May 2025 - LynLake Centers for WellBeing

Archive for May, 2025

Can ChatGPT Help with Therapy?

These days, you can’t go anywhere or listen to anything without someone inevitably bringing AI into the conversation. In other words, the AI ship has landed and it is quickly infiltrating every aspect of modern society – including, somewhat surprisingly, the very human realm of psychotherapy. In the age of artificial intelligence, more people are turning to tools like ChatGPT for guidance, self-reflection, and even emotional support. Some people even claim that ChatGPT has been far more helpful to them than any therapist ever was. But can an AI chatbot really replace the deeply human experience of therapy?

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, with locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, we believe in using technology wisely while staying rooted in human connection and compassion. ChatGPT can offer helpful support in some situations—but it is not a substitute for working with a licensed mental health professional.

What Is ChatGPT?


ChatGPT is an AI-powered language model designed to generate responses to written prompts. People use it for everything from drafting emails to soliciting dating advice to asking questions about mental health. Some even use it to talk through emotions or explore cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques.

While ChatGPT may feel conversational, and its advice may even be quite helpful at times, there is no human on the other end of the chat, which means it is not “therapy.” And it’s important to know where its usefulness ends—and where real therapy begins.

How ChatGPT Can Support Mental Health

While it doesn’t replace professional care, ChatGPT can be a helpful tool between sessions or when you want to organize your thoughts. For example, it might help you:

Used intentionally, AI can support your therapy—not replace it.

Where ChatGPT Falls Short

As accessible as AI is, there are limits to what it can offer—especially when it comes to emotional healing:

Therapy is more than conversation. It’s about relationship, trust, and healing through connection. Research has shown time and again that most of the benefits people receive from therapy are a direct result of the connection between therapist and client. This relationship is more important than the specific type of intervention, number of sessions, or any other variable. It is also the one aspect of therapy that a chatbot can never truly replace. 

What a Human Therapist Can Offer


At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we believe therapy should feel like a relationship—not a transaction.
Our licensed therapists create a safe space where you can explore difficult emotions, develop new coping skills, and grow at your own pace. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, or relationship stress, we use evidence-based methods—including CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care—to support real change.

How AI and Therapy Can Work Together

Instead of seeing ChatGPT as a replacement for a human therapist, consider thinking of it as a supplement, supporting your mental health journey when used intentionally. For example:

Keep in mind, however, the most meaningful insights—and the deepest healing—come from working with someone who knows how to support your full story, not just your symptoms.

Support That Goes Beyond AI


If you’ve found value in digital tools but are ready for deeper connection and personalized support, therapy might be the next right step.

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we offer in-person and online therapy across Minneapolis and St. Paul. Our experienced therapists provide individualized care designed to meet you where you are—with warmth, curiosity, and evidence-based guidance.

Want support from a real human who sees the whole you?


Reach out today to schedule a session with one of our therapists in Minneapolis or St. Paul who can help you take the next step—whether you’re processing emotions, exploring patterns, or simply ready to feel more grounded. Let’s build something real, together.

What Is Attachment Theory and Why Does It Matter in Therapy?

When we think about mental health, we often focus on managing symptoms like anxiety or depression. But understanding the why behind our thoughts, behaviors, and relationship patterns can be just as important. While it should be noted that insight does not always lead to change in and of itself, understanding why you behave, think or feel a certain way can help point you in the right direction. That’s where attachment theory comes in. This framework helps explain how our early relationships with caregivers often shapes how we relate to others throughout our lives.
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At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we often integrate attachment-focused therapy to help clients explore their emotional patterns, build resilience, and create healthier relationships—with others and with themselves.

What Is Attachment Theory?

Attachment theory was developed by psychologist John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth. It centers on the emotional bond formed between a child and their caregiver. This bond creates a blueprint for how we approach closeness, trust, and vulnerability later in life—especially in friendships, intimate relationships, and as parents to our own kids.

Understanding Your Attachment Style

According to Attachment Theory, everyone develops a primary attachment style based on their early caregiving experiences. While the extent to which our attachment style influences our behavior can change over time, people who ascribe to Attachment Theory believe our primary attachment style will remain the same throughout our lifetime.

Here are the four attachment styles Bowlby and Ainsworth identified in their research, and that we still use today:

Secure Attachment

People with a secure attachment style are generally comfortable with closeness and emotional intimacy. They trust others, ask for support when needed, and generally maintain healthy boundaries. This style is believed to stem from caregivers who were typically emotionally responsive and consistent in their responses to their children.

Anxious Attachment (Anxious Preoccupied)

Those with an anxious attachment style may seek constant reassurance and feel uneasy if their partner seems emotionally distant. They may struggle with fears of abandonment or low self-worth, especially in close relationships. An anxious attachment style can be caused by a number of factors in childhood, including inconsistent parenting, or parents who are “needy” and frequently seek reassurance and validation from their own children, rather than providing it. 

