mental health
The New Year is under way and for many, it is time to think of a New Year’s resolution. This might consist of changing a behavior that we wish to improve, or attempting to accomplish a goal. If you find yourself unsure of a resolution to try this year, making yourself a priority in your own life. I often use the metaphor of a cup to explain how important it is for us to prioritize ourselves. Some…
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Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Do certain types of alcohol stimulate certain emotions, positive or negative, more so than others? A recently published study by the British Medical Journal attempts to answer this question by identifying how different types of alcoholic beverages—specifically red wine, white wine, beer, and liquor—impact the emotions of drinkers, whether they be positive (elated, relaxed, or aroused) or negative (anxious, aggressive, and depressed). The short answer, according to the researchers, is that they might,…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC Audio Version Do you feel stressed at work and need to calm down quickly? Is the stress you experience at work carrying over into your personal life? Some of us wait until after work to cope because we don’t have access to our coping strategies. You can’t go to the gym, soak in a hot tub, or watch TV while at work. Also, it might feel as if you don’t have the time to…
Read MoreAs we head into the new year, we may have thoughts that are preventing us from moving into 2018 with an open mind. These thoughts could be telling us that we aren’t good enough. These thoughts could be telling us we need to hold onto the guilt from our decisions in 2017. These thoughts can make it extremely difficult to transition into the new year. To be in the present moment, we need to learn to let…
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Workplace stress is one of the most common reasons that lead people to seek therapy. As much as we may want to separate our work and our personal lives, it is difficult to avoid the stress of the former bleeding into the latter. An important conversation that often emerges is an evaluation of when, if at all, it is right to leave an employer. The most common grievances revolve around feeling underappreciated or undervalued. Often individuals feel…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling In my time as a therapist, I have encountered many individuals who fear they will be alone and single forever; a feeling that often keeps them involved in unhealthy relationships. Why is being alone and without a partner scary to so many people? For starters, the feeling of loneliness isn’t pleasant. Loneliness has been clinically defined as an emotional state in which a person experiences a powerful feeling of emptiness…
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As 2017 rapidly winds down, we can soon expect to hear rampant conversations regarding new year’s resolutions. Every year, January 1st represents a chance to once again become our best selves. It is a time for reflection of the past and for imagination about the future. Yet despite the hope inspired by a new year, it often remains difficult for many of us to execute the kind of change we most desire. While each case may be…
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The holiday season can be busy and stressful, but it can also be filled with joy and gratitude. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to have a positive and healthy holiday season. Just because it’s the holidays, doesn’t mean you have to overindulge. The parties and dinners are food-focused but you can keep on program with your meal regimen by setting structure and planning. Being prepared by having a plan for each event, such…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Provider, Symmetry Counseling Audio Version They may not pay bills, have full-time jobs, or experience all the stress associated with being an adult, but that doesn’t mean teenagers have it easy. In fact, teens can experience significant daily stress. Their stressful experiences can be difficult for adults to understand, and this lack of understanding makes it challenging for adults to empathize and connect with teens. Here are three ways to better understand the…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC If you can relax your body, your mind will follow. Whether you’re experiencing a full panic attack or mild anxiety, you can’t always will yourself into a state of calm. You might already be using calming methods focused on the mind, such as identifying why you feel anxious, reasoning with yourself, or challenging your negative thought patterns. These techniques often work well, but other times you might continue to feel anxious despite your best…
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