• Contact Now Schedule an Appointment

    316 Park Ave E. | Renville, MN 56284
    700 Cedar Building, Suite 120 | Alexandria, MN 56308
    dr.discher@lifecenterllc.com | 320-329-4357 (HELP)
    Fax: 507-413-6776

    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
  • Dr. Wendie Discher

    My WordPress Blog

    • Home
    • About
    • Services Provided
      • Psychological Illness
      • Military Mental health
    • Getting Started
      • FAQs
      • Rates and Insurance
      • Client Forms
      • Appointment Request
    • Resources
      • Military Resources
      • Recent News
      • Mental Health Links
      • Physical Health Links
    • Career
    • Contact
    • Blog

    How to Tell Someone Your Boundaries

    February 2, 2026

    So, you’ve decided that it’s time to set some boundaries in your life. Good for you! Boundaries are essential to maintaining relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers, as they can help build trust and respect. Once you’ve decided what your boundaries are, the next step will be communicating them to those around you. Here […]

    Read More

    How to Tell Someone Your Boundaries

    So, you’ve decided that it’s time to set some boundaries in your life. Good for you! Boundaries are essential to maintaining relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers, as they can help build trust and respect. Once you’ve decided what your boundaries are, the next step will be communicating them to those around you. Here are some tips for how to do so:

    • Be clear. Explain exactly what you expect so that there’s no room for misinterpretation. For example, if you don’t want to work evenings, say, “I’m available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.” rather than “I can’t work late,” since “late” can mean different things to different people.
    • Establish consequences. Explain what will happen if your boundary is crossed. For instance, if your child regularly yells, say, “If you raise your voice while we’re having a conversation, I will leave the room until you calm down.” And most importantly, follow through on those consequences.
    • Use the sandwich method. If you’re concerned about how the other person will react, try sandwiching your boundary between two positive statements. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by how frequently your sister calls, you could say, “I love our chats, but I’ve been so busy with this new job that I’m not able to talk each night. Can we schedule a time each week to catch up?”

    Do You Struggle to Set Boundaries?

    Setting and communicating boundaries can be difficult, but it’s a lot easier with the help of an experienced therapist. Fortunately, you can get the assistance you need from the caring team at our practice. We understand the intricacies of relationships between family members, friends, coworkers, and other acquaintances, and we’ll provide you with tailored advice on how to effectively set any necessary boundaries. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

    Filed Under: communication, relationships

    Can a Narcissist Be Cured?

    January 30, 2026

    Narcissistic personality disorder—a mental health condition characterized by an excessive need to feel important and impress others—often causes narcissists to have an inflated sense of self-worth, lack empathy, and fantasize about possessing success, power, intelligence, and beauty. Narcissism differs from self-confidence in that it causes narcissists to view others with disdain rather than recognizing that […]

    Read More

    Can a Narcissist Be Cured?

    Narcissistic personality disorder—a mental health condition characterized by an excessive need to feel important and impress others—often causes narcissists to have an inflated sense of self-worth, lack empathy, and fantasize about possessing success, power, intelligence, and beauty. Narcissism differs from self-confidence in that it causes narcissists to view others with disdain rather than recognizing that they also have value.

    Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for narcissistic personality disorder, but certain treatments can help manage symptoms. These include:

    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This form of psychotherapy focuses on identifying and addressing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
    • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) – DBT is a derivative of CBT that focuses on experiencing, accepting, and coping with emotions.
    • Metacognitive therapy (MCT) – This approach to psychotherapy focuses on controlling thinking processes (e.g., rumination) rather than on the content of thoughts.

    While there’s currently no medication available to treat narcissistic personality disorder, certain medications can be used to treat related conditions, including anxiety and depression. When a narcissist seeks treatment, their provider will develop a customized care approach that’s specially designed to serve their individual needs. 

    Learn More About Narcissism

    If you think that a friend, family member, or coworker is a narcissist—or if you’re concerned that you might be a narcissist yourself—we can help. Our team is highly experienced in treating narcissism, and we’ll be happy to speak with you about this condition. Contact us today to schedule a therapy appointment at the date and time of your choosing.

    Filed Under: narcissist

    Psychology vs. Psychiatry

    January 29, 2026

    Many people use the terms “psychology” and “psychiatry” interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different areas of practice. Psychologists and psychiatrists are both trained to identify and treat mental health issues, and both regularly treat patients using psychotherapy (talk therapy). However, because psychiatrists are medical doctors who completed medical school and a residency, they […]

    Read More

    Psychology vs. Psychiatry

    Many people use the terms “psychology” and “psychiatry” interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different areas of practice. Psychologists and psychiatrists are both trained to identify and treat mental health issues, and both regularly treat patients using psychotherapy (talk therapy). However, because psychiatrists are medical doctors who completed medical school and a residency, they can also prescribe medication and perform certain medical procedures.

