Shoshana Shea, Ph.D.

Cleveland Clinic shares some of the differences between depression and anxiety, how they can overlap, and how to know when it might be time to reach out for help. http://ow.ly/sL5F50D83tm

We are so excited for the Psychologists Off the Clock First Annual Wise Minds Summit! "In the dark of winter, during this challenging time for humanity, couldn't we all use a little inspiration? The co-hosts of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast have gathered world-renowned experts to share their wisdom that works. This free two-day online summit will feature talks and practices that will inspire you with ideas, practices, and motivation to help you adapt and thrive. Si...gn up now! Register here: . .https://bit.ly/2LeEeK8" See more

"When we become so focused on trying to avoid anxiety, our lives can begin to revolve around trying to prevent it." If life feels like it revolves around trying to avoid anxiety or panic attacks, CBT and ACT can help! Check out our blog for more info. http://ow.ly/UonC50CMD5c

New post alert! Over on our blog this month, we are discussing anxiety, panic attacks versus panic disorder, the underlying mechanisms of all anxiety disorders, and how CBT and ACT can help. http://ow.ly/vdiP50CG28H

Tina Gilbertson, Mental Health Counselor shares some helpful tips for how to be authentic and maintain your individual identity in relationships. http://ow.ly/XVqw50CyOkl

"When a dragon appears in the water, the fish don't notice the pearl in the dragon's mouth." Love this article on gratitude in the midst of a pandemic (or any painful situation)...gratitude isn't something we can force, but there are ways we might be able to find it in the small moments even as we are struggling. http://ow.ly/NoMg50Cu363

"Anxiety about social distancing and infection is altering how much we dream and the nature of our dreams themselves." As we navigate such a stressful year, it's no surprise that our sleep and dreams may be impacted. There are many theories regarding the function of our dreams; one involves using metaphor to process our experiences. And as ACT therapists know, metaphor can be a powerful tool in increasing psychological flexibility. http://ow.ly/5Gqo50BDBkO

This TIME article discusses the increase in depression since the beginning of this pandemic, as well as some tips for coping and some helpful resources. Teletherapy has made therapy more accessible to those who need professional support. http://ow.ly/Ngw050By3nd

"It’s totally understandable that we are all collectively feeling overwhelmed at the moment especially with so much uncertainty." Stress is like water in a sink...for some tips on how to help prevent the sink from overflowing, check out the following article: http://ow.ly/gKXU50Ct18l

While we can't control our emotions, we can tune in to them, get present to our experience, and choose how we respond. For some tips for navigating strong emotions in difficult conversations, head to this post: http://ow.ly/wkz350Co9M6

"Evidence suggests that efforts to improve self-esteem don’t work." So how to we cope more effectively with negative self-stories? Self-acceptance. For more on what this means and how to change your relationship to yourself, check out this helpful post! https://www.newharbinger.com//everything-you-know-about-se

Beautiful piece from Mindful.org on how mindfulness and being present to this moment can help connect us with small, quiet joys. "We don’t have to aspire to picture-postcard ideals of happiness to feel more joyful. Those are more than welcome. But so, too, are the quiet, happy moments that arrive when we’re present for them." We can't force ourselves not to feel anxious or to feel happy, but when we are present, we are much less likely to miss the sweetness when it arises. http://ow.ly/xjSD50BlA9f

If you've been feeling more socially awkward or socially anxious since COVID-19 started, you are not alone. The New York Times is discussing social interaction as a biological need, how our social skills can atrophy when we get out of practice, and why we should have compassion for ourselves and others as we navigate this challenging period. http://ow.ly/fTDw50Bf1RA

Despite its bad rep, stress is not inherently harmful. The way that we perceive stress has a huge impact on its effect on us. For some tips on changing your relationship to stress, check out this awesome Psychology Today article. http://ow.ly/6WuV50B7Xgr

The past 5 months have brought lots of painful emotions. "Despite the fact that we are in the midst of a global pandemic, our minds are really good at dismissing our very legitimate pain by coming up with all kinds of stories about how things could be worse, or how we should be grateful for what we have when others are struggling or have struggled more than us." Check out our latest blog for some tips on how to connect with the person we want to be, even when we are feeling anxious, sad, or frustrated. http://ow.ly/qARS50B1wcP

Another favorite snippet from Tara Mohr's book Playing Big on taking away the inner critic's power and reclaiming control over our decisions.

Dr. Shea likes to say that the "self-critic cares about our quantity of life, but does not care about our quality of life. So it keeps our lives very small." Naturally, we are loving Tara Mohr's book Playing Big and her metaphors on the inner critic!

"These liminal periods at the boundary of a new state or experience are complex spaces to occupy. They can make us feel untethered and disoriented. But at the same time, they have great potential. The gift of transition is the opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and change." Check out this fabulous Harvard Business Review piece on how to cope with the anxiety and uncertainty inherent in this pandemic. http://ow.ly/mHDv50AW0JD

Love to see this excellent article in Allure exploring Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT). "ACT is all about stopping and being with oneself." Give it a read for more on how ACT might help you navigate difficult emotions, including anxiety. http://ow.ly/uG2T50APFrA

"The key to coming through these transitions and the bigger changes Bruce Feiler calls lifequakes stronger than before is to use the time of disruption to connect with the core of who we are." Arianna Huffington discusses the importance of finding meaning in periods of transition and change. http://ow.ly/LC0a50AJvOh

We loved Benjamin Schoendorff's workshop on the ACT Matrix at #ACBSWC this year! "Based on what we notice, we can choose to change our behavior as needed to move toward what we most care about." http://ow.ly/Lf2X50AEfSc