Relationships and their Impact on Mental Health
By Catherine Wachira, PMHNP Studies have shown that engaging in high quality close relationships leads to improvedmental and physical well-being (Canvello & Crocker, 2010). However, barriers such as physical illness or social anxiety can lead a person to be home bound and unable to socialize. Others might easily make friends but keeping them might be […]
An Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
By Nazia Islam, LPC-S, RPT When people used to think about therapy the image conjured would be a gray bearded man with a pipe, dark leather sofa and psychoanalysis. Now when people think of therapy, a popular term is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT). Oftentimes during my initial sessions clients will ask if I implement […]
The Extremes of the 5 Love Languages
by Jessica Flores, LPC-A You may have read Gary Chapman’s book, “The 5 Love Languages. How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate,” (1992). Those five languages include physical touch, receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, and acts of service. In this book, Chapman explains the different ways to identify our own love language […]
Benefits of Early Mental Health Treatment
By Catherine Wachira, PMHNP Mental health impacts our ability to function at work, personal and social life, as well as how we cope with life changes. Studies have shown that when medication and therapy are combined to treat mental health disorders, the best outcomes are achieved. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for patients to choose […]
Impact of Delayed Mental Health Treatment
By Catherine Wachira, PMHNP Major depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the U.S. An estimated 21 million adults in the US have experienced at least one major depressive episode (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2020). Only about half of people affected by depression seek treatment with psychotherapy, medication, or […]
Beat the Heat
By Catherine Wachira, PMHNP Are you thinking it’s too hot to exercise now? With temperatures steadily rising as we approach June and July, those who normally enjoy being outdoors may find it unbearable being outside, let alone exercising. While it might seem almost impossible to exercise throughout the year, keep in mind that exercise benefits […]
Need Motivation to Exercise?
By Catherine Wachira, PMHNP Do you ever lack the motivation to exercise? You are not alone. Whether you prefer walking, jogging, or strength training, there are some days you just don’t feel like exercising. Studies have shown that motivation is one of the key factors that ensure individuals continue exercising. What can you do to […]
The New Normal
By Catherine Wachira, PMHNP Over the last few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly led to dramatic changes in our lifestyle. Much of this change stemmed from the need to conduct work and school from home since the start of the pandemic in 2020. However, even as the pandemic nears the end, many are continuing […]
Walking for Mental Health
By Nazia Islam, LPC-S, RPT It is well known that movement and exercise have been proven to help with elevating mood and improving symptoms of depression and anxiety. Wherever you are on the spectrum from a little down to clinically depressed, it can be difficult to get motivated with an exercise regimen. The thought process […]
A Letter to Parents: Children and The Pandemic
By Muhibbah Khan A few years ago it was announced that all individuals would have to quarantine within their homes due to this new virus that had started spreading across the globe. No one could have predicted the scale at which the COVID-19 pandemic would forever change our lives. As adults, many of us have […]