Finding Hope Group

Our Women's Group - Finding Hope for Women Experiencing Depression/Anxiety is in its fourth week. This group of women have found support and connection in realizing they are not alone in what they are experiencing. We have talked about the five areas that we need to find ways to practice self-compassion: physical, social, cognitive, spiritual, and emotional. They have begun to implement kindness to themselves in each of these areas ... perhaps a nice walk to nourish our body or journaling our feelings to release our emotional. We have talked about the ten hits that impact depression/anxiety: genetic, developmental (these two we cannot control), the other eight we have some control over: lifestyle, circadian rhythm, addictions, nutrition, toxic thinking, social stress, medical conditions, frontal lobe. This week we will have Carena from Infusions Yoga and Pilates join us and teach us about healthy living. A couple of the women have indicated that they look forward to Monday evenings and the support they are receiving from this group.

My Current Read

The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion, Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions by Christopher K. Germer, Ph.D.

page 38: Mindfulness is a moment-to-moment awareness. There's freedom in mindfulness because paying attention to our stream of perceptions, rather than our interpretations of them, makes every moment fresh and alive! Life becomes a festival to the senses when we're mindful.

Questions to Ask Yourself

This article captured my attention: 12 questions to ask yourself -- right now. As a solution focused therapist, I believe that we do know the answers to our life - 1. How do I spend my alone time? ... walk out your door and into the world, and let yourself feel newly challenged by all the cool stuff out there. Who knows what you'll love -- what class, what group, what hiking trail, what art show?
2. Do I pay attention to what my body needs? Do you listen when it tells you it is working too hard? Treat your body like a new pal who has lots of insightful things to tell you.
3. To Whom am I grateful? Reflecting on who coaxed you to express your opinion, who advises you to fearlessly try new things, who gave you their attention, their encouragement, their caring and generous spirit.

The list goes on and is a fun list to ponder your answers to ...

Finding Hope

Our group for women experiencing depression/anxiety will begin this Monday, March 8, 4:30 - 6:00 PM. We are excited to offer this psychoeducational group to women who can join us in Bountiful and as indicated we will post our journey in this blog as well. Join us if you can! Contact becky at 8012593883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com for more information. Some of what we'll learn:

how to stop being so hard on yourself
how to handle distrubing emotions with greater ease
how to motivate yourself with kindness rather than criticism
how to practice healthy self-care