Whole Health

In her book Braving the Wilderness, Brené Brown warns that we are collectively experiencing a spiritual crisis of disconnection. Rates of loneliness across the globe have increased exponentially in the past few decades. This was before we found ourselves in the midst of a pandemic which has us all practicing "social distancing." The good news is that even during this difficult time, we can still apply the principles in this book to connect more with ourselves and others.

What better time than now to learn about having the courage to stand alone (finding our way back to ourselves) while also finding our way back to each other. Backed with her own research, Brené challenges everything we thought we knew about what it means to belong. True belonging is not about being included in a group, "fitting in," or being accepted by others. It requires a combination of courage and vulnerability (to stand alone) with love and empathy (to come together).

One thing that brings people together during a collective trauma such as what we are experiencing now is music and art. Creative expression allows us to share our pain and turn it into something beautiful and/or meaningful. It is a reminder that we are all in this together. Creative expression encompasses courage, vulnerability, love, and empathy. It allows us the freedom to be ourselves while embracing our shared humanity.

May we all use this time to find our way back to ourselves and back to each other. We encourage you to make some art to process what this time has been like for you and challenge you to share it!

Managing the "what if's" can be a challenge. Our minds are masters at making up scenarios and focusing on the negatives. Have you ever tried rewriting the script?

Try this technique Ashton recommends:

1.) Identify the stressful thought and write it down
2.) Rethink the situation. Write down as many effective thoughts as you can to replace the stressful thoughts (e.g., I can handle this, I will be okay, I am here now)
3.) Choose the one that is most helpful to you
4.) As you breathe in deeply into your belly, say the new statement to yourself. As you breathe out, say "relax" while releasing tension from the muscles in your body. For example, "I'm doing the best I can (inhale), so relax (exhale and release)"
5.) Repeat several times and notice how you feel.

Right now, mental health is more important than ever. For everyone who:

Had graduation canceled
Postponed a wedding
Closed a business
Cannot be close to loved ones
Is being required to work despite being afraid
Didn’t get to go on the first, second or third date
Is home with family and doesn’t feel safe
Lost a job
Is overwhelmed by the requirement to homeschool
Lost health insurance
Has dipped into the bottom of savings
Lost your retirement in the stock market
Is desperately trying to navigate the unemployment system
Cannot accompany a family member to the hospital as they fight this disease
Cannot have a spouse or partner with them during labor and delivery
Cancelled vacations and conferences and dream experiences
Is home and hungry
Does not have a large enough space outside their home to get fresh air and still be able to social distance
For those in chronic pain that is now considered “elective” and appointments are cancelled
Is afraid for the future of their children
For the cancelled birthday celebrations
For the deaths and funerals that cannot be mourned together
For the cancelled community gatherings, book clubs, yoga classes, pot lucks, girls night out, man cave poker nights, concerts, church services, critical moments of belonging
For the inability to go to the grocery store and buy what we want to buy
For all the other thousands of reasons

For all of us.

We stand with you. (843-564-8275)

Click the link below to join Mark Melvin, his partner Cara Slider, and their Canine Stillness Guru, Bogey, for a meditative check-in. Staying aware of how we feel is critical to mental well-being on a normal day. This is imperative during this pandemic.

https://bit.ly/2yNN3EN

Dawn Freeman ran into some traffic on her morning commute. 😂 Meet her therapy dog, Moose.

We thought you would like to see what it looks like in our virtual offices. We are doing our part to flatten the curve and are available to offer counseling during this anxious and unpredictable time. We will be sharing some photos of the dogs at our feet as they provide comfort to us at home. 🐕

P.S. Most insurance companies have waived any barriers to Telehealth. Let us know if you would like to see how it feels to you.

The possibilities are endless when you decide to change. ⚡️

We are excited to add EMDR to our treatment options. Training starts now!

Sometimes that is exactly what it looks like.

Worth the 60 seconds it takes to read this one. So.... what are you doing for self-care?

Marriage Minute | The Gottman Institute

How folks regularly describe Shannon Miller's Art of Non-Doing Class:

1 - I felt so peaceful... Like I hadn't been able to feel in a long time.
2 - No words. Just wonderful!
3 - I'll be back!

Repairing the stress of everyday isn't optional any longer. Come join Shannon every Monday at 6:30 for a journey into relaxation.

Getting cozy for a very intimate session of “The Art of Non Doing” . Our journey will take us to the forest tonight. If a tree falls in the forest...
Shine On. #

This artist shares such insightful images of what it often feels like when you are a first responder. We share his belief in post traumatic growth. Reaching out for help is always strength.

Fear & Shame If I was physically injured saving someone from a fire everyone would see me as a hero. What if I was mentally injured saving someone? Would everyone still see me as a hero? Would you have any hesitation reporting a mental injury over a physical injury? I think many of us would. Why is that? It's be...