Therapy Thursday

This is a classic scripture verse that many people can quote. But what does it mean when applied to the world of mental health? Originally shared November 26, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling.

The phrase "everything happens for a reason" is very comforting to a lot of people. But for others it can be very problematic.  Originally shared November 19, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling

Learning to set healthy boundaries is one of the most key, foundational principles in most therapy work. So let's dive in to it! Originally shared November 12, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling

There are a lot of things that can trip us up in relationships. Unfortunately, more often than not, it is our own faulty thinking. So here is one quick reality check that will hopefully help you find more happiness in your relationships.  Originally shared October 29, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling.

I learned this old Chinese proverb when I was in elementary school. But now, as a therapist, it has taken on new meaning and provided new lessons.  Originally shared October 22, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling.

PTSD is a very complex diagnosis, and it applies to more than just combat veterans. Learning more about it can help you to identify it and know how to better help those dealing with it. Originally shared October 15, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling

If you've been around the therapy or mental health space for a while, you've probably heard the phrase "anger is a secondary emotion." Let's examine what that actually means, and what it means for your mental health.  Originally shared October 8, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling.

It sounds like a funny term, but "shoulding" on yourself is actually a very serious problem when it comes to mental health. It creates all sorts of hang ups. Let's discuss.  Originally shared October 1, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling

I love paradoxes. They are fascinating to me. And lucky for me, mental health is full of them! Let's find out how we can take advantage of these paradoxes to improve mental health. Originally shared September 24, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling

You may have heard of a "Finsta" but have you heard of a "Hinsta"? It's a social media hack to reduce anxiety and depression! Originally shared September 17, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling.

You've probably heard the question "WWJD". But you may not have heard the answer "HWLF". What does it stand for and how can we apply it? Let's discuss.  Originally shared September 10, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling.

Just like diversifying bloodlines and investments creates stability and safety, diversifying your identity is one key to emotional safety and stability. Originally shared September 3, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling

Dealing with our emotions can be tricky. And unfortunately it's something they don't teach in schools (but don't get me started on that). So here is a quick and easy lesson to managing emotions more effectively. Originally shared August 27, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling

In this episode, I walk you through a quick session of one of my favorite mindfulness exercises - the body scan.  Originally shared August 20, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling

Bipolar disorder is another one that gets misused a lot as an insult or to describe things like the weather. But not many people know what bipolar disorder actually means.  Originally shared August 6, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling

You've probably heard it in cliche breakup scenes: "it's not you, it's me." Well, that's actually true for most of life.  Originally shared July 30, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling.

Apologies are a vital part of relationships, but sometimes they go horribly wrong. Here are tips for how to both give and receive apologies the right way.  Originally shared July 23, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounseling.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most commonly misunderstood diagnoses. For example, OCD has nothing to do with liking things clean. Let's learn what it actually is about. Originally shared July 16, 2020 on Instagram @tjcounsling

When we internalize the things that happen around us, and that people say or think about us, we create an undue strain on our mental health.  Originally shared July 9, 2020 on Instagram, @tjcounseling.

There are three key components that make up every relationship we have. I'll give you a hint: they probably aren't what you are thinking. Originally shared July 2, 2020 on Instagram, @tjcounseling.

We spend a huge amount of time and effort trying to avoid discomfort. But learning how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable gives you a new level of power.  Originally shared June 25, 2020

Many people tell me how difficult it is for them to stay motivated. Use this hack to tap into unlimited motivation! Originally shared June 18, 2020 on Instagram, @tjcounseling.

The pain that comes from unmet expectations often is often worse than the pain of the actual circumstance. The good news is that means you can easily remove that pain by removing the expectation.  Originally shared June 11, 2020 on Instagram, @tjcounseling.

You might be surprised how some of life's biggest bummers can actually turn out to be huge blessings! Originally shared May 28, 2020 on Instagram, @tjcounseling.

Sometimes self-care gets a bad rep as being selfish, but self care is a huge, vital part of mental health. Originally shared May 21, 2020 on Instagram, @tjcounseling