Avoidant Attachment

Avoidant individuals tend to downplay the need for closeness. They may value independence over vulnerability and often suppress emotional needs, especially if they grew up with emotionally distant, highly critical, or unavailable caregivers. Something to keep in mind about people with an avoidant attachment style is that they are often quite charismatic, easily making friends and finding dating partners. It is only when the relationship becomes close and, therefore, vulnerable that these individuals will start to pull back. 

Disorganized or Fearful Avoidant Attachment

This style combines elements of both anxious and avoidant patterns. People with disorganized attachment may want closeness but fear it at the same time. This often arises from early trauma, neglect, or inconsistent caregiving. For example, someone with a parent who has a severe and untreated mental illness, such as bipolar or a substance use disorder, may develop a disorganized attachment style, due to the wildly shifting and unpredictable behavior by the parent towards the child. 

Why Attachment Styles Matter in Therapy

Understanding your attachment style can be a powerful part of the therapeutic process. It can help explain why you react the way you do in relationships, why intimacy may feel uncomfortable, or why you sometimes pull away when you need support most. If you are curious as to what your attachment style might be, there are a number of online quizzes that claim to be able to assist. Keep in mind, however, that attachment theory is only that: a theory. And these quizzes are not designed to diagnose you with anything;  rather, they can be a helpful tool to get you thinking about how you approach relationships, and what areas you may want to address. They can also be helpful for couples, to help them understand why they may approach things like intimacy and conflict differently from each other. 

Therapy offers a space to explore these patterns with curiosity and care. Your therapist can help you notice how attachment behaviors show up in daily life—from your relationships to your responses under stress—and begin practicing new ways of connecting.

Insecure Attachment and Mental Health

Insecure attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, or disorganized) are often linked to emotional challenges in adulthood. You might notice:

These patterns can increase your vulnerability to anxiety, depression, or emotional dysregulation. Should you choose to have children, they can also affect how you parent your own kids, putting you at risk of passing along insecure attachment styles to the next generation. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we help clients across Minneapolis and St. Paul recognize these patterns and begin building more secure, supportive relationships.

How Therapy Can Help You Heal

Therapy offers a unique opportunity to “re-learn” what it means to feel safe in connection. The therapeutic relationship itself can become a model of trust, mutual respect, and emotional safety.

If you’ve ever found yourself saying:

…attachment-focused therapy can help you better understand your emotional world and develop new ways of relating.

With the support of a therapist, you can:

You Can Create Secure Connections

Even if your early relationships were painful, attachment style is neither a diagnosis nor something you are unable to do anything about. With time, consistency, corrective experiences, and support, your approach to relationships can change. Therapy can help you rewrite old stories and begin building a life rooted in emotional safety, trust, and connection.

Looking for Support with Attachment and Relationships?

Whether you’re healing from past relationship wounds or exploring how early experiences shaped your attachment style, we’re here to help. LynLake Centers for WellBeing offers therapy in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and online throughout Minnesota. Our compassionate team is ready to support you in building deeper connection, greater self-understanding, and emotional resilience.

Reach out today to connect with a therapist who aligns with your needs. Let’s explore your attachment story—and help you write a new one.
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How Therapy Can Help You Set and Maintain Healthy Boundaries

If you’ve ever felt drained by a relationship, have taken on too much at work, or found yourself overwhelmed by constant obligations, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with setting clear, healthy boundaries—especially if they were never taught how to do so growing up.

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we support individuals in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and across Minnesota in setting and maintaining boundaries that protect their time, energy, and emotional well-being.
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What Are Boundaries and Why Do They Matter?

Boundaries are the limits we create to take care of our mental, emotional and physical health. They define what we are okay with—and what we’re not. They also specify the action we will take if others do not respect the boundaries we set.

You might set boundaries around:

Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to feel resentful, burned out, or disconnected from your own needs. Therapy can help you recognize where your boundaries are weak and guide you in strengthening them in a way that feels true to you.

Signs You Might Need Healthier Boundaries

Here are some common signs that your boundaries may need work:

Setting boundaries is a powerful way to care for yourself—and therapy is a safe place to start.

How Therapy Helps You Build Better Boundaries

If you were raised in an environment where saying no was discouraged (or even punished), or where your needs weren’t respected, setting boundaries may feel uncomfortable at first. Therapy can support you through that process.

