What Is the Window of Tolerance? The window of tolerance is a psychological concept introduced by renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Dan Siegel. When in our window of tolerance, we can think and act clearly, responding to stressors and life’s demands with balance and control. Here, we feel present and engaged and can function mindfully and effectively.Continue reading Window of Tolerance
Pain Reprocessing Therapy
A Case of Chronic Pain Marina is a 30-year-old woman who played tennis on her high school team and continued to play recreationally until a lower back injury sidelined her from the courts. One day, she was lifting some boxes in preparation for a move and felt something give out. The pain was excruciating. AndContinue reading Pain Reprocessing Therapy
Mental Health Benefits of Mind-Body Practices
The Mind-Body Connection The relationship between the mind and the body is a fascinating and powerful one that deserves attention in the field of psychology. At the forefront of understanding and approaching this connection are the time-honored methods that utilize mental work and physical movement to increase overall well-being. Mind-body practices are activities that intentionallyContinue reading Mental Health Benefits of Mind-Body Practices
Suicide Prevention is a Community Effort
Every year, September’s National Suicide Prevention Month gives us the opportunity to shine a light on an issue that touches countless lives. Suicide does not just affect one person; it impact families, friends, and entire communities. Even though this topic can feel heavy and we might want to avoid talking about it, this month servesContinue reading Suicide Prevention is a Community Effort
Insomnia: Coping with Sleep Troubles
It’s late, and you can’t seem to fall asleep. Your mind doesn’t want to quiet, and one of the thoughts that you’re having on repeat is that you’re not going to get enough sleep, even if you were to fall asleep at this moment. Or it’s 4am, and you woke up from a dream orContinue reading Insomnia: Coping with Sleep Troubles
Home for the Holidays: Coping with Triggers
Going Home for the Holidays For some, the holidays evoke family, connection, and cheer. But, this time of year can be tough for many folks, particularly those in recovery from an eating disorder, substance use disorder, trauma, depression, or other mental health concern. Visiting people or places that bring up uncomfortable memories – or causeContinue reading Home for the Holidays: Coping with Triggers
Coping with Pet Loss – Grieving Your Animal Love
Losing a Pet Anyone who’s ever adopted a pet knows that it never ends well. It’s almost inevitable that we’ll one day have to say goodbye to our beloved family member, sometimes abruptly, sometimes after a long, drawn-out ordeal. No matter how long they live or what the cause of death, the goodbye is heartbreaking.Continue reading Coping with Pet Loss – Grieving Your Animal Love
Coping with Grief
Love sorrow. She is yours now, and you must take care of what has been given. -Mary Oliver In the midst of loss, life can feel unbearable. Whether it’s the death of a family member, friend, or beloved pet; or the loss of a relationship, job, or dream; grieving the death, end, or closure toContinue reading Coping with Grief
Radical Acceptance: Reducing Suffering on Your Own Terms
The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain. – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I have a confession. I dislike the phrase “It is what it is.” It seems reductive and invalidating. So, it might come as a surprise that I love the DBT skill, radical acceptance, which essentially embraces theContinue reading Radical Acceptance: Reducing Suffering on Your Own Terms
Self-Care: Why This Recommendation Can Backfire
The Problem with Self-Care You don’t have to look online too long, whether it be scrolling through articles or social media posts, to come across suggestions and recommendations for self-care. Overwhelmed or stressed? Take a break. Struggling with psychiatric symptoms? Get a massage. Mental health professionals are especially keen on recommending self-care. The problem withContinue reading Self-Care: Why This Recommendation Can Backfire
Legal Drinking
Do Lawyers Drink More than Other Professionals? Over the course of 15 years of working with individuals who struggle with alcohol use disorders, I’ve heard plenty of stories of attorneys entertaining clients for hours on end, of bottles of hard liquor tucked away into desk drawers at the firm, and work cultures that normalize excessiveContinue reading Legal Drinking
Forgive Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide
You might be struggling with a relapse or having engaged in a behavior you regret. Maybe you said something you didn’t mean or lost your cool completely. Perhaps the situation has past, but you’re rattled with guilt or shame. You might be struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression. How do you recover? Learning howContinue reading Forgive Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide
