The Science of Happy Hormones: How to Enhance Your Mental Well-being

The Science of Happy Hormones: How to Enhance Your Mental Well-being

Ever notice how good you feel after exercising? The other day, I was seconds from working out when my husband walked by and made an annoying comment about the living room mess. My blood pressure rose, my fists clenched, and my jaw tightened. I was getting ready to snap back at him but decided my workout was more important. I …

Regulation or Bypassing: Are You Rushing Your Emotions?

Regulation or Bypassing: Are You Rushing Your Emotions?

Maddy Archambault, LAC In recent years, the concept of nervous system regulation has gained cultural traction—and for good reason. Learning to calm our bodies is essential for managing stress, anxiety, and trauma. However, many of us have unintentionally misinterpreted this practice, believing that any uncomfortable emotion is bad or must be regulated away as quickly as possible. This overcorrection can …

Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season

Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season

In the 2003 holiday movie classic, “Elf,” the main character, Buddy, shares a particular fondness for the holiday season, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” No matter what traditions you celebrate this winter, not everyone shares Buddy’s enthusiasm for this season. While the holidays can be a time of celebration and joy …

Where does anxiety begin - How do you treat it in therapy?

Where does anxiety begin – How do you treat it in therapy?

How are you doing? Most of you have probably seen the recent post that went viral from Elmo asking the question “How are you doing?”… It is no surprise the number of responses the post attracted. This is one of the many ways Sesame Street seems to often understand what the world needs more than we often acknowledge! Why were …

Counseling services Orlando: Anxious Thinking

Counseling services Orlando: Anxious Thinking

We all know the sensation of being caught in a spiral of negative thoughts, unable to break away. The name for this kind of intrusive and repetitive thinking pattern is called perseverative cognition;  this post takes a look at ways in which this particular thinking pattern contributes to anxiety and how we can effectively manage it. Counseling services Orlando Choosing …

Breathing into Winter

Breathing into Winter

Well, here we are. Another chapter ending and a new year beginning in linear time – all the while the earth in the northern hemisphere quiets. The tension in these rhythms is palpable to me as I practice surrendering into wintering while the world rages. – Current Practice: With this chapter of the moon, in the daily practice, we are …

Five Reasons Emotions Are Important

Five Reasons Emotions Are Important

Emotions can play an important role in how you think and behave. The emotions you feel each day can compel you to take action and influence the decisions you make about your life, both large and small. Emotions can be short-lived, such as a flash of annoyance at a co-worker, or long-lasting, such as enduring sadness over the loss of …

Understanding and Managing Anguish

Anguish is an intense and complex emotional state caused by mental or physical suffering. When people experience anguish, they often feel extreme distress, sadness, torment, turmoil, and inner pain. While such feelings are often associated with losses or trauma, other overwhelming life challenges can also trigger this emotional state. Anguish feels like deep sorrow and pain and it can lead …

Introducing Austin Texas Counselor Carolyn Maurin, LPC, LCDC, MA

Austin Texas Counselor Carolyn Maurin is now offering Online counseling. Online counseling has revolutionized the accessibility of making positive changes in your life. As a Texas-based online counselor, I witness my clients thriving and conquering challenges while receiving therapy from various locations, such as the comfort of their homes, during work breaks, between classes, or even while on vacation. The …

Getting Through Grief

Getting Through Grief

Getting Through Grief and Letting Go Letting go of grief is no easy task. Grief is something you might be holding tight to—a reminder of your loved one or a connection to their memory. Loosening your grip and ultimately surrendering your grief can seem like a scary and daunting task but it’s a necessary process you must go through to …