The stigma and misunderstanding of mental illness is a hot topic in the media as of late. Efforts are being made nationwide to change the way it is viewed and to help offer awareness to the public. Currently, our society struggles with supplying enough mental health resources, not only to those who need to be…
Winter: it’s cold, the days are short, and there is less sunlight. Even though the season comes around every year, for some people it doesn’t make the drawbacks any more desirable. There are certainly upsides to the winter, like hot chocolate, holidays, and fires in the fireplace, or snow sports. However, for others, these positives aren’t…
Food is a necessary part of life, growth, healing and even comfort. Food fuels our bodies and can impact everything from physical health to mental wellness. In order to ensure that food’s impact is positive, making the right food choices is important. Below are a few healthy food choices that can have a positive impact…
Let’s face it, there is no unconditional love quite like that of a pet. Their loving eyes, playful nature and cuddle ability is hard to match! The emotional benefits of pets are tremendous and extend beyond mental wellness to improved physical health. There is ample research supporting the various advantages of owning a loving animal….
Managing emotions, particularly in emotionally charged situations can be challenging. Many people struggle with learning to experience emotions without feeling the need to act on them. Whether it is coping with deeply sad feelings following a relationship break up, or trying to handle angry feelings that ensue in a disagreement with a partner, managing emotions…
How I love to think about the beach. Whether it is in the middle of a Colorado winter, or the middle of the summer, I find great peace thinking of the rolling waves, gentle breezes, salty aroma, and warm sand of a beach. Many therapists refer to this as a safe place, but I…
Take a deep breath and look around you. Name a few of the wonderful things about this day. Is it the weather? A conversation with a friend? A delicious meal? Giving thanks for the goodness in our lives is a great way to start on the path to more positive thinking. If you need…
Following the tragic events of the Movie Theater shooting, and other horrific events over the last decade or two, it is frequently difficult for individuals to cope with the feelings and anxiety that are elicited by those tragedies. Regardless of whether you were witness to the scene, knew someone who was a victim of,…
Many clients ask me how they can stop worrying about something when the thought seems to be ever-present. This is a common problem with people struggling with anxiety, depression, stress or grief. The thoughts running through their mind seem to control them as opposed to feeling they have control over their thoughts. Research has…
Victor Frankl, a famous psychologist, said that suffering without meaning equates to despair. So how do we find meaning in our experiences? Knowing how to find meaning in challenges is one of the hallmarks of having hope. So what can be done to foster this important attribute? Look for how you can take something positive…