Melanie's thoughts

Normal Anxiety vs. an Anxiety Disorder

11/21/2021 - Melanie's thoughts

Anxiety is normal, but not all anxiety is the same and it is important to know the difference. When anxiety starts to interfere with daily activities, consider reaching out for support. Read below to understand the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder.

When The Therapist Takes Her Own Advice

11/10/2021 - Melanie's thoughts

Whenever I am in session with a client, and I hear the panic of stress in their voice, they also sound defeated, overwhelmed, and suffering from pure exhaustion. My “go-to” response is to make a list with my client and prioritize what needs to be done. Together we decide what is absolutely necessary and what […]

You Cannot Do It All Stressed

6/28/2021 - Melanie's thoughts

In last week’s post, I talked about identifying your non-negotiables in times of stress to help you feel in control and grounded. As life would have it, I found myself talking a lot about stress management in sessions with clients this week. In every conversation, it came down to a very similar statement, “I should […]

Daily Non-Negotiable

6/22/2021 - Melanie's thoughts

I have learned over the past few years that stress in life will always come and go. When stress is triggered, it is more difficult to stick to a daily schedule. Things like exercise, eating habits, hobbies, and ways of coping change when life gets tough. While I know life is not always perfect, and […]

June is PRIDE Month

6/7/2021 - Melanie's thoughts

This month I am taking time to increase awareness of the LGBTQ+ community, their rights, struggles, and unfortunately the stigma that still exists in 2021. This article was copied and pasted from the New York Times. It provides a small insight into the struggles and stigma that individuals of the LGBTQ+ community face.  It is […]

Mental Health Myths

5/9/2021 - Melanie's thoughts

Mental health is often misunderstood because of the stigma attached to it.  These are myths that I have heard in the therapy room as well as outside the therapy room.  I hope to dismantle these myths and continue to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Myth –  Individuals who seek therapy are weak or […]

The Most Powerful Statement I Learned To Say

4/18/2021 - Melanie's thoughts

The most powerful statement I ever learned to say in a conversation when being vulnerable is, “you don’t have to understand.” Often, we seek validation from others or are quick to feel ashamed because of someone else’s response to our vulnerability. Think about a time when someone judged your emotions or refuted your feelings. Instead […]

The Power Of Journaling

4/12/2021 - Melanie's thoughts

Journaling is something that I frequently do, and I always encourage my clients to do. It has many benefits that improve mental and emotional wellbeing.   Journaling To Let Go Journaling allows you to process through difficult situations and let go of feelings. A client gave me an excellent way to describe this benefit. Think about […]

Judgment and Emotions

3/14/2021 - Melanie's thoughts

I have talked about how to use mindfulness and the physical sensations list to help you identify emotions. In this post, I want to talk about the second part of mindfulness, non-judgment. This post continues with “Melanie’s flare on mindfulness” because I will talk a lot about the importance of mental health within the constructs […]

A Story of an Old Watch and Self-Worth

2/28/2021 - Melanie's thoughts

I want to share a powerful story with you. It’s a story I think everyone should hear. Before he died, a father said to his son; “Here is a watch your grandfather gave me… It is almost 200 years old. Before I give it to you, go to the jewelry store in the city. Tell […]