Originally posted November 13, 2018. Hobby Corner: Fall Warming Salve for Pain Relief This spring and summer, I wildcrafted some herbs to infuse in base oils for use in making some fall and winter salves. I made comfrey , dandelion and calendula oils. This November, I made my first fall/winter warming salve. Because, like any others, I do intense work as a psychotherapist, I tend towards hobbies that being me in contact with nature, such as hiking, gardening and her

Using self-soothing tools during times of ease helps build an inner reserve of calm and makes it more natural to reach for supportive comfort when stress arises. When emotions start to shift into high gear, these same tools can help you mindfully return to the present moment. Sensory awareness grounds you by gently anchoring the body in the here and now.

Originally posted March 9, 2018. I believe cultivating the habits of thought and action that nurtures mental health is an ongoing,...

Originally posted January 23, 2018. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well researched therapy used to treat...

ACCEPTS is a DBT distress tolerance skill that offers practical ways to shift attention when emotions feel unmanageable.

Originally posted January 8, 2018. I use my Vision Board process to move myself away from magical thinking. I don’t believe if you think it, it’s will be so. Envisioning ...followed by long periods of hard work and persistence is what propels me towards my goals. Yes, I love setting intention and using visualization, but I use a Vision Board to move me away from intentions and towards concrete steps on my yearly plan. The Vision Board process helps me clarify what I wan

You can practice mindfulness everyday by following your breath and using a grounding mantra

Updated August, 2021 Goodness, if mindfulness was a drug, there would be ads everywhere about its effectiveness! And it’s free and available to us at all times. Mindfulness is the heightened awareness of inner and outer experiences through focused attention in the present moment. Mindfulness and positive intention can be purposefully cultivated and used for healing. Current research confirms this ancient belief. Today there is a big movement to incorporate mindfulness and

Originally posted June 12, 2017. Aromatherapy is an age-old technique involving essentials oils that are beneficial to the mind and the...

The Lovingkindness (Metta) meditation is a practice of cultivating self-compassion and expansive care for oneself and others. For many mothers, it offers a gentle way to soften self-criticism, slow down, and reconnect with an inner sense of kindness during demanding seasons of life. I’ve created a free version of the Lovingkindness meditation for you to listen to whenever you need to. I practice Lovingkindness meditation several times a week, and if course, under stress is wh

Heather Barson’s story is extraordinary. She writes about her recovery from post-traumatic stress after childbirth — about navigating a healthcare system that did not protect her autonomy, about isolation, about anger, about meaning-making, and ultimately about healing. Her journey is layered, complex, and deeply human. I admire her immensely. Please join me in welcoming Heather Barson. Q: Tell me briefly about what you do in your life & work outside this space. Heather: M