Two Smart Techniques to Master Your Emotions By more clearly identifying our feelings or by recategorizing them, we can reduce suffering (yes!) and increase well-being, says neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett. What is Emotional Granularity? Emotional granularity means being able to understand and express your feelings in a detailed way. Instead of just saying you feel “good” or “bad,” you can recognize more specific emotions. For instance, instead of just feeling “happiness,” you might realize you’re feeling joyful, content, or satisfied. This skill helps you better understand yourself and ..read more

Anxiety disorders affect millions worldwide, manifesting in overwhelming worry, fear, social anxiety, and physical symptoms. While anxiety counseling remains a crucial resource, incorporating mindfulness and meditation practices can offer powerful tools for self-management and inner peace. Understanding the Anxious Mind What is an anxiety disorder? Anxiety disorder go beyond the typical stress, panic attack or worry that everyone experiences. They are characterized by persistent, excessive, and often irrational fears and apprehension that can significantly interfere with daily activiti ..read more

Have you ever noticed how your breathing changes when you’re stressed? Maybe it gets faster, shallower, or maybe you even hold your breath without realizing it. It’s interesting how such a natural, automatic part of our living can have such a profound impact on our stress levels. Let’s talk about why breathing is your superpower when it comes to battling stress. Harvard Business Review: Why Breathing is so Effective in Reducing Stress How can simple breathing be so effective in reducing stress? The research shows that different emotions are associated with different forms of breathin ..read more

You may have heard about hypnotherapies and other mindfulness practices as distinct approaches to improve mental health. But did you know that these two practices can be complementary in facilitating a more balanced, healthier mindset? If you’re considering options like Montgomery Counseling services in Charlotte, NC to address your mental health needs, it’s essential to understand how these techniques can be integrated into your overall wellness plan. Related Article: Why Did I Feel Fine Yesterday? The Causes of Depression Hypnotherapies: Unlocking the Subconscious Hypnotherapies in ..read more

Eating disorders are serious and often devastating and can drastically impact a person’s quality of life and overall health. I am here to help guide individuals through recovering from an eating disorder. What does it mean to “recover” from an eating disorder? In eating disorders, “recovery” is a multi-dimensional personal process that can look different for everyone. As such, it can be helpful to break down recovery into several distinct yet interconnected components: Psychological Recovery This involves addressing and overcoming the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors contributing to the ea ..read more

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex conditions that can significantly impact individuals physically, emotionally, and socially. While individual therapy has long been recognized as vital in treating SUDs, group therapy has emerged as a practical and complementary approach. This article explores the role of group therapy in managing substance use disorders, its benefits, and its effectiveness in promoting long-term recovery. Treatment Program Process Assessment and Evaluation: The first step in a treatment program for addiction is a thorough assessment and evaluation by healthcare ..read more

The recent arctic blast has significantly impacted mental health, with many people experiencing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Exposure to extreme cold temperatures can have a detrimental effect on physical and psychological health. Sleep patterns can become disrupted, appetite can be affected, and feelings of fatigue can become more frequent. On the psychological side, the arctic blast can increase feelings of stress and anxiety, as well as an increased risk for depression and difficulty concentrating. To cope with the mental health effects of the arctic blast, it is im ..read more

    It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing color, the air is getting colder, and the winter blues are setting in for some people. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety; changes in appetite or weight; problems with sleep; a decreased interest in activities you usually enjoy; and fatigue. But is SAD an actual condition? And if so, what can be done about it?   What is seasonal depression, and who is affected by it? Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that ..read more

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, or EMDR, is a set of standardized protocols that incorporate elements from many different treatment approaches. It has been researched extensively and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. What Issues Can EMDR Treat? EMDR is used to treat a variety of mental health issues including: – Panic attacks – Complicated grief – Dissociative disorders – Disturbing memories – Phobias – Pain disorders – Performance anxiety – Stress reduction – Addictions – Sexual and/or Physical abuse – Body dysmorphic disorders – Personality Disorders How ..read more

You’re getting sleepy… very sleepy… …and when you wake up you will cluck like a chicken. This is what many people think of when they think of hypnosis. But hypnosis is much more than a funny party trick. Hypnotherapy has been used for centuries. In fact, in ancient times priests and shamans used altered stated of consciousness as a way to bring about healing. Today, therapists use guided hypnosis, or a trance-like state, to help their clients make changes or regain control in certain areas of their life. How Hypnosis Works Hypnotherapy is used to treat everything from substance abuse, phobias ..read more