Are you stressed? It could be a result of a stressful home life, habits, or chaotic work conditions. Instead of adopting old habits (reaching for food, drinking, or smoking for comfort) to deal with stress that could only lead to other problems. Here’s more options of on a list of things you can do to get your life to a more manageable level of stress, a continuation from our last post.
3. Simplify your finances. Spending too much, late fees, trying to remember when to pay
what bill, or finding those paper bills that you’ve placed somewhere. First, pinpoint what
stresses you out about your finances. Automate savings, bill payments, and debt
payments can be a solution. Or it could be trying to spend less by reducing your shopping
trips (online too).
4. Have a blast! Have fun each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This may include
playing with your kids outside, watching a funny TV show, reading your favorite comic
or looking online for silly jokes or inspirational phrases. Engage in something that takes
your mind of your stressors daily. Play sports, board games, read, dance, or watch
Youtube videos. Whatever you choose, be sure to laugh.
5. One thing at a time!
Start reducing your stress today! But remember, take it slow and do one thing at a time.
Focus as much as possible on doing one thing at a time. Clear your desk of distractions.
Pick something to work on. Need to get ready for a presentation at work? Do only that.
Remove distractions such as phones and email notifications while you’re working on
that report. This takes practice, and you’ll get urges to do other things. But it can be done!
If you would like some support in order to manage your stress, counseling can help. You can visit our website www.HealingLLC.com or contact us at 240-274-5680 or Admin@HealingLLC.com with any questions or to schedule a counseling appointment.
Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP, Director, Gaithersburg Counseling Center
Dena Alalfey, Graduate Intern
References: Zen habits : Breathe. (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2015, from
http://zenhabits.net/10-simple-ways-to-live-a-less-stressful-life/
Showing posts with label depression screening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label depression screening. Show all posts
Friday, May 1, 2015
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Attempt to Reduce Stress - What is Stress? - Adapted from a Post written by Leo Babauta (Part 1/2)
Stress - /stres/
noun
1. Pressure or tension exerted on a material object.
2. A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very
demanding circumstances.
verb
1. Give particular emphasis or importance to (a point, statement, or idea) made in speech
or writing.
2. Subject to pressure or tension.
Are you stressed? It could be a result of a stressful home life, habits, or chaotic work conditions. Instead of adopting old habits (reaching for food, drinking, or smoking for comfort) to deal with stress that could only lead to other problems, or attempting to eliminate stress completely from our lives, we can know that stress is evident in everyone’s life and there are ways to reduce it. No need to strive for a stress free life.
First, it’s not possible! And second, stress challenges us and helps us grow. When stress gets too high, we feel unhappy and can become unhealthy. See our next post for more from our list of things you can do to get your life to a more manageable level of stress.
1. Be early. It may sound challenging to do if you like to hit that snooze button or if you
have kids to get out of the door with you. But being late can make you frantic. This can
be a stressful start to your day. Try waking up earlier, or scheduling more space between
events. Getting somewhere a few minutes early can give you time to catch up on your
reading or browse the internet on your phone or get ready for your next meeting.
2. Declutter. Take 20-30 minutes to throw away things you don’t need in each room.
Clutter can be very stressful when looking at or when trying to find things we’re looking
for. A decluttered space is found to be a peaceful environment for work, play, and living.
For each object, you can ask yourself "Does this bring joy, peace and calm into my life?",
and see what emerges as the response.
Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP, Director, Gaithersburg Counseling Center
Dena Alalfey, Graduate Intern
References: Zen habits : Breathe. (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2015, from
http://zenhabits.net/10-simple-ways-to-live-a-less-stressful-life/
noun
1. Pressure or tension exerted on a material object.
2. A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very
demanding circumstances.
verb
1. Give particular emphasis or importance to (a point, statement, or idea) made in speech
or writing.
2. Subject to pressure or tension.
Are you stressed? It could be a result of a stressful home life, habits, or chaotic work conditions. Instead of adopting old habits (reaching for food, drinking, or smoking for comfort) to deal with stress that could only lead to other problems, or attempting to eliminate stress completely from our lives, we can know that stress is evident in everyone’s life and there are ways to reduce it. No need to strive for a stress free life.
