therapist
Jessica Pontis, LCSW A modified version of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, was created in the late 1970s by Dr. Marsha Linehan for the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Over the years this treatment modality has been expanded to also treat depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorders. DBT was also the first therapeutic modality to incorporate mindfulness-based practices for the use of mental health treatment. DBT is a treatment aimed…
Read MoreBy: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC If you’re my client, then you have heard me talk extensively about the body and mind being exquisitely interconnected and in constant dialogue with one another. That makes sense, right? Well, surprisingly we tend to overlook this important fact. To be able to find our way back to ourselves and each other, we must understand how our emotions shape our thoughts and decisions. If we don’t do this, we become “disembodied”…
Read MoreBy: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC Are you attached to being a people pleaser and avoiding conflict to keep the peace and harmony? Sometimes the constant need for harmony can cause more harm than good. Many people believe that “agreeableness is a reliable asset at all times.” Some of this can be due to biology, while other times it is related to personality traits. Culture and upbringing play a role here. People often related disagreeableness to “loneliness…
Read MoreMary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC, LPC Do you ever find yourself looking at how other parents are raising their children and feel like a lesser mom? This all-too-common phenomenon is often referred to as mom guilt. It is the feeling that you are not doing enough or somehow falling short when it comes to your children. Mom’s guilt can be brought on by external sources including social media, TV, and even critical friends or family as well as…
Read MoreMary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC, LPC Everyone at least once in their lifetime will face disappointment from their family or friends. Although it is a common human emotion, avoiding disappointment can be impossible at times. The latter can even negatively affect one’s life and lead to mental distress. Therefore, it is necessary to learn to accept disappointment in order to minimize its potential emotional consequences. This article will share the top three techniques to help you navigate disappointment.…
Read MoreMary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC, LPC Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychological disorders. This condition is highly recognizable in childhood but may also be diagnosed in adulthood. ADHD is also linked with other personality traits such as perfectionism and obsession. But the main question remains: Do the symptoms of ADHD vary with Gender? This article will share the different symptoms of ADHD concerning males and females. What Is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity…
Read MoreMary-Lauren O’Crowley, MA, NCC, LPC Our society is riddled with quick fixes. We want to find band-aids to cover our bullet holes in order to avoid the timely and often tumultuous process of healing. Even in therapy, we find ourselves teaching techniques to alleviate our symptoms. We want to make the negative feelings go away as quickly as possible so we find ways to distract or escape. In doing so, however, we ultimately feed into the notion…
Read MoreBy: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC Are you a night owl or an early riser? You may think one is superior and have some preconceived notions about these two terms. One is not better than the other, the important thing is that the individual is doing what works best for them and the way their brain works. With the global pandemic, this has been a popular topic of discussion because COVID-19 didn’t just “upend where we work,…
Read MoreBy: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC Currently, the U.S. is still facing a surge in coronavirus cases, fluctuating physical distancing restrictions and regulations, and now the stress of the holidays coming up. Whether you relate more to the Grinch or the overjoyed family member, it’s important to be able to self-regulate and find a place in-between the two that makes you happy and feels like a good fit. Regulation is key. While we all have so much…
Read MoreSteven Losardo, LMFT We usually think big when we think about changing our lives, setting goals, or being healthy. But what about the small changes that have a huge impact? But, if you’re looking to make some significant changes in your life, one of the best things you can do is build a routine for your evening. By establishing a set time for yourself each day, you’ll be more likely to stick to those goals and avoid…
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