Live Better. Love Better. Work Better.

Bridgette W. Gottwald

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Let’s Talk About the Elephant (and Donkey) in the Room: Americans Losing Teeth and Sleep Over Politics

March 29, 2020
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Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC A recent study proves that politics are “exacting a toll on the social, psychological, emotional and even physical health” for tens of millions of Americans. That’s right, people are losing teeth, damaging their interpersonal relationships, losing sleep, getting higher doses of anxiety and depression medications, and experiencing physical problems due to the stress that politics brings about. In fact, politics serves as a “source of stress for 38% of Americans.” Findings of…

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When Life Gives You Boulders, Make Landmarks

January 29, 2020
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Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC Mental health is an integral part of an individual leading a happy and fulfilling life. With World Mental Health Day being in October, this is the perfect time to raise awareness and think about mental and physical wellness. In this day and age, we are always paying attention to and worried about losing weight, being fit, getting toned…but what about mental and emotional fitness? When you work out, your body reaps positive…

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Screw the Golden Rule

January 23, 2020
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Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC Screw the golden rule! That’s right, you read it correctly. The golden rule states that we should always treat others how we want to be treated. According to Dr. Gary Chapman, this isn’t how it works with love. In his book, The Five Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman “dissects the principles behind communicating love, which remains relevant and useful in many different types of relationships, from family and friends to romantic partners.”…

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From Socrates to Jimmy Buffet: How to Coach Yourself Out of Rumination and Distorted Thinking

January 22, 2020
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Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC Socrates was certainly onto something when he stated that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” However, the overly examined life isn’t so spectacular either. Countless people, mostly women, have a bad habit called rumination that contributes negatively to their “physical and emotional well-being.” Rumination: What’s Happening in My Brain? People who ruminate dwell repetitively over negative thoughts in their head that are typically related to “failure, rejection, humiliation, loss or retaliation.”…

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Calling All Married Couples: 5 Habits that May Instantly Improve Your Relationships

January 21, 2020
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Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC No matter how long you have been in the game – twenty years or just getting ready to tie the knot, there is always something that can be done to improve upon relationships within your life, especially the marital one. These strategies are backed by science and will likely re-kindle romance, generate happiness and satisfaction, while also making partners feel more connected. Life throws us curve balls, and we all know that…

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