Avoidance Coping & The Anxiety Cycle
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

Avoidance Coping & The Anxiety Cycle

While avoidance coping seems like a good option for fast anxiety relief, the problem with this strategy is that the relief we experience from avoidance coping is not only short lived, but this practice is actively leading to increased anxiety in the future.

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ACT - A Gentler Approach To Anxiety
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

ACT - A Gentler Approach To Anxiety

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy offers a gentle, compassionate and mindful approach to both our internal and external experiences. It empowers us to align with our values and to cultivate self-compassion as we respond to our inner world (ie. our thoughts, emotions, memories, etc.).

As we practice Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, whether it be for anxiety, depression, stress-management, self-esteem, etc., we are choosing to turn towards our experiences with curiosity and acceptance, rather than constantly trying to change them.

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Rewire Your Anxious Brain With Reality Testing
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

Rewire Your Anxious Brain With Reality Testing

The technique I am hinting at is called reality testing and you can thank Mr. Sigmund Freud for this one. Now I know Freud’s work has been controversial, but this technique really can be so beneficial when we struggle with unhelpful thoughts.

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Spring Cleaning For Your Mental Health
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

Spring Cleaning For Your Mental Health

A chaotic environment leads to a chaotic brain. You can find relief from anxiety by tidying up and getting organized. This helps our brains to feel more in control and safe in our surroundings.

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Exercise and Mental Health: 3 Biological Benefits of Physical Activity
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

Exercise and Mental Health: 3 Biological Benefits of Physical Activity

At some point or another, I am sure you have heard about the great benefits of exercise, especially for improving and maintaining mental health. Sometimes hearing something is beneficial isn’t enough of a reason to give it a shot, so here are 3 backed-by-research reasons why exercise improves our mental and emotional well-being.

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CBT For Anxiety - How To Deal With Anxiety In 4 Simple Steps
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

CBT For Anxiety - How To Deal With Anxiety In 4 Simple Steps

If we write down a thought and if feels 100% true, chances are your body may have a stress reaction. That fight/flight/freeze system will turn on and prepare your body for protection. As usual, this state of protection can feel entirely uncomfortable. When we acknowledge the signs of this protective state being turned on, we can run through our helpful calming strategies, such as deep breathing, guided meditations, physical activity, or any other techniques you have found to be helpful for you to endure this stress response until your brain and body begin to calm.

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