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Present Over Perfect, Part I: How Is Therapy Similar to Vinegar?

December 22, 2020

Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC Has anyone ever told you that it’s okay to see a therapist? Yes, it is okay to see a therapist. Read that again. In fact, 48% of Americans seek counseling and the stigma around mental health has decreased in recent years. Unfortunately, because of the stigma with mental health, many people seem to be ashamed to admit that they do in fact see a therapist.  When our stomachs hurt, when we break…

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How Can I Redefine Success?

December 14, 2020

I work with many clients who are experiencing anxiety related to the current state of the world in 2020. Prior to the pandemic, many clients in sessions would speak to what their goals were, what success looked like to them, and how they could reach their goals.   I recently have been speaking to my clients about the idea of redefining success right now. There are certain things in life that are much more challenging than prior to…

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COVID-19: How Is Children’s Mental Health Affected?

December 12, 2020

Melanie Lustbader, LPC  PART 1 In March of 2020, everything changed for the worst. This has been a stressful year for everyone, including children. The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought increased anxiety and stress. Adults and children have been pulled from their normal routine and have had significant changes to their lifestyle.  Fear and Anxiety When a child faces significant change it can possibly cause fear and anxiety. Tolerating uncertainty is scary, even for children who typically…

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Why Write A Book?

November 29, 2020

By Eve Brownstone, LCPC Why write a book?  We all have a story to tell. Doubts come in.  Do I have a story to tell? I will bore people. I am not a writer. So we convince ourselves that we don’t have a story to tell and we push down our creative energy. I realize not everyone is going to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, but I believe everyone has a heartfelt story to tell and…

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How Can We Make Rational Decisions In Uncertain Times?

November 27, 2020
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In today’s world, the level of uncertainty seems higher than ever. With the ongoing global pandemic, wildfires, hurricanes, an unstable economy and a pivotal upcoming election, it can be hard to focus on the mundane tasks of our everyday lives. Despite the world feeling upside down, we’re still expected to continue working, cultivating healthy lifestyles and engaging with family and friends. A question coming up more and more frequently, both personally and professionally, is “is it possible…

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How Do We Use Pity Against Ourselves?

November 24, 2020
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Steven Topper LCPC When we’re young, we learn how to gain attention. It is the currency of childhood. Vying for the affection and care of our parents, our peers, our teachers, is not only normal, but it’s also necessary. Through this, we learn connection, communication, and compassion. And often this doesn’t stop after high school. We may often see loved ones working really hard to gain the attention of the people in their world, to mixed results.…

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Why is Self-Awareness Vital to Success?

November 23, 2020
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What is self-awareness? It can be used as praise, “wow you’re so self-aware!” or as an insult, “she has no self-awareness.” But what do we actually mean when we label ourselves or others as having or lacking self-awareness? The official Merriam-Webster definition of self-awareness is, “knowledge and awareness of your own personality or character.” In other words, truly knowing yourself internally, individually, and within the context of relationships and the world. Being able to identify how you…

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Tips for New College Students Leaving Home

November 20, 2020

By: Danielle Bertini, LPC Life transitions can be difficult, and the transition from high school to college is no different. Moving out of your home, sharing a small living space with strangers, and adjusting to new class schedules are among some of the many changes and challenges that come with this transition. All while trying to discover who you are as a person and picking a major/life path for yourself. College can be difficult, but luckily there…

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How Can You Identify a Safe Person?

November 12, 2020

Steven Losardo, AMFT Maybe more so than ever, we need safety in our lives, and that includes secure individuals. These people have attributes that include being easy to get close and dependability. Safe people are comfortable depending on others and do not worry about abandonment or someone getting too close to them (Johnson, 2013).  How do we know we have these kind-hearted people in our lives? This blog will review the characteristics of a safe person to…

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How Do I Help My Child With Autism?

November 7, 2020

Hannah Hopper, LPC, NCC If your child has recently gotten an autism diagnosis, you may be feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to even begin with helping them. An ASD diagnosis can feel frightening, particularly if you’re new to the world of autism and worried about whether you’ll be able to provide the tools your child needs to thrive. While children won’t “grow out of” this diagnosis, there are many treatments and tools to help a child overcome…

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