Author name: Shaelene

Coping skills are something I’ve been familiar with long before my training and clinical work. Growing up, I had a lot of anxiety that I was trying to cope with. It started at a very young age, but was at its worst when I was in high school. At one point, I was having panic […]

When I started learning about the skills of DBT I kept hearing the phrase “a life worth living.” At first, I did not like this skill. I thought it sounded cold. However, the more I understood the skill, the more I liked it. I once read that “No life is not worth living. But what

It’s two nights before Thanksgiving and I’m making mashed potatoes to bring as my contribution to the small family gathering I’ll be attending in two days. Something isn’t looking right and I can feel my anxiety building as I watch the mashed potatoes develop into a strange consistency. As I watch, my thoughts go something

The ghosts and goblins of Halloween have passed. The days are becoming shorter, the trees shed their leaves, and the air has a slight cold crisp to it. People are beginning to get into the holiday spirit. Home Goods, Marshalls, Kirkland, Pottery Barn, and grocery stores are packed with mask-wearing shoppers trying to grab the

I had my first panic attack this August. Yup. Took me 32 years on this planet to finally experience something I had hoped to avoid my entire life. It was pretty awful, would not recommend, 0 out of 10 stars. I even ended up calling 911! Yes, you’ve read that correctly. Me, a therapist, called

As I write this I’m lying in bed with my youngest putting her to sleep. I just got home from a night of working late and I feel thankful to be with her at this moment. Inhale, exhale, this…  is …. a good moment. As a mindful momma I cherish these peaceful times of connection.

It’s a familiar scene. I have the morning off and I find myself standing in my room, contemplating my To Do list. I’m well rested. I’ve had my breakfast and a cup of tea and I’m ready for the day. I see all the options for action written out before me- paperwork to catch up on,

Wise mind where are you?!? I have seemed to have lost you somewhere between being extremely impulsive and feeling scared to engage. As I sit here, scratch my head and re-read my January 2020 Blog ‘ I am my 2020 to-do list’ I wonder… where the heck did that list go? Ugh, I know I

“Should have.” “Why can’t this be THIS way ?” “I’m just going to avoid doing this.” “If I just keep moving and doing I will feel better.” Any of these sound familiar? Since quarantine started, I have heard the above phrases (and many others) in my head that have made it hard to be effective.

Why is it that we are always the harshest and most unforgiving to ourselves?  Anyone else feel that way?  As a self – proclaimed type A person and perfectionist, non – judgmental is an extremely hard skill for me to practice. My running motto is often – “do better, try hard, do more” AND YET