Have A Voice That Counts ... Why It's So Important To Speak Up

By Elizabeth McMahan

For many of us, speaking up and making our voices heard is difficult. While it’s human nature to care about what others think, worrying about this too much can stop you from living your life.

The following is just a brief list of reasons to make your voice heard.

Gratitude With Mindfulness And Intention: 8 Ways To Embrace It

By Elizabeth McMahan

Gratitude: “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”

Mindfulness: “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.”

It seems these two terms have been fluttering around the therapeutic community a lot recently.

EMDR Treatment for Trauma? What Makes It Worth Trying?

Trauma – caused by abuse, natural disasters, or perhaps battlefield experiences – is a widespread problem. Studies have shown that unprocessed memories of the trauma are often at the base of the negative thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations a trauma victim experiences.

Professionals utilize several effective therapies for treating trauma, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) or psychodynamic therapies. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is one that has become popular in more recent years and shows promising results.

Friends and Happiness - Why More Isn't Necessarily Better

By Janie McMahan, LMFT

Long before friend became a popular social media verb, it was the noun that described our most significant non-family relationships.

Friends and happiness are a long-cherished combination. We’ve made incalculable movies and TV shows about friendships. And, who knows how many friend-related songs and books exist?

But, having friends is more than just a part of our cultural life. It’s also good for your health!

Practice the Power of Pause in Your Relationship: 7 Ways

By Elizabeth McMahan

Have you ever consider how much power a moment of pause can hold?

When you pause, you actually open up space in your mind that gives you the opportunity to think a matter over and choose something new. It creates the possibility to assimilate a situation, make conscious decisions, and take control of your life. It leads you to talk less and listen more. And as a result, your relationship can become deeper, closer, and more meaningful.

That is the power of pause.

Stop Being Hard on Yourself: Put Your SELF Back Into "Self-Compassion"

By Elizabeth McMahan

“You don’t make enough money! You’ll never get that promotion! You don’t spend enough time with your kids! You always snap at them! You’re eating way too much! You’ll never lose that weight! You need to have some control! You’re no good! You don’t deserve compassion!”

Have you ever been told things like that?

Could it be the one talking to you so harshly you isn’t someone else, but you, yourself?

9 Mindfulness Exercises and Practices to Help You Manage Your Anxiety

By Elizabeth McMahan

To manage anxiety, it’s important to activate the body’s natural relaxation response. Deep relaxation is a powerful way to help bring your whole nervous system into balance.

But relaxation doesn’t mean you slouch on a couch and zone out watching TV. True relaxation requires a conscious effort to refresh your body and mind. It calls for focus and regular practice.