Tag: mental health
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What does “Being Present” Mean?
Being mindful or present is a simple thing, but it might not be a natural thing. It is being where you are, in your body. Noticing what is happening only, not what might happen. Without realizing it, we often get in this state of presence when we are engulfed in an activity, feel happy, or…
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I Wish I Could Give All I’m Longing to Give
I’ve been having a bit of deja vu with several of my clients recently- they have independently made similar statements about their belief that we are put here to help other people. I think this is one of those universal human desires- to be productive, to make a difference, to matter, to be a part…
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Challenging Unhealthy Thoughts
My way of approaching unhealthy thoughts and beliefs is in line with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. But what do all those words mean? Mindfulness is the skill of observing your mind without judging it, and becoming present. The cognitive part is what addresses specific unhealthy thought patterns or beliefs. Together, they are a very powerful combo…
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Reflections on The Book of Forgiving
The Book of Forgiving– The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World, by Desmond and Mpho Tutu is a book I have had on my shelf for many years. I would read a few chapters, and then put it back. Not because it wasn’t good, quite the contrary. It’s because as I read about…
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Finding the Right Mental Health Support: A Flowchart Overview
I had someone reach out to me last week, just calling to figure out what kind of mental health professional they needed, and it inspired me to make this flowchart. I agree it is confusing to know the difference between a counselor, psychologist and psychiatrist. While this flowchart is very simplistic for ease, there is…
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Hijacked by Our Own Mind
I am fascinated by the science of mental health and a lot of times clients find it extremely validating that the intensity of emotion they experience from day to day makes sense in our neurobiology. So first off- what is the amygdala? The amygdala is an emotional processing hub in the center of our brain,…
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Intimacy with Self, Intimacy with Life
Intimacy is a word that people associate with couples- and it belongs in that realm of course- but the use of the word can be applied to any type of relationship. For example, I imagine someone who’s been taking the same hike for the last 10 years has an intimacy with that specific trail, watching…
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When Will I Start Feeling Better?
It’s an important question. And probably not discussed frequently enough. After your first session with your counselor, you may feel a bit of relief after just sharing what’s been going on with you, knowing that there’s someone you can talk to that you have permission to open up about pretty much anything. Sometimes clients have…
Katheryn Kiker 