supporting adolescents and young adults. Dr. Karvounides brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to Bloom Behavioral Health Partners, focusing on helping individuals navigate life's challenges with resilience and strength. Dr. Karvounides specializes in working with adolescents and young adults facing chronic pain and illness, understanding the profound impact these conditions can have on daily life and emotional well-being. She also provides crucial support for individuals dealing with related mood difficulties like depression and anxiety, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. "I believe in a holistic approach," she explains, "recognizing the intricate link between mind and body.” While she doesn't offer psychological testing, she focuses on delivering effective therapy and personalized support to...
Therapy for Children and Families: Knowing When to Begin and What to Expect
We are pleased to introduce our inaugural blog post, designed to provide valuable insights into the services offered at Bloom Behavioral Health Partners. One core focus of our practice is supporting children and families, and we are privileged to feature Analicia Martinez, a therapist on our team specializing in this area. We are eager to share her expertise with our readers. Why Children and Families? Analicia's dedication to working with children and families stems from a deep-seated passion and a recognition of the need within her community. "I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and their families," she explains. "I believe what drew me to specializing in therapy with children and families was that I saw a big need for it in my own community. I acknowledge a tremendous importance in taking time to work with children as they are the next generation and are the future." Her work addresses a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression,...