I love the idea of menus- you get to choose what you want, what you need, in that particular moment. So I often work with people to create their own menu for self-care- options that they can look to a choose from when they're overwhelmed by anxiety or other emotions. Self Care Menus should include … Continue reading Self Care Menu
Category: Helpful Tools
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Do you know your ACE score? Here's what the CDC says about ACEs: The CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest investigations of childhood abuse and neglect and later-life health and well-being. The original ACE Study was conducted at Kaiser Permanente from 1995 to 1997 with two waves of data … Continue reading Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Permission Slips
I've become a big believer in the power of a permission slip. The idea that I decide what I will be permitted to do, and you decide what you will be permitted to do in your life, whether that's permission to take care of yourself, permission to rest, permission to put up a boundary around … Continue reading Permission Slips
Empathy vs. Sympathy
Brene Brown's work has become relevant and important to me, both professionally and personally. I'm currently taking one of her online courses, and I look forward to sharing some of that in the weeks and months to come. But in the meantime, I came across this video a while back and I keep coming back … Continue reading Empathy vs. Sympathy
Pomodoro Technique
I like to use this tool with people who need a kick-start to working on one of their goals. Sometimes they're overwhelmed with the amount they want to accomplish or the number of steps involved, and others become stuck in "analysis paralysis," not knowing where to begin. The simple solution? Just do something! Set a … Continue reading Pomodoro Technique
Brene Brown – Video on Shame & Vulnerability
Every once in a while I come across a video or idea that I think everyone could benefit from, no matter where they are in life or what they're going through. This is one of those videos that speaks to the humanity in each of us. If you find it relevant for you, then I … Continue reading Brene Brown – Video on Shame & Vulnerability
Circle of Control, Circle of Concern
This simple tool is one of my favorites when working with someone who feels overwhelmed with stress or who finds themselves spinning their wheels, working to change something beyond their control. Visualize yourself at the center, surrounded by a circle. That one is your circle of control, and outside that is yet another one- your circle of … Continue reading Circle of Control, Circle of Concern
Want to feel better in less than a minute?
It sounds too good to be true. And anyone can do it, anywhere, anytime. Ready? It's breathing. We all do it and are unaware of it for the most part. Unfortunately, most of us are also unaware of the powerful benefits of intentional deep breathing. Here's how you do it- Breathe in to the count … Continue reading Want to feel better in less than a minute?
Jamie Hartsfield, LMFT, LPC 