Using mindfulness meditation to decrease anxiety and stress

What is mindfulness? It is simply paying attention to the present, experiencing life moment by moment without getting caught up in the activity of the mind. One research article described mindfulness as “a moment to moment awareness of one’s experience without...

Choosing to Act to Manage Goal Stress

With the new year right around the corner, it is a common to be asked “What is your New Year’s resolution?” It is also just as common for many resolutions to be left to wayside by February 1st, with the thought “I already failed, why bother?” Try something new this...

Creating a Plan for Coping with Holiday Stress

For a great many people, the falling leaves and cooler temperatures are a sure sign that the holidays are on the way.   This time of year can be marked by a great deal of stress and depression for a great many people, no matter holidays you celebrate. ...

Creating Happiness to Decrease Distress

Historically, psychologists and other mental health practitioners have focused on illness and disorders. We have come to learn that it is vitally important to focus on happiness and satisfaction. Increasing happiness and satisfaction can make a substantial difference...

Waiting to Feel Like It When Recovering From Depression

Usually in our lives, we want to do fun and interesting things and feel motivated to do so. When the time is right and we feel like it, we jump in and engage in all sorts of activities. We usually choose those activities that we have enjoyed in the past or those...

Normalizing an Emotional Response to Stress

For clients who seek out counseling, the range of emotional issues relating to stress is often wide.  Clients enter into therapy to deal with any combination of depression, anger, anxiety, fear, guilt, confusion, frustration, and hurt.  However, the one...

Taking in the Good- A Tool to Combat Life Stress

The human brain operates with a negativity bias. The brain gives negative experiences more attention and processing then it gives positive experiences. We learn more and faster from pain than from pleasure. People work harder to avoid a loss than to attain an...

Vulnerability of Depression

Mental health problems do not affect three or four out of every five persons but one out of one. ~William MenningerThe recent suicide death of actor, Robin Williams, has had a deep impact on people of all ages and walks of life. His talents have undoubtedly crossed...

Healthy Relationships – A Trip To Bountiful

.  Attachment is a natural part of the developmental process.  As little children we are taught to share with each other and to play fairly with other children.  Some of us master the process, while others struggle with this concept of sharing...