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Coping with Life Challenges?

 

Coping with Life Challenges is a textbook for psych grad students, however its a fantastic resource if you’ve had some recent changes in your life (like breakups, having a child, or a major illness.) If your life is much different than it was a few years or even a few months ago, this book can be very helpful.

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What Are Your Feelings Trying to Tell You?

“I’m feeling bad and don’t know why…” is one of the most common statements I hear in my practice. Many people aren’t “in touch” with their feelings, so they are surprised when they “feel bad for no reason.” For these clients, I suggest they pick up a copy of:

The Language of Emotions is a fantastic book that many people find very helpful. Often times we feel things and if we don’t express them they can find a way to express themselves. If you’ve ever wondered why you felt a certain way and didn’t know why or what to do, this book should be your first start. A great way to learn about what your emotions mean and how to process them in a healthy way.

 

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Dating & Relationship Help!

Need help navigating Dating & Relationship world? There’s a Consultant for that!

Are you frustrated by your love life or lack thereof? You’re successful in other areas of your life, but when it comes to finding love, you end up frustrated and alone. Meeting and attracting the right partner can be tough, especially if it’s all online!

You’ve had enough “dating games.” You ready to get the relationship you deserve? contact me for a free consultation to see if Relationship Coaching is right for you!

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Stress or Chronic Stress?

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Are things in your life getting out of control? Daily hassles, work, commitments, money, family, friends, partner, sleep problems, appetite changes, low energy, life events… it all adds up, leaving you exhausted, sick and more stressed.

Everyone gets stressed from time to time, but if you’re experiencing high stress regularly over time, it may start affecting your physical health. Chronic Stress takes a toll on your body and brain which influences your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

If you’re tired of being tired or you’re looking to manage the stress in your life, contact me for a free consultation. Let’s see if Health Coaching is for you!

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Oakland Warehouse Fire & the Aftermath

Image result for shock and stress oakland fire

When something horrific happens, people “go into shock.” When I say shock, I mean psychological shock or

“Acute stress reaction (also called acute stress disorder, psychological shock, mental shock, or simply shock) is a psychological condition arising in response to a terrifying or traumatic event, or witnessing a traumatic event that arises a strong emotional response within the individual.”

I believe this reaction is your brain trying to make sense of what/where/who/when/why just happened. It takes about 3 days for it to run its course. It takes 3 days before we can “make sense” of it.

When something traumatic occurs, to us, loved ones, even strangers, we try to question it, understand it and figure it out. The truth is, when terrifying things happen, there isn’t always an answer to why it happened. And for us psychologically, that’s problematic.

For ALL those who have been affected by the Oakland Warehouse Fire & the Aftermath, my heart goes out to you.

Please take care of yourself: your physical, mental and emotional needs.

And if you or a loved one needs additional help, please seek out professional help, including trauma and/or grief counseling.

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Honestly, it Helps

Let’s be honest. No one likes going to therapy. It means you’re “crazy” or “messed up” or “something really bad must have happened.” I get why people think that. But it doesn’t have to be.

I usually only see people when they “have had enough” or “don’t know what to do anymore.” It’s like therapy is a last hope.

Let’s get really honest. Therapy isn’t just for those in crisis, it’s for anyone who wants to be a better version of themselves. Think of it as a weekly check-in: how are you? Really, how are you?

Wondering how to feel more confident, be more motivated and reach your full potential? Therapy is the answer. It might not be the answer you wanted to hear. But when you’re ready, let’s be honest: I’ll be HERE to help you.

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15 things to DIY Therapy (during the Holidays)

73532165Everyone gets stressed during the holidays. Whether you’re hosting Friendsgiving or traveling on Christmas Eve to your family, it’s going to get you somewhere along the way.

                So what do you do when everyone is on vacation, including your therapist? Do It Yourself! Be your own therapist during the Holidays and cope with stress by checking-in yourself using these 15 self-care tips:

 Remind yourself to take care of your BODY (which you probably already know, but here’s a refresher):

  1. EAT as balanced as possible (one of the hardest during holidays with all the food!)
  2. MOVE your body everyday (walking counts!)
  3. Drink enough WATER to stay hydrated (drink extra if you’re drinking alcohol!)
  4. Get outside & fresh AIR, even if it’s cold! (wear sunscreen/put on layers & get that vitamin D)
  5. Get some Sleep, not too much, not too little. Try not to eat, drink or USE A SCREEN before bed.

    Remind yourself to take care to CONNECT (P.S. person-to-person, not on social media):

  1. Cut the TOXIC and paste the HELPFUL: surround yourself with Optimistic and positive attitudes (no pessimistic, jaded or judgmental person ever helps)
  2. Balance commitments & fun socializing: make sure you get to “just hang out” (no strings attached)
  3. Feel emotionally close to one (or more) other person by being you, just you (friends and family count too, not just romantic partner)
  4. Enjoy the “pure” moments of the holidays: (maybe a sense of Belonging)
  5. Laugh with others (obviously not at others.) Laughing with others is straight up the best coping during the holidays!

Remind yourself of the need to DISCONNECT (when it’s “too much” or overwhelming for you!)

  1. Take a BREAK in the moment & BREATHE
  2. Use the break to RELAX in the moment. BREATHE in (“you got this”), BREATHE out (“the BS”)
  3. Take some time AWAY from your stress. Do something you Enjoy to distract and Recharge: listen to music, dance, walk, bath, color, you name it!
  4. Ability to LET GO (of what is stressing you out) through #11 (break), #12 (relax) & #13 (recharge)
  5. Ability to GET BACK: once you let go, you’ll have the emotional energy to pick up where you left off and get back to your holidays

I think we all have to remember that we are ALL stressed out by the good and not so great times during holiday season. So let’s do ourselves a favor, be as KIND and PATIENT with OTHERS and with YOURSELF.