Creative Solutions Behavioral Health, PLLC
Online & In-Person Counseling with Texas Licensed Psychologists
Being out in nature is one of the best ways to destress and manage your mental health. Multiple studies have showcased the healing benefits of nature. It reduces stress, improves your mood, and can help with issues like depression and anxiety.
...continue reading "How Nature Soothes Us"
What is compulsive shopping? It’s not uncommon to treat yourself to a shopping trip every now and then. You might even feel a burst of happiness when you make a purchase, or you’re able to get something you really want. The idea of ‘retail therapy’ is really something that can help put some people in a better mood. But, there’s a fine line between buying things frequently and compulsive shopping.
And, that line matters.
...continue reading "Could You be a Compulsive Shopper?"
There’s no denying that we live in a busy, hectic society that rarely slows down to take a pause. It’s easy to fall into the pressure “trap” of trying to always be "productive" or packing your schedule too full.
Unfortunately, that’s become the norm for far too many people. But, it can end up causing a lot of stress. That can quickly lead to feelings of anxiety or depression. It can also make you feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and not like yourself.
While it’s often easier said than done to “slow down,” one thing you can do to improve your actions each day and to find some relaxation is to “practice the pause.”
But, what does that mean, exactly?
...continue reading "Learning to “Practice the Pause”"
You’ve likely heard about “the winter blues ” or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). You probably know that many people are deeply affected by the shift from warmer weather to the dark days of winter. The change of seasons elicits emotions that make some feel inexplicably tired and persistently sad. The condition is real and even debilitating for some.
If your partner is one such person, the seasonal shift may be confusing and frustrating. Perhaps their inability to pinpoint their sadness and work through it has even become a point of contention.
...continue reading "Is Your Partner Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder? Here’s How to Help"
The holidays are supposed to be a time filled with joy, laughter, and excitement. But, if you’re experiencing a loss around any holiday, it’s difficult to feel that kind of joy that those around you might be sharing.
Grief around the holidays isn’t uncommon. Maybe you recently lost someone you loved. Or, maybe you lost them years ago but you’re reminded of that every holiday season.
Grief doesn’t even need to be connected to the loss of a person. Thanks to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been experiencing loss in many ways. Maybe you lost your job this year, or aren’t able to get together with your family because some of them are at a greater risk of getting sick.
...continue reading "Coping with Grief During the Holidays"
There have been multiple studies to show the mental and physical health benefits of pets. It has even been found that simply being around a dog or petting it can boost your mood and make you feel better. That’s one reason why pet therapy has become so popular across the country.
If you have a pet at home, you probably have no problem singing their praises. Pet owners often treat their furry friends like family, and see the wonderful benefits they can provide. But, it’s more than just that good, loving feeling you get after arriving home after a long day at work. It’s more than those sloppy kisses that make you laugh or the warm cuddles in the rocking chair.
...continue reading "Animals Make Us Better: Exploring the Power of Pets"
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Everyone has areas of struggle when it comes to balanced thinking. It is so common that you may not even recognize it as a thinking error at all! Consider whether any of the following common thinking errors sound familiar, so that you can lessen the impact they have on your mental and emotional state.
...continue reading "What to Do if You’re Prone to These Common Thinking Errors"
Stumbling blocks are a natural part of life. Some people struggle with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that feel crippling at times. Others have to deal with the pain of a chronic condition or illness. Even sudden or unexpected life changes can cause you to stumble. Whether it’s a divorce, job loss, or the death of someone you love, there are likely going to be things that make you feel stunted or blocked from your original path.
Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to get lost in those difficulties. In an effort to understand how and why it has happened, it is easy to start viewing them as failures. When you look at those difficult things that way, those stumbling blocks can feel like boulders.
So, why not view them as stepping stones, instead?
...continue reading "Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones? How to Grow From Your Difficulties"