Nanette Thomas Shepardson, M.A., LPC, CADC
Learn more about Nanette and check out some of her videos here
Why can’t I just “chill” like everybody else? Why am I always so anxious or so exhausted and
depressed that I can’t function well? Your nervous system may be struggling to keep up with the new reality of existing in our
present-day world.
Continue reading “Why can’t I just “chill” like everybody else?”
Lauren Hartford M.A., LPC, ALMFT
Learn More about Lauren here and check out her videos
Ah, we have all been here before. As the current year comes to an end and the New Year approaches, we become inundated with thoughts, conversations, media, and advertisements on New Year’s Resolutions.
“I want to lose weight and eat better!”
“I want to go to the gym every day and get fit!”
“I want to save more money.”
“I want to be happier.”
Often, we have great intentions when setting a New Year’s resolution. It’s aligned with our values and needs, and we want to show up for ourselves and others to be better. So why do New Year’s resolutions not work in the long run?
Yasmeen Ismail M.A., LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
The holidays are often associated with a sense of cheer, joy, and festivity. For many, it is a time to gather with loved ones and spend quality time with one another. However, for others, the holidays can feel overwhelming, stressful, or even isolating. The pressure to meet expectations can lead to feelings of anxiety, sadness, or exhaustion. If you find yourself drained by the holidays, you are not alone. Here are 5 ways to help you approach the holiday season with peace and self-compassion.
Continue reading “How to Approach the Holidays”
Alex Czop M.A., LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
EMDR is an acronym that stands for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. It is used in clinical work when a client has been afflicted with a trauma and is experiencing difficulty in being able to regulate themselves in times of duress. EMDR’s ultimate goal is to
Courtney Van Acker M.A., LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos
into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and
creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie
The pain and challenges of life often create in us a pull to be cynical. Our psyches can be
wired to actually filter out positive information in favor of what is negative, difficult, or less
than ideal about our lives, a process which is called negative mental filtering. Some of this is
naturally ingrained and necessary for survival, such as being intensely aware of any threat in
our environments so we can keep track of anything that may be threatening and make active
decisions to either defend ourselves and/or flee from potential threats.
Continue reading “The Healing Power of Gratitude – 5 Effective ways to practice it daily”
Nanette Thomas Shepardson, M.A., LPC, CADC
Have you ever had a “gut feeling,” or felt like your “skin was crawling,” or maybe you experienced a “bad vibe” from someone? If so, you may have put into words what we Somatic Experience Practitioners (SEP) define as a “somatic experience.” It is a bodily (somatic) sensation (experience) that sends a message to your brain, explicitly designed to get your attention! For what purpose, exactly?
Continue reading “Somatic Experience – What is it and can it help you?”
Alexus Lee, M.A., Licensed Professional Counselor
Crystal Villegas, M.S., LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
At some point in our lives, most of us will have the honor of being pet owners. Some of us bring pets into our lives for companionship, some as a steppingstone into parenthood, some as additions to the family, and some simply because they “chose us” as their pet parents. Everyone has a different reason for welcoming a pet into their home. And everyone’s experience of having a pet is different. However, as with all living things in life, every pet’s life comes to an end at some point.
I had the heartbreaking experience of losing my cat recently, whom I had had for 12 years. She came to me unexpectedly when I was just 21 years old. I didn’t know it at the time; but that cat would be my companion through all the life transitions I would be experiencing in my twenties. At times, she would be my only source of comfort. Dallas was the most beautiful Himalayan cat ever, both inside and out. She brought joy to my life that I could never describe in words.
Continue reading “5 Lessons Learned about Grief, after losing a beloved pet”