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You might have heard that happiness is a choice and wondered if that’s actually true. Unfortunately, for some individuals, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make it difficult for them to feel happy. There can also be several factors outside someone’s control—such as their age, physical health, or geographic location—that could make it […]
You might have heard that happiness is a choice and wondered if that’s actually true. Unfortunately, for some individuals, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make it difficult for them to feel happy. There can also be several factors outside someone’s control—such as their age, physical health, or geographic location—that could make it harder for them to achieve happiness. With that said, many people can take affirmative steps to cultivate happiness over time.
If you’re looking for ways to feel happier in your day-to-day life, you may want to:
If you struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition or you simply want to be a happier person, one of the best things you can do is reach out to an experienced therapist. Luckily, you can get the help you need from therapy. I understand how difficult it can sometimes be to achieve happiness, but I will supply you with personalized tips and tools that can help you start experiencing a better quality of life. Contact me today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that fits into your schedule.
Is shopping always on your mind, whether you’re thinking about items you plan to buy or feeling guilty about previous purchases? Do you often feel a sense of euphoria after buying something, causing you to turn to shopping whenever you feel sad or stressed? Has shopping caused you to rack up credit card debt, or […]
Is shopping always on your mind, whether you’re thinking about items you plan to buy or feeling guilty about previous purchases? Do you often feel a sense of euphoria after buying something, causing you to turn to shopping whenever you feel sad or stressed? Has shopping caused you to rack up credit card debt, or do you feel compelled to hide unnecessary purchases from your loved ones?
If any of this sounds familiar, you may have oniomania (commonly referred to as shopping addiction). As with other types of addiction—including drug and alcohol addiction—shopping addiction can result from surges of neurotransmitters. When someone shops, their brain releases dopamine and endorphins, and the feelings produced by these neurotransmitters can gradually become addictive.
You may have an increased risk of developing shopping addiction if you:
If you think you might have a shopping addiction, it’s important that you consult with a therapist to help with this issue. Luckily, you can get the help you need through talking with a therapist. I understand the effect that shopping addiction can have on a person’s life, and I will develop a course of treatment that’s tailored to your personal circumstances. Contact me today and let me know that you’d like to schedule an initial consultation. I look forward to meeting with you.
You’ve probably heard of “self-care Sunday,” a recent trend that involves devoting one day a week to nourishing your mind and body. Whether you want to start practicing self-care on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays—or every day—good for you! Depending on the practices you adopt, self-care can boost your mental and emotional health, enhance your physical health, […]
You’ve probably heard of “self-care Sunday,” a recent trend that involves devoting one day a week to nourishing your mind and body. Whether you want to start practicing self-care on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays—or every day—good for you! Depending on the practices you adopt, self-care can boost your mental and emotional health, enhance your physical health, strengthen your relationships, and improve your overall quality of life. Here are three tips to consider when starting a self-care routine:
The thought of tackling all areas of your life at once can feel overwhelming, so decide what you’d like to focus on first. Once you’ve identified your goals, consider what activities will help you achieve them and where you can turn for support.
You probably don’t hesitate to set aside time for school, work, and family obligations, but self-care is just as important. Block off a set amount of time—whether it be an hour or a full day—and commit to following through with your plans.
Many people think of self-care as something they do on their own, but speaking to a therapist is one of the best things you can do to improve your mental and emotional health. I can provide you with personalized recommendations that are tailored to your specific goals. Contact me today to schedule an initial consultation.
You’ve probably heard of meditation, a practice that focuses on clearing your mind to improve your overall well-being. But how familiar are you with it? Here are three things you never knew about meditation. 1. Meditation Has Been Around for Thousands of Years While meditation has grown increasingly popular in the United States over the […]
You’ve probably heard of meditation, a practice that focuses on clearing your mind to improve your overall well-being. But how familiar are you with it? Here are three things you never knew about meditation.
While meditation has grown increasingly popular in the United States over the past few decades, it has a much longer history. In fact, according to an article published by Psychology Today, wall art from the Indus Valley indicates that meditation may have been used as early as 5,000 B.C.E.