    Which One Is Right for You?

    If you’ve been struggling with your mental health, you may be wondering whether to visit a psychologist or a psychiatrist. If you believe that you could benefit from taking medication—for example, anti-anxiety medication or an antidepressant—then you should reach out to a psychiatrist. But if you’re looking to avoid medication and instead focus on talking through the issues you’ve been experiencing, then a psychologist would probably be a better fit for your needs.

    It’s also important to note that if you opt to visit a psychologist and they ultimately determine that you require medication, they can refer you to a psychiatrist. Likewise, if a psychiatrist finds that you would benefit from additional therapy, they can refer you to a psychologist.

    For More Information

    Contact us today to learn more about the differences between psychology and psychiatry. Our team has experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, and we’d love the opportunity to assist you with your treatment goals. When you call, we’ll tell you more about our practice and our approach to treatment, schedule your first session, and answer any questions you might have.

    Filed Under: psychiatry, psychology

    Is Happiness Really a Choice?

    January 28, 2026

    You might have heard that happiness is a choice and wondered if that’s actually true. Unfortunately, for some individuals, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make it difficult for them to feel happy. There can also be several factors outside someone’s control—such as their age, physical health, or geographic location—that could make it […]

    Read More

    Is Happiness Really a Choice?

    You might have heard that happiness is a choice and wondered if that’s actually true. Unfortunately, for some individuals, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make it difficult for them to feel happy. There can also be several factors outside someone’s control—such as their age, physical health, or geographic location—that could make it harder for them to achieve happiness. With that said, many people can take affirmative steps to cultivate happiness over time.

    How to Find Happiness in Your Life

    If you’re looking for ways to feel happier in your day-to-day life, you may want to:

    • Focus on positives rather than on negatives.
    • Think about all the people and things that you’re grateful for.
    • Smile more often (studies have shown that the physical act of smiling can release hormones that increase happiness and reduce stress).
    • Implement a morning routine that incorporates stretching, meditating, journaling, and eating a healthy breakfast.
    • Increase your activity level (be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen).
    • Sleep more (most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night).
    • Connect with friends and family members, either in person or over the phone.
    • Spend more time in nature.
    • Volunteer at an organization that’s meaningful to you.

    Start Living a Happier Life

    If you struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition or you simply want to be a happier person, one of the best things you can do is reach out to an experienced therapist. Luckily, you can get the help you need from the caring team at our practice. We understand how difficult it can sometimes be to achieve happiness, but we’ll supply you with personalized tips and tools that can help you start experiencing a better quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that fits into your schedule.

    Filed Under: happiness

    What Is Conduct Disorder?

    January 27, 2026

    If your child regularly misbehaves, you may have wondered whether they’re simply acting out or suffering from conduct disorder. But what is conduct disorder, exactly, and how can you tell whether your child has it? Conduct disorder is a mental health condition that can cause various behavioral and emotional problems involving a disregard for others. […]

    Read More

    What Is Conduct Disorder?

    If your child regularly misbehaves, you may have wondered whether they’re simply acting out or suffering from conduct disorder. But what is conduct disorder, exactly, and how can you tell whether your child has it?

    Conduct disorder is a mental health condition that can cause various behavioral and emotional problems involving a disregard for others. Individuals with conduct disorder often find it difficult to obey rules and conform to behavioral norms, and some even act violently.

    What Are the Symptoms of Conduct Disorder?

    Conduct disorder symptoms tend to worsen with age, with adolescents and teenagers often taking part in more dangerous and potentially criminal activities. Only a trained provider can accurately diagnose conduct disorder, but with that said, many people with this condition:

    • Act aggressively (e.g., assault, bite, hit, kick, or push)
    • Break curfew
    • Bully
    • Cheat
    • Commit arson
    • Drink or use drugs
    • Hurt animals
    • Lie
    • Manipulate
    • Pick fights
    • Run away from home
    • Skip school
    • Steal
    • Threaten
    • Trespass
    • Vandalize

    While it’s normal for many children to display at least some of these behaviors as they’re growing up, they may have conduct disorder if the behaviors occur frequently, continue for an extended period of time, or are particularly intense. Notably, in many cases, individuals with conduct disorder find it difficult to express their emotions and empathize with others. They rarely feel remorse and tend to blame others for their own faults.

