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 …
Category: anxiety
Creative Ways to Practice Deep Breathing: Part 2
In last month’s article, I provided information about why deep breathing is healthy as well as about things to keep in mind when practicing deep breathing. I also shared some ways to practice deep breathing. This article covers several other ways to do deep breathing. PEACE breathing Appeal to the inner hippie in you with …
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 …
Using Creative Techniques to Harness the Healing Powers of the Ocean
Last month’s article was inspired by time I have spent walking amongst trees this summer, and this month’s article is inspired by time I spent near the Atlantic Ocean recently. In much the same way that trees often cause me to experience awe and peace, oceans also often cause me to experience these same feelings. …
5 Creative Ways to Deal with Anxiety and Depression
You already know the common ways to deal with anxiety, depression, and stress… things like deep breathing, meditation, relaxation, taking a shower or bath, listening to music, watching something funny, taking a walk, exercising, etc. But maybe these common tips don’t always work for you, or maybe you are looking to try some new things …
That Time that My Tip for Calming Anxiety Was Featured in a Livestrong Article
I recently came across this Livestrong article that I was quoted in and realized that I never wrote about being featured in it. Since the tip I offered is one of my favorite ones and is one that many of my clients benefit from, I figured that it would be helpful to share the article …
15 Songs to Help You Cheer Up (Especially When You Don’t Have Access to Your Therapist!)
Although I am a drama therapist, I firmly believe that all of the arts are healing. As I mentioned on my FAQ page, music was actually the first type of art that I became passionate about. Music remains one of the things that brings me the most joy in life. I learned long ago that …
Drama Therapy 101, Part 3: The Theory I Love So Much that I Can Hardly CONTAIN Myself!
Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with sadness or frustration that you could not speak due to fearing you’d start crying uncontrollably? Have you ever been so angry that you feel you cannot stop cursing or yelling when speaking? Or have you ever felt so anxious that you simply could not find words to express …