self care is not selfish

Self-Care vs Self-Indulgence: Finding the Balance

Self-Care vs Self-Indulgence: Finding the Balance

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term “self-care?” For many of us, our minds are flooded with images of bubble baths, long days at the spa, shopping sprees, and other things that are generally either unattainable or unrealistic to do regularly. Sure, those activities might be part of self-care for some people, but self-care has become such a buzzword these days that its meaning has been skewed and often confused with self-indulgence. This confusion overshadows the deeper meaning and purpose behind true self-care practices. 

Healthy Boundaries in Relationships

Healthy Boundaries in Relationships

With the onset of Valentine’s Day, it is a great month to talk about healthy relationships! In the intricate dance of human connections, the concept of boundaries plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our mental well-being. Whether in romantic partnerships, friendships, or family ties, establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is an essential component of fostering positive relationships. So, let’s explore the significance of healthy boundaries in contributing to mental health, examining the ways they empower individuals, enhance communication, and promote overall well-being. 

What to Expect in Therapy

What to Expect in Therapy

In honor of Counseling Awareness Month, let’s talk about the therapy process! Have you ever considered going to therapy, but wondered how that would appear in the eyes of others? If so,  then you are certainly not alone. In fact, many people shy away from the idea of seeking therapy, out of the fear of being evaluated or being labeled as “crazy.” It is not uncommon for us to wonder about what this process looks like in real-time. After all, many people have only been exposed to therapy by viewing how the media wants to portray the process. Picture the typical movie version of an overwhelmed person lying on a couch, while a serious clinician takes notes and asks invasive questions. Yet, this is an over-exaggerated depiction of what therapy actually looks like. In fact, therapy is quite different than this overused stereotype.  

New Year Insights

New Year Insights

Here we are again, that inspiring feeling of the new year is finally upon us! It is a new year, so it should mean a new you- right? Well, not necessarily a “new you.” In fact, let’s try to forget those words and find a more realistic way to work on those goals of simply becoming a better version of yourself. We know that change is a process that takes a lot of time and commitment. So, how do we begin without feeling completely overwhelmed at the new list and disappointed in our results from last year’s? Here are a few tips to ring in 2023 with small, but meaningful progress.  

Building a Better Sense of Self

Building a Better Sense of Self

Let’s face it- we have all sought out the approval of others at one time or another. But what happens when we need constant validation and attention from other people? Well, then it is time to look a little deeper at how to strengthen our beliefs about ourselves. As we become less dependent on the approval of others, our lives tend to feel more emotionally regulated and we then begin to have the tendency to believe in ourselves.