Connection

“Mirror Mirror On The Wall”

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:25:19 GMT

Your body hears everything you say to yourself and about yourself, crazy huh? You know who else is listening, those around you, including your family. How kind are you in your self- talk about your body? Are you accepting and praising of it, or harsh and critical? Are you like so many caught up in the toxic trap of comparison of self to others? Have you bought into unrealistic beauty ideals and lost touch with reality, prompted by filters and photo editing?

I am the first to admit I utilize social media and have used a filter on a photo or two (GASP!). However, the world of selfies and the desire for reflecting perfect image has resulted for some including our youth, in poor body image. It can be a set up for unrealistic and unattainable expectations of self and others. The ability to accept yourself as is, while maintaining a healthy body image is an integrated part of overall wellness.

The National Eating Disorders Association defines Body image as “how you see yourself when you look in the mirror or when you picture yourself in your mind.” Body Image is only one component of an individual’s self-esteem, yet a powerful one. Our culture, family, and peers all influence messages about the body. These messages are received in both direct and indirect ways. The internalization of these messages leads to either positive or negative reflection of one’s body image. Poor body image results in unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns with the ability to impact relationships and feelings of worthiness and overall wellness. Poor body image has been directly linked to the development of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

So where does this all begin?

Developmentally, between the age 4-6 is when children notice differences and can begin to express concern about their appearance including their weight and shape. As our youth develop and begin to pick up on meaningful social cues from their peers, they are often most uneasy with their body image around puberty. Without a foundation or ongoing modeling of healthy body image our youth can quickly develop toxic thoughts and behaviors.

Perhaps you can relate to some of the talking points above. Are you wondering ways to help yourself or better yet reflect healthy body image for your kids? Consider the following:

Model heathy body image through our actions! After all, actions speaks louder than words!
Stay active, providing high nutrient food to yourself and your family. “A colorful plate is a healthy plate!”
Take a vacation from social media!
Eliminate fat/thin/diet language from your home.
Compliment qualities that are not appearance based in yourself and others.
Point out all the amazing things our bodies are capable of.
Always keep in mind change is not linear. We are looking for progress not perfection!

Do you remember how messages about body image and desirability were communicated to you? At what age? Have you been emotionally wounded surrounding those messages? Consider scheduling an appointment with a Southside Behavioral Health Therapist to help reflect and unpack these unhealthy messages. Learn how to see yourself and reflect who you are as a healthier version of you!

Managing the Holidays in 2020

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 03:15:28 GMT

Ohhh… the Holiday season is upon us, with many of us scratching our heads in wonder of what it will look and feel like this year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many are stressed, saddened, and frustrated. For others, experiencing challenges during the Holiday season is nothing new. Our annual traditions may not occur, or be greatly adjusted for the first time this year. For others, experiencing challenges during the Holiday season is nothing new.

I invite you to accept your feelings (which may or may not be merry and bright this year) and consider healthy ways of coping and connecting .

Zoom calls and Facetime are a way to safely connect to loved ones during socially distanced Holidays. Although you may not be in the same space, how about connecting through technology to tell funny or heartwarming stories, share recipes/prepare food, and eat together? Could it be meaningful to go around the room expressing gratitude to those who are present and/or on Facetime?

I n the days of technology including emails and texts, acquiring holiday correspondence in the mail, from family or friends in the form of a store bought or hand made card can be quite a endearing surprise.

Showing your gratitude for a person or family through artistic creativity, is a unique expression and a way to let others know you are thinking of them. If the thought of writing or stating your gratitude out loud to others leads to uncomfortable feelings, how about expressing it in a gratitude journal which you may choose or not choose to share with others? Gratitude for some may be challenging, especially in the midst of difficulty; however intentional gratitude can be a game changer when the expressed regularly.

The practice of gratitude has been shown to be impactful in enhancing relationships, increasing feel good chemicals in the brain, and in improving overall mood.

