Mindset | Blog

When anxiety becomes overbearing, is the urge to run away irresistible? What are you missing out on when you avoid the pain? You can learn skills to find joy and let go of your fear!

View original article published in Psych Central– Alice had experienced many successes in her youth. She was gifted with athletic skills, intelligence, and an outgoing personality. She qualified for a scholarship in college and graduated with honors from a prestigious program. Alice enjoyed the praise of others, and felt she should be happy but was not. She had developed the habit of comparing herself with others. When she could not keep up with what she believed were others’ expectations, she felt anxious and depressed. She would say, “If I make a mistake, others will judge me, and I will be nothing!” Perfectionism is a topic of interest to many because of the impact it can have in individuals’ lives. There is nothing wrong with having a d

View original article published in Psych Central – “Are you sure I have OCD?” “What if it is something else?” “Am I going crazy?” “Are these thoughts normal?” These are among many questions individuals struggling with OCD ask themselves. Even when they have been thoroughly assessed and diagnosed with OCD by their mental health provider, sufferers’ doubts and the need for reassurance seeking continues. It has been said that OCD is the doubting disease. Uncertainty is the driving force behind OCD. The need to know the consequence of their thoughts or behaviors leads individuals to compulsions. When OCD targets individual’s fears of contamination, they reassure themselves by doing compulsions such as washing and avoiding certain substances. W

We, human beings, are always looking for experiences, activities, and ideas to increase our sense of well-being.  The Science Daily recently reported on several studies indicating that when we sleep more, give away money, and spend money in experiences –not material things– our sense of well-being will increase. Here is a summary: Sleep: People who experience gratitude are happier and healthier.  However, if people wish to feel more gratitude towards others, more sleep is needed.  Gratitude is a prosocial behavior that enhances our psychosocial well-being.  Unfortunately, many of us “pride” ourselves in getting by with little sleep.  There is plenty of research that confirms getting enough sleep strengthens our physical and our psychologica

I have been working as a therapist for a while and I love my job!  It is inspiring and humbling when I witness my clients’ progress.  It is rewarding when I see them work hard in order to learn skills that will take them to the places they want to be in their lives. In my conversations with a dear friend, we always talk about making a difference and he always says:  “at the end of the day, it is about the people.”  Indeed it is!  I believe I can make a difference at least one client at a time. My hope is that by writing through this blog I may be able to help others as I share ideas, skills, and experiences from either myself and experts in the mental health field. You’ll be hearing from me soon. Annabella