Beginning the year with a focus on improving mental health: without feeling overwhelmed, by expectations
Shana Smith Shana Smith

Beginning the year with a focus on improving mental health: without feeling overwhelmed, by expectations

Start the Year with Mental Health in Focus—Without Overwhelm

The New Year often brings a barrage of “New Year, New You!” slogans, but for those navigating anxiety, ADHD, or trauma, the pressure to reinvent yourself can feel overwhelming. Instead of chasing drastic resolutions, focus on small, intentional steps that prioritize mental health and sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Forget Unrealistic Resolutions: Aim for smaller, actionable goals that build momentum. Progress is more about consistency than perfection.

2. Celebrate Your Journey: Reflect on how far you’ve come, even if it feels insignificant. Small wins count!

3. Set Intentions Over Goals: Intentions, like prioritizing self-care or movement, are flexible and forgiving, helping you stay adaptable.

4. Maintain Mental Health Progress: Revisit tools, habits, or routines that have worked for you before. Mental health isn’t about "finishing"—it’s about maintenance.

5. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend. Growth includes setbacks, and that’s okay.

6. Find Support: Lean on a therapist, group, or trusted friends, and keep looking if you haven’t found the right fit yet.

This year, skip the “new you” hype. Embrace and nurture the current you—imperfect, evolving, and enough. Growth happens one step at a time.

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Surviving Thanksgiving: the reality show in your dining room
Shana Smith Shana Smith

Surviving Thanksgiving: the reality show in your dining room

Thanksgiving can feel like navigating a reality show—family drama, political debates, and Aunt Karen's relentless questions. But what if this year, you took control? With simple strategies like setting boundaries, choosing your battles, and mastering the art of a strategic bathroom break, you can focus on what matters: moments of gratitude, delicious pie, and your sanity. Whether you're redirecting Uncle Don’s political jabs or finding joy in the chaos, make this holiday less stressful and more meaningful. Ready to transform your Thanksgiving into a celebration of peace? Read on for the ultimate survival guide.

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Understanding Medical Anxiety: Managing the Darkness of Your Google Symptom Search
Shana Smith Shana Smith

Understanding Medical Anxiety: Managing the Darkness of Your Google Symptom Search

Understanding Medical Anxiety: Managing Your Health Fears

Have you ever experienced a sudden pain and immediately turned to Google to search your symptoms, only to spiral into panic about your health? This phenomenon is known as medical anxiety, and it's a common struggle for many. Often classified as Illness Anxiety Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), medical anxiety can severely impact your daily life.

In this blog, we explore practical coping strategies for managing illness anxiety. From practicing mindfulness to seeking support from friends and family, there are effective ways to combat your health fears. We also discuss the importance of limiting online research and connecting with qualified medical professionals.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Whether you have a supportive network of friends or seek help from a therapist, embracing your health journey with hope is possible. Let’s take a deep breath together and navigate medical anxiety towards a brighter, more empowered future.

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Private Pay vs. Insurance Pay Therapy: Which One is Right for You?
Shana Smith Shana Smith

Private Pay vs. Insurance Pay Therapy: Which One is Right for You?

Discover the pros and cons of private pay versus insurance pay therapy. This guide explores key factors like privacy, control over your therapy, session length, and finding the right therapist. Learn how to make an informed decision that best suits your needs and financial situation.

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How to Manage Anxiety, CPTSD, and ADHD in Today’s Crazy World
Shana Smith Shana Smith

How to Manage Anxiety, CPTSD, and ADHD in Today’s Crazy World

Struggling with anxiety, CPTSD, or ADHD in today’s fast-paced world? Discover practical strategies to manage stress, prioritize tasks, and maintain mindfulness throughout your day. Learn how to say 'no,' set a schedule, and seek support when needed. These tips can help you navigate life’s chaos while taking care of your mental health.

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How To Choose The Right Therapist
Shana Smith Shana Smith

How To Choose The Right Therapist

If you're seeking therapy, don't settle for the first option. Take the time to find a therapist who understands your needs and makes you feel comfortable.

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Anxiety: The BFF That You Wish You Could Ghost
Shana Smith Shana Smith

Anxiety: The BFF That You Wish You Could Ghost

Does anxiety feel like a codependent best friend forever (BFF) that you somehow got without knowing and can’t get rid of? Explore practical tips, effective techniques, and insightful advice to help you break free from the clutches of anxiety and reclaim control over your life.

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Jack of All Trades - ADHD & Neurodivergence
Shana Smith Shana Smith

Jack of All Trades - ADHD & Neurodivergence

Why is being a "jack of all trades" bad? In short? It isn’t! Let’s talk about why being a “jack of all trades” is a good thing and how it applies to those with ADHD and neurodivergence.

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Intensive Therapy & EMDR - Is It For You?
Shana Smith Shana Smith

Intensive Therapy & EMDR - Is It For You?

Intensive therapy, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), offers a fast and effective way to achieve significant mental health improvements. By condensing months of therapy into a few intense sessions, it provides a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for those seeking rapid change.

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Stuck In Drama? Let’s Fix That
Shana Smith Shana Smith

Stuck In Drama? Let’s Fix That

Drama has a sneaky way of infiltrating your life so that you feel trapped. How does it do this? Why is it happening? And how can you get out of it?

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Drama Triangle: A Tale Of The Man Cold
Shana Smith Shana Smith

Drama Triangle: A Tale Of The Man Cold

If you’re like me, when discussing the Drama Triangle it helps to see it in story format. So, let's look at a common drama triangle situation...the man cold.

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How Drama Triangle Roles Develop
Shana Smith Shana Smith

How Drama Triangle Roles Develop

The truth is we all have a role in the drama triangle that we find comfy and cozy - and we learn it as young children. The good news is that we don’t have to live in the Drama Triangle and can develop healthy ways of interacting outside of it.

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