In the past, the scientific community believed that by early adulthood, the adult brain structures were primarily fixed and permanent with a set number of brain cells. They once thought that changes to the brain structures only occurred during infancy and childhood. More recently, our understanding of the most complex machine – our brain – […]
I am sitting in the same place as one year ago, a year older. The trees I see are the same trees. In the lock-down’s “new normal” mode, life seems to have boiled down to a long wait. The cycles of nature have continued through our lockdown. This is reinforced by noticing that my garden […]
By Lauren Berger, MSW, RSW The topic on everyone’s lips around the world is Coronavirus and, if you’re like me, you might be finding it all a tad overwhelming. Widespread health care scares can induce anxiety symptoms in the most chilled out people, so those who regularly experience anxiety may not be feeling so hot […]
This pandemic brings with it extended periods of generalized stress, uncertainty, and feelings of being locked-up with our thoughts, either alone or only a few other humans. We are all finding that it is lasting long enough that staying in a positive mindset can be a challenge. I have been looking at ways to help […]
All of us are showing a lot of resilience during these COVID-19 times. Every day brings new challenges. How we will survive this pandemic depends on many factors, but it definitely depends on the level of resilience we can muster. One of the big differences between people that are more resilient and those that are less […]
I want to feel CONNECTED. PASSIONATELY ENGAGED. CURIOUS. When we are clear about how we want to feel we are more likely to recognize unwanted feelings that lower our souls vibration and keep us stuck – think fear and anxiety. Most forms of discomfort are communicative; sending our bodies and minds messages that something is off. […]
Working with many patients who present with the High Sensitivity Person Trait, I come across many individuals who think they have anxiety. So, how does someone know if anxiety is the actual problem or not? What does the High Sensitivity Trait have to do with this? First, let me describe the High Sensitivity Trait so […]
By Lauren Berger, MSW, RSW Self-care is a huge buzzword (buzz phrase?) these days. The premise is sound: do things throughout your month, week, day to care for yourself amidst everything you “have to” do, such as go to work, care for your kids, and make sure your home isn’t a total dump. The subtext […]
“No.” It’s the shortest sentence in the English language, but for many it’s the hardest one to say. Sometimes we feel like we’ll be missing out or get in trouble for saying it, but if we never say “no”, we wind up with much bigger problems. There are big benefits to learning how to say […]
Social anxiety can feel like you’re permanently in your worst phase of junior high: tongue-tied, anxious, and full of dread. This seems totally counterintuitive to what social experiences are “meant” to be, namely positive, enjoyable, fun times. If the idea of a simple Starbucks date with a pal or colleague has you wanting to dive […]