First, it’s not possible! And second, stress challenges us and helps us grow. When stress gets too high, we feel unhappy and can become unhealthy. See our next post for more from our list of things you can do to get your life to a more manageable level of stress.
1. Be early. It may sound challenging to do if you like to hit that snooze button or if you
have kids to get out of the door with you. But being late can make you frantic. This can
be a stressful start to your day. Try waking up earlier, or scheduling more space between
events. Getting somewhere a few minutes early can give you time to catch up on your
reading or browse the internet on your phone or get ready for your next meeting.
2. Declutter. Take 20-30 minutes to throw away things you don’t need in each room.
Clutter can be very stressful when looking at or when trying to find things we’re looking
for. A decluttered space is found to be a peaceful environment for work, play, and living.
For each object, you can ask yourself "Does this bring joy, peace and calm into my life?",
and see what emerges as the response.
Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP, Director, Gaithersburg Counseling Center
Dena Alalfey, Graduate Intern
References: Zen habits : Breathe. (n.d.). Retrieved May 26, 2015, from
http://zenhabits.net/10-simple-ways-to-live-a-less-stressful-life/
Monday, June 30, 2014
Another Look at Healing, LLC - Gaithersburg Counseling Center Moved!
Come by and check out our new office in Gaithersburg, MD!!! We move into a beautiful new suite.
We are now offering daytime, evening and weekend counseling for individual, couples, family and group therapy. We help children, teens and adults live happier, healthier lives!
Contact me for more information at Admin@HealingLLC.com or 240-274-5680 or visit our website at www.HealingLLC.com.
Pictures to follow soon!!!
Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC
We are now offering daytime, evening and weekend counseling for individual, couples, family and group therapy. We help children, teens and adults live happier, healthier lives!
Contact me for more information at Admin@HealingLLC.com or 240-274-5680 or visit our website at www.HealingLLC.com.
Pictures to follow soon!!!
Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC
Monday, October 1, 2012
Personal Growth Support Group Information
Are you feeling stuck and want to work out your issues?
Do you value self-reflection and want to find greater understanding of yourself?
Are you looking for support in changing your life for the better?
If you answered yes, consider participating our upcoming Personal Growth Support Group. A support group is a safe, protected environment where you can get help and support from others while you learn to make changes in your life. Discussing current and past issues and receiving feedback from the other group members can help you gain valuable perspective, problem solve your current issues and create lasting change. This group is for you if you are feeling stuck, who want more from life and/or your relationships and want to work on developing into the person you want to be.
Benefits
- You will be given an opportunity to gain valuable insight into your feelings, your motivations and your behaviors, get help with the issues you are struggling with and start to make changes in your life.
- The cost for each individual is significantly less that it would be to attend weekly therapy sessions (costing over $100 per week). Additionally, social support is a critical part of moving towards wellness. With group therapy you can learn about the roles you play in your life - without judgment from a spouse, family member or friend.
- Often when we help others, we help ourselves. By being honest with others and showing your true self, we often develop more insight, more understanding and more motivation to change all the while helping others learn about themselves.
Logistics
Date/Time: The new group will be starting soon and will most likely be meeting on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from 7:30-9pm with Lev Grotel, our therapist specializing in group therapy.
Location: We will be meeting at 849 Quince Orchard Blvd. Suite D. Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Cost: The cost is usually $50/week for this group, however, due to these difficult economic times, we can reduced the rate to $35 per 90 minutes session based on need.
Contact Information: If you have any questions about the group or would like to set up your pre group interview to see if the group is a good fit for you and you are a good fit for the group, please call the office at 240-274-5680 or email Amy Hooper at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com. Visit www.HealingLLC.com for more information.
Do you value self-reflection and want to find greater understanding of yourself?
Are you looking for support in changing your life for the better?
If you answered yes, consider participating our upcoming Personal Growth Support Group. A support group is a safe, protected environment where you can get help and support from others while you learn to make changes in your life. Discussing current and past issues and receiving feedback from the other group members can help you gain valuable perspective, problem solve your current issues and create lasting change. This group is for you if you are feeling stuck, who want more from life and/or your relationships and want to work on developing into the person you want to be.
