Robin Giesen MFT

If you live in Long Beach can you guess where I am? Self care is not always glamorous and certainly not always fun, but sometimes the least desirable self care appointments are the most important. Today was my annual mammogram and as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month I though I would jump on here and encourage you to keep your annual mammogram appointment if you are already forty or if your Doctor has recommended it for any other reason. I personally dread this day... of the year. I lost my mother to this disease in my late twenties and while I know how important these appointments are they are a visceral reminder of what I’ve Ill lost. If you have a hard time getting thru them too, here’s what’s helped me. If you can bring your partner or a good friend it will make the time pass faster and they can help keep any scary thoughts in check, if not bring them with you via text or phone. If you have a personal or family history of cancer or get anxiety or panic attacks let your technician know, they’ll go slow, get you some water and let you take breaks. Have a mantra like I can do this! This is only going to take a few minutes and I’m done! And of course remember your breathing techniques, except when they tell you to hold your breath And think positive!! Chances are everything is going to be aokay! I like to focus on my boys and all the years I plan on spending with them. Happy screening, you are worth it! . . #toddcancerpavilion #breastcancerawarenessmonth #mammogramssavelives #longbeachmoms #ocmoms #southbaymoms #socalmoms #millerswomenandchildrenhospital

Join us tomorrow at 11:30 for some virtual momversation and support! We would love to see you! . . #momstruggles #momversation #longbeachmoms #downeymoms #socalmoms #southbaymoms

Today is World Mental Health Day! A great Day to spread some awareness and de-stigmatize mental illness. At times it may feel like you're the only one struggling. Like you're the only one that knows what you're going through. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness. That means whatever you're struggling with, chances are you are not the only one struggling.... Maybe your relationship is struggling since being quarantined. Or your kids are not on a schedule. Or it feels like life is just passing you by. Even though at times it may feel like we are the only one struggling in this way, we have to remind ourselves that we are not alone. If you need someone to talk to, who understands what you're going through, give me a call to see if I can help. . . #worldmentalhealthday #postpartumdepression #therapyformoms #emdrtherapy #mentalhealthmatters #longbeachmoms #ocmoms #socalmoms #southbaymoms

Remember being afraid of monsters under the bed? And then being a preteen and being afraid of Candyman and Bloody Mary? And then as we grew into teens and young adults we feared that we’d get rejected by our crush or the school we really wanted to get into. ... Now, as adults, we fear we won’t fulfill our potential, that we missed opportunities, that we won’t attain success. These fears are in our head, just like the monsters under our bed. This Halloween, save the fear for your favorite horror movie. When it comes to your life, remind yourself of all the fears you’ve faced and conquered over the years. You’ve got this, and we’re here to help. . . #scarythoughts #therapyformoms #emdrtherapy #longbeachtherapist #longbeachmoms #socalmoms #ocmoms #southbaymoms

Sometimes, affirmations can feel a little hokey. You may think, Do I really need to tell myself how great I am? Yes, you do! It’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts. They snowball. And pretty soon, you’re getting down on yourself for things that are totally out of your control. Positive affirmations start you off on a strong foundation, ready to fight those negative thoughts. Write it in a way that sounds authentic to you and makes you happy. ... Write an affirmation as an early morning calendar reminder. Write one with lipstick on your mirror. Write one on a whiteboard on your fridge. What trait do you really love about yourself? What challenge have you overcome? What reminder do you need that YOU. ARE. AMAZING? . . #selfaffirmations #postpartumtherapy #therapyformoms #emdrtherapist #longbeachtherapy #longbeachmoms #southbaymoms #ocmoms #socalmoms

