Veterans Day: Honoring Service—and the Strength It Builds

Every Veterans Day (November 11), we pause to honor the people who wore the uniform. The public often hears about the invisible wounds of war—PTSD, depression, moral injury, traumatic brain injury, suicide risk. Naming those realities matters. But there’s another side of the story that deserves equal attention: for many, military service also cultivates protectiveContinue reading “Veterans Day: Honoring Service—and the Strength It Builds”

What is Generalized Anxiety disorder?

Navigating Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Insights and Strategies As a licensed therapist and advocate for mental health awareness, I’m thrilled to launch a series aimed at enhancing understanding and providing support for various mental health conditions. Through this series, we aim to empower our readers with knowledge about disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and shareContinue reading “What is Generalized Anxiety disorder?”

Sad or Depressed?

The Difference Between Being Sad and Being Depressed Sadness and depression are terms often used interchangeably in everyday language, yet they represent significantly different experiences on the spectrum of human emotions and mental health. Understanding these differences is crucial, not just for academic purposes, but for recognizing when it’s time to seek help for oneselfContinue reading “Sad or Depressed?”

The world does not have to change because you feel a certain way…learn to check yourself

Navigating the Complex World of Feelings: A Therapist’s Perspective It’s been a week since my last post, a lapse I attribute to the busyness of life and its inevitable distractions. As a licensed therapist, I too experience moments of deviation from my goals – a reminder that behavior change often follows a ‘two steps forward,Continue reading “The world does not have to change because you feel a certain way…learn to check yourself”

Becoming Self Aware

The Journey to Self-Awareness: Navigating Through Levels and Life’s Challenges Self-awareness is a journey, not a destination. In my experience as a psychotherapist, I’ve observed that self-awareness often emerges in levels, influenced by life experiences, including trauma. This article delves into what self-awareness is, its connection to our experiences, and how it shapes our interactionsContinue reading “Becoming Self Aware”

Boundary Battles: The Tough Truth About Protecting Your Mental Space!

Setting Boundaries: Navigating the Challenges and Standing Your Ground In my psychotherapy practice and personal life, I’ve observed the complexities of setting boundaries, especially when they’re established later in relationships. Recently, I had to assert my boundaries with someone close, a decision that was long overdue. This experience highlighted several key aspects of boundary-setting, whichContinue reading “Boundary Battles: The Tough Truth About Protecting Your Mental Space!”

What’s the deal with Selfcare?

The Pillars of Self-Care: A Guide to Nurturing Your Well-being Self-care is more than a buzzword; it’s a fundamental practice essential for mental and physical health. At its core, self-care encompasses three critical aspects: sleep, diet, and exercise. But there’s more to it than just these. Let’s delve into these foundational elements and explore additionalContinue reading “What’s the deal with Selfcare?”

Fear vs Anxiety

Navigating the Terrain of Fear and Anxiety: Understanding and Coping In the complex landscape of human emotions, fear and anxiety often intertwine, yet they are distinct experiences. Understanding the difference between these two emotions is crucial for developing effective coping strategies. This article delves into the nuances of fear and anxiety, their triggers, and howContinue reading “Fear vs Anxiety”

Goal setting and how it helps your mental health

Setting Goals for Mental Health: Navigating the Path to Well-being As the New Year approaches, many of us are contemplating setting goals. It’s a time-honored tradition, but beyond the excitement, goal setting plays a crucial role in mental health. This article explores how effectively setting and managing goals can decrease anxiety, mitigate negative emotions, andContinue reading “Goal setting and how it helps your mental health”

The STOP Trick for Instant Emotional Control

Mastering Emotional Regulation: The DBT STOP Skill As a psychotherapist, I often find myself delving into various therapeutic strategies to aid clients in managing emotions effectively. One such powerful tool from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the STOP skill, an acronym that stands for Stop, Take a step back, Observe, and Proceed mindfully. This skillContinue reading “The STOP Trick for Instant Emotional Control”

Why am I always SAD during the holidays?

Navigating Through the Gloom: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more than just the winter blues. It’s a subtype of depression that typically occurs in the winter months. This article sheds light on SAD, outlining its diagnostic criteria, potential causes, and effective coping strategies, emphasizing the role of exercise and structured routines.Continue reading “Why am I always SAD during the holidays?”

4 Secret Habits of the Highly Successful: Transform Your Life Now!

The Success Quartet: Sleep, Meditation, Exercise, and Reading In my practice as a psychotherapist, I’ve observed a compelling correlation between success and four key habits: adequate sleep, regular meditation, consistent exercise, and habitual reading. These practices are not just beneficial for physical health; they are pivotal for mental well-being and, by extension, for achieving successContinue reading “4 Secret Habits of the Highly Successful: Transform Your Life Now!”