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anxiety, depression, self esteem, self-worth Sylvia Ruiz anxiety, depression, self esteem, self-worth Sylvia Ruiz

There are no Taboos in Mental Health!

Taboos in mental health refer to societal stigmas, misconceptions, or cultural norms that discourage open discussion, acknowledgment, or acceptance of mental health issues. These taboos can contribute to feelings of shame, isolation, and reluctance to seek help among individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Reducing these feelings associated with mental health taboos requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses societal attitudes, promotes awareness and education, and fosters supportive environments.

Los tabúes en salud mental se refieren a estigmas sociales, conceptos erróneos o normas culturales que desalientan el debate abierto, el reconocimiento o la aceptación de los problemas de salud mental. Estos tabúes pueden contribuir a sentimientos de vergüenza, aislamiento y renuencia a buscar ayuda entre las personas que experimentan problemas de salud mental. Reducir estos sentimientos asociados con los tabúes de salud mental requiere un enfoque multifacético que aborde las actitudes sociales, promueva la conciencia y la educación y fomente entornos de apoyo.

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Positive Note

Positivity is a great way to support a client to become more optimistic that involves providing encouragement, fostering hope, and helping them shift their perspective toward a more positive outlook on life. Our fantastic therapist, Brianna Peed, LPC-A says that she likes to end every one of her sessions on a positive note having the person reflect on a couple of things they feel proud of themselves for from the week or just some things that have been going well. La positividad es una excelente manera de ayudar a un cliente a volverse más optimista, lo que implica brindar aliento, fomentar la esperanza y ayudarlo a cambiar su perspectiva hacia una perspectiva más positiva de la vida. Nuestra fantástica terapeuta, Brianna Peed, LPC-A, dice que le gusta terminar cada una de sus sesiones con una nota positiva, haciendo que la persona reflexione sobre un par de cosas por las que se siente orgullosa de sí misma durante la semana o simplemente sobre algunas cosas que han sido va bien.

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What is Confidentiality?

Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of therapy and is essential for building trust between the therapist and the client. We understand that coming to counseling requires courage, vulnerability, and trust. You need to feel completely comfortable opening up about personal issues without fear of judgment or breach of privacy. That’s why confidentiality is so important! La confidencialidad es un aspecto fundamental de la terapia y es esencial para generar confianza entre el terapeuta y el cliente. Entendemos que acudir a asesoramiento requiere valentía, vulnerabilidad y confianza. Debe sentirse completamente cómodo hablando de cuestiones personales sin temor a ser juzgado o violar la privacidad. ¡Por eso la confidencialidad es tan importante!

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Externalizing a Part/Symptom using Light Stream Meditation

The concept of "parts work" in therapy is often associated with Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. Parts work involves exploring and understanding the different parts of an individual's internal system, each representing distinct emotions, beliefs, memories, and functions.

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Anger Iceberg

The Anger Iceberg is a therapeutic technique used in mental health counseling to explore and understand the underlying emotions beneath anger. It is based on the idea that anger is often a surface-level emotion that masks deeper, more complex feelings. The iceberg metaphor suggests that just as only a small portion of an iceberg is visible above the waterline, anger is just the tip of the emotional iceberg.

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How to be an ally supporting Transgender and Nonbinary

The first step in becoming a better ally to the transgender and nonbinary is to learn more. There are many things you may not know, and you will probably make some mistakes along the way. It is crucial to understand that it is okay to make mistakes along the way as long as we learn from them. To be an ally is to put in some of the work on your own. It is not the responsibility of the LGBTQ+ community to educate you. You must take accountability and put in work/research.

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Managing Teen Emotions

Being a teen is tough stuff. I mean can you remember back to when you were in middle/high school? All of the stress of keeping up with grades, latest trends, parent demands, extracurricular activities, and as if that wasn’t enough, all of the drama! The drama between couples, friends, and home was at times just too much to bear.

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Loneliness in the Social Media Age

It is human nature to want to feel belonging. To want to be a part of something. To feel connected to someone or something. COVID felt very isolating for many people. Many individuals had to seclude themselves to avoid COVID or spreading it to others. It was and may still feel like a very disruptive time in society and an individual’s lives. Since then, for many life has felt very different. So, what changed?

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Real Talk

Reducing self-criticism is a valuable step toward improving mental health and fostering a more positive self-image. Identify and challenge negative thoughts about yourself. Consider whether these thoughts are based on facts or distorted perceptions. Replace negative thoughts with more realistic and positive ones.

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Reinventing Yourself

Take time to reflect on your values, interests, and goals. Consider how your current self aligns with these aspects. This self-awareness can provide a foundation for accepting and understanding your evolving identity. Establish intentions or goals for your self-reflection practice. Outline what you hope to achieve, whether it's personal growth, enhanced self-awareness, or improved decision-making.

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Challenging Yourself

Affirmations are positive statements that are repeated to oneself with the intention of fostering a positive mindset and changing one's beliefs or thought patterns. Sylvia Ruiz, LPC-A bilingual spanish therapy latinx latino latina hispanic houston texas 77069

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Positive Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements that are repeated to oneself with the intention of fostering a positive mindset and changing one's beliefs or thought patterns.

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Assessing Dissociation

Dissociation is a complex psychological phenomenon characterized by a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. It is typically assessed through clinical interviews, self-report measures, and observations of behavior. Dissociative symptoms are associated with various mental health conditions, such as dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other trauma-related disorders. If you are concerned about dissociative symptoms or are seeking an assessment, it's important to consult with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker. T

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Tracking Daily Moods

Mood tracking is a component of a holistic approach to health. It allows you to consider the interconnectedness of factors such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, and social interactions that influence your mental well-being. There are various methods for mood tracking, ranging from traditional journaling to smartphone apps designed for this purpose. Choose a method that fits your preferences and lifestyle. Remember that while mood tracking can be a valuable tool, it is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing persistent or severe mood changes, it's important to consult with a mental health professional for personalized support and guidance.

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Benefits of Meditation

Meditation can offer a wide range of benefits for mental health. While individual experiences may vary, numerous studies suggest that incorporating meditation into one's routine can have positive effects on overall well-being.

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Just World Myth

The Just World Myth is a cognitive bias or belief that suggests that people generally get what they deserve and deserve what they get. In other words, it implies that the world is inherently fair, and individuals receive outcomes in life that are in line with their actions and character.

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Tips on Taking Control

Not focusing on what you can't control is a crucial skill for maintaining mental well-being and reducing stress. Recognize that life is unpredictable, and unexpected events will occur. Embrace flexibility and adaptability. Being open to change and uncertainty can reduce anxiety about uncontrollable factors. Remember that letting go of the need to control everything is a process that takes time and practice. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can develop a healthier mindset and focus on what you can influence positively.

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Tips on Grounding Techniques

Grounding techniques can be helpful in managing stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions by bringing your focus to the present moment. Engaging the five senses is a common approach to grounding.

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How Sport & Performance Counseling Can Benefit Athletes

Sports are not just about physical skill; they also require mental skill. Whether you are a professional, youth, or amateur athlete, mental state plays a significant role in performance. This is where sport and performance therapy can come into play, offering athletes a unique resource to unlock their true potential. So, what is sport and performance counseling and how can it benefit athletes?

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5 Steps to Setting Boundaries

From your significant other to your mother, relationships are complicated. This is not to say that relationships aren’t worth it. Though, sometimes it may feel that way. Sometimes you may feel the urge to cut ties because you’re sick of feeling hurt or tired of fighting. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. However, it may be worth exploring the concept of boundaries before burning any bridges.

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