Upward Behavioral Health

12/16/2025

Trauma exposure and PTSD can significantly impact an individual's trust in others as well as their trust in themselves - their judgment, their decision making, and their ability to handle themselves in difficult or challenging situations.

Learn more from Dr. Keyes in this new clip from our Dash Wellness podcast episode, "Why We Struggle to Heal: The Truth About Trauma, Grief, and Connection."

12/15/2025

12/15/2025

12/15/2025

🌟 Mental Health Monday 🌟

Many preschool-age children want to connect with peers — but struggle with the how of making and keeping friends. For parents, it can be hard to know what’s developmentally typical and what truly needs support.

Dr. Kathleen Ramsey, our Child Clinical Psychologist, is providing a free virtual parent education event focused on evidence-based strategies to support social skills in young children who are having difficulty forming friendships.

In this brief video, Dr. Ramsey shares what parents can expect from the event and why early, skill-based support can make a meaningful difference — without blame, pressure, or outdated advice.

🗓 Tuesday, January 13, 6-7pm CST
💻 Free | Virtual
👨‍👩‍👧 For parents of preschool-age children

🔗 Link to register: https://rm43a.share.hsforms.com/24NlE6pDXSYCoO0OVDgbwZg

Interested in therapy or evaluation services for your child or yourself? Contact us to schedule a free 15-minute consultation:
📞 205-983-4063
🌐 https://upwardbehavioralhealth.com/

12/15/2025

12/13/2025

🎅📸 CHILDREN'S REHABILITATION SERVICE
presents
Selfie with Santa: A Picture-Perfect Holiday!

A sensory-friendly holiday experience designed especially for children with special needs. Enjoy a calm, welcoming environment to meet Santa and celebrate the season.

📅 Friday, December 19th
🕗 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 516 West Thomason Circle, Opelika, AL 36801

12/13/2025

❤ New Blog by Dr. Keyes: Navigating Grief During the Holidays: Reflections from My Mental Mixology Episode. ❤

The holidays can bring joy, connection, and celebration — but they can also amplify grief in ways that feel unexpected, disorienting, or heavy. ✨🕯️

Dr. Keyes recently joined Elex Simon on the Mental Mixology podcast to talk openly about what grief really is, how it shows up, and how we can care for ourselves (and one another) when loss feels especially loud this time of year. 🎄

Today, we're sharing a new blog that expands on that conversation:
“Navigating Grief During the Holidays: Reflections from My Mental Mixology Episode.” 🧭

Dr. Keyes explores:
✨ Why grief isn’t limited to death — and why it shows up after so many types of losses
✨ The real phases of grief (and why they’re not linear)
✨ The purpose of grief as a bridge between “before” and “after”
✨ Practical ways to support yourself during the holidays
✨ How to show up for someone grieving — even when it feels awkward or uncertain

If you or someone you love is navigating grief right now, we hope this piece brings clarity, validation, and a bit more gentleness to the season. 💝

📝 Read Dr. Keyes' full blog here: https://upwardbehavioralhealth.com/navigating-grief-during-the-holidays-reflections-from-my-mental-mixology-episode-

🎧 And you can catch the full Mental Mixology episode here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-69-navigating-grief-megan-keyes/id1731440171?i=1000737699214

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2XPg79heKsmdGogB0sqP7b?si=4121307480aa491f

If you’re struggling after a loss and interested in effective therapy, we offer a free 15-minute consultation at 205-983-4063 or via our website: https://upwardbehavioralhealth.com/

*Image by diephosi from istock

12/12/2025

Thanks for the great tips, Mental Mixology!

This is your reminder to step out of your head and back into the present moment. Save this post for those days when your brain just won't quit. You've got this!

Which reminder resonates with you the most right now?