Self care doesn't have to mean an entire afternoon indulging in whatever your heart desires. I mean, that does sound amazing, doesn't it? But chances are, there simply isn't time to make that happen. To be honest, when was the last time you devoted an ENTIRE day to yourself? Most days end with an unfinished to-do list and another to-do list awaiting the next day. But don't give up on self care altogether, instead aim for daily quick self care activities. And when I say quick..., I mean even 5 minutes. Here are some to get you started. Get outside - fresh air and movement Hydrate Organize your work space Meditate - even 5 minutes makes a difference Make your favorite iced beverage What's your go-to quick self care activity? . . #selfcare #teletherapy #longbeachtherapy #longbeachcouples #longbeachmoms #ocmoms #socalmoms #emdrtherapist #gottmanmethod

Fall is the time for change. Just as we feel the change in the air around us, we start to get the urge to change within us. What is it you would most like to change in your life? What problem would you like to solve once and for all? Instead of waiting for the problem to go away on its own (which by now you know it won't), call me. I can help you make the changes you want so you can start the new season fresh.... . . #teletherapy #therapyformoms #longbeachmoms #longbeachtherapist #emdrtherapist #couplestherapy #southbaymoms #ocmoms #socalmoms See more

Wow Mama’s it’s been a month!! Virtual learning, wildfires, and of course parenting during a global pandemic. We could use a break or at the very least a good old fashion Moms Night, complete with w(h)ine! Bring your favorite drink and curl up in a comfy spot at home and join us for a girl’s night. I know we all have so much to share. This Motherhood Connection will be co-hosted by Long Beach Mom Miranda Hayak of @blossombluestudios Miranda is a mother of two amazing kiddo...s, a professional photographer and videographer, branding consultant and coach. To know her is to love her and we are so excited to have her host this event with us! Mark your calendars ladies we are so excited@to see you!! This event is open to all Long Beach Moms. DM or rsvp to [email protected] for link. . . #longbeachmoms #blossombluestudios #tuesdaystogether

This morning's forecast: 100% chance of coffee! More often than not coffee is at least predicted in my morning forecast. It's a few minutes of my morning routine that I cherish, whether I'm working from home or my office. What's your morning beverage of choice? ... . . #caseofthemondays #selfcaremonday #longbeachmoms #longbeachmom #southbaymoms #ocmoms #socalmoms See more

I have no words. Thank you so much for your service. Rest In Peace RBG. . . #thenotoriousrbg #9inthehouse #womensrightsarehumanrights #bixbyknolls #longbeachmoms #longbeachcalifornia

Governor Newsom, I urge you to sign #AB2360 - The Mother and Children Mental Support Act of 2020 to support the #mentalhealthcrisis faces by our Moms and babies. As a Ca citizen, mother of two, maternal mental health provider and survivor of postpartum anxiety this issue is of the utmost importance to me. #telehealth #nowmorethanever #maternalmentalhealth #cagovernor #govenornewsom

Your time and energy are your greatest resource. Each day we are given the choice of how we use our time and energy; we decide what we spend it on. Choose to spend your time and energy on thoughts and things that serve you instead of fear and anxiety. Think of this as an investment in yourself. . . #chooseyou #longbeachmom #longbeachca #longbeachtherapy #therapyformoms #emdrtherapist #gottmanmethod #longbeachcouplescounseling #ocmoms #southbaymoms #socalmoms

How often do you just stop and think? Really take the time to check in with yourself and where you are in your life. When life gets busy and complicated, taking time to think becomes even more important. Sometimes we all need a little help untangling our thoughts so we can regain control of our lives. If that's where you are, I can help. By talking through what's happening, I can help you solve the problems that have been bothering you. . .... #longbeachcalifornia #longbeachtherapy #selfcare #postpartumtherapy #therapyformoms #longbeachmoms #bixbyknolls #socalmoms #ocmoms #southbaymoms See more

Sometimes there are no words and that’s okay.... Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11 Barack Obama Words of hope on a day of remembrance. May you find the spirit of 9/12 today and whenever you need it...... . . #september11 #wordsofhope #longbeachmoms #bixbyknolls #longbeachcalifornia #southbaymoms #ocmoms See more