Deborah L Horan, LCSW-C

09/12/2022

Here's a link to an interesting article on what clinicians recognize challenges among young adults

The generation entering adulthood now faces novel, sometimes debilitating, challenges. Experts offer tools to navigate a “quarterlife crisis.”

07/06/2022

07/06/2022

Food for thought...

Make sure you're on the same page before you start sharing house keys.

07/06/2022

something to think about!

This isn't a TikTok trend you want to follow, okay?

07/06/2022

Therapy can help you reclaim your optimism!

Regularly envisioning yourself as having the best possible outcomes, and taking realistic steps toward achieving them, may help develop an optimistic mind-set.

06/23/2022

Word for the Day: Resilience

We all are built to adjust to whatever conditions we're in. It's human nature. If you get bad news, you will feel wiped out and overwhelmed — but then over time you integrate that into your sense of normalcy and revise your vision of the future (after an often painful letting go of the old one)
Your experience will bring some good things that you will value always — like a new awareness of your own strength
(from Carolyn Hax)

09/23/2020

I couldn't agree more! Here's some really good advice for taking care of ourselves and others in this topsy turvy time!

Instead of bandaging a wound, you tend to someone’s anxiety or distress — or your own.

08/12/2020

Worry vs. Anxiety
Worry is specific (i.e. nervous about your next trip to the dentist) while anxiety is general (i.e. anxious about seeing doctors). Worry often leads to problem solving and is temporary while anxiety is persistent. But it doesn't have to be. There are skills that can be developed to help cope with anxiety on a daily basis because your mental health is always important, especially right now. Feel free to contact me to see how I can help!

06/23/2020

06/23/2020

For those of you who might be interested:
Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are conducting an online research study to learn about how stressors related to the COVID-19 virus affect mental health over time. We hope to better understand the experiences of participants during this difficult time. Participation involves completing online questionnaires every two weeks, for 6 months. The questionnaires take about 20 minutes to complete. You must be at least 18 years old to participate. Participation is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time. Compensation is not provided. Please click here for more information, and to begin participating. You may call 240-665-0697 or email NIMHResearchVolunteer@nih.gov with any questions you may have.

https://nimhcovidstudy.ctss.nih.gov/

The purpose of this study is to learn about how stressors related to the COVID-19 virus affect mental health over time. We will ask you to complete questionnaires every two weeks about COVID-19, mental health symptoms and stress using the study website for up to 6 months. We hope the study will help...

06/15/2020

Hope this thought brings you some comfort today:

"However much I am at the mercy of the world,
I never let myself get lost by brooding
over its misery.
I hold firmly to the thought that each one of us
can do a little to bring
some portion of that misery to an end."

- Albert Schweitzer

05/28/2020

The luxury of having a car can help expand your "bubble." Day trips can offer us the opportunity to feel a sense of freedom and to see the beauty of the region. However, be safe. Here's a link from the Washington Post that helps walk you through what to consider: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/heres-what-experts-want-you-know-before-taking-road-trip-during-pandemic/?itid=sf_travel&utm_campaign=wp_by_the_way&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_bytheway

Road trip season is upon us, but that doesn't mean you should take one.

05/21/2020

All of us are experiencing increased anxiety these days. Studies document that meditation can help. I found the NPR interview between Terry Gross and ABC News correspondent Dan Harris very interesting. Here's the link: https://www.npr.org/2020/05/19/858733992/how-meditation-can-ease-pandemic-anxiety

We provide counseling services to individuals, couples and families in Montgomery County, MD and in Washington,DC. We are collaborative and goal-oriented clinicians.

04/26/2020

I have shared this article with many of my clients who have found it to be an incredibly helpful tool in managing anxiety. In fact, I use it myself! Give it a try!

04/16/2020

There's a lot of wisdom in this article.

Seven practices to help you navigate quarantine.

04/13/2020

We’re wired for togetherness so it’s no wonder social distancing - or as I prefer to call it physical distancing - is hard on us.

Why people resist isolation and what we can do about it.

09/25/2017

Please feel free to contact me to discuss how we might work together. I make every effort to respond to questions or inquiries within 1-2 business days.