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How Does Self-Determination Impact Motivation?

February 15, 2022

Jessica Pontis, LCSW Have there ever been times when your life has felt out of control? Where no matter what you do nothing seems to change and you begin to feel powerless over your own circumstances? If the answer to these questions is yes, then it may be worthwhile exploring the topic of self-determination, and how that impacts our ability to motivate ourselves to change.  Self-determination refers to the person’s feelings about the control that they have…

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What are the Stages of Change and Why Are They Important? Part 2

February 14, 2022

Jessica Pontis, LCSW In my previous post about the stages of change, I discussed the different stages of change and how they may present within the context of a person’s experience with smoking.  Having outlined the stages, let’s focus our attention in part two of this discussion on how a clinician can appropriately assess where a client is in the change model and stage-appropriate strategies that could be applied.   Assessing and Assisting in Precontemplation.  When a clinician…

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Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

February 13, 2022

Zoe Mittman, LSW Did you know that there is a connection between your mental health and physical health? This is called the mind-body connection. Your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact your physiological functioning and vice versa. For example, have you ever noticed your palms and underarms getting sweaty, your heart beating rapidly, or your cheeks flushing red when you feel anxious or nervous? Has your stomach felt like it is in knots? If so, you are not…

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What Is Decision Fatigue and How Do I Manage It?

February 12, 2022

By: Danielle Bertini, LPC Decisions, decisions, decisions. Choices, choices, choices. Why is it so hard to make decisions nowadays? And why are specifically millennials struggling with making decisions? I have heard many younger clients I work with discuss how there are literally TOO many choices, and they can’t decide what to do, which makes them feel anxious that they might make the wrong choice. Yes, decision fatigue is a real thing, especially in today’s world where we…

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What Is Neuroplasticity in Connection to Trauma Healing?

February 11, 2022

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified Therapist  Neuroplasticity is one of the reasons I became a trauma psychotherapist. The brain’s amazing ability to transform and heal itself gives me hope that any trauma, no matter how entrenched in the brain, can be processed, integrated, and healed.  What Is Neuroplasticity? Britannica defines neuroplasticity as the “capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development,…

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What Is Decision Fatigue?

January 31, 2022

Shannon M. Duffy, MFT, LCPC We make decisions every day whether they appear to be automatic or need a contemplation process to be able to come to a decision. With all the decisions we make they add up and can create and cause fatigue in how we go about making simple to complex decisions. The mental overload of making decisions can feel debilitating and overwhelming which can bring on physical and emotional symptoms from the anxiety and…

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Do I Have An Eating Disorder?

January 30, 2022

By Meg Mulroy, LPC  We are constantly receiving messages from family, friends, and the media about diet, exercise, and our bodies.  We live in a health-obsessed and fat-phobic society which can reinforce our negative feelings and attitudes towards our own bodies. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, it is estimated that 20 million women and 10 million men in America will have an eating disorder at least once in their life. However, eating disorders can be…

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Giving Therapy a Shot: What If It’s Not a Good Fit?

January 29, 2022

Written by Kara Thompson, Licensed Social Worker You’ve finally decided to give therapy a shot. You got connected with a therapist with availability that worked with your schedule, but decided to skip that “free 15-min consult call” they offered before setting up the first session. You’ve had a few sessions with Therapist A, but are finding yourself feeling disconnected and struggling to feel like they really “get you.” Therapist A takes a more formal and stoic approach,…

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Giving Therapy a Shot: Where Do I Start?

January 28, 2022

Written by Kara Thompson, Licensed Social Worker So, you’ve decided to give therapy a shot. It’s been years of contemplating and debating, maybe sprinkled with a little avoidance as well if we’re being honest. Over the last few years, you’ve heard your friends casually mentioning their therapist in conversation. You’ve even noticed a lot of therapy-related content on Instagram and TikTok… scrolling late at night and secretly questioning if it’s all just a “sign.” You woke up…

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How Can I Cope with a Breakup?

January 27, 2022

By: Danielle Bertini, LPC Breakups can be incredibly painful. Although it can seem impossible in the moment, there are some strategies that can help make the process a little easier, and potentially help you to be better prepared to make good, healthy choices when you’re ready to date again. Carmichael (2020) offers some tips to help cope. Don’t grieve alone. Losing a relationship can almost feel like a death of the relationship. If you view it through…

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