The Holiday season presents opportunities to collect food or toys to those who are need and requires you to “get up out of yourself” in the spirit of serving others. Volunteering, donating, and other acts of service to others, has been shown to improve mood and help manage life’s challenges. Consider what is safely available and would fill your heart.

"Shifting in our Holiday experiences and expectations are both part of the Holiday season this year. Keeping realistic expectations of self and others is important each year, but imperative in the times of a pandemic such as now. Staying present in the moment while connecting safely in the presence of others may be the key to a fulfilling Holiday season this and every year."

Self-care: an essential part of a healthy life

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 15:33:48 GMT

Self-Care is a topic that many are buzzing about, what exactly does it mean?

Self-care can be defined as taking action in our thoughts and behaviors to preserve or improve one’s overall wellbeing. There are several elements to the practice of good self-care. As individuals we have the freedom to define how we choose to be in this world in the pursuit of getting our needs met.

Good self-care addresses a multitude of areas in our lives including but not limited to physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and social needs. With that in mind, a one-size-fits-all approach to self-care will not create the best sustaining outcomes.

I encourage clients to have a “toolbox” of written self-care options, to draw from in times of difficulty, or for preserving an optimal sense of balance in life.

The importance of physical movement of our bodies cannot be emphasized enough when it comes to self-care. Moving your body to achieve self-care can be accomplished through walking, dance, yoga, Pilates, jogging, weightlifting, team athletics, bike riding, martial arts, and stretching — to name a few.

The release of endorphins, those “feel good” hormones, are often the most underutilized form of self-care and a great place to start! It’s not about winning or a wrong or right way of doing it. Nor is it about the number on the scale. It is truly about shifting our focus to moving our bodies in a healthy way to manage life for a positive outcome. And, let us not forget to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate with good old H2O and eat nutrient rich foods to help further our physical self-care.

Emotional and Social Self-care

Emotional and social self-care addresses ways in which we are able to recharge our emotional and social batteries. For extraverts this is often accomplished through the connection with others. The key is to make those healthy connections with those who are supportive and emotionally safe. For introverts emotional self-care may include spending time alone with an activity to which one finds restorative.

Implementing healthy boundaries is imperative when it comes to protecting one’s emotional health.

Failure to do so, can result in our emotional batteries being depleted as well as a set up for difficult feelings. Spending time with the people who nourish your soul and enrich your life is a way to get healthy needs met. Volunteering your time for the greater good is an example of “getting up outside of yourself” to which some find rewarding and restorative.

Practicing mindfulness and gratitude is another way of implementing emotional self-care. A good strategy to address this is shifting your focus from what is going wrong to what is going right. Journaling and utilizing other creative outlets can be healing and restorative for emotional wellness. Implementing a sense of organization through list making and donating items no longer in use or cleaning up clutter is a way to create a calm space which in turn may impact emotional health in a positive way.

Spiritual Self-care

Spiritual self-care is nourishment for one’s soul and may include leaning into the idea of a power bigger than one’s self. Through meditation or perhaps listening to music one may experience a sense of centeredness. Spending time in nature, reading a devotional, philosophy or religious reading, attending Church or other religious groups are all examples of spiritual self-care which when experienced can be transforming.

Intellectual Self-care

And let us not forget, intellectual self-care. The ability to enhance our overall well being through activities like learning a new hobby or a new language can provide intellectual stimulation. Reading, listening to an audio book, or having an intellectually stimulating conversation engages in this self-care process. Playing cards or working crossword puzzles count as well.

Remember, self-care doesn’t just mean pampering. It is taking action in our thoughts and behaviors to preserve and improve one’s overall wellness. It doesn’t have to be boring… mix it up. Make it fun. And most importantly, find and enjoy what works best for YOU!

Teletherapy

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 12:57:40 GMT

Southside Behavioral Health Therapists began utilizing Teletherapy services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the safety of our clients and their families.

