Creative Solutions Behavioral Health, PLLC
Online & In-Person Counseling with Texas Licensed Psychologists
Being out in nature is one of the best ways to destress and manage your mental health. Multiple studies have showcased the healing benefits of nature. It reduces stress, improves your mood, and can help with issues like depression and anxiety.
...continue reading "How Nature Soothes Us"
What is compulsive shopping? It’s not uncommon to treat yourself to a shopping trip every now and then. You might even feel a burst of happiness when you make a purchase, or you’re able to get something you really want. The idea of ‘retail therapy’ is really something that can help put some people in a better mood. But, there’s a fine line between buying things frequently and compulsive shopping.
And, that line matters.
...continue reading "Could You be a Compulsive Shopper?"
There have been multiple studies to show the mental and physical health benefits of pets. It has even been found that simply being around a dog or petting it can boost your mood and make you feel better. That’s one reason why pet therapy has become so popular across the country.
If you have a pet at home, you probably have no problem singing their praises. Pet owners often treat their furry friends like family, and see the wonderful benefits they can provide. But, it’s more than just that good, loving feeling you get after arriving home after a long day at work. It’s more than those sloppy kisses that make you laugh or the warm cuddles in the rocking chair.
...continue reading "Animals Make Us Better: Exploring the Power of Pets"
Stumbling blocks are a natural part of life. Some people struggle with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that feel crippling at times. Others have to deal with the pain of a chronic condition or illness. Even sudden or unexpected life changes can cause you to stumble. Whether it’s a divorce, job loss, or the death of someone you love, there are likely going to be things that make you feel stunted or blocked from your original path.
Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to get lost in those difficulties. In an effort to understand how and why it has happened, it is easy to start viewing them as failures. When you look at those difficult things that way, those stumbling blocks can feel like boulders.
So, why not view them as stepping stones, instead?
...continue reading "Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones? How to Grow From Your Difficulties"
Have you over felt swamped by your emotions? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your feelings in situations? Do you notice that at times you get stuck in your emotional responses to life events? Well then maybe you may be getting sunk by the suffering that comes with "dirty pain".
...continue reading "Suffering Succotash: Reducing the “Dirty Pain” of Suffering in Life"
Do you need more coping skills? No matter how hard we try, there will always be times when life’s challenges seem to be more than we can manage. Life is hard, and will inevitably have ups and downs. Often the most stressful parts of life are those times when we can’t FIX the problem, and we just have to cope with it.
...continue reading "Universal Ways to Improve Mood"
Holiday Stress can be overwhelming. The holidays are meant to bring an increase in happiness and connection with others, but often become the cause of increased stress, frustration, anxiety, and conflict.
James Baraz wrote an article for the Greater Good Foundation (Here) with some really good basic strategies to focus on when the Grinch sneaks into our hearts and minds.
...continue reading "Dealing with Holiday Stress"
Casual conversations can turn tense very quickly. It is often hard to manage the intensity of our feelings when discussing sensitive topics, like politics, religion, parenting, and other topics we care about. This is especially true when talking with family, friends, or coworkers who see things very differently than we do. How to keep the peace without sacrificing our beliefs? Here are some key points to keep in mind, as outlined by the APA.
...continue reading "Managing stressful conversations when you disagree politically."
