Although at this time of year, many people are talking about trying to make things different, there is actually significant value which exists in accepting reality just as it is.“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change” ~ Carl RogersAccept myself…as I am??? (yikes!) This is a challenging concept for so many and for others it can feel impossible. Self-criticism ...  Read More

The holidays are a time of happiness, joy, and celebration. But for many people, they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. If you're already starting to feel overwhelmed this holiday season, don't worry, you’re not alone. There are things that you can do to tap into your inner peace and boost your mood before, during and after the festivities.Where does most holiday stress come from? What can...  Read More

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. ~Buddha Letting Go of Anger and ResentmentEveryone has been wronged by someone else at some point in their life. Sometimes, the physical and emotional scars caused by this trauma can begin to feel unbearable. While it can be difficult, letting go of anger and resentment ...  Read More

One thing we know for sure, is that life is filled with ups and downs. The up times bring happiness, joy and satisfaction, as well as hope that the good times will last as long as possible. Yet, no matter how blessed you are, challenges are part of life. The down times can obscure those feelings of peace and important to...  Read More

If you struggle with addiction, there is a focus on reaching out for support, whether that's from a 12-Step Program, online support group, doctor, or therapist. While formal support is an invaluable resource for recovering addicts, good self-care is equally vital...  Read More

the adolescent years can be especially charged with anxiety as teens learn to deal with uncertainty, change and forming their identities. Their lives are full of new challenges and opportunities and these transitions can be stressful, especially around body image, performance, and peer  Read More

If you’ve had some extra stress lately, maybe some anxiety or overwhelm, you’re not alone. You might’ve had some low mood symptoms, as it’s not uncommon, even when the weather is warmer. From a mindfulness perspective, all of these mood states and emotions are welcome  Read More

If you are one of the many people who finds themselves overthinking things, then it would be helpful to take a pause and slow down, because there's a good chance that you're negatively impacting your   Read More

Do you ever feel awkward in social situations? If so, you’re not alone! Social anxiety often stems from a subconscious fear of people’s negative judgments, fear of rejection and/or fear of abandonment. It manifests as significant discomfort in and through the body, tons of negative thoughts and the urge to avoid or reduce unease. But, interestingly, no one can reject you without your consent. Shak...  Read More

“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” ― David RichoBeing a “people pleaser” is exhausting! I should know, because I find myself, from time to time, still falling back into being one too. It's challenging enough to keep up with our own needs, but when we try to meet the expectations of others, especially if we have lots of friends and acquaintances, it fee...  Read More

Acknowledging that you want to start therapy can be a difficult step for many. A lot of people start thinking about therapy when they have quite a few things...  Read More

One of the most powerful pleasant emotions is gratitude. Gratitude is the quality of being thankful, and it's essential to our human experience. Gratitude is appreciating what you have rather than valuing what you don't have. Irrespective of your circumstances, there are always things to be grateful for, even if they are “small”. Focusing on these things can not only change your mindset and outloo...  Read More