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 …
Category: being present
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 …
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 …
5 Creative Ways to Deal with Anxiety and Depression
You already know the common ways to deal with anxiety, depression, and stress… things like deep breathing, meditation, relaxation, taking a shower or bath, listening to music, watching something funny, taking a walk, exercising, etc. But maybe these common tips don’t always work for you, or maybe you are looking to try some new things …
My Tips for Highly Successful People Were Featured in Bustle Magazine!
Bustle magazine featured two of my tips for highly successful people! Being a drama therapist who constantly uses creativity, it was easy for me to share some of the unique ways that I encourage my clients to practice healthy habits to help them be successful. Follow this link to see my tips about practicing mindfulness …
That Time that My Tip for Calming Anxiety Was Featured in a Livestrong Article
I recently came across this Livestrong article that I was quoted in and realized that I never wrote about being featured in it. Since the tip I offered is one of my favorite ones and is one that many of my clients benefit from, I figured that it would be helpful to share the article …
15 Songs to Help You Cheer Up (Especially When You Don’t Have Access to Your Therapist!)
Although I am a drama therapist, I firmly believe that all of the arts are healing. As I mentioned on my FAQ page, music was actually the first type of art that I became passionate about. Music remains one of the things that brings me the most joy in life. I learned long ago that …
Drama Therapy 101, Part 4: Strengthening the Mind and Body Connection through Embodiment
Have you noticed that when you feel happy you feel present in your body and experience pleasurable feelings in it? Have you also noticed that when you feel upset you feel disconnected from your body or experience unpleasant feelings in it (e.g. nausea, tension, pain, sweating, or heaviness)? The first sentence describes the idea of …
Drama Therapy 101, Part 3: The Theory I Love So Much that I Can Hardly CONTAIN Myself!
Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with sadness or frustration that you could not speak due to fearing you’d start crying uncontrollably? Have you ever been so angry that you feel you cannot stop cursing or yelling when speaking? Or have you ever felt so anxious that you simply could not find words to express …