When you are a teacher at the end of the school year, it can be hard to put one foot in front of the other. You so badly want to be DONE already, but you still feel that pressure to pull off incredibly engaging and meaningful year-end activities. It’s no wonder that burn out is common this time of year. I totally get it. I, too, was a teacher before becoming a therapist. I remember the burnout, the exhaustion, and the PRESSURE. I am grateful for my colleagues who would remind me that teachers pack a full year of work into 9 months! We are understandably exhausted by the end of it. It makes total sense. You deserve a real break this summer, a time to fully recharge. I find that if you use this time to address sources of     . . . read more

As we approach Mother’s Day, I want to take a moment to reflect on spirit of this holiday which exists beyond the greeting cards and the Sunday brunches. My daughter is 7 this year, and I’ve been searching for ways to help this holiday bring lasting and meaningful memories for both of us. Recently, I attended a spiritual enrichment group that I meet with twice a month. The theme for this week was our grandparents. The group searched for memories of their grandparents as we talked. Some of the stories were heart-warming, others were marked with sadness and loss. As the meeting progressed, I had the opportunity to reflect on my experiences with my own grandparents, particularly my grandmother. One thing that surfaced was my experience of her being a kindred spirit for me. She was a strong, resilient and     . . . read more

Laura Watters, LCPC joined New Approaches last fall and has quickly shown herself to be an absolute rockstar therapist. I sat down with her to talk more about her approach and why she is so darned popular with clients. Here’s what she had to say: How would you describe your style to a potential client? Clients say that I’m personable and have a warm conversational style. I want the space to be open and welcoming for you. I want you to feel comfortable talking about the hard stuff. That takes courage and I’m here to provide the support. It’s all about us collaborating, bringing together your wisdom and life experience with my guidance and direction. That will keep your process moving forward. Tell us about your areas of specialty. I have been in several roles over the last 10 years and     . . . read more

A note from Hannah: As you already saw, there is some slightly disguised adult language in this post. (That makes it fun, right?)  I started running yesterday in preparation for a 15K in 6 weeks. Yes, that’s right, it’s 6 weeks away and I started yesterday.  I pictured started out with an easy couple of miles, light and fluid like a gazelle. I’m fit right? I’ve been lifting weights but my muscles were not happy with this now unfamiliar way of moving. I was tight, uncomfortable, and grumpy. I want to quit already. I need some inspiration. Change is uncomfortable.  Changes are hard and maintaining motivation over a long period of time is a classic human difficulty. I can’t seem to get through day #1 half the time. I believe that if you are going to invest in a key     . . . read more

I am excited to share today’s guest post from Kim Lloyd of Kim Lloyd Fitness. If you are like me, March is feeling less than inspiring. Whether you need to take on your emotional health or fitness goals (and those are related!), check out Kim’s awesome advice: Motivation is tough.  Especially on a Wednesday in March with another massive snowstorm bearing down on us.  Work out? Yeah, more like wrap up in a blanket next to the wood stove and snuggle in with a good book.  Even if you are not predisposed to depression, there will come a point in your fitness journey when you begin to doubt the process. You will put on a pair of shorts from last summer and they will still feel snug.   Maybe you lost 10 pounds in the first two months but the scale has     . . . read more