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Mary-Lauren O’Crowley

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How to Boost Your Self-Esteem

February 11, 2021

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC Put simply, self-esteem is the way that we view ourselves and our capabilities. For some, their opinion of themselves is very positive; however, for others, they may find that they are stuck in a pit hole of self-criticism. Falling victim to low self-esteem is not an age-related event, as it can happen throughout our lives and can even be a result of trauma, toxic relationships, work stress, or other difficult experiences that make…

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): What is it and How Does it Work

January 31, 2021

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, LPC Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that encourages people to accept and ultimately let go of their negative feelings and thoughts rather than seeking to avoid or eliminate them. It is a mindfulness-based strategy that invites people to push through the unpleasant situation and regulating their internal state while doing so. ACT has been effectively used to treat stress, depression, anxiety, and other medical illness such as chronic pain, diabetes,…

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Trauma in the Time of COVID

January 15, 2021

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, NCC, MA  When most of us think of trauma, our mind likely flashes to the most extreme circumstances, including war; however, many of us, whether knowingly or unknowingly, have experienced a traumatic event in our lifetime. Losing friends and family members, witnessing violence, incurring abuse, and living through a natural disaster are just a few of the ever growing list of experiences and events that can cause distress and in some cases, inflict injury to…

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Depression and Anxiety In Adolescence

January 14, 2021

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC  Nearly 70%-80% of children who receive mental health services access these services through school-based programs; however, bullying, depression, anxiety, social isolation, peer victimization, and suicidal ideation are still rampant among high school adolescents. According to the World Health Organization, 16% of global disease for individuals aged 10-19 is attributable to mental health conditions, suicide is the third leading cause of death for adolescents aged 15-19, and 50% of mental health conditions begin by…

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5 Things You May Not Know About Your Therapist

January 13, 2021

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, NCC, MA  Some people may find the idea of therapy a bit unsettling if they have never actually tried it. The idea that the client is expected to tell their life story to a complete stranger might make a person uncomfortable to say the least. Despite this initial awkwardness, many people will still seek out the help of a mental health counselor in hopes that they can provide support, encouragement, and advice as they navigate…

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How to Support Someone with Mental Illness

January 12, 2021

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC The quotation, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about” carries more truth than most of us may comprehend. 1 in every 4 people will experience mental health issues over the course of their lifetime, which begs the question: how many people are then impacted peripherally? With spouses, children, parents, friends, coworkers and colleagues all playing a vital role in a person’s life, it is important to…

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How To Boost Your Mood During The Pandemic

January 11, 2021

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC Since the start of the pandemic, many of us have found ourselves in the same cart as the roller coaster of emotions barrels rapidly and relentlessly through the air and back down to earth, over and over again, feeling an overwhelming sense of powerlessness to stop or even slow its course. Whether fueled by fears for our health and safety, exhaustion from a lack of routine, or sadness over loss of connection, lowered…

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Transference, Countertransference, and Vicarious Trauma

December 21, 2020

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC “A hurtful act is the transference to others of the degradation which we bear in ourselves” – Simone Weil Put simply, transference is the idea that clients will bring residual feelings or issues from past relationships and transfer or project them onto the counselor in the current therapeutic relationship. Clients interact with and react to people and situations in a way that reveals patterns from their past. It is through this process of projection that…

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6 Reasons To Go To Therapy

November 30, 2020

Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC Despite what is often depicted in TV shows and movies, therapy involves much more than just laying on a couch and talking about your feelings. Widespread stigmatization of counseling can lead to misconceptions about what exactly therapy is and how it can be helpful. The fact of the matter is, therapy can be an incredibly powerful tool in helping to work through past trauma, better regulate and manage emotions, navigate grief and transition,…

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