The book I’m reviewing here not only scratches my psychology nerd itch mentioned in my prior book review, it also scratches my itch for the two main modalities I use: EMDR and creative arts therapies (CATs). Even though many of us creative arts therapists have been blending creative approaches with EMDR for years, no such book …
Category: trauma
CalmiGo Review
As a drama therapist and trauma therapist, I love tangible objects that help ease anxiety and bring us back into the present moment. I recently agreed to be a CalmiGo affiliate* after checking out the device and the company because I really love and appreciate what they do to help people decrease anxiety. Video Review …
Book Review: Dissociation Made Simple
I call myself a psychology nerd because even beyond what’s necessary for my career as a therapist I love to learn about psychology-related matters. I choose to constantly learn about such matters through books, podcasts, and other forms of media. I recently had the opportunity to receive copies of two amazing psychology books in exchange …
Podcast Interview: Creative Therapy Umbrella
I recently had the honor of having an interview on the podcast Creative Therapy Umbrella. The podcast is hosted by music therapist Kate Shannon. It focuses on various types of creative therapies, especially the creative arts therapies and play therapy. During the interview, Kate and I talk about the following: My work in private practice …
Creative Arts Therapies: Examples and Interventions
Article Contributors (for consultation about dance, music, and art therapy): Rachel Wagner-Cantine, LCPC, BC-DMT Alyssa Wilkins, MT-BC Eleni S. Liossis, Psy.D., ATR, LPC In a previous post, we explored the umbrella term “creative arts therapies” as well as the six types of creative arts therapies that fall under the term (which will be referred …
5 Ways to Cope with Sadness as a Vegan
I was driving on a highway during a recent trip out of state, and I got extremely excited to see three different vegan-related billboards. Two had images of animals and had messages about compassion and veganism, and one displayed food images for a restaurant and prominently read “vegetarian and vegan options”. The reason that these …
How To Cope With Being Vegan In a Non-Vegan Workplace
Vegans are often in the minority at work and have unique challenges to face. These include: Being excluded. This happens accidentally, such as when a person ordering food for an event does not think to include vegan options. It also happens purposely when non-vegan co-workers consciously exclude vegans. Being questioned. Sometimes this is done innocently and …
Interview on “Therapy Jam Session”
My friend and colleague, Karen Helfrich of Avalon Psychotherapy Associates, invited me to be a guest on “Therapy Jam Session.” We had fun geeking out about various mental health topics! Check out the interview if you: Want to learn about drama therapy (including examples of how I use it in sessions) Want to learn about why …
Creative Ways to Practice Deep Breathing: Part 1
Deep breathing is one of the most popular healthy coping skills that gets talked about, and with good reason. Multiple studies show that it has numerous physical and mental health benefits. It decreases pain, reduces blood pressure, increases energy levels, reduces inflammation, improves digestion, increases detoxification by stimulating the lymphatic system, relaxes the body and …
Blast from the Past: When I was on ABC2 News Talking about Women, Abuse, and My Work as a Therapist Who Helps Survivors of Abuse
When I worked at TurnAround in Baltimore Country as a trauma / abuse therapist, I was sought out to be on the local news twice because of my expertise. Today I came across one of those times, which is this 2011 news clip of me talking about how common sexual assault and domestic violence are …