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Are you ever on a path where you constantly look forward and never stop to view the amazing things around you?
Today I was walking down a trail and noticed that all I was doing was walking straight, and looking straight ahead. After noticing myself doing this, it forced me to take a second to view nature, use my different senses and ground myself in the moment rather then constantly looking forward.
In saying this, it is okey to be aware of what is going around you. It is important to work toward your goals, but don’t forget about the things that are happening in the right now.
Jenna Genereaux, MSW
I have now picked up more texture stimulating toys/tools for psychotherapy!! I am super excited to use these with my clients! Feel is such a stimulating sense, and understanding feeling can be important in grounding yourself. These tools also help if you are feeling stressed or anxious while in the office. For instance, having soft textured pillows allows individuals to run there hands up and down the seams and feel the different levels of softness which usually causes a relaxation reaction.
Did you know that "working" on your marriage never really has an “end”. Marriage is something that you continue to “work on” throughout your life. Marriage has several different concepts that are important to understand. One of these concepts is Communication. Some may say, “My husband and I talk all the time, but things just aren't gett
Did you know that "working" on your marriage never really has an “end”. Marriage is something that you continue to “work on” throughout your life. Marriage has several different concepts that are important to understand. One of these concepts is Communication. Some may say, “My husband and I talk all the time, but things just aren't getting better”. It is important to understand that “talking” does not mean that you are “communicating”. Counseling can help you and your partner to identify current communication styles, learn communication skills and help you to better understand your significant other and your own emotions.
Another concept to understand about marriage is “needs”. Often a relationship starts to become strained d/t one partner, or both partners “needs” are not being met. Often these "needs" are emotional "needs". Once you are able to “communicate” with your partner, it is easier to distinguish which “needs” need attention. A counselor can help to identify needs and objectives towards meeting those needs.
The next step to helping to improve a marriage is the "working" stage. After you are able to identify your partner’s and your own “needs” in your relationship, it is time to start "working" towards meeting those "needs." A counselor can help to mediate and create goals and objectives between you and your partner to assist in "working" towards meeting your “needs”. Keep in mind that several unmet needs in a marriage are emotional "needs." A counselor can also help couples to identify and better understand emotional "needs."
Anger comes in many forms. Anger can be shown in healthy forms, and anger can be show in not so healthy forms. It is important to learn to cope with anger in the healthiest of ways.
Anger does not only affect the individual that expresses it, but also affects the people around that person such as friends, family, and co-workers. Many times when anger is expressed, it is taken out on the ones that are the closest to us.
Anger can build up slowly over time, or anger can build very quickly.There are different stages that can lead to this. At times something happens that will make you sad. Than it happens again and you become somewhat upset. You can feel your heart beating faster, and your fists become tense. You are than feeling the anger. Anger can come in the form out outburst, such as screaming at others, harm to others, harm to yourself, and strains in your relationships if not expressed in healthy ways.
There are techniques to help you deal with unhealthy anger outbursts. Different strategies work for different people. If you are unable to control your anger on your own, it is important to seek out help such as a therapist, counselor or social worker. They can assist you to handle stress, teach coping techniques, find triggers that lead you to anger and overcome the unhealthy forms of expressing anger.
Anger may be a normal reaction to certain situations, but it is up to you how you express that anger.
Our feet lead the way to where we are going. The brain communicates with your legs to take a step forward. Your feet are the first to hit the ground as your body follows through. Each step taken is a step closer to the future. Take time to feel your feet touch the ground. Feel the pressure as you lean from one foot to the other. Be mindful as your body follows through to take the next step. Feel yourself moving from the past into the present, and the present into the future
As holidays are approaching so quickly, keep in mind that holidays are a very tough time of year for many individual’s and family’s.It’s the times of year that lost loved ones are in the front of our minds.
It’s the time of year that many people are gathering with family to celebrate, while others have no family to keep them comfortable.
Some are gathering by the fire and drinking hot cocoa while others don’t have a roof over there heads.
Some are out gathering gifts for their loved ones while others are trying to figure where they are going to get their next meal.
In saying this, keep those that have difficulties with holidays in your thoughts. Lend a hand if possible. Smile and wave at one another and wish each other a happy holiday. Help somebody to smile this year that may not have last year.
I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY!
You are driving down a smooth road and you see some pot holes ahead. You take the less bumpy side of the road to avoid the potholes, and the road soon turns smooth again. Then the smooth road that you have been traveling on turns into a dirt road. You drive several miles on that road and ahead you again see a smooth road. Just before the smoothly paved road you see some major potholes. This time there is no way of avoiding the potholes. You feel your car bouncing and slashing around as you slowly make your way over the potholes. Though it takes some time, you eventually make it once again to the smooth road.
Some obstacles in life can be avoided while other obstacles cannot. Some challenges must be slowly navigated to reach the goal you are striving for. There are very few paths are smooth from beginning to end. Keep this in mind as you work through the several steps to improving your quality of life.
(Inspiration In Traverse City, Counseling in Traverse City, Inspirational Quotes)
What Happened -> Thought -> Emotion -> Behavior
My daughter crashed my car -> I’m going to have to pay to get it fixed -> I’M So Mad!! -> Grounded!
My Daughter crashed my car -> My daughter is safe -> I’m So glad she is safe -> Hugs Daughter Tightly!
Boss adds another task to your list -> This is so overwhelming -> I am so Sad -> Task does not get done
Boss adds another task to your list -> I can get this done when time permits -> Optimistic -> Task gets done
When you look at this picture, what do you see? You may see
something that is dirty or messy. If you look just a little bit closer, you may see something beautiful. You may have never seen the beauty in this photo without taking the time to really look for it.
Similar is the picture of life. Life may seem messy, but when you are able to sit down and really reflect on your life, you may find something beautiful that you haven’t thought of before....
Sometimes, what is beautiful in your life isn’t always visible at first site. Sometimes it just takes looking a little bit harder.
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