A Therapy & Mental Wellness Blog

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Today is the 4th of July, and the day that America celebrates it's independence. The day is recognized as a national holiday and started when the United States commemorated the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain (now officially known as the United Kingdom). Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, fireworks, parades, ba

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT When I was in my early 20's, I had a friend that would call me Danny Tanner from Full House because I would hug on a regular basis and my friend was not an affectionate person and she didn't understand how I was. It was natural to me. Do you ever just need a hug? Do you sometimes feel that when you're upset and someone hugs you, you realize afterward that that was all you need? Research has shown that hugging has been ext

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion."- The 14th Dalai Lama People often get confused with empathy, sympathy, and compassion. Empathy involves responding to another person's emotions with emotions that are similar. This would be to connect with someone at a similar level over an initimate conversation and/or bond. Sympathy entails feeling regret for another pe

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT “You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.”- Stephen King Today was my first time to a chamber event in Harrisburg. I went to it alone, not knowing anyone, but with a positive attitude. I met someone in the parking lot and she introduced me to some other people, once we got inside (it seemed like I introduced myself to the right person). I'm not quite sure the turnout, but it looked like a nice

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT "Grief is the agony of an instant, the indulgence of grief the blunder of a life." Benjamin Disraeli Loss is painful. We have all experienced a loss in our life, whether it be big or small... a loss of a job, a loss of a pet, a loss of a loved one. It's natural to grieve in various ways but beyond it all, loss is painful whichever we look at it. People say it gets "easier with time," it's not that the pain goes away b

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT In 2012, Hugh Jackman played an amazing role as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. In this scene Jean Valjean is conflicted with being honest and having someone else take the fall for his actions. He struggles with judgement and emphasizes the importance of being good for your word for yourself, others, and to G*d. Many times people struggle with their judgement but in the end, you only have your word. I find that it is most

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT My friend posted something about the latest trend about diets... "I am TOTALLY intrigued by so many friends posting about their workouts and groups they are joining, primarily, BEACHBODY and ADVOCARE. So what I want to know from you, why did you choose one over the other. Have you been happy with the program you chose and why?" The truth is, it is group support and a quick fix. It is great if you have a wedding or a spec

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT “The good man is the friend of all living things.”- Mahatma Gandhi The other day I was on a nature walk and came across this beautiful tree. I had to stop and take a picture, as I knew it was something I would want to look at again. In Florida, I would see trees and flowers all of the time but not like how it is in the Springtime in Pennsylvania. It takes on a whole new beauty to see the sharp blooming colors. As a chil

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT I am so excited that I have a new office! I have been decorating it and making sure it is comfortable, cozy, and calming for clients to feel that they are in a safe environment. Today, I finally found the wall art I have been looking for and an area rug, and the place is coming together. With the new office and new company name, I had to give my website a new look as well. I have been non stop in front of the computer but

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT “To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.”- Anatole France I am going to do my best to post daily quotes of inspiration and motivation. I think it helps people think about what they need to set forth for the day, week, or any time of the near future and reflect on themselves. When I was looking for books of motivation, it is impressive how many religious texts and theological writings were around and less n