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, our therapists help you:

  1. Notice Where Boundaries Are Missing
    Stress, resentment, or burnout often point to areas where boundaries are unclear. Together, we explore where in your life boundaries feel hard to maintain—whether in family, work, or close relationships.
  2. Get Clear on What You Need
    Before you can set a boundary, you have to know what you want. Therapy helps you identify your values, comfort levels, and limits—emotionally, physically, and mentally.
  3. Practice Clear, Respectful Communication
    Communicating boundaries can be hard, especially if you’re afraid of upsetting others. In therapy, we help you practice boundary-setting language that is calm, confident, and respectful. Again, boundaries are not meant to be a way to control others’ behaviors; instead, boundaries are about voicing what you are and are not comfortable with, and what you will do if your requests are not honored. Examples:
  1. Work Through Guilt or Anxiety
    Many people feel guilty or fearful after setting a boundary, which is completely understandable: not everyone is going to respond positively to the boundaries you set. Therapy offers a space to explore the emotions you experience when setting boundaries, and can help you shift your perspective—reminding you that saying no is a form of self-respect, not selfishness. Your therapist can also help you prepare for those inevitable moments when someone has a bad reaction to your boundary-setting efforts and/or refuses to respect them
  2. Apply Boundaries in Real Life
    Setting boundaries in a therapy room is one thing—holding them in daily life is another. Therapy helps you prepare for real-world situations, like saying no to a last-minute work request, asking for emotional space in a relationship, or declining obligations that drain you. Your therapist can even role-play these conversations with you to give you practice in using boundary-setting language, helping you feel more confident when you try it out with the people in your life. 

What Healthy Boundaries Can Look Like

Healthy boundaries may include:

Strong boundaries lead to stronger relationships, more emotional balance, and a greater sense of self-trust.

Build Boundaries That Support Your Mental Health

You deserve relationships that honor your needs—not ones that drain or diminish you. Whether you’re recovering from past boundary violations or learning how to set limits for the first time, therapy can help.

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we offer in-person and online therapy throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the greater Minnesota area. Our therapists are here to help you feel more confident, grounded, and supported as you build a life rooted in clarity, balance, and self-respect.

Ready to get started? Reach out today to connect with a therapist who can help you practice healthy boundaries and support your overall mental health.
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How to Make the Most Out of Your Therapy Sessions

Whether you’re just beginning therapy or looking to deepen your current experience, knowing how to make the most of your sessions can lead to meaningful, lasting change. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we believe therapy is a collaborative process grounded in trust, safety, and self-discovery.
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Here are eight ways to make your therapy sessions as impactful and empowering as possible:

  1. Build a Strong Therapeutic Relationship 

    At the heart of effective therapy is a relationship built on honesty and trust. A strong connection with your therapist helps you feel seen, heard, and respected. At LynLake, we take a relational and trauma-informed approach, prioritizing emotional safety and authentic connection.

If something doesn’t feel right during your sessions, speak up. Open communication helps ensure that your therapy experience stays aligned with your needs and goals. If you don’t feel like your therapist is the right fit, ask to be connected with someone else. It’s critical that you trust your therapist, even if that means “firing” a few before you get it right. Channel your inner Goldilocks!

  1. Create a Comfortable, Private Space—Especially for Online Therapy
    Whether you’re meeting in person or using online therapy, it’s important to feel safe and grounded. For virtual sessions, choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted. Headphones can help with focus and privacy, and having a comfortable setup makes it easier to stay present. Whether seeing your therapist in-person or online, be sure to turn off all notifications and set aside devices that may prove distracting. 

LynLake Centers for WellBeing offers both in-person and online therapy in Minnesota, so you can access care in a way that works for your lifestyle.

  1. Set Clear Goals and Boundaries
    What are you hoping to get out of therapy? Whether you’re looking for help managing anxiety, navigating a relationship, or understanding yourself more deeply, having clear goals can guide your work together. If you feel like your therapist is taking you off-course, speak up! It is their job to follow your lead, not the other way around. 

You may also want to set boundaries around communication preferences, session focus, or emotional pacing. Doing so helps create a safe, supportive structure for your growth.

  1. Be Open, Even When It’s Uncomfortable
    Therapy works best when you’re willing to be honest—even when it’s difficult. That might mean sharing feelings that are hard to express, naming fears you’ve kept to yourself, or giving your therapist feedback that they did or said something that upset or confused you. These moments of vulnerability are often where the most meaningful insights and growth emerge.

At LynLake, we create a welcoming space for whatever you’re carrying. You don’t have to have the right words—we’re here to help you sort through the hard stuff with compassion and care.

  1. Trust the Process
    Therapy isn’t always linear. Some sessions may feel productive, while others may bring up messy emotions or feel less clear. That’s all part of the work. Growth takes time, patience, and consistency. That said, if you leave many or most of your sessions feeling like they weren’t particularly productive, talk with your therapist about it to see if there are changes they can make so that progress feels more tangible. 

