Elise Burley
She/Her/Hers
About Elise
Elise Burley is a member of the therapist.com editorial team. She has more than a decade of professional experience writing and editing on a variety of health topics, including for several health-related e-commerce businesses, media publications, and licensed professionals. When she’s not working, she’s usually practicing yoga or off the grid somewhere on her latest canoe camping adventure.
Articles by Elise
What’s a situationship, and are you in one?
February 15, 2024
Situationships are defined by unclear boundaries and a lack of commitment. Like any form of relationship, they come with both benefits and challenges.
15 best mental health apps for 2024
January 2, 2024
Apps can’t replace professional therapy, but they can offer extra support for your mental health. From a sea of options, here are our favorites for 2024.
Are New Year’s resolutions worth the effort?
December 21, 2023
The new year feels like a natural time to set goals, but turning resolutions into reality can be daunting. Here are the secrets to staying motivated.
10 tips for managing travel anxiety
December 14, 2023
Travel anxiety can stem from planning a trip, taking transportation, interacting with others, and more. Learn to manage your anxiety and enjoy the journey.
How to cut through the clutter of digital hoarding
November 3, 2023
In today’s tech-heavy world, it’s easy to let digital files pile up. If virtual clutter is causing you real-life stress, try these steps to clear it out.
How I got obsessed with counting calories, and why I finally stopped
September 22, 2023
Calorie-counting apps are meant to help improve your habits, but they can also lead to disordered eating and other harmful behaviors—like they did for me.
Is the three-month rule for real?
August 17, 2023
The three-month rule sets a timeline for committing to a new partner or breaking up. Find out if this really works—and how it can affect your mindset.
What type of therapy is right for you?
August 10, 2023
If you’re considering therapy, you may feel overwhelmed by options. Follow these steps to narrow your focus and find the right support for your needs.
July 28, 2023
It feels good when a new partner showers you with attention, but it may be a sign of risks to come. Here are six ways to tell if they’re love bombing you.
Should we all quit social media?
July 14, 2023
More people are opting out of digital life for their mental health. But leaving social means you’ll need to find other ways to stay connected and informed.
Are mocktails really safe for recovering addicts?
May 19, 2023
Nonalcoholic beer, wine, and mocktails seem to be everywhere all at once. But for people in recovery, these options may be more triggering than healthful.
How to stay friends when your friends have kids
May 5, 2023
Even if you’ve been tight forever, friendships change when one of you becomes a parent. Can you stay connected after your lives take such different paths?
How nature therapy benefits mental health
April 11, 2023
Spending time in the natural world is healing for our minds and our bodies. Explore the many ways that nature therapy can help boost your mental health.
How to find free or affordable therapy
April 7, 2023
Therapy can be pricey, especially if you don’t have insurance. Try these free and low-cost options, including community clinics, support groups, and more.
How to grieve the loss of a pet
March 29, 2023
Saying goodbye to a pet can be just as devastating as losing a human family member. We hope these tips will help you process your grief and start to heal.
Do allergies affect your mental health?
March 16, 2023
Sneezes, sniffles, swelling, itching…allergy symptoms can make it hard to function, which may impact your mental health. These strategies can help you cope.
March 14, 2023
It’s easy to mistake excitement or achievement for happiness, but those adrenaline bursts fade quickly. Here’s how to spot and cultivate lasting happiness.
7 simple steps to a digital detox
February 17, 2023
A digital detox can help you gain control over your technology intake so you can feel better. Here’s how to design your own detox in seven easy steps.
Why people ghost (and how to get over it)
February 9, 2023
Ghosting happens all the time, but it can still feel awful. Explore the reasons why someone might suddenly cut off communication—and how to move past it.
How hormones affect your mental health
February 1, 2023
Your hormones are always in flux, which affects your mental and physical health. Find out how to keep yours balanced for a healthier mind and body.
How to break a bad habit for good
January 10, 2023
Habits are behaviors that become automatic. Find out how to break bad habits and replace them with healthy ones using the cue-routine-rewards system.
How to overcome procrastination
December 29, 2022
Postponing tasks can only make them seem worse. Break the cycle by reframing how you approach work—and how you encourage yourself along the way.
December 14, 2022
Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep, and getting too little can harm your mental and physical health. Follow these tips to regain your rest.
The psychological effects of dating apps
December 8, 2022
Dating apps can help you find your person, but they can also be hard on your mental health. Learn how to take care of yourself when you get on the apps.
How to tell the difference between sadness and depression
November 30, 2022
The characteristics of sadness and the symptoms of depression can look similar. Follow this guidance to tell them apart and seek treatment as needed.
10 ways to shop healthfully, not compulsively
November 21, 2022
Shopping addiction can take a toll on your wallet and your mental health. Here’s how to regain control of your spending habits.
Is it seasonal affective disorder or the winter blues?
November 17, 2022
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that can significantly affect your life during the winter months. Learn how to recognize and treat it.
November 7, 2022
When you’re having a bad day, knowing how to practice gratitude can make a big difference. Here’s how it can benefit you.
’Tis the season for holiday stress and anxiety
November 1, 2022
Most of us feel some level of stress around the holidays. These suggestions can help you cope with busy schedules, family dynamics, loneliness, and more.
5 lessons on how to overcome fear
October 4, 2022
We all experience fear. Learning how to face it, unpack it, and move through it can help you reach new levels of personal growth.
Peer counseling helps students thrive
September 8, 2022
Through peer counseling, students can get mental health support from someone their own age without fear of judgment. Find out how these programs work.
How to be more self-compassionate
August 12, 2022
You can learn to practice self-compassion by challenging your inner critic. Try this guidance to get started.
How much screen time is too much?
August 12, 2022
Too much screen time can have a variety of negative effects, but there are healthy ways to limit your screen time and enjoy it too.
How working from home impacts your mental health
August 10, 2022
Working remotely has its advantages, but it can also take a toll on your mental health. Learn how to manage some of the most common challenges.
How to spot and resist perfectionism
May 7, 2022
Perfectionism describes a state of obsession with unrealistic expectations and goals. Here’s how to tell if you’re a perfectionist and what you can do.
May 3, 2022
Burnout is a chronic state of feeling emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted. Learn how to recognize the signs and how to cope.
Doomscrolling: What it is and how to stop
April 22, 2022
Doomscrolling means constantly consuming negative news online, even when it makes you feel bad about yourself and the world. Here’s how to kick the habit.
February 22, 2022
Science has shown that sugar has addictive properties, but depends on the individual. Here’s how it affects your mental and physical health.
Revenge bedtime procrastination: Why we do it and how to stop
January 16, 2022
Revenge bedtime procrastination involves putting off going to bed in order to make up for lost personal time during the day. Here are some strategies to help...
How to resist diet culture in the workplace
January 14, 2022
Diet culture involves encouraging others to adopt certain beliefs and behaviors that could be detrimental to their mental and physical health.
How frontline workers can take care of their mental health
January 9, 2022
Frontline workers have jobs that are mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding. Here's how they can take care of themselves.
How to calm down during a panic attack
January 2, 2022
Panic attacks can be surprising and frightening. Follow these tips to help calm your mind and body if you think you may be having one.
November 4, 2021
There’s a lot that scientists don’t know about sleep and why we dream. Here’s what they do know, and what you can do to have more pleasant dreams.
Climate change and mental health
May 4, 2021
Climate change and extreme weather events can create both acute and chronic mental health issues for affected individuals and communities.