Carlos Protzel, Psy.D. — Clinical Director

Two men of different generations smile together outdoors.

Medically revised

What Keeps a Family Together

Discover what keeps families connected, how family norms affect mental health, and steps to build stronger bonds.

Medically revised

Porn-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

Explore the possible link between pornography use and sexual dysfunction, including evidence related to PIED and PISD.

A seated person looks toward a bright laptop screen.

Medically revised

When Does Porn Become a Problem?

Explore the complexities of pornography use, including signs of problematic use, and discover pathways to professional help and recovery.

A man sits cross-legged beneath leafy trees with his eyes closed.

Medically revised

Mental Health Retreats

Explore the benefits of mental health retreats and discover how immersive programs in therapy, mindfulness, and nature support lasting well-being.

A woman speaks with a counselor in a bright consultation room.

Authored

What is Psychology?

Explore psychology to learn what psychologists do, how they help people, and how the field supports mental health and well-being.

A person reclines on a sofa beneath a blanket.

Medically revised

Psychedelics: Risks vs. Mental Health Benefits

Learn how psychedelics work, their effects on the brain, and their therapeutic potential for treating depression, addiction, and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A woman stands outdoors near sunlit grasses.

Medically revised

The Effects of Trauma

Learn how trauma shapes the body and mind, and how purpose, connection, and self-understanding support healing.

A woman relaxes beside a lake beneath green trees.

Medically revised

The Anatomy of a Poker Face

Explore the psychology and biology of the poker face, its benefits, risks, and how to use it wisely.

Medically revised

The Hidden Costs of Rejection

Discover how rejection impacts emotional and physical health, and how teens and adults can build resilience and self-worth.

A man speaks with a woman during a quiet conversation indoors.

Medically revised

Impulsivity and Compulsivity in Anorexia and Bulimia

Learn how impulsivity and compulsivity shape eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, and why emotional regulation is key to recovery.

Adults sit together in a small supportive discussion group.

Medically revised

Choosing the Right Type of Therapeutic Group

Discover the types of therapeutic groups, their benefits, and practical steps to help you choose the right group therapy for your mental health journey.

A woman smiles in the sunlight beside the sea.

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Behavioral Health

Discover what behavioral health means, how it supports daily well-being, and why integrated care helps create lasting change.

Two adults talk face to face on a city sidewalk.

Medically revised

Replacing Blame With Accountability

Learn how blame disrupts relationships and how accountability restores trust and creates more meaningful connections.

A woman talks with a counselor in a bright room.

Co-authored

Therapy

Understand how therapy works, explore different approaches, and learn what to consider when finding support that fits your needs.

Medically revised

Leaving Abuse and Finding Healing

Leave abuse behind and move from silence to strength. Heal, rebuild, and live with peace, purpose, and freedom.

A child carefully builds a tower with colorful blocks.

Medically revised

Psychosocial Stressors Associated With Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Discover how environmental factors influence Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and identify key stressors that can intensify its symptoms.

Medically revised

The Link Between Bath Salts and Violent Behavior

Explore how bath salts affect the brain, altering mental states and triggering dangerous psychological reactions.

A healthcare professional explains information to someone during a consultation.

Medically revised

Causes of Cognitive Disorders

Explore the causes of cognitive decline, from lifestyle choices to medical conditions, and why awareness is key to protecting brain health.

A person rests a reassuring hand on another person's arm.

Medically revised

Family Influences on Eating Disorders

Discover how family dynamics, including parental and sibling influences, shape the risk of developing eating disorders.

A group of adults talks together in a comfortable counseling room.

Medically revised

Dual Diagnosis in Mental Health and Addiction

Discover how dual diagnoses combine mental health and addiction disorders, sharing risk factors and complicating treatment.

A healthcare professional offers a reassuring hand to an older adult.

Medically revised

The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship

Discover why the therapeutic relationship is the most powerful factor in counseling and what to look for in a therapist.

A man closes his eyes and enjoys the sunlight beneath a tree.

Medically revised

Finding Solutions Through the Art of Reframing

Learn the simple three-step reframing method to shift perspective, reduce stress, and build lasting emotional resilience.

Adults sit in a circle during a group discussion.

Medically revised

Smartphone Usage and Mental Health

Learn the impact of smartphone use on mental and physical health, identify signs of overuse, and adopt strategies for healthier habits.

A man sits with clasped hands beside a window.

Medically revised

How to Help Someone With a Gambling Problem

Learn to identify the warning signs of compulsive gambling and discover effective recovery strategies to support mental health.

A woman pauses thoughtfully with her hands near her chin.

Medically revised

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)’s Impact During College

Learn how to recognize Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in college students and create evidence-based support for their academic, social, and emotional success.

A woman raises her crossed hands in front of her as a boundary gesture.

Medically revised

How We Generate Emotions

Discover how emotions are formed through bottom-up and top-down processes and why understanding these systems can improve emotional regulation and well-being.

A woman closes her eyes and breathes in the evening light.

Medically revised

Three Errors in Judgment We Are All Too Inclined to Make

Discover how three common cognitive biases subtly shape your decisions and how to recognize them before they lead you astray.

A man wearing a backpack smiles while walking outdoors.

Medically revised

The Beauty of Saying “No”

Master the art of saying “no” to protect your time, energy, and well-being while reducing stress and preventing burnout.

A child watches closely as an adult points to colored pencils.

Medically revised

Taming Anxiety’s Effect on Memory

Learn how anxiety disrupts memory and discover practical ways to reduce stress and protect mental clarity.

A woman stands confidently in a bright room with her arms folded.

Medically revised

Types of Behavioral Disorders

Learn about common behavioral disorders, what causes them, and how early support can lead to better outcomes.

Small bottles and flowering plants sit on a wooden table in a garden.

Medically revised

How Therapy Treats Anger

Discover a clear and compassionate look at how therapy helps people understand and shift patterns of anger.

A person checks a small medical sensor on their upper arm using a phone.

Medically revised

Lifestyle Changes After Heart Attack or Stroke

Learn why heart attack and stroke recovery is difficult, how mental health impacts it, and strategies to thrive.

Co-authored

Trauma

Explore how trauma shapes mental health, as well as how evidence-based treatment approaches support trauma recovery and build resilience.

A person sits with their hands resting together in their lap.

Medically revised

What is Dark Empath?

Learn what a dark empath is, common warning signs, and how boundaries and support can protect emotional well-being.

A pharmacist talks with an older adult at a pharmacy counter.

Co-authored

Psychiatric Medications

Learn about psychiatric medications, including uses, benefits, side effects, and how they support mental health treatment and recovery.

Two people go for a run together in a sunlit park.

Co-authored

Mental Health Disorders

Explore common mental health disorders, including their symptoms, treatment options, and effective support strategies for better management.

A couple embraces at their wedding celebration.

Medically revised

Paraphilias in Sexual Disorders

Learn how paraphilias, involving atypical sexual interests, require careful diagnosis and treatment to manage distress and prevent harm.

A woman lies awake in bed beside an alarm clock.

Medically revised

Shame in Avoidant Personality Disorder

Discover how Avoidant Personality Disorder involves social inhibition, inadequacy, and sensitivity to criticism, often linked to shame.

A child writes on paper while an adult helps with a learning activity.

Medically revised

The Diagnostic Process for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Discover how an Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis begins the path to treatment through symptom recognition and clinical evaluation.