To Therapy or Not to Therapy? That’s the question!

Mental.Health.Therapy. Those three words can conjure up so many different thoughts and opinions.  For some the words have no effect, positive or negative, because they may not know what it actually is. Others have begun to weaponize it as a means of belittling someone for not giving into their demands or expectations. While others have […]

Build Some Fences

     Boundaries are a vital part of our well-being.  Weak boundaries can lead to insecurity, anxiety, and a sense of low self-worth.  On the other hand, strong boundaries protect what is valuable to us; thereby reducing anxiety, increasing our sense of security, and reinforcing our self-worth.  Boundaries are important in personal and professional settings […]

Cognitive Distortions

Have you ever found yourself thinking “I’m not good at anything.” Maybe you were given a scratch-off ticket and won $5 and thought, “I never win.” These are called cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions are thought patterns that are typically irrational. These exaggerated thought patterns can start to change a person’s perception of reality. This can […]

Suicide is the Leading Cause of Death for People of All Ages

Suicide is the leading cause of death for people of all ages and demographics. The even more troubling fact is that suicide is the most preventable cause of death as well due to the many resources available. What presents a unique challenge is the fact that oftentimes, people struggle to reach out in their most […]

Political Peace

In election years we are drowned in advertisements. In my experience, politicians overpromise and underdeliver. These ads are often appalling and nasty. They are designed to persuade us to support one candidate over another.  Campaigns create fear by making dire predictions related to the economy, gun control, healthcare, ability to work, living in safe communities, […]

¿Yo, ir a Consejería? ¿Por qué?

Una de las mejores decisiones que podemos tomar cuando nos sentimos mal, ya sea simplemente con pensamientos negativos o, hasta más, pensamientos suicidas, es unirnos a una comunidad con personas saludables y seguras con las que podamos hablar honestamente. Se explica que con el distanciamiento social ha sido y será difícil encontrar estas personas, agregándole […]

Muddy Waters of Culture and Mental Health

As a US-born Guatemalan, I love to celebrate our heritage, as well as celebrating and learning about all cultures. With this learning comes the understanding that there are certain aspects of all cultures that are to be examined and left behind for the history books rather than be kept in the stories of our ongoing […]