The Center for Mindfulness & CBT

30/08/2025

Anxiety loves the unknown. Misunderstandings, assumptions, and unspoken feelings can make anxious thoughts spiral.

That’s why healthy communication is one of the most powerful tools we have for reducing anxiety in relationships, at work, and in everyday life.

In our latest blog, counselor Brigette Selbert, MA, PLPC, shares 5 practical strategies for communicating in a way that promotes safety, clarity, and calm — from using “I” statements to setting boundaries with compassion.

Anxiety often thrives in the unknown—in what’s unspoken, misunderstood, or assumed. That’s why practicing healthy communication can be a powerful way to reduce anxiety in relationships, work, and everyday life.

29/08/2025

The Fear Fighters Club is an evidence-based 10-week in-person group designed just for kids ages 8–11 who are struggling with anxiety or OCD.

Does this sound familiar?
• Constant worry or intrusive thoughts
• Repeating certain behaviors or questions
• Avoiding places or activities
• Trouble falling asleep
• Stuck in “worst case scenario” thinking

You’re not alone. Supporting an anxious child can feel overwhelming — but there is hope. 💜

Through this group, kids will learn:
✨ How to feel more confident facing fears
✨ Tools to calm big emotions
✨ Strategies to break free from worry and compulsions
✨ How to recognize when anxiety is taking the wheel

Let’s help your child get back to what they love — without fear holding them back.

📍 In-person | Ages 8–11 | 10 weeks
👉 Llearn more + register: https://mindfulstl.com/groups/fear-fighters-club-exposure-skills-group-for-kids-8-11-with-anxiety-ocd/

27/08/2025

and it's endgame ❤️

23/08/2025

Does your teen struggle with big emotions, impulsivity, or conflict in relationships?

Our Adolescent DBT Skills Group is designed for teens ages 12–17 who are navigating emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, risky behaviors, or ongoing family/peer conflict.

Through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), participants will learn:
✨ How to regulate emotions in healthy ways
✨ Tools to ride out intense feelings without making things worse
✨ Skills to communicate effectively and strengthen relationships
✨ Mindfulness strategies to increase focus, resilience, and self-compassion
✨ How to begin creating a life worth living

📅 When: Thursdays, 6–7:15pm (starting Sept. 4)
📍 Where: In person at The Center for Mindfulness & CBT
💲 Cost: $50/session (private pay + insurance accepted)
👩‍⚕️ Led by: Nicole Schlesinger, LCSW, DBT-trained clinician

This ongoing group is a safe and supportive space for teens to learn practical coping skills that truly make a difference. Parents and caregivers—if you’ve been looking for extra support, this may be the next step.

Learn more or register today: https://mindfulstl.com/groups/adolescent-dbt-skills-group/

22/08/2025

Feeling stiff at your desk? Take a minute to stand, stretch overhead, and roll those shoulders back 5 times. A simple reset = instant energy boost!

21/08/2025

Anxiety doesn’t always look the same in kids as it does in adults. It might show up as stomach aches before school, trouble sleeping, or anger outbursts over “small” things. For parents, this can feel overwhelming and confusing.

That’s where play therapy comes in. 🎲
Because children naturally express themselves through play, this evidence-based therapy creates a safe and supportive way for them to:
✨ Share emotions they can’t yet put into words
✨ Practice coping skills in a playful, hands-on way
✨ Build confidence and control when life feels unpredictable
✨ Form a healing connection with their therapist

If your child is experiencing excessive worry, frequent stomach aches or headaches, meltdowns, or struggles with separation and transitions, play therapy may help.

We currently have openings for new clients.

Does your child struggle with sleep issues, concentration, or tantrums over small things? These may be signs of underlying anxiety. Here is how play can help!

16/08/2025

In honor of National Relaxation Day, here’s your gentle reminder: your breath is always with you—use it to come back to calm. 🫶

Mindfulness Tip #6: Breathe like you mean it.
💨 Inhale through your nose for 4 counts.
⏸ Hold for 4 counts.
🌬 Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 counts.

This simple practice tells your nervous system, “You’re safe,” helping your body and mind release tension in the moment.

Take a minute today to slow down, breathe deeply, and give yourself the gift of calm. You’ve earned it. 💙

15/08/2025

💛 Support for Kids with BFRBs 💛

Does your child struggle with skin picking, hair pulling, nail biting, or other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)? They’re not alone—and they don’t have to navigate it alone either.

Our 4-week BFRB Support Group for Kids Ages 8–13 offers:
🎨 Hands-on, creative activities
🤝 Connection with peers who “get it”
🧠 Education on BFRBs
🛠 Practical coping skills to reduce picking, pulling, and related behaviors

Each group cycle also includes one joint parent-child session to learn together and ask questions.

📅 When: Thursdays, Sept 18 – Oct 9, 4–5 PM
📍 Where: In-person at The Center for Mindfulness & CBT
💵 Cost: $40/session or insurance (Anthem, UHC/UMR, Aetna)

Led by Elizabeth Ernest, LMFT, LCSW, a compassionate therapist experienced in helping kids manage anxiety, trauma, and emotion regulation.

Spots are limited—secure your child’s intake today!
📧 Email Elizabeth at Elizabeth@mindfulstl.com to get started.

14/08/2025

✨ We’ve got an incredible lineup of therapy and support groups coming your way! ✨

From grief support to anxiety skills, self-compassion to parenting—there’s a place for you here. Whether you’re looking to share your story, learn new coping tools, or just know you’re not alone, our groups are a safe, welcoming space to do it.

💬 Small groups
💙 Led by compassionate, skilled therapists
🗓 Multiple start dates and topics

See what’s coming up and save your spot today: https://mindfulstl.com/groups

13/08/2025

New Blog Post Alert 🚨 When your child’s emotions are running high, it’s tempting to jump in and fix things fast. But here’s the truth: your calm is more powerful than the perfect words.

Co-regulation is about staying grounded so your child can borrow your calm when they can’t find their own. In our latest blog post, we share what co-regulation is, why it matters, and 4 practical ways to start using it today.

Have you ever felt like your child’s emotions are totally out of control and yours are right there with them? Here are few practical tips for increasing your own sense of grounding so you can respond to your children with presence.

07/08/2025

Tired of being tired? 😩
If falling asleep feels impossible or you’re waking up all night long, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep suffering.

Join Reclaiming Sleep, a 4-session, in-person CBT-I group for adults with insomnia. You’ll get simple, research-backed tools like a personalized sleep restriction plan, a sleep diary, and strategies to reset your rest—without meds.

This isn’t just sleep hygiene. It’s real support for real change.
🛏️ Starts Sept 23
📍 The Center for Mindfulness & CBT
💰 $40/session or insurance accepted

Tap the link in bio to learn more + claim your spot.
Better sleep is possible—and it starts here.