Body, Mind, & Spirit

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,

by MARY JOYE, LMHC At some time in your life, you have probably reframed a painting or photograph and it changed your perspective entirely on the work. It may have caused you to appreciate the painting or photo more. Something as simple as changing a frame can elevate your emotions. It was your intention to

by MARY JOYE, LMHC Who would have guessed that something as simple as taking two or three minutes to apply lipstick, mascara, or to brush your hair is a stress reliever. Researchers in the field of psychology agree that beauty routines or rituals have the same effect on the brain as meditation or mindfulness.  Leonard

Sugar Can Drive Highs and Lows in Mood by MARY JOYE, LMHC Whenever you give way to temptation and have anything loaded with sugar, have you noticed the immediate feeling of energy only to be followed later by physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, or extreme fatigue? You probably have. If not, then watch any

Mental Health Is an Important Part of Surgery Recovery by MARY JOYE, LMHC Modern medical surgical techniques have come a long way. Less invasive procedures call for less hospital time. However, our primitive healing responses set a pace that may be less than what we expect in this age of instant gratification. Much like the