Body, Mind, & Spirit

by JENNIFER GOODSON, MA, LMHC Emotional well-being is essential, and we can maintain a balance in our emotions by creating daily routines. Our body, mind, and spirit experience many levels of transformation throughout our lives. Creating a routine for different areas helps manage anxiety, depression, and stress. Depression frequently interrupts one’s basic hygiene and self-care. […]

by JENNIFER GOODSON, MA, LMHC Every day, we hear our medical doctors, therapists, friends, and family ask us, “What are you doing for self-care?” I’m not negating that self-care is not essential; it is!But how we look at it is different for everyone, and there is no set pattern of what, how, or when to

How often have we allowed the toss of a relationship to be so minimal in the words “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger”? Strength is a good characteristic; however, when not balanced with love, we lose our gentleness toward others. The question then arises: How tough do we want to be? Tough enough that

by Jennifer Goodson, MA, LMHC The new school year brings back routines for the next 10 months. Even if the pattern is familiar, a change in routine is happening with students experiencing new classrooms, new schedules, new teacher(s), and new expectations. When the momentum of change is in effect, anxiety will be high. While, as

by JENNIFER GOODSON, MA, LMHC What are boundaries, and how can they improve our mental health? Boundaries are set to provide a perimeter of peace around our body, mind, and spirit. Without them, we welcome chaos in our lives. This wreaks havoc on our thought patterns, emotions, and responses. Boundaries protect us from being mentally

by JENNIFER GOODSON, MA, LMHC “Do not despise small beginnings,” said the older woman in the room. She looked with a smile and just nodded her head toward me. I immediately felt agitation rise, and my face grew hot. Yes, I became defensive quickly. I wasn’t sure if I was frustrated with her or myself

We have all had that thought: “Life was so much easier as a kid!” No responsibilities, no bills, and no heavy relationships except for sharing (or not sharing) in the sandbox. Wow! When did it change? Eighth or 12th grade, college away from home, the first job that paid for the first car, or our

by JENNIFER GOODSON, LMHC In the past several years, we have seen increased medical care demand for obvious reasons over which we have no control. These were in addition to the present everyday ins and outs of the continuity of care for patients in inpatient and outpatient settings delivered by our healthcare providers. Furthermore, the

by JENNIFER GOODSON, MA, LMHC It is closet cleaning week for me. I know, I know, ugh! I am one of those procrastinators when it comes to opening that door of the small dark hole at the end of the hallway; I do not greet it with a smile or exuberant motivation. The happy dance is not happening.

by MARY JOYE, LMHC Codependency, broadly defined, is a loss of self while caring for others. A codependent person will give out until they burn out or become physically ill. Codependency is not a formal disorder included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5).  One team of researchers (Barbara Oakley,