Pearlman & Associates

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St. Louis, MO 63141

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Archive: December 2023

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – A Guide for Beginners

Posted on December 27, 2023

In the realm of mental health treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands as a powerful and widely recognized approach. But what exactly is CBT, and how does it work? For those unfamiliar, delving into the world of this therapeutic technique might seem daunting. Fear not, as this guide aims to demystify CBT, offering insights into Continue Reading »

What Could Negatively Impact Your Mental Health?

Posted on June 13, 2023

There are several factors that could potentially hinder mental health. Here are some common examples of what could negatively impact your mental health: Stress: Persistent or excessive stress can negatively impact mental well-being. High levels of stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and various other mental health conditions. Traumatic experiences: Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, Continue Reading »

Mental Health Tips: Consider Therapy… Especially, When…

Posted on June 12, 2023

If you’re experiencing the following, you may want to consider trying therapy! Deciding to begin therapy is a personal decision that can depend on various factors. Here are some situations in which you may want to consider starting therapy: Mental health concerns: If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, Continue Reading »

Panic Attacks: Signs/Symptoms & Strategies To Intervene

Posted on June 9, 2023

Before we delve into managing a panic attack, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms typically associated with a panic attack. Signs/Symptoms of a Panic Attack Sudden and intense fear or a sense of impending doom. Rapid heartbeat (palpitations) or heart pounding. Chest pain or discomfort. Shortness of breath or a feeling of being Continue Reading »

What Can Therapy/Counseling Do For You & Your Mental Health

Posted on June 8, 2023

What Can Therapy Offer? Seeking out a therapist can be beneficial for various reasons, as therapy offers numerous advantages for mental health and overall well-being. Here are some common reasons why people seek out therapy: Emotional support: Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space where you can express your thoughts, emotions, and concerns. A therapist Continue Reading »

Mental Health And The Impact Of Summer

Posted on June 7, 2023

How Can Summer Impact Your Mental Health? Summer can have a significant impact on mental health, both positively and negatively. Here are some ways in which summer can affect mental well-being: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Although SAD is commonly associated with the winter months, some individuals experience a form of it called “reverse SAD” during Continue Reading »

The Mental Health Benefits Of Being Out In The Sun

Posted on June 6, 2023

The Impact The Sun Has On Your Mental Health Exposure to sunlight has been shown to have several mental health benefits. One of the primary benefits is that sunlight exposure can boost our mood and help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sunlight exposure has also been linked to improved sleep quality, which can have Continue Reading »

Boredom & Mental Health: Impact, Pros/Cons, and Strategies

Posted on June 5, 2023

The Impact of Boredom on Your Mental Health + Strategies Boredom can have negative impacts on mental health, leading to feelings of restlessness, apathy, and even depression. However, there are ways to combat boredom for better mental health. One approach is to create your own distractions, which can be productive. For example, you can try Continue Reading »

Summer Self-Care! Take Care of Your Mental Health!

Posted on June 1, 2023

BUT HOW? What can you do over the summer to take care of your mental health? See below! Summer is coming up AND it’s a great time to focus on being the best you and having the best summer in the history of summers! Here are some ideas to get you started: Stay hydrated by Continue Reading »

Summer Depression: What You Need To Know + Coping Strategies

Posted on May 31, 2023

What Is Summer Depression? Summer depression, also known as summer-onset seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs during the summer months. Symptoms of summer depression can include irritability, agitation, anxiety, restlessness, weight loss, poor sleeping, and decreased appetite. Coping mechanisms for summer depression can include prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule, getting Continue Reading »

Ways To Take Care of Your Mental Health (Thinking Outside The Box)!

Posted on March 28, 2022

Dr. Lena Pearlman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Director at Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates. In between sessions, I asked her: What are some creative ways to take care of mental health? Build! Buy some wood and build something, like a birdhouse. It takes all of your thought process and brain power. Continue Reading »

Celebrities That Advocate for Mental Health Awareness

Posted on March 24, 2022

“If we start being honest about our pain, our anger, and our shortcomings instead of pretending they don’t exist, then maybe we’ll leave the world a better place than we found it.” -Russell Wilson “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” – Glenn Close In an article by Emerald Continue Reading »

How To Take Care Of Yourself In A Chaotic World

Posted on March 3, 2022

At times, such as now, this world can feel like a lot. For the past few years, we’ve lived in a pandemic. Looking abroad, but still very much impactful worldwide, the Ukraine-Russia war has been dominating the headlines. Throughout all these stressors, it is important to take care of yourself. Dr. Lena Pearlman, Licensed Clinical Continue Reading »

Take Care of Your Mental Health! But… How?

