Hello! My name is Julia Gardner. I am a counseling intern here at Embark Counseling Services. July 25th honors National Intern Appreciation Day, so I wanted to share what I have gained from my experience. My goal for this post is twofold: one, to provide upcoming interns with some perspective on being successful in their internship, and two, to help people understand the wonderful benefits of working with a counseling intern.
International Self-Care Day is celebrated on July 24th, an occasion that promotes self-care as a component of healthy daily living. More recently, I’ve observed how self-care is often confused with “little treat culture.” I like to encourage clients to think of self-care as a holistic means of wellness, something more robust than purchasing their favorite iced coffee.
By the time you and your child make it to our offices for Play Therapy, you have likely been struggling with emotions and behaviors, not to mention family dynamics, for a little while. You are ready for things to feel better in your family, for your child to behave and learn to manage big feelings more easily. Whatever has gotten you to this point, it will take some time, understanding, and intention to realize the cohesion and improved behaviors you desire.
When was the last time you experienced a win? Maybe you hit all the green lights on your way to work. Or you finally got that promotion you had been working so hard for. How deeply did you feel these experiences? Furthermore, what did you learn? ...Now, when was the last time you failed?
In honor of Pride Month, I wanted to call attention to the LGBTQ+ experience and how it relates to mental health concerns and treatment. As a counselor who works with people in the LGBTQ+ community, and as someone who is part of this community myself, I have yet to meet another from this community who has not experienced adversity along the way. What do we, as a community, know about these experiences?
This month is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and PTSD Awareness Month, and I'm grateful because it allows me to bring attention to how PTSD and trauma affect men's mental health. A large number of men suffer from the impacts of trauma, and there are many ways that men may be hiding their suffering.
Memorial Day is a day meant to honor those in the U.S. military who have died while serving their country. I only really understood the weight of Memorial Day once I became a little older. Growing up, my family cut flowers from our iris patch and peony bushes, tying them together in little bunches to take to the cemetery.
Being a first responder is tough. As a mental health professional specialized in working with first responders, I have heard the challenges that come with the job of being a first responder. You're always focused on helping others, but it's just as important to take care of yourself.
We’ve all been there. We get home for the evening and start debating whether we should relax and unwind or catch up on some chores. It’s an internal battle everyone faces, which can lead to negative thinking, feelings of shame, and overwhelm. However, engaging in intentional self-care and purposely setting aside time for yourself is vital to not only to your mental health but your overall health and wellness.
Today, we celebrate Earth Day! This annual event, observed on April 22, is a global initiative dedicated to appreciating the beauty of nature and advocating for the health of our planet. Interestingly, caring for the environment is not just about the earth; it’s also about caring for our mental health. The connection between our environment and our mental well-being is profound.