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In the blog post “Stages of Change in SMART Recovery,” you might have thought to yourself that I should/want to make a certain change in my life but I do not even know where to start. You might also be wanting to help someone else make a change in their lifestyle and they are needing your help. As a recap, the Stages of Change are Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Termination. Also relapse can occur at…
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Think about a time in your life when you were wanting to make a change in your life. Was it in regards to being more active? Was it going back to school to advance your career/education? Was it to stop an addictive behavior? Whatever you were wanting to change in your life, without maybe really recognizing it, you were in one of 6 stages of change. The Six Stages of Change were identified by James O. Prochaska.…
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We all receive mixed and unhelpful messages about sex. Whether it’s a commercial on TV, an article in a magazine, or your friend who is especially prone to giving unsolicited advice, we all experience it. What is especially unhelpful and potentially harmful about these messages, is that it leaves many of us feeling broken, that there’s something wrong with us, or that having a sexless relationship is inevitable over time. I often hear from couples I work…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Ending one’s own life has been a frequently discussed topic in the media the past few years. Between celebrity suicides, the making of “13 Reasons Why”, and higher suicide rates in high schools around the country, we are exposed to the idea now more than ever. When we hear some of the devastating stories of those who have struggled with depression and ended their life, we often ask ourselves, “Why…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling A word as simple as “you” can change the dynamic of a conversation. Using “you” in a sentence such as “You never listen to me” or “You always wait until the last minute” insinuates the other person is at fault. Placing blame on another person is often used as an easy defense to avoid feeling your own pain or recognizing your own faults. When you begin to use tactics to…
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Have you ever done something that you regret? I am not sure that I have ever met someone that has not regret something in his or her past. Everyone makes mistakes, and those mistakes can create that dreaded feeling of guilt and/or shame. How can I move forward after making a mistake? You can start by practicing self-compassion. While it can be challenging to love others, sometimes it can be more challenging to love yourself. Dr. Brown…
Read MoreMadissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Where do you feel your anxiety? Do you experience your heart begin to race, muscles tense, shortness of breath, stomach aches, or excessive and intrusive negative thoughts? If you have ever experienced or struggled with symptoms of anxiety, you may have been instructed by others to “calm down” or “just relax”. You also probably know that calming down and relaxing is not as simple as it sounds when you are…
Read MoreWhen discussing things with others, have you heard phrases such as “I know that you’re upset, but I told you to do this several times” or “I’m not trying to be rude, but that shirt does not look good on you,” or “I understand what you are saying, but I do not agree with you.” If you have heard these phrases, what kind of thoughts do you have? Do you feel that the other person is hearing…
Read MoreAmanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner If you’re participating in therapy, it’s a good idea to check in with your therapist from time to time about how it’s going. Check-ins can provide you with valuable feedback about your progress, treatment planning, and time frames, all of which can help you to make informed decisions about your treatment. Many people expect their therapists to initiate check-ins, but therapists do not always know when their clients need an update. As…
Read MoreAmanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner It’s no surprise that expressing our gratitude positively impacts others—after all, who doesn’t like to feel appreciated? But it’s also good for us. Amy Morin of Forbes reported that scientific studies have shown how gratitude improves psychological health, physical health, sleep, and self-esteem. It’s in our best interest to express gratitude. Last month, I wrote my aunt a letter expressing appreciation for all the ways she has made a positive difference…
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