Benefits
- You will be given an opportunity to gain valuable insight into your feelings, your motivations and your behaviors, get help with the issues you are struggling with and start to make changes in your life.
- The cost for each individual is significantly less that it would be to attend weekly therapy sessions (costing over $100 per week). Additionally, social support is a critical part of moving towards wellness. With group therapy you can learn about the roles you play in your life - without judgment from a spouse, family member or friend.
- Often when we help others, we help ourselves. By being honest with others and showing your true self, we often develop more insight, more understanding and more motivation to change all the while helping others learn about themselves.
Logistics
Date/Time: The new group will be starting soon and will most likely be meeting on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from 7:30-9pm with Lev Grotel, our therapist specializing in group therapy.
Location: We will be meeting at 849 Quince Orchard Blvd. Suite D. Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Cost: The cost is usually $50/week for this group, however, due to these difficult economic times, we can reduced the rate to $35 per 90 minutes session based on need.
Contact Information: If you have any questions about the group or would like to set up your pre group interview to see if the group is a good fit for you and you are a good fit for the group, please call the office at 240-274-5680 or email Amy Hooper at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com. Visit www.HealingLLC.com for more information.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
*Free Depression/Anxiety Screenings in October*
I wanted to take a minute to let you know about a couple of our exciting Fall events. This includes a free anxiety and depression screening and low-cost therapy group that I thought might be of interest to you. Please feel free to pass the information along to anyone who might be interested.
As you may know, depression and anxiety affects many people and often goes untreated. Each year, depressive disorders affect around 18.8 million American adults, that’s 9.5% of the US population over 18. However, due to stigma and other factors, less than 1/2 of those suffering actually seek treatment.
To help fight the stigma around depression and help identify the problem, Another Look at Healing, LLC is conducting free National Depression Screening Days in October. As part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to complete brief, anonymous screenings for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants will be able to learn about the symptoms of depression, and how to help a friend or family member who may be at risk. Participants will also have the option of talking to a health care professional about any concerns they may have and they will receive multiple referrals to local treatment services.
Screenings will be offered from 9am to 9pm, Monday through Saturday, by appointment during the month of October. For more information about the screenings or to set up an appointment, contact Amy Hooper at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com or call the main office at 240-274-5680.
In addition to the free screenings, we also offer individual, couples and family therapy. We have added on lost-cost therapy group for individuals who want support working through their interpersonal difficulties, including, but not limited to, depression and anxiety. I have included a flyer for our upcoming Personal Growth Therapy Group, as well as details about our practice for your review.
I look forward to collaborating with you in the future!
Take Good Care,
Amy L. Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC
www.HealingLLC.com
AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com
240-274-5680
As you may know, depression and anxiety affects many people and often goes untreated. Each year, depressive disorders affect around 18.8 million American adults, that’s 9.5% of the US population over 18. However, due to stigma and other factors, less than 1/2 of those suffering actually seek treatment.
To help fight the stigma around depression and help identify the problem, Another Look at Healing, LLC is conducting free National Depression Screening Days in October. As part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to complete brief, anonymous screenings for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants will be able to learn about the symptoms of depression, and how to help a friend or family member who may be at risk. Participants will also have the option of talking to a health care professional about any concerns they may have and they will receive multiple referrals to local treatment services.
Screenings will be offered from 9am to 9pm, Monday through Saturday, by appointment during the month of October. For more information about the screenings or to set up an appointment, contact Amy Hooper at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com or call the main office at 240-274-5680.
In addition to the free screenings, we also offer individual, couples and family therapy. We have added on lost-cost therapy group for individuals who want support working through their interpersonal difficulties, including, but not limited to, depression and anxiety. I have included a flyer for our upcoming Personal Growth Therapy Group, as well as details about our practice for your review.
I look forward to collaborating with you in the future!
Take Good Care,
Amy L. Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC
www.HealingLLC.com
AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com
240-274-5680
Monday, December 5, 2011
What to do when the holidays suck.
This is a wonderful article posted by a fellow therapist about taking care of yourself this holiday season - it was too good not to pass along. So, if you ever find yourself less than jolly during the holiday season, read on...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (insert holiday tunes here)… unless you have experienced loss, trauma, neglect, moved suddenly, lost a job, separated, or divorced, experienced physical illness, volatile behaviors of a family member, substance abusing behaviors of a loved one, or mental illness.
