Self-talk & Compassion: Part 1

Self-talk & Compassion: Part 1   I often ask my clients this question:  “Would you talk to your friends the same way you talk to yourself?”  Needless to say, they typically look back at me with a slightly stunned, even shocked expression, guilt strewn across...

Creating a Positive Narrative for Your Child

Creating a Positive Narrative for your Child   Everybody knows that parenting comes with many struggles. Sleepless nights, worry, big decisions, and managing problematic behaviors are just a few among the laundry list of things that parents deal with. If you have...

Feeding Positivity

The Story of Two Wolves An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt,...

Understanding Attachment

John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth’s groundbreaking research gave us an insight into human attachment, how it is developed, how it is injured, and how childhood attachment impacts our adult relationships. But what is attachment? Bowlby defined attachment as a “lasting...

The Importance of Self-Care in Stress Reduction

You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” -Eleanor Brown.   What does “self-care” mean to you? Does it mean getting a massage? Going for a walk? Taking in a movie with friends or your significant other? Journaling about your experiences and reflections throughout...

Nutrition and Mental Health

There is an increasing body of research connecting nutrition to mental health.  Here are some of the nutritional recommendations resulting from that research. Vitamin D is important for the brain, heart and circulation, immunity, bone, muscle, lung, joints, kidneys,...

Staying in the NOW to Manage Emotions

“Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Hope for tomorrow.” -Albert Einstein Living in the present moment is one of the most difficult, yet, most necessary skills for living a contented life. So often we get caught up thinking about the past- either...

Mental Health Basics

Mental Health Basics Everyone can benefit from taking good care of themselves by eating right, sleeping enough, getting enough exercise, connecting with others, having structure and routine, and making time for reflection and relaxation. Maintaining or establishing...

Mental Health and Well-Being Phone Apps

The wonders of technology and creative innovation has significantly improved most areas of life with mental health being no exception. Cell phones are now akin to house key – we have them on our person or closely available most of the time. Unlike house keys,...

What’s your love language?

What’s your love language?   Have you ever taken the time to think about what love means to you? Gift giving, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch; who knew that there were so many ways that you can feel love? According to Gary...