Releasing Different Types Of Tension In The Body: Stress In The Shoulders

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Releasing Different Types Of Tension In The Body: Stress In The Shoulders

This blog marks the first in a series of releasing tension in the body. What if your body’s stress was also tied to your deepest feelings? Negative emotions can manifest as physical stress, tightness, or pain in our bodies. Developing physical symptoms caused by emotions is called somatization. Some examples of somatization include: feeling chest pain throughout a heartbreak or suffering a headache when under stress. The state of our physical body can give us a lot of information about our entire being (mind, body, spirit). Attending to the psychological causes is as important as addressing the physical symptoms in our bodies.

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Codependency: What Is It?

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Codependency: What Is It?

The original concept of “codependent” came from wives of the alcoholics who started Alcoholic Anonymous, Bill Wilson and “Dr. Bob.”  The men would have AA meetings in people’s houses and the wives would sit in the kitchen and talk over coffee and dessert.  As they exchanged stories about their experiences, they realized they all had done similar things in an effort to protect their husband from consequences of their alcoholism.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder : What It Is And How To Combat It

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Seasonal Affective Disorder : What It Is And How To Combat It

Do you find yourself feeling sad, sluggish, tired, or moody during the colder months? If so, you may be struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 10 million Americans are affected by SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that is triggered by changes in seasons.

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Great Mental Health Apps To Try

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Great Mental Health Apps To Try

Phone apps can be an incredible support for monitoring behavior and emotions, supplementing therapy, or for improving or maintaining mental health and wellness.  While mental health apps do not substitute treatment from a mental health professional and do not provide a diagnosis, they can be used in conjunction with therapy to help you build awareness of habits and patterns, as well as independently to support self-care.  Many of these apps are based on scientific research and evidence based therapy techniques.  I recommend some of them to support work I do with my clients and I use them personally. 

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The Importance Of Black Mental Health

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The Importance Of Black Mental Health

Once again, one of my favorite months of the year is upon us - Black History Month! I take pride being a Black man and I love learning about the rich history of Black inventors, doctors, activists, and leaders that have come before me. Reflecting on those who have paved the way for me to be the professional that I am today always brings me joy. This time of year also causes me to reflect on the struggles myself and my fellow Black and/or African Americans have experienced in the past, as well as the current and daily stressors we must navigate.

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