12/12/2025

🌱 Stay Organized and UPLIFT Your Life with Upward and Sprouted Planner 🌱

At Upward, we believe in making the most of our time and energy – both professionally and personally. From helping clients to teaching students, and enjoying special times with family and friends, prioritizing our schedule is key! 🗓️

That's why we're thrilled to partner with Sprouted Planner, a small, family-run business dedicated to helping us keep UP with our most important commitments. ✨🎉

To help you stay organized along with us, Sprouted Planner is offering our Upward Community a 20% discount on their amazing 2026 planners!🌟

Use code Upward20 at checkout and get ready to:
📅 Make time for what matters
⏳ Keep your energy focused
💼 Value work time efficiently
💙 Embrace personal moments fully

Sprouted Planners might not transform that meeting into an email or take the dog to the vet, they’ll certainly help you UPgrade your organization game! 🗓

Sprouted Planner - because we all need a little help keeping UP with our lives! 🌱

Shop now at the link below or scan the QR code and save with Upward20!

🛒: https://sproutedplanner.com/collections/shop-all-planners

*Images from Sprouted Planner website

12/11/2025

Sensitive life events such as trauma and loss can have a significant impact on your most basic beliefs about yourself, others, and how the world operates.

Learn more in this new clip from our Dash Wellness podcast episode, "Why We Struggle to Heal: The Truth About Trauma, Grief, and Connection."

12/10/2025

🚨New Blog Alert 🚨

Avoidance is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—barriers to mental health and healing. In this week’s Upfront with Upward blog, Dr. Susan Rathmell explores how avoidance offers short-term relief yet ultimately reinforces insomnia, OCD, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Dr. Rathmell illustrates how avoidance quietly affects sleep, mood, relationships, work, and daily functioning—and why understanding this pattern is essential for recovery. Her blog offers a compassionate, evidence-based look at how people become “stuck,” and how effective therapy can help them move forward with clarity and confidence. 💙✨

🔗 Read Dr. Rathmell's blog here:
https://upwardbehavioralhealth.com/understanding-avoidance-a-barrier-to-mental-health-and-healing

📞 If you are interested in evidence-based therapy at Upward Behavioral Health, please contact us to schedule a free 15-minute consultation at 205-983-4063 or via our website: https://upwardbehavioralhealth.com/

12/10/2025

The holiday season, while often portrayed as joyful, can be a time of heightened stress and anxiety for children, especially those already predisposed to anxiety.

Simple strategies like maintaining core routines and creating a quiet safe space can significantly reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

Quick Tips for Managing Holiday Anxiety
• Maintain Routine: Stick to regular schedules for sleep and meals as much as possible to provide a sense of stability amidst holiday chaos.

• Prepare Ahead of Time: Discuss holiday plans in advance using a visual calendar or schedule so your child knows what to expect.

• Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet area at home or at events where your child can retreat if they feel overstimulated. A "calm kit" with fidget toys or a favorite book can help.

• Avoid Overscheduling: It is okay to say "no" to some invitations. Balance busy events with low-pressure downtime and quiet activities.

• Set Realistic Expectations: Talk to your child about the reality of the holidays, emphasizing connection over perfection. Let them know it's okay not to feel joyful all the time.

• Practice Coping Skills: Teach simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing (e.g., "smell the flower, blow out the candle") or grounding exercises (like the 5-4-3-2-1 method).

• Allow for Choices: Give your child a sense of control by involving them in planning or letting them choose between two options (e.g., "Do you want to wear the red shirt or the green one?").

• Be a Calm Role Model: Children often mirror their parents' stress levels. Manage your own anxiety and model healthy coping mechanisms.

• Don't Force Interactions: Respect your child's boundaries; a high-five or wave is an acceptable alternative to a hug or kiss with relatives.

• Prioritize Nutrition and Exercise: Maintain healthy eating habits and ensure time for physical activity, which can help boost mood and reduce stress.

By understanding the unique challenges the holidays present and employing proactive strategies, caregivers can help anxious children navigate the season with greater ease and focus on connection over perfection.