Posted on February 21, 2022

“Your mental health is a priority. Your happiness is essential. Your self-care is a necessity.” -HealthyPlace.com 5 Tips to Practice (MentalHealth.org.uk): Talk About Your Feelings Discussing how you feel with a loved one or therapist can be incredibly beneficial: “Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when Continue Reading »

Exposure Therapy: What Is It?

Posted on February 14, 2022

Defining Exposure Therapy: A Psychological Treatment utilized to assist people in confronting their fears.  Rationale: “When people are fearful of something, they tend to avoid the feared objects, activities or situations. Although this avoidance might help reduce feelings of fear in the short term, over the long term it can make the fear become even worse.” Continue Reading »

Burnout: Definition, Causes, Signs, & What Should You Do When Experiencing It?

Posted on February 10, 2022

Defining Burnout (www.helpguide.org): “Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.” What Causes Burnout? (webmd.com & mayoclinic.org) Unmanageable workloads Work-life imbalance Unfair treatment at work Lack of social support Confusing work responsibilities Lack of Continue Reading »

A Chat With School Based Therapist, Samantha Pearlman, LMSW! 

Posted on February 7, 2022

I came across this photo the other day. Take a look at it. This is a representation of how the pandemic has impacted children of all ages. Undoubtedly, this has affected their social, emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Looking at this photo, kindergartners, first graders, and second graders have never had a normal schooling experience. Continue Reading »

What Can Therapy Do For You?

Posted on January 28, 2022

Therapy has effectively helped millions of people. What, specifically, can therapy do for you? Retrieved from Healthline.com & Coe College 1.) Help improve communication skills 2.) Help you feel empowered 3.) Empower you to develop fresh insights about your life 4.) Learn how to make healthier choices 5.) Develop coping strategies to manage distress 6.) Continue Reading »

Anxiety: Symptoms, Interventions, & When To See A Mental Health Professional

Posted on January 27, 2022

Brief Overview: Anxiety can be thought of as, “A sense of uneasiness, nervousness, worry, fear, or dread of what’s about to happen or what might happen” (KidsHealth.org). Experiencing anxiety before and/or during a stressful event is normal – so many do. Symptoms (Mayo Clinic): Feeling nervous, restless or tense Having an increased heart rate Breathing Continue Reading »

Anger: Causes, Signs/Symptoms, and Interventions

Posted on January 24, 2022

To begin, it is important to know that anger is normal, and for the most part, healthy. The point of this article is to assist you when your anger may be getting to a point where it’s out of control, which can lead to a plethora of issues personally and professionally. Causes of Anger (Healthline.com): Continue Reading »

Mental Health-Oriented Apps To Check Out!

Posted on January 18, 2022

7 Summit Pathways says, “Your mental health – your psychological, emotional, and social well-being – impacts every area of your life. Having positive mental health allows you to effectively deal with the daily stressors of life, communicate well with others, make healthy decisions and live life to the fullest.” Every day, it is important that Continue Reading »

Sleep & Mental Health

Posted on January 7, 2022

You may be asking… What does sleep have to do with mental health? Well, thank you for asking! Sleep and mental health are, in fact, intertwined.  The Mental Health Foundation says, “We spend about a third of our lives asleep. Sleep is essential – It is as important to our bodies as eating, drinking and breathing, Continue Reading »

What Is Mental Health?

Posted on January 6, 2022

The CDC describes mental health as, “Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood”. The World Health Organization says, Continue Reading »

Tips for Test Anxiety

Posted on January 4, 2022

Experiencing test anxiety? You’re not alone! Before delving into some tips, let us define test anxiety: “Test anxiety is a feeling of agitation and distress associated with test taking, which impacts your ability to study or perform on the test. Some anxiety is natural and helps to keep you mentally and physically alert, but too Continue Reading »

How To Start Your New Year Off Right!

