Collaborative Minds Blog
Education to empower your mental health journey.
Relax & Recharge: The Mental Health Benefits of Spring Break & How to Maximize Them
With the days getting longer and warm weather approaching, Spring Break offers a much-needed respite from the routine hustle and bustle of daily life. But it's not just a chance to soak up some sun; it's a vital opportunity to prioritize your mental well-being. Keep reading for tips on how to make the most of your Spring Break for your mental health.
The Case for Adult Pacifiers: The Paradox of Psychotherapy
The reality is we all rely on pacifiers. Whether it’s an overt silicone mold that can be seen from someone’s mouth or internalized/externalized behaviors one exhibits, is a different story. Keep reading for therapist Max Kirshblum’s explanation of this concept and what it means for you.
Raising Teens with a Healthy Body Image
Parents are pretty aware of the fact that most teens struggle with insecurities; in fact, a recent study found that two-thirds of parents reported that their child is self-conscious about some aspect of their appearance. Keep reading to learn about how you can help your teen develop a positive relationship with food and their body.
Unlocking the Power of Communication
With the kids at play dates, dinner in the oven, and the weather a manageable 45 degrees, Jen is determined to utilize the next 20 minutes by taking a walk with her husband. Emotional connection: check. Physical health: check. Mental health: check. What could go wrong? Keep reading to see how important communication can be and how to effectively express your needs.
I Am Not Okay; How Are You?
One of the most common greetings nowadays is “How are you?” In turn, we are expected to respond with “Good, how are you?” But what if we are not “good”?
Deepening Your Relationship with Your Teens: Benefits and Tips to Foster Trust
For a lot of parents, trying to get your teen to open up and talk to you about their lives can feel like pulling teeth–but it doesn’t have to be this way. Making an effort to foster your connection with your teen now can help to lay the foundation for a strong relationship even well into their adulthood. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a strong parent-teen relationship and for tips on how to cultivate trust.
Interpersonal Process Groups: What They Are and Who They’re For
The term “Interpersonal Process Group” might sound a bit intimidating, but this type of group therapy is actually the perfect space for individuals who are looking to explore their feelings and connect with others in a safe, supportive environment. Keep reading to learn more about what interpersonal process groups are and whether or not you might benefit from joining one.
What is ACT? How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Can Improve Your Life
Coming to terms with the problems we have or the pain we may carry can ACTually be very empowering. Keep reading to learn more about how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help you to recognize your own resilience and live a rewarding life despite the hardships you may face.
Ditch the Resolutions and Get SMART About Your Goals for the New Year
It’s natural to set intentions at the start of a New Year, and those intentions usually come in the form of grand “resolutions” that, more often than not, we don’t end up keeping. But don’t get discouraged–keep reading to learn about how SMART Goals can help to set you up for success this year.
7 Things Your Teen Wants You to Know (From a Licensed Therapist Specialized in Treating Teens)
As parents, we’ve all been teens at one point…but raising teenagers can still feel like a total mystery at times. This time of their lives is crucial for exploring who they are and creating an identity of their own, but it’s equally as important to have your unconditional love and support (even if they pretend not to care). Practice owner and licensed clinical social worker Sara Schreiber shares 7 things teenagers want their parents to know but struggle to communicate themselves.
Skills Groups vs. Process Groups: Which Type of Group Therapy is Right For You?
The term “Group Therapy” seems pretty self-explanatory…it’s just therapy, but in a group setting, right? Well, yes and no. There are many different types of therapy groups that differ based on the intended goals of the groups, the condition(s) they aim to treat, the clinical methods used by the facilitating therapists, and more. Keep reading to learn more about two of the most common types of group therapy, Skills Groups and Process Groups.
Big Emotions? Difficulty Coping? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Might Be Right For You
Over the past few years, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has become extremely popular among providers and patients alike–and for good reason. Keep reading to learn more about what DBT is, how it works, and who it is helpful for.
Common Holiday Stressors and How to Handle Them
While the time between Thanksgiving and New Years is known as the “most wonderful time of the year,” it can also be the most stressful; in fact, one study found that a staggering 88% of Americans feel more stressed while celebrating the holidays. Keep reading to find out what some of the most common holiday stressors are and tips for handling them this holiday season.
Healing Trauma with EMDR Therapy
For individuals who have experienced trauma, it can feel like you’ll never be the same–and this isn’t totally inaccurate. Research has shown that exposure to traumatic events can actually cause physical changes in our brains that make it harder for us to tolerate and cope with stress. The good news is that there are treatments you can use to help heal from these traumatic experiences and their consequences, one of the most effective being Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Keep reading to learn more about this incredible intervention and whether it sounds like the right treatment for you.
What is CBT? A Simple Explanation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
You may have heard the term “CBT” before, but what exactly is it? Keep reading to learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including what it is, how it’s used, and who can benefit from it.
Maternal Mental Health Matters Too
Being a mother is one of the hardest jobs in the world. We are told to care for our children, spouses, and the household, all while working, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and running errands. Rarely, do we get the opportunity to stop and reflect on what WE need from ourselves or others. It is obvious why up to 1 in 5 women experience a maternal mental health disorder in the postpartum period. These disorders include postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, or psychosis. Especially in our culture where women are expected to return to work weeks after giving birth, with limited resources or benefits to support feeding their babies.
Back to School and Overwhelmed with Assignments? Steal My Hack to Help Get Organized
I think everyone can agree that one of the most difficult parts about being a student is keeping track of everything for all of your classes; between homework assignments, projects, exams, and more, it can start to feel really overwhelming (Raise your hand if you’ve ever walked into a class and said, “Wait, that was due TODAY?” 🙋) This can be especially daunting if you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, or other executive functioning disorders. Keep reading to hear what I did to help get myself organized and ultimately set myself up for academic success.
Are Your Kids Back at School? 5 Ways for Parents to Practice Self Care During Back to School
Are Your Kids Back to School? 5 Ways to Practice Self Care for Parents
While a lot of parents secretly (or not-so-secretly) rejoice when their kids go back to school, many still struggle to prioritize their own needs. You might be juggling after school activities, appointments, housework, your own career, and a seemingly endless to-do list…but it’s important to carve out time for yourself in the midst of all the chaos. Keep reading for tips on how to incorporate self-care into your routine now that school has started.
5 Unexpected Ways to Help the Back-To-School Transition for Teens
5 Unexpected Ways to Help the Back-To-School Transition for Teens
Going back to school after having a summer off can feel like a really big deal to a lot of kids and teens—it’s kind of like starting a new chapter, and it’s natural for new things to make us feel a little anxious. Keep reading to learn about ways that you can help to set yourself up for happiness and success this school year.
5 Tips for College Success
Are you going off to college in the next couple of weeks? Here’s a list of things you can do to get ready.