Understanding Informed Optimism
Informed Optimism: What Is It and How Can It Be Used to Cultivate a More Well-Rounded Mindset? Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, NCC, LPC Do you ever find yourself thinking that the worst will happen? You are not the only one. For people living with anxiety, trauma, or depression, fear-driven thoughts can take control and distort perception. When…
Read MoreHow to Draw Boundaries With Family Members
Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, NCC, LPC You may find that your peace, time, efficiency, and privacy get compromised because you are unable to draw boundaries with your family members. It is indeed a difficult task to say “enough” to a family member, especially if they are toxic, but you need to do so. As a child, there…
Read MoreHelpful Resources for New Mothers
Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, NCC, LPC Being a first-time mom comes with its own set of challenges, as you are exposed to various new experiences, from breastfeeding to soothing a crying baby. You’ve already conquered one difficult task by giving birth to your child, and now the second – the overwhelming chore of parenting your child –…
Read MoreWhat Is a Quarter-Life Crisis and Is It Real?
Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, NCC, LPC Lately, it would seem that older generations are under the assumption that younger people, specifically of the millennial generation, are easygoing if not irresponsible, with no stressors to be had. But this is an over-generalization and by no means the reality. Although younger generations typically enjoy the benefits of good health, they…
Read MoreGrief: Why We Cannot Simply “Get Over It”
Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, NCC, LPC “Get over it.” These words are not only insensitive, but they are also extremely misguided. In today’s society, grief is treated in a rather cold manner, as if it is something that can be processed and healed within a week’s time and we can then return to life as usual. This…
Read MoreNew Year, New Lease: How to Deal With Moving Stress
By: Zana Van Der Smissen Whether you are moving out of a rental, buying your first home, or moving into college dorms, moving stress is very real. It can be exhausting, anxiety-inducing, and can overall end up being a negative experience for most. However, I am here to say that you can find ways to…
Read MoreNew Year’s Resolutions: Helpful or Harmful to your Mental Health?
Natalia DeSouza, LPC For some people, the period between December and January is accompanied by reflections on what areas of their lives could benefit from changes. This is usually followed by the setting of goals meant to improve their quality of life and self-view. Common goals and resolutions for the new year include losing weight,…
Read MoreHow Can I Manage Social Anxiety?
By: Danielle Bertini, LPC Social anxiety is something that many people often suffer with in silence. It’s much more than just feeling shy or being hesitant to speak up in large groups. It’s something that can really impede on your everyday life. Brotheridge (2020) offers ways to develop new habits to help ease and overcome…
Read MoreHow Can I Utilize Color for My Mental Health?
Jessica Pontis, LCSW How many times have you walked into Target with the intention of getting toothpaste and dish soap, and walked out with three new shirts, four mugs, and a handful of random household trinkets that you don’t even know where to put? I know I sure have, all while forgetting the toothpaste. Industrial…
Read MoreHow to Feel Like Yourself Again in the New Year
Shannon M. Duffy, MFT, LCPC It’s that time again when we reflect on the past year and set intentions for the upcoming year. For many that still imposes a few challenges with the unknowns of the pandemic. Even though we are back to doing things pre-pandemic, there is still a cloud of uncertainty that looms…
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