Session One Summary During this session we explored the power of your introduction and reflected on the fact that we all come to the table with a degree of resilience that is innately infused in us. We acknowledged that we have all demonstrated a measure of resilience in our past, which allows us to be…
Committing to Wellness with Doctor SOS
Our wellness begins with acknowledgement that our mind, body, and spirit are all connected. We have to be mindful of their connection and commit to keeping each of them nourished. My general focus as a licensed clinical psychologist is the mind, but I fully believe that the body and spirit must be maintained for healthy relationship with one's self and all others.
Mental Health and Wellness discussion with Pastor Jeff Whittaker
This is article and video are from a live chat with Jeff Whittaker discussing the realties of mental health, mental wellness, spirituality, and physical well-being.
Stress Less with Dr. SOS Episode 6 – Resource Edition
Mental illness in American was already on the rise pre-COVID 19 for adults and adolescents and with the increased social isolation and income insecurity we can expect these numbers will continue to grow. To that end, we want to make sure you are aware of the National Mental Health resources available to you. Transcription Please…
Can I catch Anxiety?
Today I want to talk about anxiety and a concept called “behavioral contagion”. While mental health disorders are NOT contagious, emotions and attitudes certainly can be.
And while we all consider what we can do to stay physically healthy and safe, we also need to consider how to stay well mentally and emotionally.
Suicide can affect anyone and everyone
Suicide Awareness and Prevention Updated from its original publishing date December 6, 2014. There’s been lots of talk about suicide in the news lately. With the recent deaths of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, designer Kate Spade, and California pastor, Andrew Stoecklein, there’s hardly a week that goes by without mention of a suicide-related death….
The Many Faces of Depression
It’s important for you to know depression has many faces. Many of us find it difficult to even consider the notion of having a “mental illness”. The stigma about mental illness problems still exists despite the popularity of shows like Dr. Phil and the inclusion of characters dealing with mental health issues in our Thursday night sitcom lineup (This Is Us, Homeland, etc.). Mental illness is something that “other folks” have to deal with not me and you. Until one day it is “me and you”.
Mental illness is just like any other kind of physical illness, there are biological, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual components to it. Mental illnesses like depression can be debilitating and in some cases deadly. Most of the time, people don’t come to see someone like me until they just can’t take it anymore; their lives have become so unbearable or they are so unhappy that they just don’t want to “do this anymore”. That’s what I hear most often, “I just don’t want to do this anymore”.
Recognizing the signs of PTSD
First let me make everyone aware that PTSD is not my area of expertise so I will be speaking in very general terms today… What is PTSD? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health disorder that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event such as combat, assault, or disaster. Most people experience some…
A.C.T. – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Resources
A.C.T. Resources This growing list of Acceptance and Commitment therapy resources is being curated to provide an on-going repository of useful materials for our readers. – Mindfulness and Acceptance Package provided by AcceptanceandChange.com – Values Worksheet provided by PsychologyTools.org
4 Mindfulness Exercises to focus on your breakthrough
In a relationship series that I’ve been teaching, we’ve been using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a primary approach for developing a clear relationship with self. The goal of ACT is is to create a rich and meaningful life, while accepting the pain that inevitably accompanies it. ACT asserts that it is only through…