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Tween & Teens | Work Burnout
I once had a client in a group therapy session tell me, “That’s stored in a box labeled ‘shame.’ I don’t touch that box.” I inwardly gasped, and thought to myself, “That’s why you keep coming back. It’s going to haunt you till you face it.” At the time, I was working in a partial hospitalization program with clients who struggle with addiction and mental health disorders, a.k.a. dual diagnosis clients, a population with a single-digit success rate.
Read MoreA couple months ago, I engaged in a bit of an experiment, and even since, I haven’t been able to stop talking about it. This last spring, a mentor of mine prompted a bunch of her mentees to engage in a “Day of Gratitude.”
Read MoreFor as long as I can remember, I have been obsessed with Greek mythology. I could not get enough of the deities and heroes of ancient Greece and their triumphs against evil with their awe-inspiring powers. In addition to being transfixed by the general magnificence of the gods (particularly the female ones; looking at you Artemis.), I was also drawn to another common figure within many of the myths: the sage. In Greek myths, the sage is there to provide prophecies, wisdom, and guidance, to our heroes on their various heroic journeys.
Read MoreLargely, I operate from a strengths-based perspective meaning that when working with clients I emphasize the positive and I collaboratively work with each client to find ways to encourage positive thinking patterns. A counselor operating from a strengths-based perspective helps clients identify their strengths, social supports, successes, and positive experiences in their life.
Read MoreI have a few horribly kept secrets. Number 1, I live my life with intention and with gratitude. I freaking love my life and can’t imagine another way to live it. Number 2, I’m freaking exhausted. No, not the “I could have snoozed one extra time” exhausted, but the “I think I haven’t slept this past decade” exhausted. Number 3, I try to live my life with no compromises. Family life with two young kids, business, and full time doctoral student… “Why can’t I do it all” I often think… Oh wait, I guess I need to refer back to number 2. Exhaustion. That is why we can’t always do it all.
Read Morehe therapy world is filled with so many acronyms and it can get confusing and overwhelming. Each week, I will break down several of the acronyms you may have heard or read about.
Read MoreThe therapy world is filled with so many acronyms and it can get confusing and overwhelming. Each week, I will break down several of the acronyms you may have heard or read about.
Read MoreLike many individuals, I spent my 20s and younger 30s “finding myself.” It was a time of growth and self-reflection. During this time, I realized that life was too short to hang on to anger and negativity. Subsequently, I am now quick to apologize. However, this quickness to mend relationships caused an instinct to always mutter “I’m sorry” at everything. I think it hit a new low when I was on a girl’s trip.
Read MoreThe therapeutic relationship is one of my favorite topics to discuss. Why? Because of the impact that it has on the outcome of therapy. It is also referred to as the therapeutic alliance, working alliance, and the therapeutic bond. The therapeutic relationship is a special bond, or connection, that develops between the therapist and the client over a period of time.
Read MoreWe have all felt guilt and shame before, but do you know the different between the two? Before attending a seminar on guilt, shame, and resilience, (given by Allison Marek LCSW, CDWF and inspired by Brené Brown’s research on shame, vulnerability and connection), I do not think that I would have been able to accurately describe the difference between guilt and shame. After the seminar I felt enlightened by what I had learned. Here is what I took away from it and I hope that you can take something away from it as well.
Read Moref you are part of the human race, it means that you have struggled with self-esteem, self-compassion, and self-doubt at some point in your life. Many of us have had questions, such as “Am I enough,” “Am I good enough,” “do people even like me,” or “why do things seem so much more difficult for me?” Resilient based counseling uses a variety of techniques with the basic principle that the client has the strength and expertise to solve their own problems.
Read MoreI embarked on a journey in 2017. A journey that I didn’t even tell my closest friends about. I declared to my husband on New Year’s Eve last year that this was a “me year.” I unapologetically said I was going to be “selfish” this year. You see, my life previously was very similar to many parents out there. Constantly thinking of everyone else, putting my children before me, putting my husband before me, and putting my job before me. I was exhausted, unhappy with life, and in a state of constant exhaustion.
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