When starting with a couple, I often tell them my goal is to set them up for success. I want to help them process their emotions so they can show up for each other even when it's hard. No relationship is void of conflict. Learning how to have conflict without hurting each other is key to getting "unstuck". You can set your own relationship up for success by paying attention to these things three important and simple (although easier said than done) tips.
I've seen Disney Pixar address individual mental health topics before. But unlike these other movies, Encanto highlights the intricacies of family dynamics. The movie explains how family patterns can impact both individual mental health and overall family functioning. It's no wonder that I have brought up Encanto in nearly every family therapy session this week! So let's dig in: here are seven (and there are more but theres only so much time) family therapy themes that can be found in Disney's charming and poignant movie, Encanto!
One way to reduce emotional vulnerabilities is making sure you are getting a good night's sleep. Easier said than done for some of us. Let’s talk about ways we can cope ahead to increase the likelihood of getting a better night's sleep.
A big part of how I function is that I need to continue to learn. I find myself making choices around this both in my everyday life as a human and also as a therapist. This past year, I have been exploring Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) while also expanding my knowledge in DBT. While… Continue reading Connecting Values to Your New Years Resolutions
As a clinical intern and budding therapist, I work to bring my authentic self to every interaction. But I know it is even more crucial that I acknowledge that we live in a world where many cultures, races, ethnicities, and beliefs exist. In order to understand and appreciate this diversity, it is my responsibility (and same for others in this field) to operate with a lens on equity. One size doesn’t fit all. In some cultures, therapy is considered taboo and talking about one’s mental health is attached to stigma. In others', seeking help is the norm and encouraged. Understanding those dynamics help me keep the focus on what a client may specifically need when they present to therapy.
Why Inpatient Treatment is not ALWAYS the best solution: When unsafe emotions and behaviors like suicidal ideation and self harm arise, the first line of defense is often mental health hospitalization. This makes sense when our lives, or the life of someone close to us, are in danger. And we are taught that hospitals have healthcare providers to keep us safe. This is true! And thank goodness for our healthcare providers! However, research shows that when it comes to a mental health crises, inpatient hospitalizations increase the likelihood that unsafe behaviors will occur repeatedly.
I recently met with a group of young adults from Towson University to talk about the stigma surrounding mental health and therapy. As the students asked questions and shared their perspectives, two words continued to come up: Anxiety and Depression. It took me a little while to notice that this conversation was creating the illusion. It is a myth is that you must be either anxious or depressed to go to therapy. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are limitless reasons why therapy can be beneficial to young adults. You don't have to just have anxiety and depression. Therapy could be useful to someone experiencing any number of concerns (or no pressing concerns at all)!
I am going to make a sweeping generalization: People in the DMV love the start of Fall. My theory? Because the weather finally gets cool and walking outside doesn’t feel like you are still in the humidity of a hot shower. I hate to sound like a Pinterest board (no real knock on Pinterest, I… Continue reading Fall Reflections from a Therapist
