A Therapy & Mental Wellness Blog

"Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself." - Ralph Waldo Emerson In undergrad, I took a sociology class. I remember during the lesson, the professor made a bold statement that was up for debate, "everything you do in life is selfish." I disagreed. How could community service be selfish? How could helping others be selfish? How could these acts be selfish when you're doing for others? The truth is, they are selfish. You

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT I have a friend who is very involved in the social media world and was active in a mom group where someone asked for an open opinion on flu shots. She shared her opinion and gave supporting reasons for it toward one side, and it got deleted. I think for someone to ask for an opinion, people need to be willing to hear it. Many times people have their mind made up and need the extra push for encouragement but aren't alway

The hit movie "Blended," starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore was so cute and a must see. However, there was a line that is emphasized, "You put your kids first 99% of the time. That last 1%, we get to do what we want." I disagree with that statement. I think it's important to always consider your kids in your decisions. It is important to make healthy decisions for you, your kids, and your future. However, if you are not happy, your kids will know. Just like when y

Remember in the early 90's when you went out for dinner with your family and you actually talked? It seems like every time I go out I notice a family, a couple, a group of friends disengaged, zoned into their phones. Modern day technology has allowed for accessibility but it has also made it more difficult for people to learn effective communication skills. As a child, if you needed to be occupied your parents played with you, or gave you a coloring book, or small figurin

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Robin Williams was announced dead today due to suicide . His publicist stated he has been suffering from severe depression for a long time. Williams was a respected actor and comedian that many looked up to and admired. He was open about his inner demons and ways he has coped in the past and ways he actively worked on overcoming them. Depression is defined as a loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, but ac

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT Grief is defined as a deep sorrow, especially one that is caused by a death. People grieve over a death of a loved one or even a relationship. Something that is difficult for some people to comprehend is the grief of a pet. I have seen mixed emotions from people when it comes to pets, they either love them so much or can do without them. I think we have all seen this type. Some feel their animals become a part of their

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT "If men could regard the events of their own lives with more open minds, they would frequently discover that they did not really desire the things they failed to obtain." - Andre Maurois We are taught early on to dream big and yearn for lavish things, from the television commericials with fun toys to the fancy cars. I admit, I remember being a child and would see a commercial and immediately ask my mom if I could get the item

Written by: Amanda Levison , M.S., LMHC, LPC, CCBT "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." - Victor Borge Laughter is contagious. It is one of the few universal languages. We laugh when we are happy, when we love, when we find humor, and to embrace others in our world. My grandparents were married for over 64 years and I decided to ask my grandma what she felt was the secret to a succesful marriage. She simply stated LAUGHTER, not to take yourself too

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