A Quick Guide for Setting 5 Types of Boundaries
The idea of “setting boundaries” is often discussed in therapy, as it is a helpful and practical tool for improving your own mental health and the quality of your relationships. A personal boundary is a superficial line that distinguishes yourself and your personal comforts/discomforts, tolerances/intolerances, from another person or entity. Setting boundaries can be empowering…
Read MoreDealing With Everyday Stress
In today’s world, stress has become a chronic condition many of us struggle with. With how fast paced our lives are and the exposure we have to social media and the news, it’s no wonder this is becoming a growing issue. When we feel stressed or hear others say they’re feeling stressed what exactly does…
Read MoreEat Your Way To Better Sleep: Foods and Nutrients That Promote Sleep
Paula Gonzalez MA, LPC Information contained in this blog is strictly for educational purposes. Always talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet. With a busy life and many of the stresses that come with it, there are times it can be difficult to get a solid 8 hours of sleep, which is…
Read MoreWhat Constitutes a Healthy Relationship?
From a young age, many of us are taught the normal life trajectory is growing up, going to school, getting a job, then getting married and having kids. While this is a normal and acceptable conversation to have, it’s also important to understand what constitutes a healthy relationship and what leans more towards unhealthy or…
Read MoreSleep Improves Mental Health
Paula Gonzalez MA, LPC Did you know that sleep impacts not only your physical health but your mental health as well? Most of us have experienced the symptoms of lack sleep, such as red burning eyes, headaches, feeling sluggish, reduction of coordinated, increased clumsiness and poor balance. But the lack of quality sleep on mental…
Read MoreIncrease Your Focus
Hannah Hopper The pattern goes like this. You’re sitting at work with a string of unanswered emails, a project that keeps getting kicked back no matter how many times you’ve met with your team, and a daunting number of tasks to complete for the day. So you pick up your phone and start scrolling to…
Read MoreWhy You Don’t Use Coping Skills – And How to Use Them Anyway
Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified You’ve learned many methods to manage your emotional and physical health. You know that these skills work and you know that you should use them. But, you’re not. Why? You might think you’re lazy or forgetful. Yet, the reasons you’re not using coping skills can be complicated. Here are…
Read MoreWinter Survival Strategies
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified Therapist Winter has arrived. Some people love Winter. They feel content in the cold weather, the darkness, and the holiday season. Others don’t notice much of a difference in their moods during Winter. However, some people report a noticeable increase in depression, anxiety, and low energy during the Winter months.…
Read MoreAlternatives to the Question “How Are You?”
Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified “How are you?” “I’m fine.” “Are you really fine?” “No, but that’s not what you want to hear.” Do you truly want to know about someone’s well-being? If so, the question “how are you?” may not be the best option. The question “how are you?” tends to invite responses…
Read MoreWhat Does “They” Mean?
Language continues to grow as people find words that better reflect who they are. One question that comes up often in counseling and everyday conversations is: what do they/them pronouns mean? Pronouns may seem like small words, yet they carry meaning tied to identity, belonging, and how someone wishes to be addressed. At Symmetry Counseling,…
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