Hannah Schoonmaker, LMFT-A

10/17/2023

Ooh ouch- I feel called out with this one. It's so interesting how anxiety changes our perception of the problem. Because we're so concerned with all of the small details in the future, sometimes it keeps us from actually moving forward.

This is why I love to incorporate mindfulness in my practice. It keeps you in the present, where things don't look as big and scary.

There is a difference between creating a plan and preparing for the future, and overthinking/anxiety. Where is that line for you? How would things be different if your mind focused on the present moment?

10/10/2023

I've been thinking about this concept of a social media detox. Widespread opinion seems to be that it's something good and healthy for you. But is there something underlying that might need addressing?

I know we’ve seen it, and maybe done it ourselves: the social media detox . We’ve spent a lot of time online lately, and realize that we need to get our head on our shoulders again and take a break from it. Okay, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea. It’s taking a break from something when we ...

10/10/2023

Today is to bring awareness and advocacy against the stigma of mental health. Our world has changed a lot when it comes to understanding mental health disorders, but a lot of negative stigma still exists around people with these disorders. These people are seen as less than, or, to use the dreaded term, "crazy."

A lot of this stigma comes from a lack of understanding of what these disorders actually are. Usually, we've only seen the negative impacts and allow that view to take over how we view that person's entire identity.

If you have a mental health disorder, you are NOT your disorder. It does not define you. You are a whole person, not just your diagnosis.

Let's take this day to reflect and get curious. I want to challenge you to just Google a mental health disorder that you're unfamiliar with and see what it actually entails, rather than what you've been led to believe by the media and other people's opinions ✨

10/03/2023

I need to be reminded of this more often! Change isn't easy! It is stretching us, pushing us out of our comfort zone, and that is uncomfortable in of itself.

Sometimes the first step is the scariest part too, but we don't move forward unless we take that step. But that also gives us power! Things don't have to be perfect or comfortable in order to do the thing that we need to, but we can still do it, even if we're afraid.

That fear is telling us something- it's something new and different. But different isn't always bad. We don't always have to stop, or run away when we feel fear. Sometimes, it's just letting us know that this is new and we need to tread carefully. And that's okay too.

What is one small way you can overcome your fear today?

09/30/2023

A huge lesson I've learned in my own life, as well as in my therapy practice is that the way we talk to ourselves matters. Our language use matters a whole lot more than we realize.

I love this representation using "yet" because it gives us validation of what we're thinking/feeling in the moment, but also allows us to grow from it.

We're not frustrated and stuck; instead, we're frustrated and giving ourselves space to breathe before trying again. It's empowering in the littlest way possible!

Give the "yet" a try next time you feel stuck and see what happens ✨

05/18/2023

A feeling is called a feeling for a reason! You feel it in your body. Some feelings feel different than others - some more comfortable, and some uncomfortable. But they are all important to actually feel and experience. Try this next time something pops up, and take a second to recognize where and how it feels in your body, listen and pay attention to it, then let it guide you if that is what's needed. Let me know if I can help!

05/11/2023

Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and there is so much happening so quickly that you can't process it. Maybe you find yourself breaking down in the middle of the grocery store or get mad and yell at your friends or family for trying to do something nice. These reactions can be confusing, especially if we don't know why or how we were triggered.

But it sounds like there's more going on under the surface.

To keep reading, check out my new blog post - link in bio

05/09/2023

I'm happy to share!

Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and there is so much happening so quickly that you can’t process it. Maybe you find yourself breaking down in the middle of the grocery store. Maybe you get mad and yell at your friends or family for trying to do something nice. These reactions can be confusing...

12/02/2022

Yesterday, I was listening to an old song and a lyric stuck out to me: "rain don't change the sun."
Dang, how beautifully simple is that? Regardless of the storms going on in our atmosphere, the sun is there and it is constant. How does this apply to you today?

11/28/2022

Hello! I am a marriage and family therapist in Abilene, Texas. I am currently accepting new clients 18 and up. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer! Give me a quick call or email, or register as a new client through the link in my bio. I look forward to meeting you!