A Happy Mind for a Better Life
What’s a single practice that’s been credited with reducing anxiety, treating depression, decreasing implicit age and race bias and increasing body satisfaction? Mindfulness.
Mindfulness encourages people to pay attention to the present moment, acknowledging and accepting their thoughts and sensations, without making judgments. It can help to heighten awareness of our emotional, cognitive, and physical experiences.
EMDR is successful in reprocessing addiction memory (the type of memory that worsens cravings). In one study, chronically alcohol-dependent clients received either traditional addiction treatment or traditional addiction treatment with two EMDR sessions. Clients who received only traditional treatment reported no reduction in cravings, while clients who received the adjunctive EMDR treatment experienced significant reduction.
We don’t throw around the word “mentor” very often—the mentor-mentee relationship just isn’t as popular a topic as our romantic, friendly, or familial dynamics. This is unfortunate, as healthy mentor-mentee relationships can enhance the wellbeing and groundedness of all involved. So what is a mentor? A mentor can be anyone who has been where you’d… read more
Just as people aren’t born “good” or “bad,” no one is born a cynic or an idealist. Our view of the world is shaped by our experiences—which is a relief, because it means we can change that view if we see fit. But which should we strive for, cynicism or idealism? What are Idealism and… read more
We’ve all been there. Whether it’s with a roommate who keeps leaving out dirty dishes, a friend who borrows money without paying us back, or a significant other who isn’t pulling their domestic weight, at some point, we’ve all had to start an uncomfortable conversation. These topics can be difficult to navigate, but it’s essential… read more
Many of us love Autumn, a time when your activities may include making yourself a cup of tea, getting cozy in your favorite blanket, and watching raindrops drizzle down your window. But have you ever felt as though the cooler weather has a tenacious hold on your mood? Do you ever notice your energy level… read more
More and more therapists are describing themselves as “trauma-informed” or “experienced in trauma care”—but what does that mean, and how can trauma-informed care (TIC) benefit those of us seeking treatment? Dr. Julie Lopez, creator of the Viva Center’s Trauma Informed Clinical Practice Certificate Program, helps us break down how TIC can affect your wellness journey… read more
Despite the costs exacted by psychological conditions, in 2016, only 41% of adults with a mental health issue received any form of treatment. Long wait times and a lack of accessible care are a few reasons why people fail to seek clinical support, but some of the most insidious barriers between individuals and mental health care are the toxic myths that have sprung up around both psychological health and the therapeutic process.
The brain is our body’s control center, so it’s natural that more therapists are turning to brain-based treatment methods to resolve issues more effectively. As our knowledge of this organ grows, the ways to enhance brain function and tap into its power to heal do too.
