Susan Chicca, LCSW-C BCD

01/20/2023

Staying mindful of the present helps us to avoid getting lost in irrational thoughts. This requires us to practice being aware of bodily sensations.

These techniques reduce free-floating anxiety.

01/17/2023

It's unfortunately common for couples to report a decline in their relationship satisfaction. However, research indicates that the decline can be halted by taking third-party perspectives on conflicts. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dating-toxic-or-tender/202209/how-make-relationship-happiness-last

01/13/2023

Taking care of our mental health isn't that much different from taking care of our physical health. In fact, caring for our bodily needs is a major component of mental health.

How to become mentally resilient.

01/10/2023

Sometimes we're overly hard on ourselves because we take responsibility for things we can't control or have unrealistic ideas about success. Self-kindness is often much more fair.

Four methods to help you ease your internal battle.

01/06/2023

Conflicts are inevitable and we need to be able to work them out productively instead of pretending like they're not there. But sometimes, that means knowing when to take a break and how to calm down enough to feel less defensive. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/well-being/202207/how-manage-conflict-and-promote-harmony

01/03/2023

Part of the reason people seek mental health services is so that they can gain a fuller understanding of their problems. You don't need to already have everything figured out to seek help.

There's a common misconception that people only go to therapy to deal with mental health conditions or major challenges, but that's just not true.

12/30/2022

Changing your communication style might not be easy or something you can do overnight. But counseling will help you figure out the hardest parts. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fixing-families/202208/couples-who-dont-talk

12/27/2022

Anxiety distorts our thinking to make us underestimate ourselves. To get into the habit of recognizing distorted thoughts and rejecting them, it may help to start by taking small risks.

Shifting your thoughts to start thinking more realistically.

12/23/2022

If you often feel confused or upset by the unspoken rules of conversation, counseling can help you gain a better understanding of how those dynamics work. This can be especially helpful in a relationships context. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/language-in-the-wild/202208/understanding-the-rules-talk

12/20/2022

Anxiety is a normal emotion, but an anxiety disorder is something else. It causes physical as well as mental stress.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent and excessive worrying that is disproportionate to actual risk. Learn more about GAD.

12/16/2022

Miscommunications often result in hurt, which makes people defensive. But if you're open to the possibility that something really was miscommunication, there may be a path to repairing your relationship. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/underneath-the-sheets/202209/whats-more-important-impact-or-intention

12/13/2022

Most people don't like being criticized, but having an irrational fear of it holds us back from doing what we need or want to do. Learning how to handle it is one of the skills we learn through therapy, counseling, or coaching.

Assertiveness is the key to freeing yourself from worry.