Live Better. Love Better. Work Better.

cognitive behavioral therapy

Categories

Self-Compassion Starter Kit

March 3, 2019

It seems this “self-compassion” buzzword has been everywhere lately- but what exactly is it, what gets in the way of being compassionate with yourself, and how can you start to practice implementing it? Self-compassion is working to respond to yourself with kindness, empathy, and understanding. This approach is an alternative to negative self-talk which is often littered with judgement and criticism of oneself. Increasing self-compassion in your relationship with yourself can lead to increased happiness, optimism, curiosity,…

Read More

Don’t Worry Your Life Away

March 2, 2019

Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling There is always something to worry about: money, career, bills, relationships, loss, illness, the future, etc. While these are valid concerns and a normal part of life, there is a point where excessive worry begins to negatively impact your physical and mental health. We worry because we are afraid that something bad will happen and think about all the “what if’s”. You may think, “What if I lose my job?”,…

Read More

Relationship Tips for New Parents

February 28, 2019

Matthew Cuddeback, LCSW So, you and your partner have a new baby. It’s likely you have heard all the words of solicited and unsolicited wisdom and cautionary tales. People are always excited to tell you how you are going to fall in love with your child the second you see them, or to tell you that you can forget all the things you used to enjoy, there’s no time to read anymore, or go out, or travel.…

Read More

Do I Need a Diagnosis?

February 27, 2019

Shannon M. Duffy, MFT, LCPC In my professional experience, many individuals and couples have sought out therapy for a diagnosis to give them a label or clarification for what is or has been concerning them. For some, it is necessary to aid in providing the best form of treatment or provide appropriate referral sources for a treatment plan. However, there are also situations where the diagnosis itself can cause distress or even create disruptions within the treatment…

Read More

5 Steps to Change your Career Destination

February 26, 2019

I work with many clients who are very dissatisfied in their career. My job as their clinical therapist is to help the client identify some of the reasons they are unhappy in their job. After assessing some of these reasons with my clients, we then work together on how he or she can cope with these particular reasons they are unhappy in their job. For some clients, that takes on an entirely new challenge in which they…

Read More

Coping Mechanisms for a Bad Day

February 25, 2019

Laura Cox In the famous words of Dr. Seuss, “when you’re in a slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.” Bad days can happen to all of us. Whether your bad day is brought on by an interpersonal conflict, a disappointing circumstance, or you are just feeling “off,” there are ways to cope with your bad day and improve your mood. I love Dr. Seuss’s quote because it validates that bad…

Read More

Tips to Survive Winter after the Holidays

February 24, 2019

Kaitlin Broderick, LCPC The holidays can give meaning to the dreary winter months. Even if they cause stress, they might bring comfort as a milestone or something to look forward to. But after the presents have been unwrapped, and the holiday lights go out, the days are still short, the air is still frigid, and snow still blocks the sidewalk. This is the time of year when many of us (especially Midwesterners) are left feeling like we’re…

Read More

How to Overcome Discomfort Anxiety

February 23, 2019

Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC The reason we make the choices we do is because we identify a perceived benefit to making them. The benefit could be achieving a long term goal we are working towards or it could be indulging in instant gratification, but there is always a perceived benefit to our choices, otherwise we would not make them. This is how we constantly get in our own ways of doing productive things for ourselves and others,…

Read More

Battling with Body Image

February 22, 2019

It can be difficult to feel content in your body, particularly when living in our thin-obsessed culture which insists bodies need constant monitoring and modification. Between social media scrolling, comments from others about their bodies, and potentially your own negative self-talk, it seems as if this unhelpful feedback is coming from all angles. Body image dissatisfaction can feel so pervasive that it can be overwhelming to know where to start with changing body image thoughts. If you…

Read More

Is Moving Here Good for My Mental Health? Questions to Consider When Looking for Your Next Home

February 21, 2019

Margaret Reynolds, LCPC, NCC Just like some romantic relationships, it is possible to “fall in love” with a house, apartment or living arrangement that may result in regret and an unhealthy situation later. Whether getting your first apartment by yourself, moving in with a partner or out after a divorce, or getting a bigger place to accommodate a growing family, at some point, most people will experience the joys and pitfalls of house or apartment hunting. This…

Read More