What Really is EMDR? (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Have you been in talk therapy before? Maybe in your time with talk therapy you have found that in the logical part of your brain, the prefrontal cortex, you understand your negative thought process is incorrect but when you think about it emotionally, the hippocampus and
Onward and upward when it comes to wellness! When we consider our sexual health, we must consider the quality of three internal processes: vaginal and urethra wellness (for people with vaginas), colon wellness, and digestive wellness. Today, I am going to explore one of those three areas: colon wellness and anal play. A few years
Lose weight, drink less alcohol, consume less sugar, eat healthier, work out more – popular New Year’s resolutions tend to be about physical health. The western drive to be thinner, “healthier” (and trust me I’ve tried all the fad exercises and meal plans), and younger are inevitably the reason for the booming makeup industry, globally
While the holidays are encroaching, this can be a time filled with joy…… and with stress, due to all the things to do, people to please, and activities. It is a time where our self-care can easily get pushed aside or become virtually not existent. Which can leave us with an overwhelming list of New
Numerous people come to therapy or life coaching to work on their elusive “self-esteem.” I’ve been asked by clients, why is my self-esteem so low when I didn’t have a bad childhood? What does self-love really mean? In a TED talk by Niko Everett, she explains the simplicity of self-esteem. According to her, our self-esteem
I am sure many of you have heard the famous song by The Beatles “Helter Skelter,” but perhaps you are not familiar with what helter skelter means. According to Merriam-Webster it means “in undue haste, confusion, or disorder” (2019). I think this can apply to how parents feel about parenting at times and whether what
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash My name is Anastasia and I am a recovering perfectionist. I have found myself saying more than once. While this may strike different chords in people, I deeply identify with this statement. For so long, I was afraid. Afraid of failure. Afraid of being disliked. Afraid of rocking the boat.
When it comes to our children we try to prepare them for everything! From etiquette to social interactions to picking your nose in an inconspicuous way – we prepare them for the world! But what about body parts, sexuality, and gender? How we respond to their exploration of self is one that requires a great
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)? Acceptance and commitment therapy utilizes metaphors, analogies, acronyms, and scales as nondirective interventions to gain trust and “buy-in” from clients.The counselor supports and facilitates the collaborative journey up the proverbial mountain of which the counselor has acquired tools to climb and help others. Acceptance and commitment therapy is
Previously, Brightside posted two blogs about myths about suicide. With this month being suicide prevention month, this blog will focus on ways to get involved and how to support others who need help. Please feel welcome to check out our previous blogs about suicide as well. They may be able to provide a glimpse as
Photo by Julie Johnson on Unsplash Whether you are a stay at home parent, a working parent, or a “little bit of both” parent, our kids going back to school brings back a wide variety of emotions. For most, it is joy. You did it! You made it through another summer of getting snacks, endless activities, boredom, chores,
In the words of Taylor Swift, “You need to calm down,” pride events are not over yet and really the theme of pride should never be over. On Saturday August 24th Brightside Counseling Services will be at the Castle Rock Pride event! Come and join us! This is a free event from 12pm – 5
L.R. Knost once said “Strong-willed children often grow into strong-willed adults who become world leaders, world shapers, and world changers. Parenting them peacefully is not only possible, it’s imperative because sowing peace in their hearts now while they’re in our care will grow a future of peace later when the world is in their care.”
In a previous blog, we briefly discussed the definition of trauma and its insidious impact on our society. So how do we deal with this? Trauma-informed care is being integrated into hospitals, programs, practices, and even schools due to its effectiveness across the lifespan and across demographics. Photo retrieved from unsplash. Trauma-informed care transforms
The month of June was filled with different awareness topics, one very popular one being pride awareness. However, another important part of June that is not looked at as much is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many people have heard about this disorder but what does it actually look like? Symptoms of PTSD: According to The
