Karen Lehman, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist

Some useful ideas for children and teens, during what will likely be a unique holiday season! https://www.nctsn.org//supporting_children_and_teens_durin

What can give you - Improved concentration Sharper memory Faster learning Prolonged mental stamina... Enhanced creativity Lower stress ??? Exercise!!!! https://hbr.org/2014/10/regular-exercise-is-part-of-your-job

A recent survey, from late August assessed which personality "traits" tend to be most resilient during the current pandemic, and the results may surprise you!!! But, I think we can all learn from these results, and work on cultivating these traits, which include: 1- adaptability and flexibility - be open-minded and willing to accept new information and realities... 2 - "future positive" - meaning you are "goal oriented" and "hardworking" - set up a routine, and keep a log or journal of what you do each days 3 - "past positive" - allow yourself the joy of reminiscing about the past, enjoy your Memories! And keep in touch with family and friends, virtually! Connect with someone each and every day! 4 - Extroversion!!! - most people believe that extroverts would suffer the most from the social distancing, than introverts who we generally think "need" less socializing... Christopher Soto, Professor of personality psychology at Colby College in Maine, has an answer. He says, Compared with introverts, extroverts tend to experience more frequent and intense positive emotions. This makes it easier for them to maintain a positive mood in everyday life. It also helps them stay optimistic in the face of difficult circumstances, like the current crisis. What skills can we learn to help build our own resilience as we continue the next few months in the pandemic? The researchers next attempted to understand which coping strategies were most effective at staving off the stress of the pandemic. They found positive reframing (the ability to turn a negative into a positive), acceptance (not worrying about things that are out of one's control), and religion (finding comfort in religious or spiritual practices) to be most strongly associated with increased psychological resilience. Enjoy - and Be Open and Accepting! https://www.psychologytoday.com//four-types-people-unfazed

Loneliness is a common experience right now, during the craziness of isolation. But you CAN actually "date" - here are some practical and safe tips for Dating During the Pandemic! https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/date-distanced-world

Did you know that Santa Barbara County hosts a Press Conference with vital information about CoVid19 every Tuesday and Friday at 4:30pm? This conference includes updates on support for local businesses, such as extension of small business paycheck protection, info from local contact tracing (how is CoVid being spread specifically in SB County?), up to date info on where and how to get tested, with the NEW scheduling procedures and protocols for the FREE county testing. Links ...below Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOc64gKtPog&feature=youtu.be English: https://www.youtube.com/watch

Updated my website - with information on my TeleTherapy practice - https://www.drkarenlehman.com/

Thanks to Santa Barbara Response Network for hosting this important meeting with local student leader!!!

I’m looking forward to attending this one! Lots of amazing learning has sprung from the CoVid pandemic

I hear a lot about Sleep Struggles with my clients... here are some good practical tips to start enjoying a Good Night's Sleep - https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-youre-trying-to-s/

Take a virtual trip -- and experience the sites and sounds of cities around the world!!! https://driveandlisten.herokuapp.com/

Making a difference -- by putting Mental Health professionals in situations that are often handled by police officers. This local, innovative program pairs mental health practitioners with police officers, enabling appropriate assessment and de-escalation to be used in situations that do not require policing - but where safety can be addressed and enhanced through the proper resources! https://www.independent.com//santa-barbara-countys-three/

Currently attending. Because it's time for long-term, systemic changes!

A 2 minute tip from SBCPA Member Karen Lehman, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, on How to Breathe in a way to lower your stress. Enjoy!

Yes, we are still at home! Here are some helpful Parenting Tips to keep going through this unprecedented experience!

This is truly a great list --- and thankfully, it includes coffee! Eat for peace and joy! https://www.cnn.com//foods-boost-mood-diet-dray/index.html

Most of my days lately, are spent in front of a screen, providing #TeleTherapy to a number of clients. This morning I am excited to partake in a Webinar training for Psychologists, offered by the American Psychological Association - free for members! Thank you, APA and Dr. Neimeyer.