Monica Forsman, LCMHC, Bountiful, Utah.

Monica Forsman, M.Ed., LCMHC specializes in women's issues of interpersonal concerns, marriage and family counseling. Monica’s clinical experience includes individual and group therapy for stress, anxiety, depression/mood disorders, and substance abuse. Monica is experienced working with individuals, families and groups who have witnessed traumatic incidences or accidents. Monica focuses on self-awareness, on the individual’s inherent strength and the ability to harness their strength’s to enhance well-being. She is also bilingual and fluent in Swedish. Monica is available to schedule an appointment at 801-604-5040.

Journaling

I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say.  Flannery O'Connor

Here are 10 tips to get started from tinybuddha.com:

1. Start writing about where you are in your life at this moment. Describe your living situation, your work, and your relationships. Are you right where you want to be?

2. For five to ten minutes just start writing in a “stream of consciousness.” Don’t edit your thoughts or feelings and don’t correct your grammar. Don’t censor your thoughts.

3. Start a dialogue with your inner child by writing in your subdominant hand. Answer with your dominant hand. What issues emerge?

4. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by maintaining a daily list of things you appreciate in your life, including uplifting quotes. Keep it in one journal or in a separate section so that you can read through it all at once. When you feel down you can read through it for a boost of gratitude and happiness.

5. Start a journal of self-portraits. You can take pictures, draw colors or shapes or collage images. Learn to love and accept yourself just the way you are today.

6. Keep a nature diary to connect with the natural world. The world we live in is a magical and mysterious place. Record the things you notice about the sky, the weather, and the seasons.

7. Maintain a log of successes. Begin by writing the big ones you remember then regularly jot down small successes that occur during the week. As you pay attention, your list will grow and inspire you.

8. Keep a log or playlist of your favorite songs. Write about the moods they evoke. When you hear a song that triggers a strong memory, write down how you feel and explore that time and space of your life.

9. If there is something you are struggling with or if there is an event that is disturbing you, write about it in the third person. This will give you distance and provide a new perspective. Write down what you learned about yourself.

10. Develop your intuition. Write down questions or concerns then take a deep breath and listen for a response from your Higher Self.  Let yourself write automatically. If you don’t get an answer right away, look for signs during the day

Trisha Jensen, LCSW in Bountiful, Utah.

Trisha Jensen, LCSW specializes in working with women with depression and anxiety, adjustment disorders, and eating disorders.  She is experienced in working with children who suffer emotionally and behaviorally.  She works as a team with family members, teachers, school counselors, physicians, and others who may be concerned about the welfare of their loved ones in helping better the lives of their child(ren).  Trisha has experience with providing homestudies and post-placement visits for those who are in the adoption process.  Trisha also speaks Spanish.  Trisha can be reached at (801) 541-4944 to schedule an appointment.  Her office is located at Resilient Solutions, Inc, 1355 N. Main, Ste. 1 & 3, Bountiful, Utah.  

Group. Finding Your Resilience.

We are excited to offer a course that will help you Flourish as you celebrate your strengths and resilience through the work of positive psychology. Part I: 8-week course, Tuesdays 7-8:15 to begin March 5 - May 7 at Resilient Solutions, Inc, 1355 N. Main, Ste. 1, Bountiful, Utah. $195 for 8-week course. Part II: 6-week follow-up course, Tuesdays June 11 - July 9 at RSI. $150 for 6-week course. For more details: contact Becky Andrews, LPC, FT at 801.259.3883 or email: becky.lpc@gmail.com.

Nurturing your body in grief

Grief can take a toll on our body.  Dr. Alan Wolfelt (www.centerforloss.com) reminds us to "Be kind to your body.  

- The physical problems encountered from grief can include physical and emotional exhaustion, uncontrollable crying, trouble sleeping, heart palpitations, and headaches.  

-These physical effectcs are not inevitable, but in order to nurture your body, you may have to take a step back, slow down, and look at your physical needs.  You may need to take time away from work and focus on clearing your mind.  You must be kind to yourself by supplying your body with the good nutrition, water, rest, and exercise that you need.  

Carpe Diem:  Do one nice thing for your body today.  Consider a walk, a healthy meal, a warm drink, or simply a hot bath."   Thank you, Dr. Wolfelt. His books are referenced often in the grief groups offered in our office at :  Resilient Center for Grieving Families, 1355 N. Main, Ste. 1, Bountiful, Utah 84010.

For more information on upcoming groups, contact Becky Andrews, LPC, FT at 801.259.3883 or Melanie Holt, LAPC at 801.718.9840.  

Teen Group, Mondays 4 - 5:15, $20/group session

Adult Group for those who have had a loved one die from suicide, Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:45, $20/group session.

Upcoming Group:  Mindfully Grieving.