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Norma McCarthy, LPC & Associates
Norma McCarthy, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor


What is Psychotherapy and How Can it Help
Understanding Mental Health Challenges Mental health issues are something that touches the lives of millions around the world, no matter where you live or what your background is. It’s a common struggle, yet so many people still find it tough to reach out for help. Why is that? Often, it’s because of the stigma surrounding mental health, a lack of awareness about what help looks like, or just the fear of being judged by others. This hesitation is concerning because when menta
4 days ago12 min read


ADHD Executive Functioning Tips and Tricks
Your ADHD brain Have you ever spent half the day thinking about something you needed to do, only to realize hours later that you still haven't started it? You know it needs to get done. You want to get it done. And yet somehow, getting started feels like trying to push a car uphill. If you have ADHD, you've probably experienced this more times than you can count. One of the most frustrating parts of living with ADHD is the inconsistant functioning of the pre-frontal cortex -
4 days ago5 min read


Using Mantras to Break Free from Thought Spirals and Rumination
This is a quick read explaining how to manage rumination and over-thinking.
Jun 14 min read


Debunking ADHD Myths: What You Need to Know
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most mis-understood diagnosis out there. Many people hold onto myths that can cloud the reality of what ADHD truly is and how it affects those living with it. These misconceptions can lead to stigma, misdiagnosis, and missed opportunities for support. This post clears up some of the most common myths about ADHD and shares facts that help paint a clearer picture. Notes and markers used for ADHD awareness and study M
May 283 min read


Affirmations & Permissions for People with ADHD
A notebook for your affirmations If you have ADHD, chances are you’ve spent a good part of your life feeling like you’re simultaneously too much and not enough. Maybe you've been called lazy, scattered, dramatic, or inconsistent. Perhaps you grew up constantly hearing that you have "so much potential," which usually just leaves you with a heavy, lingering feeling that you’re always letting people down. Most people with ADHD grow up hearing what they did wrong far more than wh
May 278 min read


Breaking Generational patterns: A path to healing
Generational patterns shape how we think, feel, and behave. These patterns often pass down unnoticed, influencing relationships, self-esteem, and emotional health. Many people carry the weight of unresolved family issues, repeating cycles that limit their growth and happiness. Recognizing and breaking these patterns opens a path to healing, offering freedom from inherited struggles and a chance to build healthier futures. Family tree showing roots and branches symbolizing gen
May 203 min read


Fueling Your ADHD Brain
Living with ADHD means your brain works differently, often craving more stimulation and focus than others. Finding ways to support your brain’s unique needs can make a big difference in daily life. Four key areas stand out for fueling your ADHD brain: sleep, sunshine, exercise, and a high-protein diet. These elements work together to improve focus, mood, and energy levels, helping you manage symptoms more effectively. Morning sunlight brightening a bedroom, highlighting the i
May 183 min read


Unlocking the ADHD Brain: The Role of Dopamine, Serotonin, and Norepinephrine
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions worldwide, yet many still misunderstand what happens inside the brain of someone with this condition. At the core of ADHD lies a complex interplay of brain chemicals, especially the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These chemicals influence mood, attention, and behavior, shaping how individuals with ADHD experience the world. Understanding their roles offers valuable insight into the ch
May 133 min read


Inner Child Work: Connecting with the Child Within
In the maze of adulthood, many of us lose touch with a vital part of ourselves—our inner child, which holds the key to creativity, joy, and emotional insight." Inner child work is a therapeutic approach aimed at reconnecting with this innocent, playful part of us. It helps to heal past wounds and fosters a greater understanding of our emotions and behaviors in the present. Why is Inner Child Work Important? Getting to know your inner child is not just a therapeutic exercise;
Jan 145 min read


Letting Go and Moving Forward
Sometimes we have to let things go simply because they're heavy As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting on how much emotional baggage many of us carry without even realizing it. Over time, disappointments, hurts, and regrets quietly pile up. Before we know it, we’re moving through life weighed down by experiences from the past, wondering why things feel heavier than they should. This weight often shows up as emotional pain—but it isn’t only something we remember;
Jan 148 min read


"Mastering Emotions: A 5-Step Guide to Understanding and Processing Your Feelings"
As humans, we experience a vast array of emotions and feelings each day. Although often used interchangeably, there’s a difference between emotions and feelings. Emotions are an instinctual, primal, and chemical response to a stimulus; we feel them physically. They operate at a subconscious level. On the other hand, our feelings are our interpretation of our emotions. They are often created from our experiences. Together, our emotions and feelings form our overall mood.
Apr 1, 20242 min read


Self-Worth vs. Self-Esteem: What's the Difference?
Have you ever wondered what self-worth really means? Well, self-worth is about understanding and accepting our intrinsic value as a...
Mar 1, 20244 min read
Reconnecting With Our True Selves: Living Our Best Lives
In today's fast-paced and ever-connected world, it's easy to get lost in the noise and forget who we really are. We get so caught up in...
Feb 27, 20243 min read


5 Ways to Embrace Change: Learning to Let Go and Move Forward in Life
Change is an inevitable part of life. If you take a moment to consider nature, you'll realize that it changes each season and doesn’t...
Feb 27, 20243 min read


Don't Be Fooled By Me
I wish I could take credit for this one. It's been around for over 50 years and it still holds true for so many of us. Take your time as...
Nov 4, 20223 min read


Why a Psychotherapist is Different from a Best Friend: Understanding the Benefits of Psychotherapy.
It's true that everyone needs a BFF to confide in, laugh with, and be there for us during tough times. However, when it comes to dealing...
Nov 4, 20222 min read


A Therapists Journey of Learning and Understanding
After being a psychotherapist for over 20 years, I’ve discovered a thing or two. My clients have been my greatest teachers. One of the...
Nov 4, 20224 min read


Can I Get a Hug?
We’ve all heard the phrase “hug it out”. Well, turns out that hugging it out has multiple health benefits which are backed by scientific...
Nov 4, 20224 min read


Finding the Right Mental Health Professional: A Guide for Choosing the Best Fit
Looking for the right mental health professional is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of different factors, such as...
Nov 4, 20222 min read
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