    Get Help With Conduct Disorder

    If you think your child might have conduct disorder, you need an experienced therapist who can guide you through diagnosis and any necessary treatment. Luckily, you can entrust your child’s care to our knowledgeable team. We have extensive experience working with children with conduct disorder and we can provide you with the help your family needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

    Filed Under: children, conduct disorder

    Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Causes & Symptoms

    January 26, 2026

    Do you tend to start feeling unhappy around the same time each year? If so, you might have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that the American Psychiatric Association estimates affects about 5% of U.S. adults. Below, we explore what causes SAD and describe the symptoms that it often produces. What Causes SAD? […]

    Read More

    Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Causes & Symptoms

    Do you tend to start feeling unhappy around the same time each year? If so, you might have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that the American Psychiatric Association estimates affects about 5% of U.S. adults. Below, we explore what causes SAD and describe the symptoms that it often produces.

    What Causes SAD?

    Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes seasonal affective disorder. However, studies suggest that SAD may be connected to circadian rhythms, melatonin levels, and serotonin levels, all of which can be affected by the changing seasons.

    What Are the Symptoms of SAD?

    As its name suggests, seasonal affective disorder is related to the change in seasons, beginning and ending around the same time each year. Most people with this condition tend to feel depressed in fall and winter, but some grow depressed in spring and summer. When SAD occurs, it can make someone:

    • Feel agitated, anxious, guilty, hopeless, irritable, listless, sad, sluggish, tired, or worthless
    • Lose interest in their favorite activities
    • Find it difficult to focus
    • Sleep more or less than usual
    • Lose their appetite or overeat (particularly carbohydrates), leading to weight loss or gain

    In some especially severe cases, individuals with SAD may experience suicidal thoughts.

    Do You Have SAD?

    If you’re experiencing the seasonal affective disorder symptoms listed above, you could benefit from speaking to a therapist with experience treating this condition. Our team has worked with numerous patients living with SAD, and we’ll be glad to meet with you and discuss the issues you’ve been experiencing. And if we determine that you do have SAD, we’ll recommend a customized course of treatment. Contact us today to schedule your first therapy session.

    Filed Under: seasonal affective disorder

    What Are the 4 Types of Amnesia?

    January 23, 2026

    Are you or a loved one experiencing memory loss? Maybe you’re having trouble recalling someone’s name or remembering events from your past, or you keep forgetting about plans you previously made. Perhaps you’re even misremembering something that previously occurred because your brain made a mistake when filling in the details. If any of this sounds […]

    Read More

    What Are the 4 Types of Amnesia?

    Are you or a loved one experiencing memory loss? Maybe you’re having trouble recalling someone’s name or remembering events from your past, or you keep forgetting about plans you previously made. Perhaps you’re even misremembering something that previously occurred because your brain made a mistake when filling in the details. If any of this sounds familiar, you might have what’s known as amnesia.

    Amnesia can be classified as either retrograde amnesia (which occurs when someone can’t remember things that happened prior to when they developed amnesia) or anterograde amnesia (which occurs when someone can recall memories from before developing amnesia but can’t form new memories). From there, it can be divided into the following four types based on cause and duration:

    • Dissociative amnesia – This often occurs after experiencing abuse or another traumatic event, likely as the brain’s way of protecting itself.
    • Infantile amnesia – This involves memory loss from infancy. Almost everyone experiences this type of amnesia.
    • Post-traumatic amnesia – This occurs after someone sustains an injury.
    • Transient global amnesia – This involves both retrograde and anterograde amnesia but lasts only a short time (typically less than 24 hours).

    Amnesia Treatment Available Near You

    If you’re looking for a local therapist with experience treating amnesia, you’ve come to the right place. We understand how difficult amnesia can be—not only for the person experiencing it, but also their loved ones—and once we’ve learned about your circumstances, we’ll recommend a treatment approach that’s tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to get started.

    Filed Under: amnesia

    How Do You Break Night Terrors?

    January 22, 2026

    Sometimes referred to as “sleep terrors,” night terrors are a type of parasomnia that can cause someone to scream, cry, breathe heavily, have an increased heart rate, sweat, stare, sit up in bed, thrash around, or wave their arms and legs. It can be difficult to wake someone who’s experiencing night terrors, and they may […]

    Read More

    How Do You Break Night Terrors?

    Sometimes referred to as “sleep terrors,” night terrors are a type of parasomnia that can cause someone to scream, cry, breathe heavily, have an increased heart rate, sweat, stare, sit up in bed, thrash around, or wave their arms and legs. It can be difficult to wake someone who’s experiencing night terrors, and they may be confused and hard to comfort when they do wake up. Although night terrors typically resolve within a few minutes, they can sometimes last longer, and the person often has no memory of the episode the following morning.

    Treatment for night terrors often focuses on resolving the underlying issue:

    • Fatigue – It may seem counterintuitive, but in many cases, sleeping more can help get rid of night terrors. You may want to try going to bed earlier or taking a short nap during the day.
    • Stress – If your night terrors stem from stress or anxiety, try implementing a calming nighttime routine. For example, before going to bed, you can take a warm bath, meditate, perform breathing exercises, or read a book. Attending therapy may also help address the issues that are causing you stress in the first place.
    • Sleep schedule changes – An inconsistent sleep schedule can contribute to night terrors, so try to go to sleep at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning.

