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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
“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 »
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 »
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 »