It’s common for people to turn to meditation when they’re already feeling stressed. But studies suggest that meditation doesn’t just relieve stress in the moment—consistently practicing meditation over a long period of time can reduce the inflammatory response to psychological stressors, making someone less reactive to stress and better able to recover from it.
Therapists often recommend meditation to treat patients who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep problems, anger management, and various other issues.
Fortunately, residents of this area won’t need to look far for professional help with meditation. Therapists regularly incorporate meditation into their practice, and they can recommend the approach that’s most appropriate for your needs. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.
Words have power, and the way we talk to and about ourselves can have a significant impact on our thoughts and behaviors. That’s where affirmations come in—repeating certain phrases to yourself can boost your self-esteem, reduce your stress, create a more positive mindset, motivate you to take certain actions, and improve your overall well-being. So, […]
Words have power, and the way we talk to and about ourselves can have a significant impact on our thoughts and behaviors. That’s where affirmations come in—repeating certain phrases to yourself can boost your self-esteem, reduce your stress, create a more positive mindset, motivate you to take certain actions, and improve your overall well-being.
So, how can you start taking advantage of all the benefits that affirmations can offer? Begin by choosing the phrases that will best serve your needs. Here are 10 ideas:
Once you’ve selected the affirmations you want to use, decide how you want to incorporate them into your routine—maybe you can say them as you’re getting ready in the morning, commuting to work, or winding down before bed. Many people find it helpful to recite their affirmations out loud, but you can also say them to yourself, if preferred. No matter what, it’s important that you repeat them daily, since doing so makes it easier for your brain to adapt and create new thinking habits.
If you’d like to learn more about affirmations and the effect they can have on your well-being, contact me today and request an initial consultation. I believe in the power of affirmations and can recommend some options that will serve your specific needs.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can cause a person to have recurring, unwanted thoughts and urges (obsessions) and/or repetitively perform certain actions (compulsions). But did you know that there are numerous types of OCD? Below are five of the most common forms of this disorder. 1. Checking OCD This type of OCD causes someone to repeatedly check […]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can cause a person to have recurring, unwanted thoughts and urges (obsessions) and/or repetitively perform certain actions (compulsions). But did you know that there are numerous types of OCD? Below are five of the most common forms of this disorder.
This type of OCD causes someone to repeatedly check items around their house because they’re worried that being careless could potentially lead to damage. For example, they may feel the urge to keep checking that their stove burners are off or that their door is locked.
Individuals with this type of OCD have the urge to repeatedly wash their hands and clean their home because they’re disgusted by the thought of dirty objects and fear catching an illness.
This type of OCD can cause distressing thoughts to pop into someone’s head at random times. For example, someone may suddenly think about hurting a friend or family member, swerving into oncoming traffic, or jumping from a high building.
Someone with this type of OCD is obsessed with having their things in exactly the right place. For instance, when putting groceries away, they might take the time to make sure that all of the labels face outward. And when hanging pictures, they may be careful to ensure that the frames are perfectly level.
As with intrusive thoughts OCD, this type of OCD can cause ideas to suddenly occur. However, with ruminations OCD, these thoughts typically aren’t distressing. Someone with this type of OCD will feel the urge to continue thinking about these ideas for an extended period of time, often causing them to ignore other responsibilities.
If you think you might have OCD, one of the first things you should do is reach out to a qualified therapist who has experience treating this disorder. Once we’ve spoken with you about your symptoms and medical history, we’ll be able to confirm your diagnosis and supply you with personalized treatment recommendations. Contact me today to schedule a therapy appointment at a date and time that fits into your schedule.
Many people are familiar with depression, but only some are aware that there are actually numerous different forms of it. Below, we explore four of the most common types of depression. 1. Major Depressive Disorder For someone to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, they must have experienced at least five symptoms of depression for […]
Many people are familiar with depression, but only some are aware that there are actually numerous different forms of it. Below, we explore four of the most common types of depression.
