Welcome to Part 2 of my Top 20 17 10 Reads of 2022-23, also known as my learning journey. If you missed Part 1, you can find the first group of the collection here. It’s worth noting that many of these books are not how-to’s. I read several memoirs and a handful of fiction, because we can learn a lot from the stories people tell. I invite you to open your heart and mind, and allow yourself to consider expanding your views on these crucial topics of our shared humanity.
Read MoreI think we can all agree on one thing: we’re tired. Between work deadlines, family obligations, the discipline of caring for ourselves and our homes, it’s easy to feel like there’s nothing left to give at the end of the day. And if all of that wasn't enough, we cannot discount the toll of almost boundary-less electronic communication bidding for our attention.
Read MoreChoosing a therapist that is right for you is so imperative and a lot of people do not know where to start in their research. Different clinicians have different letters after their name, and to someone that is not in the field, those letters can sort of just look like alphabet soup. The letters indicate the degrees, licenses, and certifications that therapists decided to pursue and can be a great starting point in determining if the professional is qualified to show up for your unique needs.
Read MoreMen's mental health is a critical issue that affects millions, but it often receives less attention than it should. Although awareness of mental health challenges has grown in recent years, societal norms and stigma continue to discourage many men from seeking help.
Read MoreElection night can be a stressful, emotionally charged time for most people, bringing on feelings of anxiety. For many people, the constant news coverage, social media scrolling, political conversations, and high-stakes nature of the elections can be overwhelming. While staying informed is important, it’s ok to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being.
Read MoreHalloween is a festive time to build stronger connections—whether you’re enjoying a fun date night, creating memories with family, or celebrating with friends. These activities aren’t just about costumes and candy— they’re about fostering closeness, laughter, and memorable experiences with the people who matter most.
Read MoreIf you have read any of my previous blogs, you will know that I am a bit of a podcast obsessive. I have been a loyal podcast listener for over a decade now and have consumed thousands of hours of incredible audio storytelling. That said, most stories I listen to, typically while driving or cleaning, go in one ear and out the other. I am briefly enraptured and entertained and then distracted again. However, there are a few notable exceptions of shows that have stuck with me over many years, and the Radiolab episode entitled Goo and You is one of them.
Read MoreYou hear the little voice in your head going back and forth, saying, "You could've done this" or "You should've done that." After a while, this internal dialogue becomes exhausting and can take a toll on your mental health. If you feel like you're caught in an internal battle with yourself, know that you are not alone. As humans, we strive to do our best, but sometimes we forget that our best is going to look different each day.
Read MoreIn my previous blog post, we explored the concept of boundaries, the different areas where they can be set, and the various types of boundaries that exist. Setting boundaries begins with self-awareness, allowing us to recognize our limits and understand what feels safe and healthy. It is equally crucial to respect others' boundaries as it is to honor our own, creating mutual trust and respect in our interactions.
Read MoreHave you ever found yourself saying yes to everything, feeling overwhelmed and drained? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle to balance our responsibilities, relationships, and personal needs. Setting boundaries can be a transformative step toward regaining control and autonomy in our lives. While it might feel daunting, establishing clear boundaries is essential for our mental and emotional well-being.
Read MoreAre you tired of being stuck on the 'yes' treadmill, craving the freedom to shout 'no'? Many of us have found ourselves swept up in the whirlwind of people-pleasing. Despite its prevalence, people-pleasing is often overlooked and even admired. While the desire for acceptance is natural, excessive people-pleasing can lead to significant emotional challenges.
Read MoreAs an emotion focused therapist, I privilege a client’s experience: how it feels in the body, the sensations, as uncomfortable as they may be, above intellect. Together with clients, I explore parts of themselves and life that doesn’t seem to make sense or causes distress.
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