Myths of Mindfulness
Mindfulness has been practiced in Eastern cultures for centuries in religious, non-religious, and traditional ways. Like a tree with strong roots, mindfulness has become rooted in Western society. Mindfulness is quickly being integrated into our culture to help physicians care for their patients, in schools around the country, and by mental health professionals. Mental health…
Read MoreBaby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
While many women experience mild mood changes or “the blues” during or after the birth of a child, 1 in 5-to-7 women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety. Also, 1-in-10 dads become depressed and anxious during the first year as well. If these feelings are lasting past the two-week mark, they are no…
Read MoreDealing With a Breakup: Cope with Post-Split Stress
Break-ups are never easy, whether it’s a romantic relationship, friendship, a work break-up, or even breaking up with your therapist. There are often mixed emotions of frustration, anger, sadness, happiness, not knowing what the future will hold, etc. A good cry can help, but also talking to a therapist to process what has occurred is…
Read MoreCommunication 101
Effective communication is not as simple as it might seem on the surface. It is a skill that takes time, energy, and practice to develop. Effective communication is more than just talk. It involves active listening and appropriate, honest expression. Following are some helpful tips for the two elements of communication: expressing and listening. Expressing…
Read MoreHoliday Survival
Kaitlin Broderick M.Ed, LCPC The holidays are also known as the happiest time of the year. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for a large majority of people. Many find the holidays to be the most stressful time of the year for a myriad of reasons. The holidays can be a source of financial stress for…
Read MoreAre You A Perfectionist?
When I ask this question for the first time to my clients, I’ve found that most immediately dismiss the idea that they could, in fact, be a perfectionists. The primary reason? “Well…I’m not perfect.” Occasionally, those who will acknowledge their tendencies may claim that perfectionism is how they have been able to achieve success. While…
Read More5 Negative Effects of Being a News Junkie and What To Do Instead
Maggie Reynolds, LCPC Mainstream media, right-wing media, political art, radio, social media…there is a lot of media available in our modern lives. With smartphones always in hand, our news diets can be to our brains what walking around with endlessly full plates of food hung from our necks would be to our stomachs: unhealthy and…
Read MoreUsing Pre-Marital Therapy to Tackle Wedding Planning
Congratulations, you’re engaged! Are you and your partner interested in pre-marital therapy? It can provide a great outlet for you and your partner to discuss how your values and upbringings will impact your future together. In addition to using pre-marital counseling to plan out your future, it can also be used to discuss the logistics…
Read MoreThe Basics of Self Soothing
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Our emotions can feel so big sometimes; so big that they can feel overwhelming and out of our control. When your emotions feel overbearing, how do you comfort yourself? Some people may be able to list out things that soothe them, but others may struggle to think of…
Read MoreEverything In Moderation
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling As many of you already know, “Everything in moderation”, is much easier said than done. It is common for individuals to struggle with moderation in at least one area of their life, if not more. Whether it be food, alcohol, emotions, sex, love, or gambling, it can be…
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