The traffic this morning got me thinking about how clients (and all of us, really) feel stuck sometimes. We've been doing one thing one way forever and we THINK its the best way even though its far from ideal but to do it a different way is to take a big risk and maybe it will be even worse than the way we were originally doing it. The result is feeling stuck (and wishing someone would invent a device that would allow you to see the future already!)
Read moreGrief, Bereavement, Mourning
Despite the universality of it, there are some misconceptions about grief that I'd like to address today. Additionally, I will provide a list of things to do if you're supporting someone that is in mourning or if you are the bereaved.
Read moreIntroversion is not a Psychological Disorder
Introverts are people that value their privacy and solitude. They get energized by being alone so the more people there are around them, the more drained they become.
Read moreColoring for Relaxation
Buy a coloring book, pull out the colored pencils and start coloring in the picture. This is a "new fad" but I've been doing it for several years with clients.
Read moreI Just Want to Look at Cute Baby Animals
I recently saw an attention-grabbing post claiming that looking at pictures of cute baby animals helps you focus. We need to use this information wisely!
Read moreSocial Media is lurking
If you're between the ages of 14 and 17, you're probably using social media on a daily basis--probably the majority of your day when you're not in school. If you're like most 14 to 17 year olds, you're also still in that lovely area of "childhood" where you think nothing bad will happen to you...
Read moreThe Beauty of Sleep
Many people are aware that their sleep habits are unhelpful to their mental health but just don't know what to do about it. Here's my prescription for improved sleep and, consequently, improved mental health.
Read moreTaking a positive from depression
Creativity has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression. Why? I think because it gives life a purpose. While you're creating, while you're working on the details, you are transmitting or transferring your feelings from the intangible that is inside onto something tangible--be it clay or canvas, yarn or fabric, camera or computer.
Read moreDogs for the win!
The benefits of dog ownership or pet ownership are overwhelming. Here are just a few of the numerous reasons why having a pet is good for you.
Read moreMy inside take on Inside Out
I am really excited to see the movie so I thought I'd write a "prescreening," here's-what-I'm-hoping-for bit. Then, after I've returned from the movie, I'll write about my thoughts and experiences of it.
Read morePssst... (Don't) Pass it on
In today's society, with Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat and other modes of social media, gossip is everywhere. Or, I should say, the potential for it is everywhere. But gossip is an age-old problem.
Read moreTherapy Mythbusters
I recently came across this infographic while on Pinterest. I thought it was a very well done review of the common "myths about therapy". I'd like to take a moment to comment on some of these myths of therapy.
Read moreCaring for yourself or someone you love with Depression
When you or someone you love is dealing with depression, it is not a fun place to be. I remember in grad school one professor saying "depressed people are depressing." Its true. So, how can you care for yourself or someone else that's dealing with a bout of depression? There are some basic things you MUST do.
Read moreWhat causes Anxiety?
There are several things that can "cause" anxiety in a person, and the truth is we still don't know exactly what causes it and why some people develop it and others don't. Today, I'd like to give my opinion on the question What Causes Anxiety.
Read moreI don't want to write this post
I am feeling so overwhelmed with a to-do list that is a mile long, I feel like this is not something I have time for today! If this sounds familiar, let's review some information that may help us.
Read moreAbout Anxiety
There is no doubt, from my perspective, that anxiety is a huge problem for a great number of people. I'm seeing it in my office more now than ever before, even in very young children. It feels like its getting more prevalent although I only have anectdotal evidence to support that claim. What is important to note, however, is that there are very effective ways of managing it.
Read moreVulnerabilities
The kind of vulnerabilities I'm talking about are neither good nor bad, they're just situations that we can control in order to maintain our psychological and physical well being.
Take an Information Vacation!
Watching or viewing the news on TV or the internet has its place, to be sure, but it is surprising how detrimental it can be to our mental health. Overindulging in the vast array of sources can lead to an increase in anxiety and depression.
Read moreSome Unorthodox Parenting Advice
Glennon Doyle Melton lamented "I needed a strategy to help me regain my peace after I had already lost it. Because I am going to lose it, frequently." We all do. Very few parents, including myself, are able to keep the peace in their homes with kids in a meltdown. So, what do we do to "regain [our] peace"?
Read moreStress Management
When I took piano lessons as a child, my teacher wanted me to practice for 30 minutes a day. We should strive to have the same diligence in our stress management. Imagine how stress free we would be (or how adept at lowering our stress level) if we practiced 30 minutes a day every day--whether we were experiencing stress or not!
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