Blog
Finding Support in Challenging Times
Support is crucial to getting through challenging times, and not being able to express how we are doing can lead to further mental health problems. Reaching out for help is hard, and not everyone feels capable or ready to do that when they need help. If we are not really listening when we ask people how they are doing, we are perpetuating a dangerous cycle.
10 Tips to Help with Seasonal Affective Disorder
As the seasons change, and the days seem to become shorter some people feel a little more sad or more tired than usual compared to the warmer months. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short. It usually happens in the fall and winter when there is less sunlight, and the temperatures begin to shift. But don’t worry! There are ways to feel better and make the most of every season of life. Here are 10 tips and strategies to help you feel happier during the colder months.
Holiday Anxiety: Ways to cope this Season with Quick, Practical Tips to Help
Holiday anxiety can turn what’s often considered the most joyful time of year into a period of stress and dread. During the time of year marked by twinkling lights, cooler air, and the aroma of holiday scents, a silent struggle looms for many people: a holiday season marked by increased anxiety and mental health challenges. We are told that we should relax, savor the joy of the season, spend time with loved ones, and lean into all the season has to offer. And while all of that sounds great in theory, many people face a myriad of complex emotions that challenge the notion that the season is supposed to be marked with simplicity, relaxation, and joy.
Your First Therapy Session
Therapy is a common recommendation when someone discusses stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. As therapists, we love to see therapy being recognized as a valid treatment option, as well as normalized to reduce stigma. We love hearing people talk about their experiences in therapy on social media and in casual conversation. But what about those of us who have never been to therapy before? What is it like? How do we know it’s a good fit? Is every session like the first session? What is going to happen?
How to Set Boundaries in 3 Steps
At what point do you start to feel like a situation or interaction is uncomfortable? Do you feel you are being taken advantage of? Perhaps you’re pushing yourself beyond your limits out of guilt, or someone has crossed a boundary.
Introvert or Extrovert?
An introvert is someone who gets energy from alone time, while an extrovert is someone who gets energy from being around other people. While some introverts are shy and some extroverts are outgoing, some can be introverted and outgoing, or extroverted and shy. Someone who is extroverted will feel energized after social encounters, and more drained from alone time. An introvert may feel drained after a social encounter and need a few hours by themselves. An ambivert is a term used to describe someone who experiences both things- energy from being alone, and energy from being with others- depending on the scenario.
Simple Ways to Work on Self-Improvement
Many individuals want to invest in self-improvement to be more mindful, to learn new skills, or to improve their overall well-being. But just how do you improve yourself? While there’s no one way of working on self-improvement, there are some strategies that have been proven to help.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Exercises You Can Do At Home!
At its simplest, CBT is designed to change unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors to improve emotional regulation and solve problems with coping strategies. In other words, with practice you can change negative thoughts (“I am terrible at everything I do,”) to thoughts that allow for positivity and growth (“I didn’t do as well as I hoped but I will be better next time”). Over time, you will become more self-confident and have a better outlook on life. Reaching your goals will suddenly become a much easier task. A therapist can help you through the process of deconstructing and redirecting negative thoughts and behaviors, but there are many ways you can get started at home.
Limit or Permit?: A Parents’ Guide for Monitoring Social Media
Having a conversation with your kids about online safety rules is a crucial step. This will help your kids grow up using social media wisely. This post is intended to act as a guideline for parents who share some of these questions about when to limit or permit their kids’ online activity.
Is It Time to Break Up With Your Therapist?
Therapy is a relationship. In order to be effective, you need to feel connected to your therapist. So what happens when you no longer feel like your needs are getting met? Do you stop coming in? No show? Something many people don’t realize is that therapists do want you to be honest with them, especially if the relationship isn’t working.