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7 Ways to Challenge your Birthday Blues

March 9, 2019
7 Ways to Challenge your Birthday Blues 5c9250b44c458

I work with many clients who struggle with celebrating their birthday. Perhaps they grew up in a childhood where they celebrated it with their friends and family, a party, a cake, presents, and filled with joy and happiness. I have noticed a trend with my clients that as they get older, they start to dread their birthday. As their clinical therapist, I help the client to realize some of the reasons why their birthday is a trigger…

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Using Communication Styles to Increase Effective Communication

March 8, 2019
Using Communication Styles to Increase Effective Communication 5c8aae35d9205

Whether I am working with couples, families, or individuals, one topic never fails to come up in therapy. Communication. Communicating is something that we are constantly doing, either verbally or nonverbally. Communication may be challenging with others when you are not communicating clearly and effectively. It would be important to note that what is clear and effective to you, may not be the same to someone else. For instance, you may need to speak very clearly and…

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Supporting Someone Who is “Coming Out”

March 7, 2019
Supporting Someone Who is Coming Out 5c8aae3308860

In more recent times, it has become more prevalent for individuals to come out and express their sexuality. For some, this may be a simple process, but others may experience obstacles such as mixed emotions with their loved ones and support systems. They may also have a difficult time with expressing their emotions and feelings to loved ones. In this post, I have identified helpful ways to support a loved one who identifies as a part of…

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It’s Past Your Bedtime! Why You Need Your Sleep

March 6, 2019
Its Past Your Bedtime Why You Need Your Sleep 5c8aae307361d

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Do you get less than seven hours of sleep a night? If so, you could experience symptoms such as lack of focus, decreased productivity, fatigue, and a variety of physical symptoms. Getting enough sleep is very important. Sleep Cleans Your Brain Simply put, you need sleep because your brain needs to be cleaned. Jeff Stibel reported that the brain needs to cleanse itself of toxins that build up when were awake. This cleaning…

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Exploring your Relationship Sound House

March 5, 2019
Exploring your Relationship Sound House 5c8aae2d736d7

An intimate relationship with a partner can be fulfilling and rewarding, yet challenging at the same time. If you have ever been in a relationship with another person, you know that there are inevitable struggles that will transpire along the way. How these struggles are managed and processed within the relationship is one of the markers for how successful and lasting the relationship will be. Sometimes, when struggles occur for a couple, the issues at hand are…

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When You Want To Do Nothing, You Have To Do Something

March 4, 2019
When You Want To Do Nothing You Have To Do Something 5c8aae38dae20

The symptoms of depression can present various ways. Maybe you can’t seem to escape the mental chatter in your mind and the echoing thoughts are dragging you down. Perhaps you don’t feel motivated to do simple daily tasks even though you “know” you “should”. It is even possible that you feel drained by the mere thought of doing something that has been enjoyable in the past. All of these experiences are normal symptoms of depression, so, you…

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Self-Compassion Starter Kit

March 3, 2019
Self Compassion Starter Kit 5c76af7a4c759

It seems this “self-compassion” buzzword has been everywhere lately- but what exactly is it, what gets in the way of being compassionate with yourself, and how can you start to practice implementing it? Self-compassion is working to respond to yourself with kindness, empathy, and understanding. This approach is an alternative to negative self-talk which is often littered with judgement and criticism of oneself. Increasing self-compassion in your relationship with yourself can lead to increased happiness, optimism, curiosity,…

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Don’t Worry Your Life Away

March 2, 2019
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling There is always something to worry about: money, career, bills, relationships, loss, illness, the future, etc. While these are valid concerns and a normal part of life, there is a point where excessive worry begins to negatively impact your physical and mental health. We worry because we are afraid that something bad will happen and think about all the “what if’s”. You may think, “What if I lose my job?”,…

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Real Ways to Enhance Your Sex Life

March 1, 2019
Real Ways to Enhance Your Sex Life 5c76af7499950

Despite what you see on TV or read online, real skill in the bedroom doesn’t come from wearing sexy lingerie or memorizing sex positions. Having a satisfying sex life comes from a true understanding of your sexual needs and those of the people you have sex with and knowing how to openly communicate those needs. Move into a deeper understanding of your sexual well-being by exploring these areas of your sex life: Figure out what your brakes…

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Relationship Tips for New Parents

February 28, 2019
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Matthew Cuddeback, LCSW So, you and your partner have a new baby. It’s likely you have heard all the words of solicited and unsolicited wisdom and cautionary tales. People are always excited to tell you how you are going to fall in love with your child the second you see them, or to tell you that you can forget all the things you used to enjoy, there’s no time to read anymore, or go out, or travel.…

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