Chiron Behavioral Health

29/05/2023

It can feel so counterintuitive to let ourself feel all the discomfort we otherwise work hard to avoid! One way I like to do this is to locate where in my body the feeling is and describe it like I am a curious scientist discovering this object for the first time. I imagine drawing a line around the feeling and observing its shape, color, texture, weight, temperature, and movement. This allows me to come into contact with the feeling in a way that feels more manageable. And, I often notice that while it is difficult to observe my feelings at first, the intensity of it lessens as I let myself sit with it.

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02/01/2023

This article talks about a new study comparing antidepressants to an intensive mindfulness program and found the mindfulness program to be as effective in people with anxiety disorders.

Antidepressants can make a huge difference in someone’s functioning, and no one treatment works for everyone.

Mindfulness practices change our relationship to our anxiety and are a central part of my treatment approach.

Mindfulness exercises can, in some cases, be as effective as antidepressant drugs when dealing with anxiety disorders, new research reveals.

15/12/2022

The "quicksand" metaphor in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is one my favorites because it effectively illustrates how we can approach anxiety (and other difficult experiences) in a new way. It's definitely not easy to stop fighting with our experiences, but it can be freeing when we do. I know I've had more success with this approach than any other! Anyone else?

26/11/2022

I love this analogy from Itsahappyworld.

One the things therapy has helped me with most is becoming more aware of the relationship between my thoughts/emotions and my behaviors. For me, the belief that I always have to being doing more and working harder has been one of the most difficult to separate myself from. But when I listen to those thoughts at the expense of my well-being, it really takes a toll on my overall health.
As someone who has chronic illness, I have to rest, even when it means sitting with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that I’m not doing enough.

Reach out if you too need help figuring out how to balance your desire to strive with your need to rest and recover!

21/11/2022

A key part of my therapy philosophy is that you already have everything you need internally to live a meaningful life. Asking what a thought or feeling has to teach us keeps us from pushing away discomfort and instead connects us with our inner wisdom.

11/11/2022

Sum up my clinical approach in 15 seconds? Easy! 🤣

Here's my best attempt to get across my philosophy for Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/emma-c-schwartz-chicago-il/414535?preview=1&return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fmember.psychologytoday.com%2Fus%2Fhome&_ga=2.234318489.668808347.1667852956-800197353.1663341907

25/10/2022

Introducing, Chiron Behavioral Health! This is a therapy practice founded on the belief you already possess everything you need to live the life you want. But, this self-knowledge can get buried through repeated painful experiences. Therapy can help uncover your intuition and break patterns of behavior that focus on distracting, avoiding, or controlling pain. I am working on all this, too, and I want to share what I've learned to help you thrive!