Deep breathing is one of the most popular healthy coping skills that gets talked about, and with good reason. Multiple studies show that it has numerous physical and mental health benefits. It decreases pain, reduces blood pressure, increases energy levels, reduces inflammation, improves digestion, increases detoxification by stimulating the lymphatic system, relaxes the body and …
Using Creative Techniques to Harness the Healing Powers of the Ocean
Last month’s article was inspired by time I have spent walking amongst trees this summer, and this month’s article is inspired by time I spent near the Atlantic Ocean recently. In much the same way that trees often cause me to experience awe and peace, oceans also often cause me to experience these same feelings. …
The Wisdom of Trees
Truth be told, I am a literal and figurative tree hugger. I really do hug trees sometimes while hiking, and my wedding and engagement rings are even tree themed because of my love for trees. There are so many reasons why I’m drawn to trees. Firstly, they are such an important part of our survival …
SPRING Into Your Desired Future, Part 3: Using Your Strength
In my first and second articles about vision boards, I provided guidance on how to make a vision board to identify your goals in the coming months as well as how to use your vision board to become the future self that you desire. In the second article, I encouraged you to identify obstacles that …
SPRING Into Your Desired Future, Part 2: Exploring Your Future Self and Anticipated Obstacles on the Way There
In my first article about vision boards, I gave you guidance on how to make a vision board to identify and clarify your goals in the coming months as well as how to use it to inspire you after creating it. I had said that I was going to share with you some ideas about …
SPRING Into Your Desired Future: How to Make a Vision Board
Ah, spring has finally arrived. Many of us can’t wait for beautiful blooming plants, adorable newborn animals, graduations, and the beginning of wedding season. These and other aspects of spring are representations of birth/rebirth, renewal, and growth. Because of this, spring is a great time to create a vision board so that you can experience …
The Healing ROLE of Animals
My family lost our beloved cat, Dribbles (pictured above), this month. As is the case with many companion animals it’s hard to pinpoint his exact age due to the nature of his rescue story, but he was with my family for over 20 years. Dribbles was my favorite companion animal, and I will miss him …
Let Go of the Unwanted, Make Room for the Desired, and Be Thankful for What You Have
While talking with several clients recently, I noticed a theme: people have a tendency to focus on what we have and don’t want (e.g. mental and physical illness, financial stress, conflict in relationships, a stressful job, etc.) and what we don’t have and want (e.g. good mental and physical health, stable finances, healthy relationships, a satisfying …
What Advice Would Your Favorite Halloween Character Give You to Help You Be Your Best Self?
It probably comes as no surprise that Halloween is this drama therapist’s favorite holiday. After all, it’s a holiday that is all about role play! Why Dressing as Halloween Characters Is Often Healing There’s something very healing about pretending to be someone else once in a while. We get to escape ourselves for a bit …
The Healing ROLE of Nature
I spent last weekend in bliss at a Peace in the Wild nature retreat led by a therapist colleague, and my time there inspired me to write about a topic that I have thought about for a long time. As someone who has often felt the healing power of nature, I have frequently found myself …