Category: being present

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. …

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The Healing ROLE of Animals

My family lost our beloved cat, Dribbles (pictured above), this month. As is the case with many companion animals it’s hard to pinpoint his exact age due to the nature of his rescue story, but he was with my family for over 20 years. Dribbles was my favorite companion animal, and I will miss him …

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Let Go of the Unwanted, Make Room for the Desired, and Be Thankful for What You Have

While talking with several clients recently, I noticed a theme: people have a tendency to focus on what we have and don’t want (e.g. mental and physical illness, financial stress, conflict in relationships, a stressful job, etc.) and what we don’t have and want (e.g. good mental and physical health, stable finances, healthy relationships, a satisfying …

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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 …

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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 …

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Drama Therapy 101, Part 4: Strengthening the Mind and Body Connection through Embodiment

Have you noticed that when you feel happy you feel present in your body and experience pleasurable feelings in it? Have you also noticed that when you feel upset you feel disconnected from your body or experience unpleasant feelings in it (e.g. nausea, tension, pain, sweating, or heaviness)? The first sentence describes the idea of …

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