“It’s not your job to like me… it’s mine.” ― Byron Katie Feelings of worthlessness can create anxieties and hold us back from pursuing the things that bring us joy and peace, and it can affect our relationships with others. Often, we try too hard to meet unrealistic expectations that exist only … [Read more...]
Simple Strategies for Positive Body Image Role Models
Body image matters. Children and teens who have a positive body image are more likely to exude confidence and have good self-esteem. Unfortunately, today’s culture and media are negatively influencing the way many people feel about their bodies. In fact, data suggests that more children and teens … [Read more...]
How to Get a Healthy Body Image this Spring
Winter weather may still be here for now, but it’s time to start thinking about taking off the mittens. Spring is on the way, bringing warmer weather and, often, harsh self-scrutiny that leads to negative body image behaviors. Fad diets, extreme workout routines, and other strategies for quickly … [Read more...]
Self-Care Strategies that Work
We often get caught up in the illusion of progress. We’re so busy trying to solve problems that we’re stuck in “doing mode”—trying to get more and more done—but switching to “being mode” may be really be the break we need. Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is to put our obligations … [Read more...]
Tune in to You: Mindfulness as a Tool for Self-Acceptance
Are you present? This means paying attention to what is happening right now. Without judgment. Without overthinking. Most of us aren’t fully experiencing our lives because we’re spending so much time worrying about the future or reflecting on the past. And our busy lives keep us preoccupied and out … [Read more...]
Accepting Your Body in Our Appearance-Fixated Society
Society shapes us in many ways. From our interactions, to our personal development, and even other peoples’ perceptions of our bodies as a reflection of our self-worth, society plays a significant role. The media in particular has increasingly become a platform that reinforces cultural beliefs and … [Read more...]
Don’t Let the Dark Days of Winter Get You Down
The shorter days and colder weather of winter can make anyone feel gloomy. We tend to stay inside more, we tire more easily, and we may get cranky, too. But if these feelings recur each year and make it tough to function during the winter months, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder … [Read more...]
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Gift of Self-Love
Love is in the air. Valentine’s Day is here and we’ve got love on our minds. We purchase special gifts, go out for dinner, or do something that demonstrates our deep affection for our loved ones. This February 14th, while you acknowledge all the people you love, include yourself in that equation. … [Read more...]
Don’t Wait
I hear this a lot from potential patients. "It’s just not a good time to start therapy." Why? All too often, this statement is uttered whenever we are asked to take care of ourselves. I do it too. I don't want to take time away from work or family to schedule that annual physical or visit the … [Read more...]
He said I’m getting fat
by Andrew Walen, LCSW-C, LICSW, CEDS When I was about 10 years old, my step-grandmother was married to a lout of a man. I mean he was a real schmuck. He didn't like people and didn't want to be bothered by his wife's new extended family (that's where I came in). When I came into his den to say … [Read more...]