Reading can help us understand and learn ways to manage our mental health and emotional well-being. Different authors have various styles and offer different perspectives. Feel free to take in the information that resonates with you and leave the rest. Below are a few book suggestions that you can add to your bookshelf or audio-book collection: Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining WellnessBy Pooja Lakshman The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and PowerBy Katherine Morgan Schafler  Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits &am ..read more

Inventory:  What do you typically use screen time for? (gaming, TV, social media, online shopping, etc) How many hours do you typically spend in front of a screen per day?  How do you typically feel after a lengthy period of screen time?  How does screen time affect your productivity, inspiration, or motivation?  Does screen time affect your daily needs? (such as quality of sleep, meals times, connection with others, and quality of thoughts) What could you change about your screen time that could improve your daily life by 10% ? Some strategies may include: Putting you ..read more

We, at Essence Psychology, have been transitioning our practice to offer in-person sessions post- covid era and we are looking forward to this new season. Summer is often viewed as a time for a yearly reset, relaxation, exploration, and adventure. Here are some questions to reflect on, things to ponder, or journal about for the summer season: How are you coping post-covid?  What do you enjoy the most/ least about the summer?  How do you recharge your energy and capacity in the summer?  What is one thing you would like to try for the first time this summer?  Wishing you ..read more

Reading can help us understand and learn ways to manage our mental health and emotional well-being. Different authors have various styles and offer different perspectives. Feel free to take in the information that resonates with you and leave the rest. Below are a few book suggestions that you can add to your bookshelf or audio-book collection: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, Amelia Nagoski Atlas of the Heart By Brene Brown  Think Like a Monk By Jay Shetty  Boundary Boss By Terri Cole  Happy Reading! Please note that these book sug ..read more

We feel connected to others when we feel heard and understood. Seeing as we only have control over how we participate in conversations and none over how others participate, this post is intended for us to reflect on how effectively we listen to others.  Take a minute and ask yourself – How do you show up in conversations? Do you tend to be a listener, a talker, or an observer? Do you open up and lean into vulnerability? Are you one that takes control of the conversation? Do you feel energized or drained after conversations?  It’s important to be mindful in our listening and in hold ..read more

Bookends are meant to hold your books in place, keeping them upright, and aligned. What are the bookends to your day that help you stay grounded, aligned, and resilient?    Starting your day can include intention: How do you want to show up today? What vibe do you want to have? What is your hope for the day?  And,  Ending your day can include some reflection: What was a feel-good moment? What are you grateful for today? What can you release before the day ends ..read more

Change can be difficult. There is often the element of the unknown and the discomfort that comes with change. We may feel some unstable footing in stepping from our comfort zone to something new and unfamiliar. Whatever change we may be thinking about in life, whether it be in lifestyle, career, family, or habits, we often fall short on the follow through and taking consistent action.  Sometimes we know what we need to do to achieve the goal we want. For example, the foods we need to eat, the activity we need to pursue, the conversation we need to have, the action we need to take, or th ..read more

The value of  human life has been at the forefront of this pandemic. Perhaps you have been in survival mode for a number of months, maybe you have oscillated between thriving and surviving, or maybe during this pandemic you have had many grateful and insightful moments. Nonetheless it has been a time like never before. Whatever your experience(s) during this time, the pandemic has challenged the way we do things as individuals, families, communities, society and the global world.  Here are some questions to reflect on, things to ponder, or journal about for 2021:  What does ..read more

Reading can help us understand and learn ways to manage our mental health and emotional well-being. Different authors offer different styles and perspectives on a range of topics. Feel free to take in the information that resonates with you and leave the rest. Below are a few book suggestions to add to your bookshelf or audiobook collection for the Fall season: Set Boundaries, Find Peace  By Nedra Glover Tawwab Self- Compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself. By Kristin Neff  Feel the Fear and Do It Anyways By Susan Jeffers The Gifts of Imperfection By B ..read more

When we have physical wounds that are not attended to, we bleed everywhere. Without a band aid, medical attention, and proper care, we can’t always guarantee appropriate healing and neglect may increase a chance of further pain and infection. In the same way, emotional wounds can “bleed” as well. When we don’t take care of our psychological hurts, they can lead to increased fears, ruminating negative thoughts, and more emotional pain and suffering towards ourselves as well as others. With physical wounds we can see the blood, we can see the scar, and it is tangible. Emotional wounds are some ..read more