By Dr. Sara Michelson Licensed Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C. Exercise isn’t just good for your body—it does wonders for your mind too! Here are some key psychological benefits: Improved Mood: Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. It can also reduce stress hormones like cortisol, leaving you feeling increasingly relaxed …
Ever notice how good you feel after exercising? The other day, I was seconds from working out when my husband walked by and made an annoying comment about the living room mess. My blood pressure rose, my fists clenched, and my jaw tightened. I was getting ready to snap back at him but decided my …
The Science of Happy Hormones: How to Enhance Your Mental Well-being Read More »
By Dr. Sara Michelson Licensed Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C. The Impact of Cold Weather and Low Light on Mood The changing seasons, particularly during the transition to colder months, can significantly influence our mood and overall mental well-being. Cold weather and reduced daylight—common during the fall and winter months—can alter how we feel both emotionally …
By Dr. Sara Michelson Licensed Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C. Why Holidays Can Feel Difficult Holidays are often marketed as times of joy, celebration, and connection, moments that families and friends look forward to with excitement; however, for many, holidays can feel difficult, even stressful or painful. This contrast between societal expectations of happiness and personal …
Maintaining Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season Read More »
Maddy Archambault, LAC In recent years, the concept of nervous system regulation has gained cultural traction—and for good reason. Learning to calm our bodies is essential for managing stress, anxiety, and trauma. However, many of us have unintentionally misinterpreted this practice, believing that any uncomfortable emotion is bad or must be regulated away as quickly …
Regulation or Bypassing: Are You Rushing Your Emotions? Read More »
In the 2003 holiday movie classic, “Elf,” the main character, Buddy, shares a particular fondness for the holiday season, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” No matter what traditions you celebrate this winter, not everyone shares Buddy’s enthusiasm for this season. While the holidays can be a …
Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season Read More »
By Dr. Sara Michelson Licensed Psychologist Chapel Hill N.C. Insomnia, the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, can have wide-ranging effects on both physical and mental health. When chronic or severe, it can significantly impair an individual’s quality of life and overall well-being. Here is a breakdown of some of the primary effects of …
How are you doing? Most of you have probably seen the recent post that went viral from Elmo asking the question “How are you doing?”… It is no surprise the number of responses the post attracted. This is one of the many ways Sesame Street seems to often understand what the world needs more than …
Where does anxiety begin – How do you treat it in therapy? Read More »
We all know the sensation of being caught in a spiral of negative thoughts, unable to break away. The name for this kind of intrusive and repetitive thinking pattern is called perseverative cognition; this post takes a look at ways in which this particular thinking pattern contributes to anxiety and how we can effectively manage …
Well, here we are. Another chapter ending and a new year beginning in linear time – all the while the earth in the northern hemisphere quiets. The tension in these rhythms is palpable to me as I practice surrendering into wintering while the world rages. – Current Practice: With this chapter of the moon, in …
Emotions can play an important role in how you think and behave. The emotions you feel each day can compel you to take action and influence the decisions you make about your life, both large and small. Emotions can be short-lived, such as a flash of annoyance at a co-worker, or long-lasting, such as enduring …
Anguish is an intense and complex emotional state caused by mental or physical suffering. When people experience anguish, they often feel extreme distress, sadness, torment, turmoil, and inner pain. While such feelings are often associated with losses or trauma, other overwhelming life challenges can also trigger this emotional state. Anguish feels like deep sorrow and …
Austin Texas Counselor Carolyn Maurin is now offering Online counseling. Online counseling has revolutionized the accessibility of making positive changes in your life. As a Texas-based online counselor, I witness my clients thriving and conquering challenges while receiving therapy from various locations, such as the comfort of their homes, during work breaks, between classes, or …
Introducing Austin Texas Counselor Carolyn Maurin, LPC, LCDC, MA Read More »
Getting Through Grief and Letting Go Letting go of grief is no easy task. Grief is something you might be holding tight to—a reminder of your loved one or a connection to their memory. Loosening your grip and ultimately surrendering your grief can seem like a scary and daunting task but it’s a necessary process …
By: Alison Printz, LSW Swipe right on a picture of a cute stranger. Match with them. They message you. Go out on a few dates. A few dates turn into a couple months of dating. They’ve met your friends, they spend Sunday mornings with you having bagels, they’re best friends with your dog. Then when …
Shifting red flags to green flags: how to avoid the “situationship” Read More »
Self-help books and resources can provide valuable insights and strategies for personal development and growth. They often encourage us to “Eat the Frog” or “Do Hard Things” as a means to overcome challenges and achieve our goals. While these principles are helpful, many of us find that there are deeper reasons why we struggle to …
Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that influences our relationships and overall well-being. As therapists, we strive to unravel the intricacies of human connections, seeking to guide individuals on their path to healthier and more fulfilling relationships. In this article, we delve into the ancient Greek forms of love, shedding light on how they …
The daily grind sometimes seems to just build up and build up over time. We often don’t realize how much we are carrying or how much pressure we are experiencing until something minute tips the scale. When that happens, we may become increasingly aware of the discomfort, emotional or physical, that is present for us. …
The following is part of an email thread between a client and myself. I thought I would post it as there is value here for everyone feeling the effects of what I call “parenting anomalies”. “Q: How can I fix my childhood neglect? A: The problem is there is no one magic thing that anyone …