What to Expect at Your First Therapy Session

Taking that first step to begin therapy is significant and it can make you feel anxious or nervous.  Many people simply don’t have a clear understanding of what to expect which can lead to apprehension and hesitation.  This anxiety over the first visit is quite normal. In order to help relieve some of that anxiousness,…

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Autumn Blues

dealing with seasons changing

Everyone has a favorite time of year, that season you look forward to with great anticipation. However, for many people seasonal changes can be difficult, especially the transition to fall and winter.  Five percent of Americans experience seasonal affective disorder, better known as SAD.  As the days become shorter and we begin to spend more…

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Grudge Match

Have you experienced a deep seated hurt or wrong? Are you holding on to a grudge?   If you are, then you may be experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety. Grudges can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being, even to the point of affecting personal relationships.  People rarely want to be around someone who…

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Exercise Your Mind

Exercise Your Mind The benefits of exercise to improve your mood and mental health are greater than most people realize.  The physical outcomes of exercise are well known. In addition, the mental health outcomes of exercise are proven to increase your mood and help with anxiety and depression.  Here are some of the ways exercise…

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A Laugh a Day….

Laughing is good for you

It’s not a laughing matter but, it IS a powerful antidote.   That’s right, laughter can improve your health. Laughter triggers healthy physical and emotional changes in your body.   That good feeling you get when you laugh will remain with you even after the laughter wains, helping you to keep a positive and optimistic…

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One is the Loneliest Number

A lonely person walking into the distance waters

The dictionary defines loneliness as:  sadness because one has no friends or company.  So in today’s society, you would think with the multitude of social media options, such as Facebook and Twitter, loneliness would be almost non-existent. But, according to CIGNA’s recent nationwide survey, the reality is quite the opposite.   People are suffering more…

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Don’t Stress It: Take a Mental Health Work Break

Old time clock that has a sticky note that says "break time"

Whether you work in or out of the home, finding time for yourself is essential.  Throughout a busy workday, it is difficult to focus on relieving stress when there are looming deadlines or pressing responsibilities.  However, finding ways to give yourself a well needed boost helps to refocus your attention on the job at hand…

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Being Your Authentic Self

authentic

This above all: To thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. ~ Shakespeare “To thine own self be true.” That is about the soundest advice you could get. But, what does it really mean? How do you know who…

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Picking up the Pieces and Moving Forward

change

There are so many things in life that have an impact on our perspective. Our experiences change us and although we may not always be ready for change, change still occurs. You know the feeling too well, you feel tired of everything, overwhelmed and helpless. You may be going through such trying times in your…

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How to Establish Healthy Boundaries

boundaries

Personal boundaries are the physical, emotional, and mental limits we establish to protect ourselves. They allow us to separate who we are, and what we think and feel from the thoughts and feelings of others. Setting healthy boundaries is essential if we want to be both physically and emotionally healthy. Creating healthy boundaries is empowering.…

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Breaking Stigmas: Mental Health & Minorities

minority mental health

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. It is important that we understand that mental health care in the United States continues to be an important health crisis that affects a large portion of the population. Mental health conditions go beyond these emotional reactions to specific situations. They are medical conditions that cause changes…

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Understanding DBT

DBT Therapy

What is DBT Therapy? Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.  It was developed in the late 1980s and is used as a type of talking treatment. It has been adapted to help people who experience emotions very intensely. Furthermore, it’s a therapy designed to help people suffering from mood disorders.…

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Building a Support System

At some point in our lives, each and every one of us comes face to face with difficult situations or unpleasant circumstances that can feel stressful or overwhelming. Part of life is experiencing ups and downs. We want people who understand us and can be depended upon during tough times. We need people who will…

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Overcoming Disappointment

Have you ever wanted something so bad in your life? Did you have a strong desire to do something or to obtain a goal or dream that it was all you could ever think of? There are times in our life where we do obtain what we have a strong desire for, but there are…

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