Which Activities Promote Neuroplasticity?

Which Activities Promote Neuroplasticity

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified Therapist  Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to change and adapt over time. Britannica defines neuroplasticity as the “capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage, or dysfunction.” In short, you can change your…

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Why Do I Hate Myself?

By: Ashlee Stumpf, LPC Do you refute or downplay compliments?  Are you continually hard on yourself and wonder why others would want to spend time with you? Do you take criticism as a personal attack?  Will you often accept your feelings as facts? (i.e., “if I feel this strongly, therefore it must be true”) Do…

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What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder

Jessica Pontis, LCSW With the sun setting earlier and earlier you may notice the impact that the cold and lack of sunlight may be having.  What you may be experiencing are symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.  As the name would imply, SAD is a type of depression whose onset is brought upon…

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Is it Possible to Have a Healthy Relationship With Social Media?

Is it Possible to Have a Healthy Relationship With Social Media

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, NCC, LPC There is no doubt that the internet has revolutionized our modern-day way of life. It has affected almost every aspect of our lives in both positive and negative ways. Without question, it has its benefits; however, everything seems to come at a price in this world. Some of the negative implications…

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Rethinking the Resolution

Jessica Pontis, LCSW It’s that time of year again, the holidays have crept upon us, and somehow twelve months have flown by with the speed of both the hare and to tortoise simultaneously.  With the change in the new year comes the looming desire to change something about ourselves, the dreaded New Year’s resolution.  We…

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What’s the Difference Between Selfishness and Self-Interest?

Whats the Difference Between Selfishness and Self Interest

By Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC In my work with individuals, I frequently will hear folks say, “This may sound selfish, but” and far more often than not, they are expressing a desire to prioritize their self-interest, not selfishness. I am always quick to point out to them that identifying and prioritizing their preferences is not…

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How to Navigate Mental Health During Winter

Zoe Mittman, LSW Does anyone else feel like it was just summer? I know that I do, and I certainly feel as though we completely skipped over fall. Maybe you’re in the same boat as me, or maybe the summer months felt way too long. However, we are now entering late fall and early winter…

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Understanding the Science Behind Self-Worth

Understanding the Science Behind Self Worth

By: Zana Van Der Smissen Today I will be exploring the concept of self-worth. A concept that comes up in many therapy rooms and can be hard to address at times. There is a perception that perhaps talking about self-worth means that we are being egotistical if we feel like we are telling ourselves that…

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How Does Self-Determination Impact Motivation?

Jessica Pontis, LCSW Have there ever been times when your life has felt out of control? Where no matter what you do nothing seems to change and you begin to feel powerless over your own circumstances? If the answer to these questions is yes, then it may be worthwhile exploring the topic of self-determination, and…

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What are the Stages of Change and Why Are They Important? Part 2

What are the Stages of Change

Jessica Pontis, LCSW In my previous post about the stages of change, I discussed the different stages of change and how they may present within the context of a person’s experience with smoking.  Having outlined the stages, let’s focus our attention in part two of this discussion on how a clinician can appropriately assess where…

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