What actually happens in therapy? This post breaks down the core elements of the therapeutic process, from the importance of the client-therapist relationship to informed consent, neutrality, and what therapy is (and isn’t) meant to provide. A grounded, compassionate introduction for anyone considering therapy.

What Is a Work-In Practice?

Between the news cycle, decreasing hours of sunlight everyday, and the chaos associated with the upcoming holiday season, it would make a lot of sense right now if you’re feeling stressed. Or really stressed. For what it’s worth, you’re in good company—according to the American Psychological Association, 89% of people say they feel increased concerns this time of year around things like social pressure to make the holidays ~perfect~, spending too much money, food/alcohol issues, and family drama. Does any of that ring a bell? (If it does, congrats! You are definitely a human being.) While tempting, you don’t have to turn to self-destructive coping choices like isolating yourself or relying on substances right now. You have other options. These are some of my favorites, all borrowed from DBT: 1) Practice accepting emotions as pieces of information. When you’re feeling a strong feeling, name it. Own it. Allow it in. Validate it. Assume that you’re experiencing it because your body is trying to protect you. Thank yourself for having received the info, and accept that even if you don’t know why that emotion is getting kicked up for you, it probably makes sense from a perspective that you’re not considering right now that you can unpack later in therapy. 2) Cope ahead. Picture ahead of time how certain stressful situations will likely play out during the holidays, and make a literal plan on what you’re going to do in different scenarios to keep your stress regulated. Work with your therapist to explore skills from setting boundaries to deep breathing for moments that feel particularly tricky. 3) Remember that you always have four options to choose from when trying to solve a problem: Change the situation (even if that means leaving it or opting out entirely) Learn to love or at least feel better about the problem so that it isn’t a problem anymore Tolerate and accept both the problem and how much you hate the problem Stay miserable and do nothing For example: Let’s say you secretly hate eggnog, and your family has a yearly eggnog appreciation event. Here are some of your choices: A. Don’t go to the event. Plan something fantastic to do by yourself that day. (Remember: Alone time is not the same thing as isolation!) B. Go all in with a green suit and make being the Eggnog Grinch your fun new role at the party C. Let yourself hate eggnog and the party, and go anyway—but while you’re there, commit to internally experiencing the party as though you were an anthropologist studying a particularly peculiar group of people D. Continue to secretly hate eggnog, go to the party, and try again in 2025 If you go with option D, it’s definitely going to be worth exploring in therapy 🙂 If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. If you’re experiencing an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Written by, Rachel Christensen, LMSW

Mindbody connection and nervous system regulation are the new approach to mental health treatment. Learn about Polyvagal Theory in simple terms and find a therapist who can help you.

The body remembers even if the mind forgets.

Physical Boundaries – This includes protecting and maintaining your personal space, your comfortability with touch (i.e. handshakes, hugs), and your basic physical needs, such as resting, eating food, drinking water, going to the bathroom, etc.   Emotional Boundaries – This includes discerning when is the appropriate time to share or not share emotions to prevent “emotional Read more » The post 10 Types of Boundaries That You Need appeared first on Presence Of Mind Therapy.

Boundaries are not metaphorical invisible fences and walls that we put around ourselves to keep people out. A boundary is in fact a useful mechanism that helps make it easier for others to get close to us. Boundaries allow us to create healthy relationships by building a sense of trust with another. By setting healthy Read more » The post Healthy Boundaries: What Are They And Why Do We Need Them? appeared first on Presence Of Mind Therapy.

Have you ever thought about beginning a meditation practice, but are not quite sure where to start? It may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it does not have to be. Here are some tips and suggestions that may help guide you in building your daily or weekly meditation practice. Ultimately, you will want Read more » The post How To Start A Meditation Practice appeared first on Presence Of Mind Therapy.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a NJ licensed therapist that is able to work with a variety of populations using sound clinical theory and judgement. Niche and specialty experience are preferred. Presence of Mind Therapy prides itself on holistic healing via the mind-body-spirit connection and so licensed therapists with an interest in Read more » The post Join Our Team appeared first on Presence Of Mind Therapy.