Andrea Johnston, Licensed Clinical Social Worker-R

12/05/2021

"The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest, of going within our homes, within ourselves and taking in all that we have been through, all that has passed in this full year which is coming to a close... like nature and the animal kingdom around us, this time of hibernation is so necessary for our tired limbs, our burdened minds.

Our modern culture teaches avoidance at a max at this time; alcohol, lights, shopping, overworking, over spending, comfort food and consumerism.
And yet the natural tug to go inwards as nearly all creatures are doing is strong and the weather so bitter that people are left feeling that winter is hard, because for those of us without burning fires and big festive families, it can be lonely and isolating. Whereas in actual fact winter is kind, she points us in her quiet soft way towards our inner self, towards this annual time of peace and reflection, embracing the darkness and forgiving, accepting and loving embracing goodbye the past year.

"Winter takes away the distractions, the buzz, and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw into a womb like love, bringing fire & light to our hearth".
. and then, just around the corner the new year will begin again, and like a seed planted deep in the earth, we will all rise with renewed energy once again to dance in the sunlight

Life is a gift ❤ a Happy winter to you all..."

Artwork by Jessica Boehman See le

07/14/2020

Validation for what we are all going through along with useful coping strategies.

Here are three ways to get yourself unstuck on those particularly bad pandemic days.

02/16/2020

Unpopular Fact.

02/16/2020

Most of us assume that the signs of depression are obvious. Whilst it’s true that some of the symptoms – which include a chronically low mood, feeling tearful, and having no motivation – are readily spotted, there are lots of other signs that most people miss. If the symptoms on this list soun...

02/08/2020

None of my clients cancelled in the 2 days of the storm. We are all amazing! Then I drove home and there was more shoveling - haha. Met 3 new neighbors!

Click here to view this article from mymalonetelegram.com.

01/16/2020

Mary is wonderful & a resource to Saranac Lake & beyond. She is doing remote sessions also. Love her next level; Yoga Therapist! Listen to the interview for your deep breath of the day : )

Mary Bartel sits on a purple mat, legs crossed, hands together at the center of her chest. Ten students - in their 50s, 60s and 70s - do the same on their own mats, all different colors. The hardwood floor creaks as they adjust their...

01/01/2020

You will improve your self esteem and receive better responses. This theme was work for me in 2019. Practice!

Every nod, every smile, every interaction can completely change the course of someone else’s day. We can either wield that influence in a positive, or in a negative way.

12/21/2019

While we gain more light from the Winter Solstice today, we have months of winter to go. Here are some good tips and information. I also recommend many types of warmth, seeing night time lights & activity, getting in water, keeping color in your environment, and winter projects.

Understanding Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Onset