During this PTSD Awareness Month, I’m reminded of my early work with people experiencing extreme trauma. I’ll never forget meeting survivors from the Gulf Coast area after Hurricane Katrina and bearing witness to the rawness of having lived through such an extremely overwhelming experience. Unless one has experienced a traumatic event, it’s hard to fathom […]
Mental Health is Physical Health
May is traditionally Mental Health Awareness month. Since my professional life has been immersed in mental health for so long, I forget that there continues to be a broad lack of understanding about it and that there remains stigma for many in this area. And I guess it surprises me, because I don’t really distinguish […]
In Rhythm With Winter: The Gift of Nature’s Slowdown
Winter is coming. Fans of Game of Thrones know this is a foreboding phrase. In the series, it encompassed a lot more dreadful meaning than just a harsh, cold season. But throughout much of my adult life, I felt a bit of a foreboding resistance to the darker, colder winter months. Each year, I considered […]
Lizard Brain
I’ve had an unusual invasion in my office lately. Lizards. I’ve had lizards in my waiting room, patiently waiting for their turn to be seen. I’ve had lizards in my therapy office, keeping a watchful eye on clients who are distressed. I’ve encouraged more lizards than I’ve ever met before to return to their outdoor […]
The Empathy of Dogs
Those of us who are dog lovers know how cued in and responsive they can be to our emotional state. I’ve been under a great deal of stress the past several weeks and my Nani Girl has been constantly at my side, following me and keeping an eye on me. And yes, while she wants […]