Feeling Anxious? Try These 9 Grounding Techniques

A woman relaxing with a mug of coffee in a calming room, representing the stress relief and relaxation benefits of therapy for Tampa professionals.

The importance of self-care and mindfulness for well-being, improved mental health, and a balanced life cannot be overstated.

Amid the chaos of daily routines, work pressures, and personal responsibilities, it is easy to neglect our mental and emotional health. However, incorporating self-care practices, like grounding,  and mindfulness into our lives can be transformative. These tools improve focus, energy levels, mood, and overall performance to tackle the myriad of personal and professional demands.

Read on to explore the benefits of these practices, with a focus on grounding, guided breathing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). 

Self-care refers to the actions we take to nurture our physical, mental, and emotional health. It is about recognizing our needs and making time for activities that replenish and rejuvenate us. Mindfulness, on the other hand, is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment, aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Together, these practices form a powerful duo that can significantly enhance our well-being.

Breaking Free from the “Good Girl” Narrative

In the field of psychology, the concept of the “good girl” narrative has long influenced how women perceive and express themselves. This ingrained societal expectation often pressures women to follow traditional norms of being polite, agreeable, and compliant, sometimes at the cost of their own needs and desires. While there is nothing inherently wrong with being kind and considerate, when these traits are valued above assertiveness and self-advocacy, it can lead to silencing women’s voices and perpetuating gender differences in her psychological well-being.

Why Self-Care & Mindfulness Are Mandatory

a woman kneeling on a yoag mat looking at the sunset.

Maintaining optimal mental health is pivotal in today’s fast-paced world where stress, anxiety, and interpersonal conflicts can surface unexpectedly. At Compass Psychology, I work on fostering self-care and mindfulness practices with my clients, as these tools can significantly help in coping with these challenges.

10 Compelling Reasons College Students Should Consider Therapy During Summer Break

A young couple in therapy walking on a college campus.

Summer break often conjures images of relaxation, decompression, family vacations, and catching up on sleep for college students. However, amidst leisure and freedom, it’s crucial to consider the importance of mental health. Seeking therapy during summer break might not be on every student’s or parent’s radar, but it can be immensely beneficial. 

Are You Valentine’s Day Ready? 10 Healthy Communication Styles in Romantic Relationships

Couple having a romantic valentines day dinner

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air, and it’s a perfect time to reflect on the health of our romantic relationships. Communication is the cornerstone of any successful partnership, guiding how we connect, resolve conflicts, and express our love. As a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of effective communication in fostering balanced, reciprocal love.

Embracing a Fresh Start: Navigating the Pros and Cons of New Year’s Resolutions

Young friends having fun on new years eve

As we usher in 2024, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and contemplating ways to make positive changes in our lives. New Year’s resolutions have become a common tradition, often serving as a symbolic fresh start. However, the effectiveness of these resolutions varies, and the path to personal growth may benefit from the professional guidance of a licensed psychologist. 

Common strengths and pitfalls to New Year’s Resolutions are discussed. Which do you relate to the most?

Caring For Yourself During the Holiday Season

couple having fun outdoors wearing christmas sweaters

The holiday season is in full swing and so is the pressure to create and spread holiday cheer. For many, this season is full of fun activities and traditions with loved ones. The implications that holidays equate to positive experiences are abound through stereotypes and consumerism, whether you are watching television, grabbing coffee, running an errand at the store, or engaging in small talk with a co-worker about upcoming holiday plans. 

Should We See A Couples Therapist? Common Reasons Couples Seek Therapy

Should We See A Couples Therapist? Common Reasons Couples Seek Therapy

Couples often wonder if it is time to seek therapy to address issues of communication, intimacy, or other concerns with relationship dynamics that are negatively impacting their ability to function and lead a happy, balanced life. If you are reading this, you may have similar questions as to how therapists help couples address their problems in therapy. Read on to see if any of these common concerns resonate with you and see if it is time for you to speak to a trained couples therapist.

Finding A Therapist

Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being. It is important to take care of our mental health just like we take care of our physical health. One of the best ways to do that is by seeking the help of a therapist.

Pros & Cons: Private Pay or Health Insurance?

Hi, I’m Dr. Laura. You’ve decided to attend therapy to address your concerns but now have a new decision: do I use health insurance or pay “out of pocket” (or private pay)? This blog is dedicated to walking you through common pros and cons to guide you in making the best decision for your needs and circumstances.

Now, let’s take a  look at the pros/cons of in-network (e.g. therapy processed and covered by your insurance) and out-of-network services (e.g. commonly referred to as “private pay.”)