By Amanda Leone, MSW, LSW While many of us know intuitively and through our own experiences, recent research supports the notion that time spent in nature is connected with a positive mood, a sense of meaningfulness, and vitality. Spending time in nature also helps reduce anger, fear, and stress while increasing moments of pleasant feelings, […]
Healing Our Horcruxes: Harry Potter & Trauma Therapy
By Sarah A. Temel, MSEd, LAC In the sixth (and my favorite) book of the series, The Half Blood Prince, Dumbledore takes Harry on an incredible and terrifying excursion through memories of Tom Riddle, who would one day become the world’s darkest wizard, Lord Voldemort. Through a journey into the pensieve, Dumbledore shows Harry not only Tom the boy, […]
Altered Books: Healing the Past through Creativity!
Art often creates a language for the things there may not be words for. Check out this video in which Altered Books facilitator and therapist, Heather McPaul, MS, LAC, NCC explains the incredible healing power of creating an altered book. The next Altered Books group (Parent Relationship Edition) begins Monday, October 15th, at 6:00pm! Spaces […]
Creativity for Adults
It seems a difficult thing for adults in our culture to reconcile time for themselves amongst the many roles they play, especially when those roles include work or parenthood. Creative workshops and expressive arts therapy groups might seem frivolous to the busy adult, something that they cannot justify for their “free time” because so many […]
Kids and Mindfulness
Increasing Kids’ Emotional Intelligence through Mindfulness The lives of young children, tweens, and teens are bursting with experiences that encourage increased independence, decision-making skills, and responsibility. Many situations that are viewed as unfair, non-preferred, or challenging could result in feelings of anger, frustration, or sadness. When children experience a big emotion, it is sometimes beyond […]
Exploring the Past as Part of Therapy
The Past is in the Present When many women initially come to therapy, they want to work on a current issue or symptom. It may be to reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. Or it could be to deal with a life transition like divorce, illness or loss. As the client and her therapist begin […]
5 Reasons Creative Arts Can Help Female Veterans with Life After Service
Recently more and more research has shown the positive effects that art can have on military members in and outside of their service. As the fastest growing military population, female vets face particular obstacles. Here are 5 specific ways that female veterans can benefit from creative therapies. Helps Process Traumatic Experiences in a Safe Space […]
Creating a Mantra to help ease anxiety and stress
When I am working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, stress or are trying to reframe perfectionism, I often recommend several strategies, one of which is creating a personal mantra. This is a technique that can be used by anyone in all sorts of different situations. It’s also relatively easy to do and easy […]
#MeToo and Trauma Recovery
The topic of sexual assault, coercion, harassment, and abuse is sadly a common one in my day to day work as a women’s trauma therapist. Many women that come to my office are not always sharing their stories per se, rather they are dealing with the aftermath of the traumatic experience. The aftermath is usually […]
When De-Stressing Stresses You Out
A deadline is looming at work. A family member is ill or struggling. Your house is in disarray and there is always an endless pile of laundry to get through. There are dinners to make and lunches to prepare. Your anxiety feels like it is through the roof, yet the thought of carving out time […]