Virtual Book Club Launch

Virtual Book Club Launch

I talk about self care and hobbies a lot with my clients. To some, hobbies are a familiar topic. However, to many, its a foreign concept. I think reading can be a wonderful hobby that can be made accessible and sustainable for all types of people.

Maybe the last time you read a book was in high school for a required paper. Maybe you’re an avid reader but stuck in the same genre. Or maybe you just haven’t discovered the beauty of reading a book that helps you both escape your own reality briefly and feel intimately seen and known in the same moment.

There is a huge community of book lovers on the internet, and I’m not trying to compete with that. If anything I hope to help ignite a love for reading in others that takes them to those communities where they can continue to discover more books and more connection! What better things can there be?

I’ll be selecting titles that I’ve found to be a benefit and value. I will have already read each book before recommending it to ensure I can stand by my recommendation. If you have suggestions, send them my way!

I hope you’ll join me on Instagram each month for this book club. I’ll reveal the book on the first of the month and then go live at the end to discuss it! If you’d rather remain anonymous, thats fine! I’ll have ways for you to submit questions or comments about the book privately. If you want to interact in real-time on the Live events, you’re welcome to do that too while I discuss the book.

I hope to see you in our little book corner starting July 2024!

New face around the office

New face around the office

Regular clients may have already met her, but we’ve got a new face that will be showing up in a more official capacity. 

Theia (pronounced Thee-uh) is a Rough Collie and who is going to be practicing to become a therapy dog. She is 3 years old and enjoys playing fetch and getting lots of scritches and pets.

Why is Theia coming on board?

With Cora starting to have vision issues and turning 12 this year, I’ve decided to let her slow down her “work hours”. While she still enjoys coming to the office occasionally, we’ve decided to become more intentional with Theia’s training to be a therapy dog.

Cora vs Theia

All dogs are different in their personalities, and Theia and Cora are no different. Where Cora gets excited to meet new people, Theia is more demure and curious. Cora can be a bit demanding and entitled when it comes to requiring affection (typical firstborn) where Theia likes it but doesn’t need it.

 Theia is an active dog who enjoys and active lifestyle. Cora is a couch potato who has to be coaxed to move. Both have their strengths in the therapy room, but I’ve noticed Theia’s curiosity in observing the client as they process and work through something. She doesn’t require attention, but is always paying attention.

 

 

Changes

I will also have to start making adjustments in my expectations of one dog over the other as they are very different in what they bring to the therapy room. But I’m very excited to see the impact of Theia’s steadying and soothing presence in session.

One thing is certainly the same however: people love dogs, and therapy with a dog is (almost) always comforting. Doing therapy WITH a dog is also a sweet experience, and I’m excited to work on my partnership with Theia as she works towards her certification!

Deep Breathing and Journaling: How to Use these Coping Skills

Deep Breathing and Journaling: How to Use these Coping Skills

Lots of coping skills are recommended to have a “useful toolbox” of skills to access when you need them. Coping skills are how we handle stress.

If our main coping skills are substance use or TV binging, then we probably aren’t managing our emotions as well as we could.

This video provides the understanding and tools for using these two major coping skills in productive ways.

What Is Self Care? And how to do it

What Is Self Care? And how to do it

Self care is a topic that often elicits guilt or confusion in my clients.

“I don’t have time for self care.”

“I don’t deserve self care.”

“I don’t have enough extra money for self care.”

Have you found yourself using these excuses or some variation of them?

If so, you’re not alone. Most people have a misconceived notion about what it truly means to “care for yourself”.

Check out my video where I break down what self care ACTUALLY is, and how to do it practically in your life.