If you, like many of us, have been finding yourself sitting more than usual or have been noticing some increased muscle tension or soreness, a little movement can be a lifesaver. The two brief practices below are designed to invite some mindful gentle movement and release tension. These practices are great for small spaces and…
Mindfulness-Based Tools for Coping during Difficult Times
Mental health professionals often speak about mindfulness, or non-judgmental attention to the present-moment experience. I also like to think of mindfulness as an invitation to engage with ourselves and our environment just a bit differently from what might be our norm. Mindfulness is about cultivating awareness and welcoming the full range of what shows up…
Why Mindfulness Matters in Relationship-Centered Care: Should You Care if Your Doctor or Therapist Meditates?
In all my years of supporting expectant parents as they navigate their pregnancy, birth and parenting, finding the right health care providers, the right therapists, the right doula has been front and center for them, and for those of us who are advocates. We’ve created guides and lists, and even healthcare personality quizzes to help…
Postpartum Blues or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety disorder?
One of the most frequent questions we get asked at Beyond the Baby Blues is what defines the distinction between baby blues and a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder or PMAD. The description that the women we see in our groups provide over and over of how they are feeling is that they don’t feel…
What to Expect When You’re Expecting (In Your Sex Life)
Pregnancy can be an exciting but also an unexpected transition for new parents. On one hand you are looking forward to bringing your newborn into the world, mentally and physically preparing for your growing family, all the while dreaming about what your bundle of joy will look like and how they will feel in your…
Miscarriage: Did it happen to me, or to us?
The devastation of a pregnancy loss can impact more than just your hopes for a child. It can challenge your relationship with your body, your friends, society, and, unfortunately quite often, your relationship with your partner. When a couple decides to start or grow a family, they are united. The discussion is collaborative, the process…
Your baby has left the NICU. Has your brain?
Whenever I find myself having a conversation with one client that strikingly resembles one I’ve had with another client, I realize that the topic we’re discussing has significance beyond my office. This time, the issue was how profoundly painful and challenging it is for a parent whose child was in the NICU to possess those…
Present parenting and the mindful art of Play-Doh
“Mindfulness” is not only a buzzword in the media, I realize it’s one in my office as well. I reference it constantly and try to incorporate it into my work and personal life consistently. Of course the emphasis there is on the word “try”. It doesn’t necessarily come naturally, and it certainly doesn’t come every…
Mindfulness Challenge: Day 4
TOUCH Today’s exercise utilizes our sense of touch. Mindfulness – non-judgmental observation – often comes readily when we focus on tactile sensations. Anxiety, stress, and heightened emotion can take our mental presence outside of our physical space. To return to where we actually are, it can be grounding to recognize and connect with our physical…
“And, I hate my body”
As a psychotherapist, I have the privilege of hearing the thoughts and feelings people often share with no one else. I listen while they discuss doubts about relationships, question commitment to their careers, and voice guilt over frustration or disappointment in those they love most. The topics addressed in my office range from anxiety over…
