What is Holistic Therapy?
Holistic therapy is a type of therapy that takes into account the full person and their physical, mental, and emotional needs. It emphasizes how issues in one area of life can impact others. During active addiction, almost all areas of people’s lives are affected. They may struggle with health issues caused by their drug or […]
Recovery is Unique to Each Person
One of the reasons people in recovery are encouraged to participate in support groups and sober communities is to find people who can relate. I share a lot of common experiences with my other sober friends. We even struggle with a lot of the same things. Still, we each go about recovery differently. Why Should […]
What is a Mental Health Professional?
A mental health professional is anyone who works to improve clients’ mental health or treat mental health disorders. There are a wide range of jobs that fall under this umbrella. Psychologists, counselors, and therapists all work with clients on improving mental health, changing negative thought patterns and beliefs, setting goals, and practicing healthy coping skills. […]
Releasing the Need for Control in Recovery
Sometimes I wonder how I spent so many years getting obliterated with alcohol and drugs, because in recovery, I struggle with a strong need for control. Active addiction seems like giving up control; your life becomes chaotic, and you can’t make clear-minded decisions. However, in active addiction, we’re often trying to control our emotions (which […]
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. 1 in 5 US adults experiences a mental health disorder.[1] In 2019, 19.2% of American adults received any mental health treatment.[2] COVID-19 and Mental Health This year, Mental Health America—who started this awareness month in 1949—is going with the theme “tools 2 thrive.”[3] This builds on the same theme […]
Creativity as Therapy
Expressive therapy—the use of the creative arts in a therapeutic setting—exists for a reason. The arts are an often underexplored way to heal. In one review of six studies, half found a significant decrease in symptoms of trauma after art therapy.[1] One found a significant decrease in symptoms of depression. Being creative can bring you […]
National Counseling Awareness Month
April is Counseling Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the demanding and important work of counselors. This year’s theme is “Burn bright, not out,” which is particularly relevant more than a year into COVID-19. While many things have had to stop out of necessity during the pandemic, counselors have been in high demand. Counselors May […]
What Is World Bipolar Day?
Every year on March 30th, we celebrate World Bipolar Day, a global initiative designed to raise awareness about a mental health condition that affects 2.8 percent of the adult population in the U.S. People with bipolar disorder go through episodes of mood swings that can significantly impact their lives. If you or someone you love […]
4 Signs of Depression
A clinical depression disorder is more than just a feeling of sadness. Most people experience that a few times in their lives. That’s normal because life is full of challenges, moments of happiness, and periods of disappointment. Major depressive disorder, however, means that sadness is overwhelming you. It’s causing you mental pain and physical symptoms, […]
What is Behavioral Health?
Behavioral health refers to the way that behaviors impact mental, physical, and emotional well-being. This can include anything from eating and drinking habits to mental health challenges and much more. The term “behavioral health” is often used interchangeably with mental health; while behavioral health includes mental health, they are not the same thing. Mental health […]