Heather Hilton LMHC

06/04/2025

Hi all!
It has been quite a while since I have posted or even shared others posts. I was taking some time to focus on my growing family but I am ready to get back to it. I am looking to increase my client case load so if you know of anyone in Rhode Island or Maine who is interested in therapy, please send them my way to see if we are a good fit. I have evening and weekend slots available and offer in person, phone, and video sessions. I appreciate your support and look forward to being more active here again. 😊

01/24/2025

Phew!

☀️☀️☀️

12/24/2024

❤️💚🎄❤️💚

12/09/2024

Holiday survival tip #7…. Are holiday visits stressful or just downright toxic at points? Have a gameplan for IF you are going to attend, how can you make your exit? Have a code word or phrase with your partner (pssst reindeer games!) and get out when you feel you have to. And this is your reminder that you do not have to feel guilty about this. Protecting your peace and mental health is just the gift that you deserve.

12/07/2024

Surviving the holidays tip #6- this tip is coming to you a bit late as I was practicing what I preach… if the holidays are becoming just a source of continuous stress and to do lists- allow yourself a break. Take some time to relax, maybe just enjoy some time looking at lights or watching a movie or indulging in a holiday treat… and here’s the hardest part- guilt free. Research shows that in work we need to take breaks in order to maintain our productivity- the same is true for our personal lives. I watched Christmas Chronicles 2. Do you have a favorite holiday movie? Feel free to share it here…

12/05/2024

Surviving the holidays tip #5… I received a request to address how to manage the holidays if you are experiencing survivor’s guilt- meaning a loved one has passed and you feel guilty that you have either been through the exact same or a similar experience and you are still here. First- I highly recommend therapy for longer term treatment of survivors guilt. This can be a very involved topic for folks. However some more short term things you can do right away are…. Talk about your loved one as much or as little as feels right to you. Maybe find a tradition or a way to honor that person through a donation in their name, lighting a candle, volunteering for something that was important to them. Lean on your religion or spirituality if that is a source of support for you. Remembering that we are still here to live life and that we are allowed to enjoy life can be helpful. Think of how your loved one would want you to live on for them 💕

12/03/2024

Surviving the holidays tip #4…. Volunteering or giving back to others is a gift that helps someone else as well as yourself. It can be a good reminder that we can always find something to feel grateful for and also gives a feeling of purpose. So whether it’s throwing change into Santa’s bucket, making a more formal donation to your favorite charity (it IS giving Tuesday), offering to sponsor a family for the holidays, or volunteering at a soup kitchen, giving back can be a nice way to reconnect with the real reason for the holiday season.

12/02/2024

Surviving the holidays tip #3…. Timely as we just had Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and now Cyber Monday…. You do not have to go into debt for the holidays…. If you have gifts to give and money is tight, don’t add to your stress by purchasing things. Think outside the box. Thrift stores can be treasure troves. Offer an experience vs a toy. Have a special skill like crafting or baking or even cleaning? Offer your services instead…. Some of the best gifts come from the heart, not your credit card 💕

12/02/2024

Surviving the holidays tip #2… it’s ok to not be ok. Not feeling the holiday spirit? Give yourself some grace. Human beings are not meant to feel holly jolly 24/7. Allow yourself some time to honor your feelings. Cry it out if you need to (crying actually releases cortisol which is a stress hormone so you may feel better after). I will add a little asterisk here that if you are at any time feeling so down that you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else then please reach out to a trusted person, 911, or here in RI we also have BH Link by calling or texting 988.

11/30/2024

Surviving the holidays tip number 1…. Traditions can be wonderful. They’re nostalgic and something that can bring comfort. However if a tradition isn’t possible anymore or isn’t serving you anymore, there is no rule against making new traditions! Not much of a cook but really want that home cooked meal feel? Totally fine to order something from a restaurant to be enjoyed the day of a holiday. Or take a page out of one of my favorite movies A Christmas Story and start a new tradition like getting Chinese food. What are some traditions you would like to ditch or a new tradition you’ve started for yourself?

11/29/2024

Holidays… they can be a time of joy… and stress… and sometimes even a time of sorrow. My “gift” to you all this holiday season will be a series of holiday tips and tricks for maintaining your mental health this season. Please comment below or message me if you have a specific topic you’d like me to cover. Hope you’re all recovering from yesterday’s food coma!

11/28/2024

Wishing you all a peaceful Thanksgiving spending time with the people you are thankful for 💕