For someone to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, they must have experienced at least five symptoms of depression for at least two consecutive weeks, with at least one symptom being depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure (this is referred to as a “major depressive episode”). Many people with this disorder experience major depressive episodes on a recurring basis.
Also referred to as “dysthymia,” persistent depressive disorder occurs when someone experiences a low-level depressed mood for an extended period of time. When compared to the symptoms of major depressive disorder, the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder typically aren’t as severe.
As its name suggests, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is associated with a change in the seasons. Although it can occur during spring and summer, it most commonly affects people during fall and winter.
Postpartum depression can cause a woman who recently gave birth to feel sad, indifferent, anxious, and exhausted. This is different from “baby blues,” which usually last for only a couple weeks after childbirth—postpartum depression can persist for months or even years.
If you think you might have depression—one of the types described above or a different form—I can help. I have extensive experience treating depression, and I can provide you with customized recommendations for how to move forward and start feeling happier. Contact me today to schedule a therapy session.
Does your career often leave you feeling stressed? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by the American Institute of Stress, 40% of workers reported that their job was very or extremely stressful, and 25% viewed their job as the No. 1 stressor in their life. And because stress can make it difficult […]
Does your career often leave you feeling stressed? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by the American Institute of Stress, 40% of workers reported that their job was very or extremely stressful, and 25% viewed their job as the No. 1 stressor in their life. And because stress can make it difficult for you to focus, it can affect job performance, potentially leading to even more stress.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage your stress, relax, and enjoy a better quality of life:
If you’re still feeling stressed, you may want to consider attending therapy. An experienced therapist can help you identify stress triggers and provide you with tips and tools for how to relax when you start feeling overwhelmed.
Fortunately, busy professionals in this area can turn to therapists for help with relaxation. I understand the toll that a strenuous career can take on your mental health, and once I’ve learned about your lifestyle and treatment goals, I’ll be able to supply you with advice that’s tailored to your specific needs. Contact me today to schedule your first therapy session.
If you’ve gone through a divorce, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by Forbes, about half of first marriages end in divorce, and divorce rates are even higher in second and third marriages. It’s important to not rush back into dating after a divorce. Separating from your spouse can be extremely difficult, and you’ll […]
If you’ve gone through a divorce, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by Forbes, about half of first marriages end in divorce, and divorce rates are even higher in second and third marriages.
It’s important to not rush back into dating after a divorce. Separating from your spouse can be extremely difficult, and you’ll need to take time to process your emotions, rediscover yourself, and think about what you want in your next relationship. Once you’re ready to enter the dating world again, remember the following tips:
Moving on after a divorce can be very difficult, and many people in this position find it beneficial to speak with a therapist. I can help you navigate through any issues you’re currently experiencing and move into the next chapter of your life. Contact me today to request an appointment—I will be happy to schedule a session at a date and time that’s convenient for you.
Do you find yourself setting New Year’s resolutions each year, only to forget about them months, weeks, or even days later? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by Forbes, the average resolution lasts only 3.74 months. In fact, so many people abandon their resolutions that January 17 has been declared by many […]
Do you find yourself setting New Year’s resolutions each year, only to forget about them months, weeks, or even days later? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by Forbes, the average resolution lasts only 3.74 months. In fact, so many people abandon their resolutions that January 17 has been declared by many sources as “Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day.”
If you want to stay committed to your New Year’s resolutions this year, you may want to consider setting more realistic goals. Rather than attempting lofty resolutions that will require you to overhaul your entire life, decide to slowly incorporate smaller habits and routines. For example:
Notably, action-oriented resolutions tend to be more successful than avoidance-oriented resolutions. So, if your goal is to eat healthier this year, you may want to resolve to cook one new nutritious meal each week rather than saying that you’re going to stop eating sweets.
Everyone can benefit from speaking to a therapist, so if you don’t already attend therapy, now’s the perfect time to start doing so. I can help you identify areas where you may have room for improvement, show you how to set realistic goals, and guide you toward achieving those objectives. Contact me today to schedule your first therapy session.