The power of holistic counseling for mental health by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Jun 3, 2024 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics A therapeutic approach or modality is a perspective counselors and therapists can use to understand and work with their client’s presenting concerns. Holistic counseling, though, can be applied in almost any situation to make treatment more effective and impactful. Holistic counseling looks at every area of a person’s life to…
Why do we love Halloween? The psychology behind what makes Halloween so enjoyable by Hannah DeWitt | Sep 22, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Psychology From office parties to kids in full costume attire, it’s obvious every year that Halloween is one of America’s most beloved holidays. This fall, the U.S. is predicted to spend a massive $10 billion on Halloween costumes, decorations, and candy. But why do we love Halloween so much? The answer…
What should I do if my coping skills aren’t working? by Emily Simonian, M.A., LMFT | Jan 6, 2023 | Ask a Therapist, Coping Skills, Mental Health Topics Q: If your week has already been immensely tumultuous added with an accumulation of a triggering session for the day, what are other ways to deescalate failed attempts of coping skills that were previously working? A: Thank you so much for reaching out! Sorry to hear you’re having a rough…
Energy reading for beginners: What’s really happening when the vibes are off by Wistar Murray | Apr 8, 2022 | Communication, Mental Health Topics, Religion & Spirituality Have you ever walked into a crowded room and sensed negative energy? Do you feel uncomfortable being around someone in a bad mood? Do you avoid certain people because they emit weird vibes? Do you ever cancel plans with friends because “the vibes are off”? What exactly are you picking…
What family constellation therapy can reveal about intergenerational trauma (and Abuela in “Encanto”) by Wistar Murray | Jan 28, 2022 | Beginning Therapy, Family, Mental Health Topics, Trauma Family constellation therapy (FCT) is a way of helping individuals heal from family trauma and suffering that’s been passed down unconsciously through generations of their bloodline. Constellation work explores these intergenerational dynamics through body, mind, and spirit. The therapeutic approach is rooted in psychoanalytic thought as well as family systems…
Astrology and the Barnum effect: Understanding our personal belief systems and why so many people love horoscopes by Jason Crosby | Aug 30, 2021 | Mental Health Topics, Psychology, Self-Improvement You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t have a strong opinion about astrology, which assigns meaning to the placement of the planets and the stars. Twenty-nine percent of Americans believe in horoscopes, and the people who say they don’t are quick to defend their reasons why. As much as…
The self-care commitment: Easy instructions for taking care of your physical, emotional, spiritual, professional, and social self by Lillyana Morales | Oct 17, 2019 | Mental Health Topics, Self-Care Physical health has always been emphasized and encouraged. Habits like maintaining a healthy diet, going to the gym, brushing your teeth, are just a few familiar examples. But how about maintaining your mental health? While physical wellness is definitely important, one’s emotional and mental state also need attention on a…
What is a spiritual love? How does spirituality come into play in relationships? by Taylor Bennett | May 24, 2019 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships, Religion & Spirituality Spiritual Purposes in Relationships: Life Blessings and Life Lessons What is a spiritual love? As with many questions about our spirituality, there isn’t one definition or example of a spiritual love. That said, spiritual love can refer to a love that is rooted in or supported by a deep spiritual…
What role does spirituality play in mental health? This guiding light improves overall wellbeing by Taylor Bennett | May 24, 2019 | Mental Health Topics, Religion & Spirituality Our mental wellbeing is affected by many different factors, but what role does spirituality play in mental health? Spirituality can serve as a guiding force: it provides us with a purpose, whether our spiritual practices are rooted in religion, nature, art, or something else. This guiding light benefits our mental…
Can spirituality help depression? It serves as a protective barrier, improves symptoms, and offers a new outlook on life by Dr. Catherine Jackson | May 23, 2019 | Depression, Mental Health Topics, Religion & Spirituality Research supports that spirituality can help improve symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. Engaging in spiritual practices changes the prefrontal region of the brain; additionally, it serves as a shield against stress. When we turn to our spiritual nature, or focus on a higher power, we become more…
How is spirituality different from religion? Religion involves believing in a higher power while spirituality refers to something bigger than ourselves by Taylor Bennett | May 22, 2019 | Mental Health Topics, Religion & Spirituality While religion and spirituality are often viewed as synonymous, they involve different beliefs and practices. Religion involves subscribing oneself to a specific set of beliefs and often praising a higher power, while spirituality is connecting to something bigger than oneself. You can find greater meaning and fulfillment in religion by…
Spirituality is important in addiction recovery—it helps individuals find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment during difficult times by Taylor Bennett | May 21, 2019 | Addiction, Mental Health Topics, Religion & Spirituality Spirituality often varies in definition and in practice—however, it’s ultimately about connecting to something greater than ourselves to live a happier life. Doing so can help us cope during difficult times, which means spirituality can prove important to addiction recovery. Those in addiction recovery (and others) can practice spirituality and…