Our team of therapists in Minneapolis and St. Paul is here to support you at every step, helping therapy become a steady and meaningful part of your life.

  1. Use the Flexibility of Online Therapy

Online therapy can make it easier to prioritize your mental health, especially when juggling work, parenting, or other responsibilities. Some clients even find they open up more when meeting from the comfort of home. While it’s important to ask yourself if the ease of online therapy is preventing you from fully engaging in the sessions, most clients find that telehealth can be a satisfactory alternative to in-person therapy, especially on days when getting to the therapist’s office simply isn’t feasible. 

LynLake’s secure, user-friendly telehealth platform makes accessing therapy in Minnesota convenient and consistent, no matter your schedule or location.

  1. Reflect Between Sessions
    Therapy doesn’t only happen during your appointment. Take time to reflect in between sessions —whether through journaling, noting insights, or writing down topics you want to explore. This helps keep your momentum going and makes each session more focused and meaningful.
  2. Apply What You’re Learning
    Try to practice the coping tools, mindset shifts, and communication strategies you’re exploring in therapy. Change happens not just through understanding but through action—when you begin integrating what you’re learning into your relationships, work, and daily life.

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

Whether you’re starting therapy for the first time or returning to reconnect with yourself, these strategies can help you make the most of each session and get closer to the life you want to live.

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we offer compassionate, personalized therapy in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and online throughout Minnesota. Our team is here to help you create a safe, supportive space for healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Ready to get started?

Reach out today to find a therapist who’s a strong fit for your goals and preferences. Your path to meaningful change begins here.
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Understanding ADHD Medications: What You Need to Know

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions in children ages 4 to 17, but it also affects many adults. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we support individuals of all ages seeking ADHD treatment options in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Many of our clients are navigating challenges related to focus, time management, emotional regulation, and hyperactivity.

For some, ADHD medication, whether stimulant or non-stimulant, can play a key role in managing symptoms and improving daily life. If you or your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, understanding how medication works is an important step toward making informed, confident care decisions.

How ADHD Medications for Children and Adults Work

ADHD medications impact neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a key role in attention, motivation, and self-regulation. When taking medications that directly affect these neurotransmitters, many people experience improved focus, fewer impulsive behaviors, and greater emotional regulation.

There are two main types of ADHD medications:

  1. Stimulants
     Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed type of medication for both children and adults with ADHD and are often highly effective. Most begin working within 30 to 60 minutes.
  1. Non-stimulants
     Non-stimulant ADHD medications may be recommended for individuals who don’t respond well to stimulants or who prefer to avoid certain side effects. These medications take longer to become effective—often a few weeks—but can be a helpful alternative for both kids and adults.

Examples include:

Who Can Benefit from ADHD Medication?

ADHD medication can be a helpful part of treatment for children, teens, and adults alike. While therapy and skill-building remain essential for addressing the various daily challenges posed by ADHD, medication can boost focus, reduce impulsivity, and support better day-to-day functioning.

Medication may be especially beneficial for:

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we provide therapy and medication management support for ADHD in Minneapolis and St. Paul, tailored to each person’s unique needs.

Side Effects of ADHD Medication

As with any medication, side effects are possible. Common ADHD medication side effects include:

For individuals with heart conditions, stimulant medications may require special monitoring. It’s important to share your full medical history and attend regular check-ins with your provider.

What About Long-Term Use?

Many parents and adults ask about the long-term effects of ADHD medication. Research shows that when used as prescribed, stimulant medications do not increase the risk of addiction. In fact, untreated ADHD—especially in teens and young adults—can carry a higher risk of developing substance use issues.

Still, medication needs can change over time. It’s important to periodically reassess what’s working, especially during major life transitions such as starting high school, entering college, or starting a new job.

Can Medication Alone Treat ADHD?

While ADHD medication can improve focus and self-control, it’s not a standalone cure. It also doesn’t address many of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulty with organization and time management, or social challenges. ADHD is a complex condition that responds best to a combination of approaches, such as:

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we take a holistic approach to ADHD treatment. Our therapists work collaboratively with clients and families to build a well-rounded plan that supports long-term growth and emotional well-being.

Making the Right Decision for You or Your Child

Choosing whether to use ADHD medication is a personal decision that depends on many factors, including symptoms, daily functioning, co-occurring conditions, and family values.

Consider the following:

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Whether you’re parenting a child with ADHD or navigating your own symptoms, understanding how medication works is an important part of developing a thoughtful, effective approach to care. For many, ADHD medication—when combined with therapy, structure, lifestyle changes, and skill-building—can offer meaningful, lasting support.

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we’re here to help you explore your options, ask the right questions, and build a treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle. Our team in Minneapolis and St. Paul is ready to partner with you at every step.