So what happens when you or your child experiences losses and changes beyond your control and the holiday season arrives? Everyone appears so jolly and excited, and your experiences have left you feeling like you want to curl up and hibernate through the holiday season.
Here are 7 ways to honor yourself and help your child transition through difficult times during the holidays:
1. Allow yourself to express your feelings- You may feel like you don’t want to be a downer at the holiday party when people ask you how you’re doing, so you put on a happy face and pretend everything is okay, and reply “I’m fine”. Yes, opening up your emotional floodgates at a party may not be the best way to communicate your feelings; however, you can honor yourself, and your feelings and let others know “it’s been a difficult time”. Model this behavior with your children, so they know that they don’t have to mask their feelings and pretend to be happy in order to make others feel okay.
2. Listen to yourself- Take time to hear and listen to what you need. That may mean saying no thank you to invitations and spending an evening at home reading a book. You may need to quite down the busyness in order to hear what you need. You can use the art making process to ask yourself what you need right now, and then allow yourself to express that through the art. Art making can help your child to become quite and connect with their inner voice so they can honor their needs too.
3. Find ways to honor your loss- Put together a photo album honoring memories, create a memory box, use glass paint and paint a glass candleholder in honor of your experiences. Take time to be with your feelings and help your child find ways to honor and express their grief and loss.
4. Create a new story- Grief and losses often involve letting go of how things used to be. Take the time to acknowledge and honor what was, and then look at how you choose to create a new story. Get creative with a blank journal or art paper and create images and words of what you are welcoming into your life.
5. Seek out support- Being alone in your pain often amplifies the feelings of being disconnected and unsupported. Find close friends, support groups, or a therapist to help you during difficult times. You will go through a period of “new normal” where things will never be as they were before; surrounding yourself with support will help you and your child navigate this transition.
6. Let go of other people’s stuff- When you are honest with your feelings or when problems arise in your home good intentioned family and friends may jump in to offer unsolicited advice or comments. Realize that their response is their stuff; perhaps they feel uncomfortable, or they want you to feel better, and move on, or they want to fix it. Thank them for their concern, and let them know what you need, “sometimes I just need talk things through, or someone to just listen, or I just need to express that I feel upset”. If they are unable to support you in the way you would like or continue to give unsolicited advice let them know how you feel and seek out support from those who will respect your process.
7. Be gentle with yourself- You may want to push through the pain or you may become overly critical of yourself and others. Model being kind with yourself and teach your children to be compassionate with their own feelings and behaviors, this will be a life-long gift you will share with your child.
If you want help getting through the holiday season, and are interested in finding out more information about talking to a counselor, contact us at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com or by phone 240-274-5680. For more information, visit www.HealingLLC.com for details.
Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper
Director, Another Look at Healing, Counseling and Wellness Center
Article By:
Dr. Laura Dessauer’s mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura’s a Board Certified Creative Arts Therapist offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don’t Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff)
© 2011 Laura Dessauer, Creativity Queen LLC
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (insert holiday tunes here)… unless you have experienced loss, trauma, neglect, moved suddenly, lost a job, separated, or divorced, experienced physical illness, volatile behaviors of a family member, substance abusing behaviors of a loved one, or mental illness.
So what happens when you or your child experiences losses and changes beyond your control and the holiday season arrives? Everyone appears so jolly and excited, and your experiences have left you feeling like you want to curl up and hibernate through the holiday season.
Here are 7 ways to honor yourself and help your child transition through difficult times during the holidays:
1. Allow yourself to express your feelings- You may feel like you don’t want to be a downer at the holiday party when people ask you how you’re doing, so you put on a happy face and pretend everything is okay, and reply “I’m fine”. Yes, opening up your emotional floodgates at a party may not be the best way to communicate your feelings; however, you can honor yourself, and your feelings and let others know “it’s been a difficult time”. Model this behavior with your children, so they know that they don’t have to mask their feelings and pretend to be happy in order to make others feel okay.
