This is a series dedicated to answering the communities questions. You ask the question and we get them answered by health and wellness professionals in the field. Email or DM us today to submit your question @b.mindfullouisville

This is a series dedicated to answering the communities questions. You ask the question and we get them answered by health and wellness professionals in the field. Email or DM us today to submit your question @b.mindfullouisville

This is a series dedicated to answering the communities questions. You ask the question and we get them answered by health and wellness professionals in the field. Email or DM us today to submit your question @b.mindfullouisville

This is a series dedicated to answering the communities questions. You ask the question and we get them answered by health and wellness professionals in the field. Email or DM us today to submit your question @b.mindfullouisville

Most human beings have implicit biases. And that’s okay, as long as we are aware of them and aware of how our attitudes affect others.In the United States, black people have lived through a long history of violence and social injustice. With the recent deaths of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks…

Occasionally, I come across information in tv shows or movies, social media, or in conversation with others that depict mental health and therapy in an unrealistic way. Usually, it's a small thing, but sometimes it's a BIG misconception. Our culture has come a long way in making strides toward normalizing therapy and mental health issues.

So, there are a LOT of different people out there who call themselves “therapists”; it’s a veritable alphabet soup!  There are LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, LCADCs, to mention a few.  What do all the letters mean?

As part of my “opening monologue” to a new client, I include information about Confidentiality (what you say here, stays here), Cancellations (give me at least 24 hours notice to allow for someone else to take your abandoned spot), and Illness (if you are sick, don’t bring it to me; I’ll gladly return the favor).   Additionally, I also include information about what I call “Goodness of Fit”. I encourage my new clients to take the time to figure out if I am a good fit for them.

We’ve all seen the word, or variations of the word within the mental health scene. We know someone who has been in counseling or maybe we’ve had first-hand experience with it. But I don’t think a lot of people know what should and shouldn’t happen within the counseling hour, and honestly, I don’t think that’s their fault. The nature of mental health client/counselor confidentiality and societies viewpoints on this field plays a big role in this “unknown world of the counseling hour”.

It’s taken a while, but mental health is finally starting to be taken seriously. Celebrities talk openly about their struggles. Politicians specifically mention mental health in discussions on improving healthcare. And the idea of seeking therapy is no longer stigmatized the way it once was. More and more — particularly in the United States — there’s been a push to define mental health concerns as medical concerns. While mental health is an essential part of overall health — and mental illness is illness — selecting a therapist or mental health provider is not the same as selecting a doctor.

The Holidays are drawing near. For many of us, this can be extremely stressful. At a time that is expected to be filled with joy, many struggle with feelings of grief and loss, being overwhelmed by changes in routine, being around unsupportive family, and many other issues that pop up this time of year.

Lots and lots of emotions out there, like lots. And they fall all over the map from positive to neutral to negative (with some fluctuating on severity dependent on the given situation). My personal opinion (and a popular one) on emotions is that not a lot of emotions are inherently “bad” or “negative” to feel, it’s what we do with that emotion that can be “bad” or “negative”. But there is an exception to this rule, and I will say, with confidence, that shame can almost always be classified as a “bad” emotion.

When you live with an anxiety disorder, any moment can become one that creates a slow-rising panic within you. Life is normal one second and the next, you feel your chest tighten and your heart begin to race.

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance: these are the very well-known five stages of grief, as postulated by Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book On Death and Dying. At the time of the book’s publication, very little instruction was given in medical school…

Most human beings don’t get through life without dealing with their fair share of stress. But some people seem to deal with more stress than others. For instance, according to a report by the American Psychological Association (APA), both low-income…

Though this is a ridiculously posed picture, I really like the stated message. In my opinion, a more accurate picture would be 6 macarons (minimum), no leaves (I mean c’mon, why are they even there?!), maybe a plate (but if we are being honest…no plate), a glass of milk (nom), a couch and Netflix (yasss). Okay, sorry, back to the message.

It's difficult to find that inner-strength when depression and anxiety have their grip. Normal activities feel so much more exhausting, scary, or impossible.

It's difficult to find that inner-strength when depression and anxiety have their grip. Normal activities feel so much more exhausting, scary, or impossible.

What would you do if you picked up a bite to eat and the food wrapper was labeled toxic? Would you eat it? Of course not. You know that toxic means something is poisonous to your bodies and can hurt you. Unfortunately, toxic relationships don’t come clearly labeled like this fictitious sandwich wrapper, but usually, there are plenty of warning signs alerting you that something is wrong.

Relationships are complicated. Mental health issues are complex. Put the two together, and things can get real, really quick. Since we are nearing Valentine's Day, let's talk about juggling dating and romance--while navigating your own mental health.

Welcome to the 10-part meditation blog series that focuses on the various ways that meditation can assist you and your overall wellbeing. Each week I will publish a blog specifically dedicated to how a meditation practice can assist with lowering anxiety levels, seeing your path, help your thoughts go by more easily, etc.

The topic of self-care is one that has been discussed openly and often over the past decade. But for many, the concept of self-care is one that is still a bit mysterious, if not downright confusing.What Is Self-Care?First…

So you've probably heard all about how you need to be engaging in self-care, right? It is  pretty important part of your mental health. But what exactly does self-care entail? How do we make it a part of our every day life? I'm here to answer some questions and bust some myths so that we can demystify self-care and make it something real and meaningful for your everyday life.

Detailed interview with social worker, Tomeika S. Leavell. Answering questions about herself, her journey, her practice, and what it looks like to work with her.

Detailed interview with professional counselor Shannon Gonter. Answering questions about herself, her journey, her practice, and what it looks like to work with her.