You may be asking yourself, what exactly is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy is the ability to offer Therapeutic Mental Health Services through a HIPPA compliant video conferencing platform. Providing the opportunity for face-to-face therapeutic services through your phone, tablet, or computer.

Shifting away from in-office to teletherapy services, we’re able to do our part through the practice of social distancing yet still provide effective therapeutic treatment to those we serve. Our goal is to provide quality therapeutic treatment while not putting others at risk. Through teletherapy, we can assist our clients with a wide range of issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and relationship issues, adjustment issues, stress/work/school, and grief/loss issues.

“The flexibility of Teletherapy is a great solution to time constraints that many people have in this busy world.”

Teletherapy provides greater access to quality therapeutic mental health care not only in Jenks, Tulsa, and surrounding areas, but all of Oklahoma — including rural populations. Teletherapy is an ideal way to provide a continuum of care for our clients who have relocated within the state of Oklahoma. A prime example being our college students within the state of Oklahoma. As they transition into their collegiate years the ability to have ongoing therapeutic support without having to “start over” with a new therapist due to geographic roadblocks is ideal. The good news is geographic location within the state of Oklahoma is no longer a barrier to addressing mental health needs.

Teletherapy offers convenience, privacy, as well as a sense of comfort for those participating in within their own home or office. The flexibility of Teletherapy is a great solution to time constraints , with the ease of scheduling sessions over lunch, after school or late afternoon/evening hours. Offering the ability to maintain the therapeutic relationship even in the midst of juggling schedules makes teletherapy a win for most.

The roadblocks to receiving therapeutic mental health services due to a busy lifestyle, work/school schedules, and COVID-19 safety issues, have now been eliminated.

“Offering support through connection in a way that feels safe, is flexible, and effective while maintaining the therapeutic relationship is the benefit of teletherapy services offered through Southside Behavioral Health.”

What to expect on your initial therapy session

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:20:19 GMT

At Southside Behavioral Health, we recognize the courage it takes to pick up the phone to inquire about therapy services. Whether in the midst of current life challenges, trauma or the desire to process past events, the commitment to making an initial appointment, we know for most, is not taken lightly. After all, to entrust another with your inner most thoughts, feelings, and life experiences so often held close can be scary.

Heavy or light our Therapists are committed to helping you unpack and sort whatever you are emotionally carrying and do so at your own pace.

Teletherapy Initial Appointment

At Southside Behavioral Health we pride ourselves on our ability to build genuine rapport and maintain professional connections with our clients. We recognize the importance of open communication and ongoing dialogue about the therapeutic process. We strive towards building rapport, putting our clients at ease, and working to find the best fit for scheduling appointments.

Prior to your scheduled initial appointment, consent for treatment forms will be sent for completion and return. These specific directives will be outlined by your therapist along with other important details when you schedule your initial appointment.

On the day of your initial appointment your Therapist will send you a link to connect with our HIPPA compliant teletherapy portal prior to your scheduled appointment time. This link may be sent via text or email, whichever indicated works best for you. Upon connection and meeting your therapist face-to-face, your session begins.

This initial intake appointment provides the opportunity to clarify any questions you may have in reference to consent forms or other concerns. Most importantly this first session, is used to gather information as to why you are seeking services. Inquiries may also include but not limited to demographic information, historical and current social-environmental factors, emotional and healthcare history.

Through this process your Therapist will work collaboratively with you to define your individualized therapeutic treatment needs and goals, determining how those needs can best be met with the services offered at Southside Behavioral Health. If for any reason your therapeutic needs are unable to be met at Southside Behavioral Health or you feel we are not the best fit for you, your therapist will assist in linking you with an appropriate referral.

At the time of closure of your initial appointment, an invitation may be extended to become a client of Southside Behavioral Health. If you choose to accept our invitation for therapeutic services, additional appointment times will be discussed and scheduled for your therapeutic journey to begin.