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 …
Read more “Practicing Gratitude during a time of Uncertainty”
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 …
The Mental Wellness Counseling “Meet the Counselors” series offers a deeper look into each counselor’s background, experiences, motivations, values, and philosophies. In this series, I put counselors on the couch to learn why and how they do what they do. Q: What experiences have you had that make you feel capable of being a counselor? …
By Tarah K. Elhardan, MA, LPC, NCC Last week, as I was laying on my yoga mat in the beginning of a Friday evening yoga class, my instructor gracefully stated that “one is the union of the mind, body and consciousness.” As a mental health professional, this truly resonated with me and I thought about …
By: Anndrea Terry, MA, LPC, NCC, RYT, CYLC Once will change your day and more will change your life. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of American states that “anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States and older, or 18% of the …
Read more “Anxiety and Meditation: How to Reduce Anxiety by Establishing a Meditation Practice”
By: Steve Greenman, MA, LPC, NCC “All forms of self-defeating behavior are unseen and unconscious, which is why their existence is denied.” Vernon Howard What are Self-Defeating Behaviors? In their book, Going Home: A Positive Emotional Guide for Promoting Life-Generating Behaviors (Honu Publications 2005), Drs. Gregory and Lori Boothroyd state that “self–defeating behaviors are any behavior or …
By: Steve Greenman, MA, LPC, NCC “Every habit he’s ever had is still there in his body, lying dormant like flowers in the desert. Given the right conditions, all his old addictions would burst into full and luxuriant bloom.” Margaret Atwood When discussing an addiction or dependency, most standard beliefs center around the continued …
By: Steve Greenman, MA, LPC, NCC “You can get the monkey off your back, but the circus never leaves town.” Anne Lamott. In the modern recovery world “rehab” can mean many things. To treat addictions a person can choose long-term (usually 90 days) and shorter-term (30 days to 2 weeks) in-house programs. Each type of program …
By: Steve Greenman, MA, LPC, NCC “Yet it is hard to tread water with someone on our back without drowning.” -Jeffrey Kottler Jeffrey Kottler throughout his book “On Being a Therapist” sprinkles seeds of wisdom that will not only benefit the inexperienced therapist but the experienced therapist as well. Kottler states that many in today’s …
Photo Provided by Tela Chhe on flickr A wedding is an important life experience that takes a lot of time and effort to prepare for. With all of the preparation comes stress that can lead to various consequences. Some partners lose their connection and question their proposal or acceptance of a proposal. Others become overwhelmed …
Photo Provided by Sean O’Shaughnessy on flickr Your friend or family member asked you to be the best man at their wedding. Now what? Whether you felt unsure or accepted immediately, your reaction is entirely normal. After all, it is a great honor that the groom has chosen you to take part in a very …