As we experience the transitioning weather and enter into America’s holiday season, it is easy to spot ritual and routine lining the roads, decorating homes, and changing menus. The increase of pumpkin spice and candle-lit windows exemplifies our human practices of ritual and routine on the macroview. Similarly, ritual and routine drive our personal daily lives in both massive and minute ways. Click the link below to read Part 1 of Ritual and Routine, a series by Trevor Holak, MA, LAC.

The phrase "no bad parts" originates from the therapeutic approach known as Internal Family Systems (IFS), developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. IFS is a type of Parts Work that believes each person contains multiple “selves” that come together to form the whole.  The Pixar movie, Inside Out, can serve as a helpful visualization of this idea, although the “parts” are more complex than just emotions.  In IFS, the concept is that every part of an individual's personality has a positive intention and a valuable role, even if its current expression may seem problematic or harmful. Through therapy, individuals learn to become aware about their parts, engaging them in dialogue and becoming curious of their origins rather than approaching them with judgement.  Read the article to learn about the different parts and begin identifying how they may present in your own life.

Written by Blair Orndorf, MA, LAC

If you’ve heard of the words ‘trauma-informed’ before, you might’ve noticed that term has become the new buzz word in the world of mental health. What most people don’t know is there’s a difference between trauma-informed treatment and trauma-focused treatment. This difference, although subtle in its wording, is significant when it comes to what your therapy session is going to look like and the emotional experience you’re going to have.
 

This article can help you decide what you want to look for in a therapist if you’re interested in processing trauma and want to find a professional that actually specializes in this area. Written by Lindsay Zogheb, MA, LPC.

Task paralysis, the overwhelming feeling of being unable to start or complete tasks, can be a significant barrier to productivity and well-being. Task paralysis is a symptom of ADHD, however it can be experienced by anyone.  This condition often arises when faced with a daunting to-do list, high expectations, or the fear of failure. Fortunately, there are several strategies to help combat task paralysis and regain a sense of control and momentum.

Written by Blair Orndorf, MA, LAC

Play is a natural human experience that allows individuals to connect to one another on a deeper and more meaningful level, but play also encourages individuals to process trauma, pain, and other forms of suffering in safe and supportive ways. Think about this question for a minute – what do we gain when we play? Do we laugh.. do we smile .. do we feel the stress of the day melt away as we allow ourselves to be fully immersed in whatever activity or hobby we have come to enjoy? Let’s ask ourselves a similar question – what do we gain when we resist play? When we resist doing something that is good for our mind and soul, perhaps even our physical wellbeing, do we feel better about ourselves and the situation at hand, or do we double down on the harsh and frustrating symptoms we may be experiencing at the time? If you have answered yes to either one of these questions, you may be able to begin appreciating the importance of play in everyday life and how it can be used as a therapeutic tool.

Written by Becky Cicalese, LMFT

The first year of addiction recovery is often quite challenging. Temptations are everywhere, drugs and/or alcohol are readily available, and many choosing a life of sobriety need to find new friends, hobbies, and hangouts in order to be successful. In the early stages of recovery, these individuals struggle with a plethora of issues, such as intense stress, anxiety, depression, boredom, and loneliness, just to name a few, but they also struggle with their romantic relationships. Unless someone is in a relationship where the partner is supportive and understanding of the struggles and challenges that exist with becoming and maintaining sobriety, there is a high probability that not only will the person struggle with addiction relapse, but also that the relationship will fail and be even more detrimental to the individual’s sobriety and overall mental health. The following recommendations are ten ways a person can support their partner through the detox and rehab process, along with encouraging a successful and meaningful recovery. 

Written by Becky Cicalese, LMFT

Learn the facts, warning signs, psychological, and emotional impact of sexual abuse.