What People Think Therapy is vs What it Actually is

What people think it is: • Talking to a therapist about problems. What it actually is: • Talking to a therapist about problems. • Making changes to thoughts and behaviors. • Psychoeducation. • Building awareness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. • Between session work. • Learning and practicing coping strategies. • Working on becoming less … Continue reading What People Think Therapy is vs What it Actually is

Mirror Work Activity How to Get In-Touch with Yourself

This mirror work activity will increase self-awareness and promote personal growth. Looking in the mirror, state to yourself: "I love you." "I'm sorry." "Forgive me." "Thank you." While looking at yourself in the mirror and stating these things, pay attention to your non-verbal body language, the tone and speed of your voice, and the thoughts … Continue reading Mirror Work Activity How to Get In-Touch with Yourself

“Make it Happen” – Inspiration for Taking Action

A collection of inspiring thoughts and tips for taking action. We talk about negative things way too much Break the habit by finding the good in your day and share it with others. Fun fact: all photos were taken by Shannon while trail running What are you passionate about? Can you use that to make … Continue reading “Make it Happen” – Inspiration for Taking Action

The Best Positive Affirmation?

Personally, I feel the best positive affirmation is, "I have everything I need." I tend to feel like I need MORE (belongings, money, approval from others, etc.) and it can create anxiety and overwhelming tension. In reality, I don't need any of these things. When I practice living in the moment, and tell myself that … Continue reading The Best Positive Affirmation?

Journal Prompts: Have a healthier relationship to food

Having a better relationship to food is about mindset, which takes unraveling the current messages you have been operating under and re-wiring the brain with messages that serve you. This all starts out with discovering your current messages and limiting beliefs. After completing these questions, go back through your answers and look for behavioral and … Continue reading Journal Prompts: Have a healthier relationship to food

About Finish Stronger Counseling’s YouTube Channel

The purpose of my YouTube channel is to provide you with information on mental health and tips to help you get through everyday life. Since I'm passionate about running and the outdoors, you may also see that as it relates to mental health. https://youtu.be/Gc67R0__BqY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygw8-n6kcSA https://youtube.com/shorts/Lscebpchwpw?feature=share https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYe4JgYCkeg https://youtu.be/boybIAg4pKw Related information About Finish Stronger Counseling's Facebook … Continue reading About Finish Stronger Counseling’s YouTube Channel

Dialectics (DBT) for a Flexible Mind

What are dialectics? Dialectics relate to our theories and ideas, in terms of the OPPOSITE way we think. Here are some thinking patterns that we all experience, and get caught up in, it does us no favors to become stuck!:▪︎ "All-or-nothing" thoughts.▪︎ "Either-or" thoughts.▪︎ "Black-and-white terms."These examples of thoughts are called cognitive distortions. Instead of … Continue reading Dialectics (DBT) for a Flexible Mind

How to Ask about Someone’s Mental Well-Being

10 questions to check-in on someone's mental well-being 1. How are you feeling, really? (Mental and physical)2. What's taking up your headspace right now?3. What was your last full meal and have you been drinking enough water?4. Have you been sleeping?5. What have you been doing for exercise?6. What did you do today that made … Continue reading How to Ask about Someone’s Mental Well-Being

25 Day Pushup Challenge for Mental Health Awareness

To help raise awareness for mental health and suicide, I will be doing 25 pushups a day, for the next 25 days. Towards the bottom of this page is a YouTube video that I created of the challenge. The video contains snippets of the 25 days and statistics on mental health and suicide. - Share … Continue reading 25 Day Pushup Challenge for Mental Health Awareness

Mindfulness Walk Activity

Are you "mind full" or "mindful"? Mindfulness and walking are highly beneficial to your mental health, especially when you do them routinely. Try combining them! Go on a walk. You can walk inside (yes, it still works) or outside, done alone, while walking the dog, or with another person. - just don't have a conversation … Continue reading Mindfulness Walk Activity