by: Beth Lewis, Yoga & Mindfulness Instructor Touch is one of the most basic and important forms of communication in our everyday lives. The benefits and importance of touch (or haptic communication) are often underestimated. While reading The Ethical Use of Touch in Psychotherapy, I was fascinated to learn that in the developing fetus “the skin and the nervous system...[ read more ]
by Spencer Lee, MSW Intern What is CBT and how does it work? Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a research-backed intervention used to treat a variety of concerns and can be especially helpful working with anxiety and self-esteem. CBT proposes that our thoughts influence our feelings and actions. The idea behind CBT is that changing a negative...[ read more ]
by Jessica King, MSW, LCSW Play is the language of children. Play is how they express themselves, how the process the circumstances of their life, and how they often communicate best with others. In play therapy, the therapists primary goal to to allow the child to been seen, heard, and understood in order to enhance their ability to connect with...[ read more ]
By Hannah Thompson, MSW Intern In the United States, according to the CDC, there is one death every 11 minutes. In 2019 there were 47,500 deaths due to suicide, roughly one death every 40 seconds. Females attempt suicide three times more likely than men do. At present, findings suggest about 800,000 people die in the world annually. Warning signs include...[ read more ]
by Spencer Lee, MSW Intern I think at some point or another we’ve all had this idea in our heads that meditation is reserved for Buddhist monks on a journey to reach Nirvana. It seems like the monks who meditate would be good at it; they’re calm, focused people with few obligations outside of meditating. And these people that meditate...[ read more ]
When parents take an active role in therapy, it allows the child or adolescent to have a strong support system that will meet their needs when it is time to leave therapy. Positive parenting techniques can help parents feel equipped with the tools they need to build positive relationships with their children. In individual sessions with caregivers, a therapist can...[ read more ]
by Hannah Thompson, MSW Intern Human trafficking in North Carolina is much more common than people think. North Carolina is ranked #8 out of all the United States and a huge factor is because of our own city of Wilmington. Wilmington is known as a port city which allows major interstates for car travel, as well as trains and boats....[ read more ]
by Spencer Lee, MSW Intern Personally, one of the worst feelings for me is when I want to do something but just can’t make myself do it. This discomforting feeling is called cognitive dissonance and it occurs when our goals, beliefs, or values do not align with our current behaviors. For example, let’s say I’ve been wanting to start exercising...[ read more ]
by Jessica King, LCSW Joining with another person in a committed relationship or marriage is one of life’s most significant experiences; so is breaking up and divorce. The ending of a relationship entails grief and loss of many things and this can often be unexpected. Even when the breakup is exactly what is needed and may have even been your...[ read more ]
by Spencer Lee, MSW Intern John Gottman is a world-renowned therapist and psychology researcher, famous for his work surrounding couples, marriage, and divorce. You may have heard of his version of the ‘Four Horsemen’ in relationships: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. John, and his wife Julie, founded the Gottman Institute where you can find different resources and trainings for couples,...[ read more ]