    In rare cases, night terror treatment may require taking medication to help you sleep. An experienced provider can recommend the approach that’s best suited to your needs.

    Do You Struggle With Night Terrors?

    If night terrors have become a common occurrence in your life, we may be able to help. Our team has extensive experience treating night terrors, and we understand the heavy toll that they can take on a person’s life. We also know that every situation is different, and once we’ve learned about your specific circumstances, we’ll develop a treatment plan that’s customized to your individual needs. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule a consultation.

    Filed Under: night terrors

    What Is Dissociation?

    January 21, 2026

    Dissociation is a mental process that involves disconnecting from your own thoughts, feelings, memories, or personal identity, often in response to a traumatic event. It can cause you to: Believe that the world around you is distorted or unreal Experience sudden mood swings Have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or handling intense emotions Experience anxiety or […]

    Read More

    What Is Dissociation?

    Dissociation is a mental process that involves disconnecting from your own thoughts, feelings, memories, or personal identity, often in response to a traumatic event. It can cause you to:

    • Believe that the world around you is distorted or unreal
    • Experience sudden mood swings
    • Have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or handling intense emotions
    • Experience anxiety or depression
    • Behave much differently than you normally would, possibly doing things that you would usually find offensive

    The 3 Types of Dissociative Disorders

    Although dissociation often resolves on its own without the need for professional treatment, in some cases it can develop into a dissociative disorder. The mental health community classifies dissociative disorders into the following three types:

    • Dissociative amnesia (also known as psychogenic amnesia) – You can’t remember the details of a traumatic event, but you’re aware that you’re experiencing memory loss.
    • Depersonalization disorder – You feel detached from your surroundings, as if you’re watching what’s occurring around you on television.
    • Dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder) – You have two or more personalities, with each one possibly having its own tone, body language, outlook, and memories.

    The Team to Choose for Dissociation Treatment

    If you think you may be experiencing dissociation, contact us today. Our team regularly treats dissociation, and once we’ve spoken with you about the issues you’ve been dealing with, we can identify what may be causing the problem and recommend a course of treatment that’s customized to your specific needs. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the next step toward relief.

    Filed Under: dissociation

    Understanding Narcolepsy: Symptoms & Causes

    January 20, 2026

    Do you have a hard time staying awake for long periods of time, often falling asleep suddenly and without warning? If so, you might have narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness. Below, we explore common symptoms and causes. What Are the Symptoms of Narcolepsy? As was noted above, the hallmark characteristic of […]

    Read More

    Understanding Narcolepsy: Symptoms & Causes

    Do you have a hard time staying awake for long periods of time, often falling asleep suddenly and without warning? If so, you might have narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness. Below, we explore common symptoms and causes.

    What Are the Symptoms of Narcolepsy?

    As was noted above, the hallmark characteristic of narcolepsy is extreme daytime drowsiness that causes you to suddenly fall asleep. This can happen anytime and anywhere, including when you’re engaged in an activity (for example, while you’re talking or driving). If you have narcolepsy, you may also experience:

    • Reduced alertness
    • Difficulty focusing
    • Hallucinations
    • Sleep paralysis

    People with narcolepsy also tend to move into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep more quickly. In some cases, individuals with narcolepsy experience a sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), typically triggered by intense emotions. This can lead to muscle weakness or slurred speech that lasts for up to a few minutes.

    What Causes Narcolepsy?

    Researchers are still working to determine what causes narcolepsy. However, studies suggest that low levels of the chemical hypocretin (possibly due to an autoimmune response) could contribute to cataplexy. Having a family history of narcolepsy can also increase your chances of developing the disorder.

    Offering Treatment for Narcolepsy Near You

    Although there’s currently no cure for narcolepsy, treatment can help manage symptoms. If you need a therapist who specializes in treating narcolepsy, look no further than our team. We’ve helped numerous patients struggling with narcolepsy, and we can do the same for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at a date and time that fits into your schedule.

    Filed Under: narcolepsy

    • « Previous Page
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • …
    • 11
    • Next Page »


    316 Park Ave E. Renville, MN 56284

    700 Cedar Building, Suite 120 Alexandria, MN 56308

    320-329-4357 (HELP)
    dr.discher@lifecenterllc.com
    Fax: 507-413-6776

    Contact Today

    Life Center LLC, Discher &Associates
    dr.discher@lifecenterllc.com | 320-329-4357 (HELP)
    Fax: 507-413-6776

    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy