Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Grief can be one of the most difficult things to overcome and can make us feel like we’ve been thrown into an emotional storm.  Grief, at its core, is overwhelming sadness caused by the loss of someone or something we love.  Grief can take on many forms, such as anger, fear, loneliness, depression, and regret.  These forms have a way of holding us hostage in a sea of emotional despair for what feels like an eternity. In truth, grief is a universal experience that touches us all at some point in our lives. Whether it's the loss ..read more

Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT In a world where comfort often becomes our sanctuary, it's easy to become complacent with the status quo. We find solace in the way things are – our jobs, environment, and even our identity. However, change is an inescapable force that shapes our lives, molding us into different versions of ourselves with each passing year. Even the subtlest shifts can't be denied. For some, change may trigger discomfort and resistance, but it is precisely through stepping outside our comfort zones that we truly transform. The choices we make in our everyday li ..read more

Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT With the rise of 24/7 news cycles and the constant stream of information on social media, it's more important than ever to establish healthy habits when staying informed.  While knowing what's happening in the world is crucial, taking care of our mental health and well-being is equally important. This blog post will explore practical strategies for staying informed without feeling overwhelmed. From setting boundaries on our news consumption to practicing mindfulness and self-care, we will explore ways to balance staying informed and m ..read more

Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT In today's highly competitive and fast-paced society, where success is often measured by constant progress and the pursuit of bigger and better things, it's easy to overlook the importance of celebrating our achievements.  In our quest for the next big milestone, we often need to remember to pause and acknowledge the milestones already achieved. But why is it that when we take a moment to recognize and celebrate our accomplishments, it can sometimes be met with skepticism or even disdain? Perhaps it is because celebrating our achievements ..read more

Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Maintaining a healthy and satisfying relationship is no easy feat. It requires constant effort, communication, and compromise from both partners. However, there are times when the challenges become too great to manage on your own. When conflicts arise, and it feels like you are stuck in a vicious cycle of arguments and misunderstandings, ,,seeking couples counseling can offer a way out. Couples counseling provides a safe and neutral space for partners to address their issues, improve communication, and work ,,towards a healthier relationsh ..read more

Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT We have all had friendships in our lives; from daycare to retirement, naturally, we deal with many ups and downs, but overall, they are beneficial. Friendships impact our health and well-being, but developing or maintaining friendships can be challenging, especially if new relationships are forming outside the bond that two people share. When you understand the importance of social connections, you understand the need to continuously cultivate, develop, and nurture those connections because friendships are essential. We love our friends, and wh ..read more

Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Imagine living with a constant stomachache, an uneasy feeling in your gut that never seems to go away. For people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this is just a glimpse of what life can feel like. The symptoms of PTSD can be overwhelming, leaving individuals feeling unsafe and unable to find comfort in their bodies. But there is hope! In this article, we will explore the different therapy options available for individuals who have PTSD, providing insight into how they can manage their symptoms and find the peace they crave.&n ..read more

Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Going to therapy can be a daunting experience, especially if you're unsure what to talk about. Whether it is your first therapy session, you’re returning after taking a long break, or you’ve been in therapy for years, you may often ask yourself, “What do I even talk about?” Wondering where to start or what would be appropriate to bring up that may or may not seem like a “big issue” can be challenging. But the good news is that therapy is a safe space to discuss anything on your mind or your current struggles in your day-to-day life. Often, you ..read more

Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Content Warning: Spiders, Insects Let’s discuss a hypothetical scenario. Say you’re watching a scary movie about spiders, and after the film is over, those 8-legged creepy crawly insects are still on your mind. You start to feel on edge, and your mind begins to wonder if spiders are lurking in your home's corners and dark spaces. Your brain interprets the brush of your tag from your shirt on the back of your neck as a giant spider sending a rush of adrenaline through your body and triggering your fight or flight response. Although no spider was ..read more

Written by: Amanda Levison, M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Relationships are essential in every aspect of life. This is not limited to romantic relationships but also friendships and familial ones. We all need someone who genuinely understands, supports and accepts us for who we are. However, relationships are not always smooth sailing, and we often face criticism from our partners and loved ones. Criticism can hurt our well-being, leading to feelings of hurt, inadequacy, and destruction of trust. This blog will highlight examples of navigating criticism in your relationships and help you better unders ..read more