Posted on December 27, 2021

2022 is right around the corner! Below, find ten tips on how to start your New Year off right — from Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW. 1.) Prioritize Yourself (put your mask on first) 2.) Find something to be grateful for every day. 3.) Take mindful breaths (one minute equals seven full breaths – do this Continue Reading »

Coping Strategies for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Posted on December 17, 2021

Before listing some coping strategies for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I think it’s important to go into a little bit more depth about what OCD is, as well as provide you with some data. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) says, “OCD affects 2.2 million adults, or 1.0% of the U.S. population”. According to BeyondOCD.org, Continue Reading »

Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Posted on December 16, 2021

“You are not alone,” says Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW, the clinical director at Dr. Lena Pearlman & Associates, a mental health therapy practice in Creve Coeur, Missouri. It is important to remind yourself of the message above: You are not alone. The Cleveland Clinic says, “As many as 50 to 75% of new mothers experience Continue Reading »

The Role of a Psychiatrist & How to Prepare

Posted on December 13, 2021

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who did special training in psychiatric diseases and medications. A psychiatrist will meet with a patient between every three weeks and three months to ensure the medications prescribed are working – as well as addressing any negative symptoms and/or side effects. How to talk with your psychiatrist… Go in Continue Reading »

Practicing Mindfulness: A Personal Example From Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW

Posted on December 10, 2021

In early 2020, Dr. Lena Pearlman, LCSW, came out with “Stay Here: Your Personal Journal To Staying Present, Mindful & Grateful Every Day”. The journal is a culmination of the homework and overall process she has had with her patients in the therapeutic journey. Practicing mindfulness is essential, so I asked Lena about ways in Continue Reading »

Covid-19 Impact on Mental Health & The Signs of Anxiety/Depression + Coping Strategies

Posted on December 9, 2021

Covid-19, undoubtedly, has had a significant impact on mental health spanning across all demographics. It has been the focus of headlines, especially within the past few days, after the U.S. Surgeon General spoke just to the concerning extent and severity the pandemic has had on young people. Dr. Bryan Pearlman, EdD, LMSW is a Life Continue Reading »

Gift Ideas For Christmas (Through The Lens Of Mental Health)!

Posted on December 6, 2021

Nora Roberts said, “Nothing ever seems too bad, too hard, or too sad when you’ve got a Christmas tree in the living room”. Undoubtedly, when the tree lights up, so do the faces of those that stand around it. I don’t know about you, but my favorite part are the gifts that sit underneath! Looking Continue Reading »

10 Questions with Dr. Lena Pearlman LCSW

Posted on December 2, 2021

Dr. Lena Pearlman holds a Masters of Social Work (MSW) as well as a Doctorate degree in Holistic Natural Health. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Missouri. Lena has been a practicing social worker for 20 years. In addition to working privately, Lena has worked with children and adults in Continue Reading »

Suicide: Risk Factors, Warning Signs, Protective Factors, and Resources

Posted on November 29, 2021

CDC says that, “In 2019, 12 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million made a plan, and 1.4 million attempted suicide”. According to the American Psychiatric Association, suicide is, “The 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death (after accidents) for people aged 10 to Continue Reading »

Curious About Couples Counseling?

Posted on November 22, 2021

Bradley.edu says, “Counseling has become such a common activity for couples that about 44 percent of couples who get married today go to marriage counseling before they even tie the knot”. In relationships, couples counseling has proven to be tremendously effective for many. Are you curious about couples counseling? Perhaps, even considering it? Keep on reading! Continue Reading »

Myths About Mental Illness

Posted on November 18, 2021

In countless ways, we are living in an ever-evolving society. Of course, there is much work to be done. One of the ways to continue on the path of an evolved society is by educating. So, today, we will look at several myths revolving around mental illness. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) & MentalHealth.gov Continue Reading »

Everything You Need To Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Posted on November 15, 2021

MayoClinic.org defines Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as, “A type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons,” and that, “SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you Continue Reading »

What To Do When Depressed

Posted on November 12, 2021

Depression does not define us. It is not who we are. Please know that if you are experiencing depression, you are far from alone. What should we do when we are feeling down? HelpGuide.org & Everyday Health list a great deal of helpful coping strategies to implement when experiencing depression. Frankly, many of these should Continue Reading »

Why Seek Out A Therapist? What Can Counseling Do For You?

Posted on November 8, 2021

Just a few years ago in 2018-19, around 40.2 million adults in the United States had received counseling or some form of mental health treatment. Now, with all of us living in a pandemic, amongst various other stressors, it is understandable as to why this number has continued to increase. There are several reasons to Continue Reading »