Being Kinder Than Usual Human beings are wired for social attachment. Connecting with other humans is a necessary part of human development. It calms the nervous system and creates a sense of wellbeing. However, during the COVID pandemic, connecting with other people has become a threat to our physical safety. It’s completely upside down and […]

As we settle into the holiday season, and approach the merciful end of this bizarre, tumultuous year, it is more important than ever to show kindness and empathy. Never before has gratitude been a stronger force when there are so many who are in need. The stress and uncertainty of this dumpster fire of a […]

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and with COVID this year it may look a little different. Maybe instead of the large gathering you’ll decide to have a more intimate dinner with family or maybe the festivities will be held virtually this year, however you decide to celebrate one thing is for sure, we all […]

Here’s a scary thought: You’re all you have. Why would I say that?? Well for one, because it is fundamentally true. You probably have friends, family, a significant other. But as long as your feet stand on this earth, you are the only guaranteed constant presence. You may not like this thought. I didn’t for […]

I choose to be happy! I choose to have fun! I choose to work hard! I choose to help others! I choose to love and be loved! I choose …. life!Shockingly , I have come to deeply understand that I cannot make these life affirming choices without setting clear intentions for my day and then putting […]

I’m an avid reader, and am often in the middle of four or five books at the same time. However, there are some classics I find myself coming back to time and time again. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is one of these books.Inspired by ancient Toltec wisdom, he outlines four internal guiding rules that offer […]

How to get the most out of your mental health journey After my freshman year of college, all I knew was that I was miserable. And miserable people go to therapy. I was in the fog of depression for months, and making choices didn’t feel possible. My first year at Auburn University was a blur of […]

“Change is beautiful when we are brave enough to evolve with it.“ -Bryant McGill My life can feel very messy sometimes. Actually it can feel that way fairly often because life IS inherently messy. Messy doesn’t mean broken or bad or hopeless. Messy is normal. If I think about it, I realize that any expectation […]

As a therapist who works with kids from 5 years old on up, clients are often asking me for good parenting books to read. So I figured I would put together a list.  This is by no means an exhaustive list.  However, I do reference these books every week.  I have also listed a few […]

“Thoughts are energy and you can make your world or break your world by your thinking.” – Susan Taylor It is impossible to see or hear “9/11” and not be reminded of where you were and what that was like as it was happening.  Since this edition of the Life Skills Resource Group newsletter falls […]