Cognitive behavioral therapy (better known as CBT) is considered one of the most successful forms of psychotherapy and coping skills development. Conceptualized by Aaron Beck at the University of Pennsylvania, this therapy incorporates both talk therapy and behavioral strategies in its approach. CBT helps clients understand the thoughts that influence their feelings and behaviors. Because […]
Self-Discovery Journal Prompts In what situations has my greatest strength served me well? What are ten things I am grateful for this week? What can I do to take better care of myself? What do I need more of in my life? What does my ideal day look like? What is a missed opportunity I
Getting teens to talk can be hard work! Talking about problems directly can seem scary, confusing, or embarrassing. A lot of teens hate the idea of talking to adults, and this may leave them (and their parents) feeling like therapy may not be the best way to help. Boy, do we have news for you!
How Play Therapy Helps Teens Thrive Read More »
Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Stress, Teens, Therapy, Treatments
You screwed up. Now you have to own it. We all make mistakes, and sometimes we hurt people – intentionally or unintentionally – with our choices. Apologizing isn’t always easy, but it helps restore trust in a relationship when you’ve harmed the other person. How to apologize is a crucial life skill that can help
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Couples, Family, How To, Professional/Work
Early sunsets, colder temperatures, snow, and gray skies. The change in weather and the slump after the holidays can make some of us feel the winter blues. seasonal affective disorder The winter blues is a general term for feeling down throughout the winter months, typically December through February. Some of us feel this decline, especially
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Anxiety, Depression, How To, Stress, Wellness
I’ll bet you write daily. Facebook posts. Instagram posts. Tweets. Texts. therapy journal Recording our experiences is human nature – hey, how else have we gotten so many novels, textbooks, and research? We can use our natural urge to record to our benefit! Journaling is a form of writing that not only records our thoughts,
An Introduction to Journaling Read More »
Anxiety, Depression, How To, Journals, Stress, Wellness
The decision to come to therapy can be scary – scary AF, to be honest. It can be difficult to know what to expect, where to start, and whether you’re at a spot in your life where you would truly benefit from attending sessions. Most of us initially feel uncertain when we have the idea
Am I Ready for Therapy? When the Answer is Yes! Read More »
Anxiety, Children, Couples, Depression, Family, Getting Started, Grief, Parenting, Stress, Teens, Therapy, Wellness
Gratitude is often touted as the golden key to happiness, but what happens when you just can’t seem to feel it? Maybe life feels heavy, or you’re stuck in a cycle of challenges that make “counting your blessings” sound like an unrealistic chore. If you’ve ever felt like gratitude is out of reach, you’re not
When Gratitude Feels Impossible: Practical Alternatives for Tough Times Read More »
Acceptance, Challenges, Coping Skills, Emotions, Gratitude
Grief is one of the most personal and challenging experiences a person can face. When someone you care about is grieving, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to say or do. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, making them feel worse, or even avoiding them altogether because you don’t know how to
How to Support a Grieving Friend: A Guide to Compassionate Conversations Read More »
Communication, Connection, Friends, Grief, Guides
Finding the right therapist can feel a bit like dating—except instead of sharing awkward first-date stories, you’re sharing your deepest fears and hopes. The connection between you and your therapist is one of the most important parts of the therapeutic process. It can be the difference between feeling stuck and making real progress. But how
How to Tell If Your Therapist Is the Right Fit for You Read More »
Clinicians, Getting Started, Therapy
Let’s face it—uncomfortable conversations are inevitable. Whether it’s addressing a boundary with a loved one, providing constructive feedback at work, or navigating a delicate topic with a friend, these moments can feel like walking a tightrope. But here’s the truth: uncomfortable conversations are often the gateway to deeper understanding and healthier relationships. So, how do
Mastering Uncomfortable Conversations: A Guide to Building Connection and Understanding Read More »
Communication, Connection, Relationships
We’ve all been there—your child is upset, and you just want to fix it. It’s tempting to jump in with advice, logic, or even a distraction to soothe the situation quickly. But what if the most helpful thing you could do was just to listen and validate their feelings? Validating your child’s emotions is about
How to Validate Your Child’s Feelings: Practical Tips for Parents Read More »
Children, Emotions, Parenting, Tips
Burnout is like a slow leak in your tire—by the time you realize something’s wrong, you’re already running on empty. It can sneak up on anyone, especially in today’s fast-paced world where we’re constantly juggling work, family, social obligations, and that never-ending list of things to do. If you’ve been feeling drained, unmotivated, or emotionally
5 Practical Ways to Combat Burnout and Reclaim Your Energy Read More »
Boundaries, Connection, Family, Friends, Relationships, Therapy
Grief can be one of the most complex emotions we experience, and yet it’s something we all face at some point. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or even a life change like moving to a new city, grief has a way of sneaking up on us and staying longer than
Honoring Your Grief: How to Navigate Loss with Compassion Read More »
Compassion, Emotions, Grief, How To
Certified AutPlay providers treat children and families through a natural, play therapy-based approach that is both therapist-led and parent-led. This collaborative model combines play therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relationship development to assist children and adolescents in gaining needed skills and abilities. AutPlay Therapy Addresses Improvement in the Following Areas: Emotional Regulation Ability Social Skills
