Our Northern Michigan summers are typically filled with activities. Our calendar quickly get filled with beach days, concerts, festivals, boat rides, river trips, farmers markets, camping, backyard barbeques and out-of-town visitors. We run from one activity to another, fitting in everything we can because we know this season is fleeting. We often measure a successful …
It can be very hard to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable means allowing yourself to be seen as you are, without pretending or protecting yourself from being emotionally exposed. Examples of this might be: speaking your truth, telling someone how you feel, admitting that you are wrong or uncertain, asking for help, opening yourself up, or …
It’s just about time to say goodbye to summer. To the warmer weather, the slower pace, thespontaneous adventures and extended time with our families. Summers in Northern Michiganare special, not just for the natural beauty, but the ease at which we can enjoy our time with acarefree spirit and a more laxed schedule. It may …
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Have you heard about the connection between your gut health and your mental health? According to Harvard Health Publishing, the brain has a direct connection to our stomach and intestines,and vice versa. Meaning that a person’s stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the product ofanxiety, stress, or depression. For those of us that suffer …
Have you ever been faced with a tough task, life transition or struggle where you pushed through, on our own and made it out on the other end? We all have, and we often count those moments of hard work and resiliency as some of our best moments. Moments when we triumphed over struggle. But …
The connection between animals and mental health is hard to ignore. Research studies continue to confirm that having a pet or interacting with animals has multiple mental health benefits that can both relieve and prevent mental health issues. If you have ever been a pet owner, I’m sure you can confirm that having a furry …
I like to use symbolism and metaphors when I work with both my clients and my students. I’m sure I get an eye roll every now and then with, “Here she goes again”. But it offers an opportunity to visualize our experience of life in a way that may seem less abstract, more solid or …
Why don’t people go to therapy? We go to the dentist every six months for cleanings and check-ups. We go to the doctor when we are sick. We get our hair cut or our nails done as needed, or as desired to feel and look our best. We get a massage or go to the …
Whether you have been with your spouse for 2 years or 20 years, it’s normal to hit a period of boredom in your relationship. The everyday responsibilities of life like taking care of the household, going to work, taking care of the pets or children and the many other roles each partner may take on; …
Many times you may catch yourself with negative thoughts running rampant through your head. Although it may feel that these thoughts have a mind of their own, you have much more power than you may believe. The good news is that you are able to switch out those negative thoughts for positive ones with the …
Deadlines, busy schedules, taking care of others, dysfunctional relationships, unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others can all bring about feelings of stress. Even through intensely stressful times many of us can function, go to work, care for their families, and even participate in social events; all while ignoring the need to care for ourselves. Oftentimes …
By: Nicole Ball, LMSW Mental Health Therapist and Owner of Mental Wellness Counseling: A Traverse City Counseling Practice Things are tough right now. Many of us are struggling to see the brighter side of things. When we do, it might come in waves; one day we are productive and feeling optimistic about the future, and …
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Our New Normal: Originally published in the Traverse City Record Eagle Nicole Ball, LMSW Life has changed Life has changed. For everyone. In so many ways. Many of us are now working from home. Maybe trying to balance parenting while working; and we are struggling. Many of us have lost our jobs or our businesses; …
Read more “Creating Our New Normal: Shifting From Fear to Strength during the Health Crisis”
For many of us, winter brings what is sometimes called the “winter blues” or “cabin fever”. Most of us in Northern Michigan are familiar with these feelings. Lack of sunlight and being cooped up in our homes for months can cause low energy, frustration and the longing for warm summer weather. The promise of spring …
Read more “Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder: When To Seek Help”
The holiday season is considered ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. But for those who have lost loved ones, it can be the most difficult time of the year. The approaching holidays can feel discouraging and often come with a complicated mix of sadness, sorrow, anger and pain as we miss the ones we …