Historically, one in five American women experience a major mental illness at any given time. Women tend to experience mental illness slightly differently than men. Specifically, women are more prone to what are known as internalizing mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, while men are more prone to externalizing mental illnesses such as drug…
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How To Feel Better: 12 ways in 30 Days
At Embolden, we emphasize self-care and self-compassion as an essential part of the therapeutic process. Simple tips that make a difference: Sleep 8 hours. If you cannot do it in a single stretch, divide sleep into phases, known as polyphasic sleep. Hydrate. Drink a minimum of 2 L of water per day. Make a large…
strategies for self-careThe Dangers of the ‘Mini-Me’
On Individuation “I don’t know where she gets it from…” “He is just like me.” Familiar phrases I hear from parents. Two year-olds have to learn to say “no” before they can say “yes.” The “no” of the 2-year-old is a crucial component of the development of self. When their “no” is accepted, it makes…
parentingDoors Behind Doors: Secondary Emotions
Emotions come from the Latin term ‘emovere,’ meaning movement. The word captures human experience- a combination of energy and motion, an expression of how life is constantly in flow. Emotions have evolved to sustain us. Positive emotions are meant to reinforce an experience as enjoyable, so that we seek it out again. They activate the…
GeneralWhat is teletherapy?
Tips for Clients Teletherapy is a consultation or therapy session that occurs through phone or video call, rather than in-person. Through teletherapy, you meet with a licensed, qualified therapist via a secure online platform from the convenience of your home or other private location. Some therapists offer both in-person sessions and teletherapy, which can be…
GeneralFixing vs Helping
* Fixing is knowing what you want to say before you’ve even heard all of the data being given to you. It’s jumping to conclusions. *Helping is to listen with an open mind. Active listening means you take in all the information. *Fixing is thinking that you know better than others. It’s offering advice from…
GeneralA Tribute to Psychologist Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark
Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark was born in Arkansas to a physician father and a homemaker mother who also ran the office practice. She was an exemplary student, and graduated with honors, winning scholarships to Howard University and Fisk University. She attended Howard University in Washington DC, where she majored in math and physics, before she…
race and mental healthMeditation for Difficult Times
I frequently recommend and teach mindfulness meditation in my practice. Meditation meets several therapeutic goals: it encourages reflection combined with self acceptance and self compassion,  it promotes calm breathing, is grounding for individuals who have anxiety disorders and panic attacks, and is a relaxation and de-stress strategy that you can take with you anywhere.…
strategies for self-careMental health and the benefits of snow days
Snow makes you work out If you’ve ever trudged through even just a foot of snow, you know how hard it is. From snowball fights and making snow angels to shoveling, snow works our bodies. Just be careful in snowy weather, and always wear warm layers of clothes and slip-proof shoes. Snow gives us time…
Generalstrategies for self-careThe Art of the Compliment
One of my areas of work is with clients with social anxiety. Striking up a conversation is difficult, and giving a compliment even more so for many people. First, we practice in the office, and then in vivo. Genuine compliments actually create a surge of dopamine and serotonin for both the giver and the receiver,…
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