Awaken Therapy Center

08/25/2023

We at Awaken Therapy Center Are thrilled to welcome, Rivka Hayman to our wonderful organization.

Hello there! I’m Rivka, an associate Marriage and Family Therapist. As someone who was once deeply engaged in Orthodox Judaism, but no longer practices it, I am dedicated to helping clients connect with their authentic voice, share their stories, and embrace self-acceptance. My approach focuses on improving overall well-being by tapping into clients' innate strengths and resources. I believe in exploring the unique cultural backgrounds and identities of each individual and understanding the vital role it plays in shaping how they show up in and experience the world around them.

I work with diverse populations, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity exploration, navigating sexuality, intimacy, grief, and LGBTQIA+ related concerns. Additionally, I assist couples as they navigate difficult conversations and foster secure functioning relationships.

My academic background includes a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge, and valuable training from the Southern California Counseling Center, emphasizing a humanistic and postmodern perspective. Before my counseling career, I explored creative avenues in film and design and volunteered at a su***de hotline, gaining profound experience in metaphorically sitting in the dark with individuals through their discomfort and pain. I believe that our darkest moments provide great opportunities for growth and transformation. I feel a profound sense of privilege in accompanying my clients through life's challenges and bearing witness to their transformative journey of growth and discovery.

AMFT #140593. Supervised by Dr. Lauren Costine, Ph.D, PSY22916

08/15/2023

Challenge and reframe anxious thoughts: Identify and challenge anxious thoughts related to health concerns. Ask yourself if there is
evidence to support these thoughts or if they are based
on fear and uncertainty. Reframe them with more
balanced and rational perspectives. Remember that
hypochondria often leads to overestimating the
likelihood of illness.

Engage in relaxation techniques: Incorporate relaxation
techniques into your daily routine to reduce anxiety
levels. Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle
relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness practices can
help calm your mind and body. Regular practice can
help you develop a sense of inner calm and balance.

Practice self-compassion: Be kind and patient with
yourself. Recognize that hypochondria is a condition
that you are working to manage. Treat yourself with the
same understanding and compassion you would offer
to a loved one facing similar challenges.

💛

08/08/2023

Life is an ever-changing journey of
discovery, and personal growth is the compass that
guides us along the way. It's about continuously
evolving, learning, and expanding our horizons to
become the best version of ourselves.

Personal growth starts with self-reflection and a
genuine desire to explore and develop our inner
potential. It's about embracing new experiences,
stepping out of our comfort zones, and challenging the
limiting beliefs that hold us back.

💛

08/03/2023

Today, celebrate your inner strength.
Trust in yourself and your ability to navigate life's
journey with resilience and grace. Believe in the power
that resides within you and let it guide you towards a
life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

You are strong, and you are capable of achieving
greatness. Keep shining your light and inspiring others
with your resilience. 💛

07/27/2023

07/27/2023

Anger, though a natural emotion, can
be like a heavy burden that weighs us down and keeps
us stuck in negative patterns. But today, I invite you to
join me on a journey of letting go and releasing the grip
of anger from our lives.

Anger can be a powerful force, fueled by frustration,
hurt, or injustice. It can consume our thoughts, cloud
our judgment, and strain our relationships. But holding
onto anger only perpetuates our own suffering.

Letting go of anger doesn't mean denying or
suppressing our emotions. It means acknowledging our
feelings, understanding their root causes, and
consciously choosing to free ourselves from their grip.
💛


🙏

07/20/2023

07/06/2023

Change can be tough, and some days it feels more daunting than others. But don't let discouragement take over. In the journey of personal growth and evolution, progress is not always straightforward. There may be steps forward, accompanied by steps back.

Remember, growth involves ups and downs. If you know me or follow this page, you're aware of my passion for growth mindset and your intrinsic value. Carry that knowledge with you today.

Embrace the challenges as opportunities for personal transformation. Change takes time, effort, and patience. You're not alone on this path. Together, we navigate the complexities of change, supporting one another to become the best versions of ourselves.

07/05/2023

🌟 Taking Responsibility for Our Emotions 🌟

At the end of the day, it's crucial not to unload our traumas, big or small, triggers, disappointments, or life challenges onto others. Sadly, our society sometimes permits such behavior, and we witness people acting out their unresolved issues frequently. However, this only leads to more problems, chaos, and challenges. What truly enhances our lives and the lives of those around us is when we acknowledge our feelings and take responsibility for them.

We are accountable for our own emotions, reactions, and impulses. Blaming others, even in challenging circumstances, is not helpful. Instead, when we delve deep within ourselves, we can effectively manage our internal state and handle situations with maturity, calmness, and sanity, thereby maintaining smooth relationships in our lives.

Let's strive to own our feelings, understand ourselves better, and respond in a way that fosters emotional growth and harmonious connections. Together, we can create a more empathetic and compassionate world.

06/29/2023

Sometimes, we encounter situations or people that make us really angry, and it's completely understandable. However, it can also trigger old wounds and bring up feelings of rejection, abandonment, and not being good enough. It's important to delve deep within ourselves to identify these triggers and understand their origins.

By uncovering the source of our triggers, we gain valuable insight into managing them more effectively. Whether we find ourselves feeling shut down and sad, or overly activated, anxious, and angry, we can take steps to soothe our system. This may involve finding ways to re-energize ourselves or practicing techniques to calm our heightened emotions.

When we're aware of our triggers and actively work on healing, we can start to feel better, reconnect with our bodies, and prevent ourselves from projecting our emotions onto others. Let's prioritize our well-being and engage in self-care to promote a healthier and more harmonious existence. 💛

06/27/2023

Mastering Assertive Expression: The Art of Stating Your Needs

Expressing our needs assertively is essential for healthy communication, but it can feel challenging to strike a balance between being assertive and polite. Let's explore how to master this art. Your needs are valid, and expressing them assertively is your right. Politeness allows us to navigate conversations with respect and consideration, so let's dive into effective strategies for stating what you need.

06/22/2023

Unlocking Assertiveness: Mastering "I" Statements

Finding the right balance between expressing ourselves and maintaining healthy relationships can be challenging. That's where assertiveness and "I" statements come into play. Assertiveness and "I" statements may take time to master, but with practice, you'll become more confident in expressing yourself authentically and effectively.

s

06/20/2023

Are you struggling with anger management?

Have you wondered how our aggressive response to anger impacts those around us?
Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or even professionals who can provide guidance and support on managing anger.

05/20/2023

Dr. Lauren Costine recently spoke on a panel at the Emerging Themes in Behavioral Health conference on April 29th! Check out some of the fascinating topics that were covered in her panel🤍

04/18/2023

Dr. Lauren Costine will be featured on a panel at the Emerging Themes in Behavioral Health Conference on April 29th at 10 am! For more details on registration and the conference itself visit: https://app.ce-go.com/emerging-themes-2023

04/06/2023

April 5th marked self-care day! With all the daily commotion, we often don't prioritize our needs and well-being. Sign up for Newsletter and get a FREE "Restorative Self Care Tool Kit" to help you get into "the zone" with excellent self-care advice!

Whether treating an individual, a couple, or a family, our practice incorporates a holistic approach to mental health. We see therapy as a way of building resil