PTSD, the acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, can be an invasive and crippling disorder that is the unfortunate aftermath of trauma. The depression, re-intrusive thoughts, panic and anxiety can take a huge toll on quality of life. Although most people seek therapy for this disorder, they struggle with knowing how to manage it in [...]
There is extensive information in the media these days describing PTSD, and as a result many people are generally familiar with it's symptoms. I often receive calls for therapy from potential clients stating that they believe they have PTSD. They are feeling anxious, depressed and are having re-intrusive thoughts about a traumatic experience. Although these [...]
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, you are not alone. Everyone has days, weeks or phases in life that are overwhelming and stressful. However, there are many ways that people cope with these times of overwhelm and not all of them are productive or healthy. Lack of appropriate management of stress can create [...]
Our earliest relationships form the foundation for life. They shape the way we love, our ability to manage emotion and our ability to connect in healthy relationships throughout life. From the moment a baby enters the world, they are seeking security, safety sustenance and love. As their eyes search for connection with their mother and [...]
If you have ever struggled with maintaining a mindset of positive growth and change, here is a tool that may help towards that end. Thrive Notes is a workbook written by Tamra Hughes, MA, LPC “containing tools and activities for daily reflection. It is for documenting personal reminders of one’s coping skills, triggers, strengths and [...]
Whether you are struggling with trauma, depression or simply balancing the pressures of daily life and stress, finding a way to stay centered can be invaluable. One way that is beneficial in establishing balance is developing a positive relationship with oneself. The relationship with self defines our inner world and the way we process information [...]
At the start of a new year, tradition has it that we make resolutions about how we want to change, improve ourselves and live better. When you reflect on your resolutions over the past years, have your promises to yourself been maintained? Or, as is the case for many, are the resolutions short lived and [...]
Sometimes stress or panic hits us the most inconvenient times. You could be at work, at school, or running errands and all of the sudden become overwhelmed. If this is something that happens to you, it could be helpful to keep some quick fixes for this in your back pocket. Rhythmic Breathing When we are [...]
At any given moment, people are taking in sensory information from their environment, making sense of this information, and incorporating their interpretation of the data into the narrative of their lives. Each second of the day, the brain is bombarded with sensory information, though most of this information never makes it into our awareness [1]. In [...]
Whether it’s a surprise snow-day or a Sunday free from plans, why not spend your next non-work day contributing to your emotional health. Not all of us can take regular vacations in order to “re-set” and build up our emotional resiliency. If we do not have the time or money to jet to the beach, [...]
