Maladaptive Behaviors: What Are They and What’s a Better Choice?
Have you ever wondered if your coping strategies are helping you grow or if they’re doing more harm long-term? Sometimes, despite immediate gratification or relief, our choices for coping are actually causing more of a negative outcome in our lives. We call these: Maladaptive Behaviors. Maladaptive behaviors can start due to a major life change,…
Read MoreWhat are the Signs of Maladaptive Behavior?
As we age and life becomes more complex to navigate, our tendency to engage in maladaptive behaviors to cope with such changes can occasionally increase. We are inclined to utilize our most comfortable skills and habits that help us in getting through the day in the easiest way possible using the least amount of effort…
Read MoreI Feel Anxious. How Can I Cope? Part 3
In Parts 1 and 2, I introduced coping skills and cognitive restructuring techniques. Hopefully, you had a chance to try them out. Now, I will tie this blog series together through a discussion of core beliefs and acceptance. What are Core Beliefs? In Part 1, I briefly touched upon core beliefs. To recap, core beliefs…
Read MoreI Feel Anxious. How Can I Cope? Part 2
In Part 1, I introduced various coping skills for managing anxiety. I hope you had a chance to try out those techniques. Now, I will discuss strategies to understand, challenge and reframe maladaptive thoughts. This approach is rooted in the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) At its core, Cognitive Behavioral…
Read MoreI Feel Anxious. How Can I Cope? Part 1
If you are reading this post, chances are you’re experiencing some level of anxiety. What if I told you that you hold more control over your anxiety than it does over you? Anxiety often feels overwhelming, but it is important to recognize that you can navigate through it. Anxiousness and Control It is natural to…
Read MoreHow Can I Stop Negative Self Talk?
Reducing negative self-talk is not an easy task, but it is possible! Here are some strategies: Embrace Self-Compassion Leaning into self-compassion over positivity is a more attainable goal. While it may seem intuitive to counter negativity with positivity, positive thinking alone might be more harmful than helpful. If you can get to a point where…
Read MoreWhen to Go to Couples Therapy? When You Notice These 3 Sign
Zoe Mittman, LSW If you’re asking the question “when to go to couples therapy”, you are in the right place. I am going to spend some time talking about 3 signs couples therapy may be a good fit for you. Disagreements in relationships are typical, and to be expected. You and your partner are individual…
Read MoreHealing the Heart – Tips for How to Get Over a Breakup
Breakups can be extremely difficult for both the heart and the mind. Grieving the loss of a relationship is taxing both mentally and emotionally. Whether you initiated the breakup or are the individual being broken up with, the pain and heartache can feel debilitating. It is important to remember that healing the heart is a…
Read MoreSurviving the Holidays: 5 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress
Paula Gonzalez MA, LPC, ADHD-CCSP, CIMHP The Christmas holiday season can be filled with “tidings of comfort and joy!.” It can also be filled with lots of invitations to holiday parties that will have you “rockin’ around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop… as the songs say. In the midst of all of…
Read MoreWhy Am I Overwhelmingly Stressed Out & How to Find Relief?
What does feeling overwhelmed look like? Generally, it can be defined as difficulty coping with a stressful situation that can affect a person physically and mentally. This can make it difficult to manage day-to-day tasks, connect to others, make decisions, and more. If you realize that you have become emotionally overwhelmed and stressed out, a…
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