On self-care, breathing and living life

Everyday we encounter challenges. Many have traumatic experiences that make them feel numb, useless and inadequate. She of us just are trying to make it through the day without a panic attack. When I tell my clients to embrace self-care what exactly am I envisioning? Well...let's talk about it. Self-care means what you want it to. Sound too simple? I bet. Self-care means taking care of you. Since we are all different that proper definition might just come have to come from the recipient. Some people love bubble baths...I prefer a very hot shower with music in the background and all kinds of spa like masques near by. You see my point? Self-care is up to you. The list can go on and on...the most important list when it comes to self-care is to schedule it in. Yes. make it happen. Do it. Today. What can you do today? Play basketball? Knit? read? Watch a movie? It does not matter...but make it work for you today. Take a breath, do a self-care activity and live because although the next challenge may be around the corner the next self-care activity can help you get through it.

Preparing your child for therapy tip #6

6) Hire a therapist that has a specialty in child and adolescent modalities.

It is important that your child enters this new journey with a therapist that is familiar with treating children. It is not enough for them to decide that they will take on your special case-be sure that they typically treat this population. What does this mean? It means that they understand current trends, pop-culture amongst this population and generally like children and teens. It is an added burden for a kid or teen to explain generational differences to their therapist. A good counselor for kids or teens needs to care about current events when it comes to young people.

How to prepare your child for therapy Tip #2

2) Be honest about your own limitations.

Make sure that your child knows that although you are 100% committed to helping them. It is important that they know that you are dedicated to being there for them. This is a great opportunity to let them know that we all need help sometimes and the best way that you can help them is to bring in a professional who can help the entire family.

Summer Goals

What do you want to work on this summer? Are you determined to change your daily routine? Would you like to see yourself embrace a healthy lifestyle? Are you confused about what to change? Some people want to work on their lives but have no idea where to start. This summer can be a great time to make some specific goals to put into practice. If you need help deciphering your needs I can be your listening ear and help you to find the right solution for yourself.

NEW GROUP SIGN UP ( Summer Parenting Circle)

Summer Parenting Circle Therapy Group begins June 27th! This workshop/group is designed to help participants to embrace self-care and support. We focus on creative activities, self-help based discussion, mindfulness and overall mental health. This is your day of the week to relieve stress and to find solutions that can help you cope with parenting in a healthy and solution-focused environment. 5 sessions for $120. Sign up here on the side bar. Have questions? Email: info@taramichener.com or call 734-968-4458

A season to savor

Spring is in the air and summer is on the horizon. Have you decided how you will spend this season? Warm weather brings with it many health benefits. Soaking in the sunshine can be down on the beach, in a park or on a bike ride or walk. Taking time to simply sit outside can motivate careful reflection and an appreciation of the bright days that this time of the year can offer. In the midwest warm weather is not always a given. Have you thought of the best way to take advantage of the sunnier weather? Make a list. Write down all of the things that you can do during the Spring and Summer that can prove challenging during the Fall and winter. After your list is written-start figuring out how to add some of these to your schedule. Enjoy!

Take my breath away...

How often do you get overwhelmed? Anxious? Stressed? Do you ever feel out of control? Try taking a deep breath. Calmly close your eyes. Think of something that makes you happy or at peace and focus on that mental picture. Exhale in. Exhale out. Repeat this until you feel better. It is not a miracle cure but it might make you feel like you are more in control and allow you the clarity to deal with the emotions that you are experiencing at the present moment with a clear head. Remember that a therapist can always be of help if you need to get a handle on the hard stuff and that this blog is not intended to treat any medical or mental condition.