With more than half of adults developing a mental illness at least once in their lifetime, it is always important to remember that just as much as relationships can affect our mental health, our mental health can also put a strain on our relationships and make communication and intimacy difficult. Let’s unpack some of the […]
Panic attacks are intense waves of fear that come unexpectedly and are debilitating in the moment. The most common symptoms are a racing heart, being unable to catch your breath, shaking, sweating, and sometimes even feeling like you’re dying or “going crazy”. Though many panic attacks happen without a clear trigger, it is helpful to […]
Whether you have been recently diagnosed with a chronic illness, have been diagnosed for some time, or have a loved one with a chronic illness, you know firsthand that chronic illnesses go far beyond their physical implications- they can completely complicate one’s mental health and how they view themselves. It can be devastating to have […]
Happy Friday Everyone! We are so excited to share some fascinating research projects that hold a lot of insight on how we can better our lives and our mental health! “Children who play adventurously have better mental health” Researchers from the University of Exeter have found that children who regularly partake in “adventurous play” have […]
As the first weeks of summer approach, many students are anxiously waiting for a summer full of sleepovers and summer camp, especially after a busy and hectic school year. Just as many students look toward their summer with a little apprehension, as they fear a loss of routine and a loss of activities they enjoyed- […]
A New LensAs we slowly move towards regaining the normalcy our lives once had before the COVID-19 pandemic, I am sure we have all felt a sense of relief and anticipation for what is to come. At the height of the pandemic, which called on us to socially distance, wear face coverings, and change the […]
Dear Clients,We are writing to inform you of steps we have taken to address the unique challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic (also termed COVID-19).While the coronavirus is a physical health illness, it has significant mental health implications. The uncertainty posed by this public health emergency can cause stress and anxiety among many of us.Huntsville […]
As you consider the options available for improving your mental and emotional well-being, you’ve likely come across support groups and group therapy sessions. Sure, they both involve a small group of people, but what’s they difference? Which one would be a better option for your situation? Support Groups Typically a support group is made […]
Maybe you’ve seen it in your children or those around you – higher levels of stress, feeling disconnected, depression, disorders such as ADHD. Recent studies show you are seeing what researchers are discovering: one in six kids is dealing with a mental health condition. One particular study indicates 20 percent of Alabama’s children have some […]
Taking that first step to begin therapy is significant and it can make you feel anxious or nervous. Many people simply don’t have a clear understanding of what to expect which can lead to apprehension and hesitation. This anxiety over the first visit is quite normal. In order to help relieve some of that anxiousness, […]
Everyone has a favorite time of year, that season you look forward to with great anticipation. However, for many people seasonal changes can be difficult, especially the transition to fall and winter. Five percent of Americans experience seasonal affective disorder, better known as SAD. As the days become shorter and we begin to spend more […]
Have you experienced a deep seated hurt or wrong? Are you holding on to a grudge? If you are, then you may be experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety. Grudges can significantly impact your physical and mental well-being, even to the point of affecting personal relationships. People rarely want to be around someone who […]
Exercise Your Mind The benefits of exercise to improve your mood and mental health are greater than most people realize. The physical outcomes of exercise are well known. In addition, the mental health outcomes of exercise are proven to increase your mood and help with anxiety and depression. Here are some of the ways exercise […]
It’s not a laughing matter but, it IS a powerful antidote. That’s right, laughter can improve your health. Laughter triggers healthy physical and emotional changes in your body. That good feeling you get when you laugh will remain with you even after the laughter wains, helping you to keep a positive and optimistic […]
The dictionary defines loneliness as: sadness because one has no friends or company. So in today’s society, you would think with the multitude of social media options, such as Facebook and Twitter, loneliness would be almost non-existent. But, according to CIGNA’s recent nationwide survey, the reality is quite the opposite. People are suffering more […]
Whether you work in or out of the home, finding time for yourself is essential. Throughout a busy workday, it is difficult to focus on relieving stress when there are looming deadlines or pressing responsibilities. However, finding ways to give yourself a well needed boost helps to refocus your attention on the job at hand […]
On Thursday June 8th at 1:00 PM, we were delighted to celebrate our formal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! Here are our welcoming remarks from that wonderful afternoon: “Good afternoon! I am Lynn Motley, the designated spokesperson today for Huntsville Psychotherapy & Counseling Services. I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, all the […]
It is important to remember that as our population ages, mental health and emotional well-being remain important considerations. While many older adults enjoy good mental health, many others are at risk of developing mental disorders, neurological disorders or substance use problems. In addition, older adults can develop diabetes, hearing loss, and osteoarthritis. Approximately 15% of […]
Last week I attended a symposium on Diversity and Inclusion. The event was sponsored by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the City of Huntsville, Alabama A & M University, Leadership Huntsville/Madison County, the University of Alabama in Huntsville Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and the U.S. Army Material Command. Those sponsors alone make a […]
Alcoholism, like most chronic illnesses, affects every member of the family, not just the individual suffering from the primary disease. If we were to use a sample family of father, mother and four children, here is what we might see: The father is the alcoholic. He is dependent on alcohol. Some of the behaviors he […]
A client recently asked me: “What is involved in mindfulness and how do you implement?” “Mindfulness is a state of consciousness…a quality of being,” I said helpfully. My client stared at me blankly. Okay, let me try again. “My favorite definition of mindfulness comes from Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. He says […]
Why do I ‘do’ psychotherapy? Sometimes it is a good idea to stop, take a breath and reflect on your life choices and what you have learned and are learning from those choices. During one such moment I found myself musing over the above question. Psychotherapy and counseling are, quite simply, service to others and […]