Primary Care Physicians Are Not Mental Health Professionals

Primary care physicians (PCP) aren't mental health professionals although people, myself included, have visited their PCP for a mental health concern. Fortunately, we're moving away from this trend as more people are learning and understanding that they should see a mental health care professional to address their concerns. As a society, we're increasing our awareness … Continue reading Primary Care Physicians Are Not Mental Health Professionals

What Happens if I Don’t Know What to Talk about in Therapy?

Don't be afraid to ask your therapist questions. "What happens if I don't know what to talk about in therapy?" is a common question that people are afraid to ask their therapist. Your therapist would be happy to answer this question, and others, so ask away. Let me provide an answer to this one... A … Continue reading What Happens if I Don’t Know What to Talk about in Therapy?

How I Reshaped My Relationship to My Life-Threatening Encounter with a Cougar

FKT, Unsupported, Women's Record We all experience scary events, some are traumatic, terrifying, and shake us to our core. If it was a traumatic event, it literally reshapes both body and brain. A small way to address this reaction is to change your relationship or the way that you think about the traumatic event. Trauma … Continue reading How I Reshaped My Relationship to My Life-Threatening Encounter with a Cougar

Depression – When and Where to Reach Out

Whetstone Ridge Trail, VA If you need support with depression, reach out to a counselor, don't hesitate. Asking for help can be really, really hard. People who live with depression (major depressive disorder) may feel alone, making it harder to reach out. PsychCentral has an article on 10 Ways to Ask for Help When Depressed. … Continue reading Depression – When and Where to Reach Out

Plant-Based Doctors Directory (Did you know that I’m a plant-based counselor?)

Are you looking for a plant-based doctor or professional guidance on going plant-based? Visit Plant-Based Doctors to find the right healthcare professional for you! I'm a plant-based counselor Did you know that I'm a plant-based counselor? I've been vegan for years, and I greatly care about being proactive towards my health and the environment. I … Continue reading Plant-Based Doctors Directory (Did you know that I’m a plant-based counselor?)

Beach Ball Metaphor for Coping with Emotional Dysregulation

I first heard of the beach ball metaphor while watching a video through PESI (one of my continuing education providers). Arielle Schwartz, Ph D (see her books here) uses the beach ball metaphor to explain how we can manage our dysregulated emotions. Arielle Schwartz, PhD provides a mind-body healing exercise that can help trauma survivors … Continue reading Beach Ball Metaphor for Coping with Emotional Dysregulation

Mental Health Books and Resources (for mental health professionals)

I ordered a few card decks and workbooks to grow my practice from PESI. Do you use any of these? What's your favorite or go-to worksheet? Watch my fun unboxing video below. https://youtu.be/DZtzCl-y96s Please support my YouTube channel by liking, sharing and subscribing. Books & Resources Train Your Brain Card Deck by Dr. Jennifer Sweeton … Continue reading Mental Health Books and Resources (for mental health professionals)

A Growing Health Concern in America is Alcoholism

According to Alcohol Rehab Guide, alcoholism is a growing health concern in America, affecting nearly 14 million people. Alcohol Rehab Guide is an organization that focuses on producing high quality substance abuse and recovery content. There are vital resources on this site, which was founded on a passion to help people in need, and the … Continue reading A Growing Health Concern in America is Alcoholism

Therapist Workshop: the emotional aspect of obesity with Roni Maislish, M.A.

Roni Maislish, M.A. (Psychotherapist and social worker) I met Roni Maislish through LinkedIn (he is in Israel), as we both work in mental health and specifically with eating and emotions. We both recognize the emotional aspects of obesity and that it can be an emotional-mental-issue. Roni says, "Most of the time, when people talk about … Continue reading Therapist Workshop: the emotional aspect of obesity with Roni Maislish, M.A.

Session Framework: what our sessions might look like

Initial session Introduce myself and give a little information on my credentials. Check your valid photo ID to verify that you are who you say you are. Review the In Case of Emergency plan. I'll also review who your emergency contact is with you and jot down your current location address. Review the housekeeping paperwork … Continue reading Session Framework: what our sessions might look like