May
24
2013
National Hurricane Preparedness Week – Be Prepared!
Have you ever noticed that sometimes people try to get us to do things by scaring us? The “or else…” sometimes feels omnipresent in our world. I see it a lot in politics (on both sides), in the media, even just product advertising. Sometimes we even do it to ourselves (“I’d better not eat that cupcake or I’ll get fat! And if I get fat then…” and then the cascade of catastrophic thinking begins…)
Do you want to do things because you’re afraid? No? I thought not!
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May
17
2013
Trust yourself.
Ok, I know that meditation is good for me/us. (Really, really good for us. If you want to know more check this out.) I know that I could use some meditation in my life. But I don’t know how to meditate.
I’ve considered buying a book. But will a book really tell me how to meditate? I’m not so sure it will. Or I’m worried I won’t understand, and I’ll be doing it wrong. I’ve asked a lot of friends about meditation, mindfulness, and mindfulness meditation. Many friends have had suggestions for me of a book or of specific techniques. They all look so happy as they tell me how great meditation/mindfulness is. But somehow I still feel like I won’t get it. Lately I’ve been wanting to find a class that will help me learn. I’ve looked into transcendental meditation (apparently most programs are expensive). I’ve looked into some Buddhist centers in the area. I don’t quite feel at home with anything I’ve looked at. There are tons of websites and blogs, with specific and non-specific suggestions, and yet I still don’t feel connected. I’ve done some yoga in the past, and I liked some of it, but I didn’t feel very good at it, and plus it is so difficult to make time…
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May
08
2013
Birthdays are an opportunity!
This week was my birthday (it was lovely, thank you!) and it got me thinking.
I decided to do some research on the psychology of birthdays. I read about feeling grateful on birthdays, how birthdays can motivate us, how we can get “the birthday blues“, and making birthday wishes. I read commentary on how our society has a “birthday script” that is tough to get away from and says we’re supposed to enjoy and feel good on our birthdays, but also pokes fun at old age, while telling youth that birthdays are exciting and all about them. I even read an interesting article on how young children seem to think birthday parties cause aging (so in theory if you didn’t have a party you wouldn’t get older… I’m sure some would welcome this idea!).
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May
03
2013
What is wellness?
You might have noticed that May is Mental Health Month. Mental Health America chose this year’s theme, which is wellness. I feel like wellness is a word we frequently use, but don’t frequently think about. So, let’s stop and think about it. What is wellness? What does it mean to you? What do you feel that you need to be well? Really stop and think about that for a minute. (Feel free to comment with your answers if you feel comfortable!)
I recently learned that in 1946 the World Health Organization did something that is a pretty big deal when you think about it. In 1946 the World Health Organization changed their definition of wellness. They said that wellness is about more than just the absence of disease. They said that wellness isn’t just physical wellness; it is mental wellness and social wellness too. If you really stop to think about this, I think it is almost earth-shattering.
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Apr
25
2013
Dr. Melissa Rojas, our newest provider!
Hello, my name is Dr. Melissa Rojas and I am very excited to announce that I am a new bilingual provider at Life Skills Resource Group. I feel joy and honored to have the opportunity to be part of such an amazing group. After meeting Cindy and Amy only once, I quickly realized the authenticity and organic approach LSRG offers its clients.
I graduated with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and I am licensed to practice in the state of Florida. I remember walking out of my licensing exam and breaking into happy tears because I felt so proud. I felt overwhelmed with feelings of relief, as I had undergone many years of stress to get to where I am today.
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Apr
19
2013
Human Kind: Be Both. Compassion!
I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t address the events in Boston in this week’s blog, and yet I’m concerned that we’re all a little overloaded with news, and maybe it would be better to take a step back.
I don’t know what is best. But I do know this: as a human being, a former worker in managing emergencies, and a marathon runner, my heart has been in Boston all week. Maybe yours has too.
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Apr
12
2013
Yum! Hamburger!
I know what you’re thinking: ”What in the world is a Time-Burger???” I thought the same thing two weeks ago in my human development class when the group presenting said we were going to do an activity called the Time-Burger. What??? And then they started to explain…
Well, here’s the thing. The more I think about this Time-Burger, the more it makes sense. Apparently it is designed for kids between the ages of 6 and 12 to think about how they spend their time, but I think this can be a really great exercise for teens and adults too. But first, let me take a step back.
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Apr
02
2013
Risa Bos, MA, LMHC, and our newest counselor!
I am so fortunate and honored to be joining the professional line-up of skilled counselors at Life Skills Resource Group! I feel it is my life’s purpose to help people find joy and balance, and move beyond emotional pain that has robbed them of the happiness they deserve. I am dedicated to helping people in our community and I take immense pride in being a native of Orlando. I attended William R. Boone High School, Valencia College and Rollins College, studying psychology and mental health counseling at Rollins. I have cultivated a positive approach to therapy that focuses less on the problem, and more on your strengths and how we can work together to maximize those assets. I believe that we all have within us the ability to be happy, and that happiness is a choice. We make that choice by deciding to focus on deliberate, positive things rather than feeling defeated and stuck in our wounds.
I have been in recovery from alcoholism for 8 years, and I can bear witness to the freedom and distinct joy that comes from conquering your addiction. I understand the compulsion to use substances, despite sometimes catastrophic consequences, in an attempt to self-medicate emotional issues. I have worked with countless addicts and alcoholics, and have helped them wrestle free from their own addictions and reclaim their lives. Life is beautiful, and experiencing life sober and free from the clouds of addiction is within your reach! I have 6 years experience working with addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma and a myriad of other mental health issues, often which are underlying the symptom of addiction. I specialize in EMDR and Clinical Hypnosis, which techniques are especially effective for treating these conditions. I received my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the prestigious Rollins College, and I am licensed by the Florida Department of Health as a mental health counselor.
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Mar
29
2013
World Autism Awareness Day Logo
Did you know that next Tuesday, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day? Well, it is!
So here is an attempt to help all of us learn about autism, with a lot of help from Autism Speaks!
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Mar
22
2013
Have you ever felt like the world was just spinning too fast? You had too many things to do and not enough hours to do them? You’re running just to keep up? I have had that kind of week: busy at school, busy at work, requests for my time from my boyfriend, friends, and family… not to mention the laundry, the dishes, the need to clean the house (which are all being ignored). Oh, and there’s a birthday party and a wedding to go to this weekend – did I remember to get gifts? Of course I haven’t exercised all week – how could I possibly have made time for that?
So here it is, Friday afternoon, and I’m left with this question: How will it all get done?!
Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed too. What does that look like for you? Do you shut down and get even less done? Do you have to throw a fit, get the emotion out, and then you can get something done? Do you just live day-to-day with a constant level of stress that means one little thing will cause you to break down in tears or yelling at someone who just asked if you knew what time it was? What does it feel like for you? Do you worry that everything will fall apart if you don’t vaccuum the floor, get an A on that paper? Do you worry that the friends won’t like you anymore if you can’t go to their party? Here comes the anxiety!
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