2. Listen to yourself- Take time to hear and listen to what you need. That may mean saying no thank you to invitations and spending an evening at home reading a book. You may need to quite down the busyness in order to hear what you need. You can use the art making process to ask yourself what you need right now, and then allow yourself to express that through the art. Art making can help your child to become quite and connect with their inner voice so they can honor their needs too.
3. Find ways to honor your loss- Put together a photo album honoring memories, create a memory box, use glass paint and paint a glass candleholder in honor of your experiences. Take time to be with your feelings and help your child find ways to honor and express their grief and loss.
4. Create a new story- Grief and losses often involve letting go of how things used to be. Take the time to acknowledge and honor what was, and then look at how you choose to create a new story. Get creative with a blank journal or art paper and create images and words of what you are welcoming into your life.
5. Seek out support- Being alone in your pain often amplifies the feelings of being disconnected and unsupported. Find close friends, support groups, or a therapist to help you during difficult times. You will go through a period of “new normal” where things will never be as they were before; surrounding yourself with support will help you and your child navigate this transition.
6. Let go of other people’s stuff- When you are honest with your feelings or when problems arise in your home good intentioned family and friends may jump in to offer unsolicited advice or comments. Realize that their response is their stuff; perhaps they feel uncomfortable, or they want you to feel better, and move on, or they want to fix it. Thank them for their concern, and let them know what you need, “sometimes I just need talk things through, or someone to just listen, or I just need to express that I feel upset”. If they are unable to support you in the way you would like or continue to give unsolicited advice let them know how you feel and seek out support from those who will respect your process.
7. Be gentle with yourself- You may want to push through the pain or you may become overly critical of yourself and others. Model being kind with yourself and teach your children to be compassionate with their own feelings and behaviors, this will be a life-long gift you will share with your child.
If you want help getting through the holiday season, and are interested in finding out more information about talking to a counselor, contact us at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com or by phone 240-274-5680. For more information, visit www.HealingLLC.com for details.
Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper
Director, Another Look at Healing, Counseling and Wellness Center
Article By:
Dr. Laura Dessauer’s mission is to teach children, parents, and professionals creative ways to connect and communicate with respect and compassion, so children feel happier and more confident. As the founder of the Creativity Queen, LLC, Laura’s a Board Certified Creative Arts Therapist offering individual and family art therapy sessions and professional trainings. Visit www.thecreativityqueen.com to receive your free audio mini-course Secrets Your Kids Really Don’t Want You to Know: A Child Art Therapist Tells All (*except for the confidential stuff)
© 2011 Laura Dessauer, Creativity Queen LLC
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Free Screening for Anxiety and Depression in Gaithersburg, MD! Sign Up Today
Do you ever worry that you have anxiety, or feel more depressed than the people around you? A Free Screening for Anxiety and Depression is available to you this week. Depression and anxiety affects many people around the world and often goes untreated. In a given year, depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older. However, due to stigma and other factors, fewer than half of those suffering actually seek treatment.
To help fight the stigma around depression and help identify the problem, Another Look at Healing, LLC is conducting free National Depression Screening Days in October starting Thursday 10/6/2011. As part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to complete a brief, anonymous screenings for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and postpartum depression. Participants will be able to learn about the symptoms of depression, and how to help a friend or family member who may be at risk. Participants will also have the option of talking to a health care professional about any concerns they may have and they will receive multiple referrals to local treatment services.
Screenings will be offered from 9am to 8pm, Monday through Saturday, by appointment during the month of October in Gaithersburg, MD. For more information about the event or to set up an appointment, contact Amy L. Hooper at 240-274-5680 or AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com. For more information, visit www.HealingLLC.com for details.
To help fight the stigma around depression and help identify the problem, Another Look at Healing, LLC is conducting free National Depression Screening Days in October starting Thursday 10/6/2011. As part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to complete a brief, anonymous screenings for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and postpartum depression. Participants will be able to learn about the symptoms of depression, and how to help a friend or family member who may be at risk. Participants will also have the option of talking to a health care professional about any concerns they may have and they will receive multiple referrals to local treatment services.
Screenings will be offered from 9am to 8pm, Monday through Saturday, by appointment during the month of October in Gaithersburg, MD. For more information about the event or to set up an appointment, contact Amy L. Hooper at 240-274-5680 or AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com. For more information, visit www.HealingLLC.com for details.
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