River City Counseling

Borrowing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), when you start having repeated anxious thoughts, accept that you're having them and try not to judge yourself. Most of the time, when we have intrusive thoughts, we try to get rid of them. Paradoxically, these techniques often reinforce the anxiety. By acknowledging and accepting your feelings, as opposed to pushing them away, it's more likely you'll feel better.

A look at the importance of taking care of yourself emotionally as we emerge (hopefully) from the worst of COVID-19. I look at EMDR, a treatment for trauma. See my post below for a look at Prince Harry’s use of it to help with his trauma that came with the death of his mother, Princess Diana.

Very timely look at a fantastic treatment for PTSD. Important.

Sacramento friends. Another vaccine drive is at Hiram Johnson High School this Wednesday. Everyone 12 and up are welcome.

Feeling grateful for our neighbors. A by-product of #COVID19 is that we’ve formed relationships with all the neighbors in our cul-de-sac. We hang out, and I feel like I could ask any of them for help. #RelationshipBuilding

Our son was a NICU kid and a PICU kid a few times over. During those few years we barely kept our heads above water, and I’m sure I didn’t vote. Honestly, I don’t even know if I did. It was a legitimate excuse. This year my hope is that it wouldn’t be a legitimate enough excuse and I would vote. Try to figure it out and #GetOutTheVote. Our lives depend on it.

When you notice fear and anxiety are getting too much for you to handle, remember to utilize all the self-care techniques you already know: exercise, seeing/talking to friends/family, doing yoga, writing in a journal, meditating, taking a walk in nature, cooking, reading a book that keeps your mind in a peaceful place, taking naps, taking time off work, focusing on work, volunteering for causes, peacefully protesting, just sitting and being, BBQ'ing, reassuring yourself that things will be ok (even if you think they won't,) hoping for peace, utilizing positive mantras, reading the newspaper and following all the results, ignoring the news, focusing on being kind for others, buy a coffee for the person behind you in line at the drive through, etc. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others.

Regardless of what side of the room you sit on, it looks like anger and frustration are guiding people's choices these days. When I look a little deeper, I think that it's actually fear and anxiety that are guiding choices and thinking. If we are willing to accept this, perhaps people will be able to remain calmer and more peaceful this week.

We’re worried that people aren’t being safe with #SocialDistancing, so we’re staying home. It’s hard for my #son, but he understands. I’m making him #ribs and my #wife has bought tons of candy and we’ll watch tons of movies. #HappyHalloween2020 #COVID19 #FamilyTime #DadLife

Don’t forget. And if you don’t vote, don’t complain.

Stressed about the election and want to talk? Reach out to get started.

Worried all the time about COVID-19? Let's talk. Send me a message.

When you get 10 stars, you get a free drink. And of course I got the side of whipped cream and an extra shot. Now my command center is set up for a day of remote therapy. I’m ready to roll.

Stressed much? Anxious? Election, pandemic, Supreme Court, fires and oppressive heat, racial unrest, etc, etc, etc... Is it time to talk. Send me a message. Rivercitycounseling.com

The world is an anxious place, and many people are struggling to hold themselves together. Remember your self care: exercise, good sleep, yoga and/or meditation, journaling, seeing/talking to friends, drink plenty of water, garden, limit your alcohol. Etc, etc, etc... And if you’re needing more support, I encourage you to reach out to a therapist. More and more therapists are working in-person. And plenty are working remotely.

You are not your #Feelings. And they don’t define you. #CaptainMommy.

Feelings are just feelings. Just go with the flow. #8GraderInTheBackseat

COVID-19, Election, Black Lives Matter, Antifa, Proud Boys, RBG’s death and her replacement on the Supreme Court, and now President Trump is sick. If you're struggling to manage feelings, you aren't alone. Reach out if you want to talk by video, phone or in-person.