Complete Wellness, Inc

Celebrate Freedom! Today we honor Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States. Let's reflect on the journey, celebrate progress, and continue striving for equality and justice for all.

It is not about where you go, it is about how you get there.

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈

This June, we celebrate love, diversity, and the courage to be true to ourselves. Let's honor the resilience and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, and continue striving for equality and acceptance for all. Love is love! + 🏳️‍🌈

On this Memorial Day, we honor and remember all those who have served, past and present, protecting our nation and its values. Thank you for your sacrifice and dedication. Happy Memorial Day from all of us at Complete Wellness! 🇺🇸

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Complete Wellness is here for you! We're now accepting walk-in appointments to ensure everyone has access to quality care when they need it most. Check out the flyer below for details. Your well-being matters to us!

Today Complete Wellness hightlights our very own Kate Crosby!

Kate brings a wealth of knowledge in diagnostics and medication to her practice, understanding the importance of collaborative decision-making with her patients. She emphasizes that while she has expertise in these areas, she's not an expert on each individual patient. Kate encourages open dialogue, welcoming patients to share their thoughts on potential diagnoses or medication options. She believes that through combining her education background with the patient's self-awareness, they can develop a comprehensive game plan for treatment together.

Outside of her professional role, Kate's passion lies in theater. Whenever the opportunity arises, she enthusiastically participates in local community productions, often attending auditions for new roles. For Kate, theater is not just a hobby but a source of joy and fulfillment.

In her pursuit of expanding her skills, Kate is currently a distance student at Kansas State University, working towards a degree that will enable her to become a licensed Registered Dietitian. While she can't provide direct dietetic or nutrition advice at the moment, she is committed to guiding patients away from unreliable sources and towards licensed dietetic professionals for assistance. Kate is passionate about promoting evidence-based nutrition and wellness practices, always prioritizing the well-being of her patients.

Thank you for all that you do Kate!

Struggling to manage your emotions? Here are some quick tips for better emotion regulation:

1. Pause & Breathe: Take a moment to breathe deeply and calm your mind before reacting.
2. Identify Feelings: Name your emotions to understand them better. It helps to tame them.
3. Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in the moment to prevent emotions from overwhelming you.
4. Express Yourself: Find healthy ways to express your feelings, like journaling or talking to a friend.
5. Self-Soothe: Engage in comforting activities that calm and nurture you.
6. Examine Your Thoughts: Challenge negative thinking patterns and reframe them into more positive or realistic perspectives.

Remember, it's okay not to be okay sometimes. Your feelings are valid, and you're not alone.

Image by: Shutterstock

Boundaries are essential when it comes to protecting our mental health and well being. How do you go about setting your own boundaries? Are there situations or areas in which you struggle to set limits? If you or someone you know have difficulty when it comes to setting boundaries with others, check out this link with some helpful tips of how to go about setting boundaries and some other helpful information on types of boundaries. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/how-to-set-boundaries/

How to Set Boundaries: 8 Ways to Draw the Line Politely You know you need to set boundaries, but how? Defining the "rules" of your relationships can liberate you from people-pleasing

Today marks the beginning of National Mental Health Awareness Month—a crucial time to shed light on the importance of mental well-being. Let's prioritize self-care, support one another, and break the stigma surrounding mental health. Remember, you're never alone.

Complete Wellness Staff Highlight: Meet Bobby Prokop

Bobby obtained his Master's in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, along with specialized education in integrative medicine. He believes in leveraging diverse healing modalities to aid his patients' recovery. This involves not only embracing various theories of Chinese Medicine but also collaborating with allopathic (Western) treatments.

As an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, Bobby believes in addressing both the "root" and "branches" of health issues. Symptoms (the branches) often stem from internal patterns of disharmony (the roots). Bobby focuses on diagnosing and treating the root causes to restore harmony throughout the body. He emphasizes patient education and collaborates on lifestyle changes, drawing on his expertise in acupuncture and herbal medicine to provide a comprehensive and empowering approach to health and wellness.

In his free time, Bobby indulges in a diverse range of hobbies, including gardening, rock climbing, cycling, camping, canoeing, skiing, video games, cooking, trail running, and more. He finds particular joy in playing Dungeons and Dragons, where he immerses himself in the role of a bard, and enjoys spending time playing his favorite video game, Splatoon!

Thank you Bobby for the work that you do and the exceptional care that you provide to your patients! 🌟

Today marks World Health Day! 🌍❤️

Let's take a moment to reflect on our health and wellness practices, and how they contribute to our overall well-being. It's also a time to advocate for accessible and quality health services, education, and resources worldwide. Together, let's strive for better health for all!

🧩 April marks Autism Awareness Month! 🧩

Let's join hands in spreading understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum. Every mind is unique, and it's time to celebrate the diversity within our communities. Together, let's foster an environment of support and appreciation. 💙

Healing is not linear process.



Image done by: on Instagram.

Complete Wellness Staff Highlight: Meet Ben Browning!

Ben works closely with Dr. Whitten on groundbreaking research aimed at enhancing therapy tools for our clients. He has dedicated his time to exploring the healing power of fun! By defining, measuring, and studying the relationship between fun and positive indicators like health and life satisfaction, they're paving the way for a "fun prescription" to boost well-being. Additionally, Ben designed and piloted a mindfulness workshop, bringing valuable insights to our practice.

Outside of his role at Complete Wellness, Ben finds joy in music, particularly playing the piano. Ben learned to play at a young age and has recently returned to exploring his passion since graduating college. He is hoping to acquire an electric piano in the near future and resume lessons to learn jazz piano! 🎹🎶

A fun fact from Ben: he got into mindfulness through baseball! As a college pitcher, he recalled struggling on the mound during his sophomore year until taking a class on Neo-Confucian Chinese philosophy. This class helped him discover and learn meditation techniques that revolutionized his focus and performance on the field. This passion for mindfulness not only improved his game but also became a powerful tool during personal challenges, highlighting the profound impact of mindfulness on mental well-being. ⚾️🧘‍♂️

Thank you, Ben, for your dedication to enhancing our clients' experiences and for sharing your passions with us!

We all have those tough days where negative emotions creep in. Here's a quick list of activities to lift your spirits:

1. Take a walk in nature
2. Practice deep breathing
3. Listen to uplifting music
4. Get moving with some dancing or jogging
5. Express yourself creatively through drawing, painting, or crafting
6. Reach out to a friend or loved one for a chat
7. Laugh it off with a funny movie or TV show.
8. Spend time around a pet.

Remember, you're not alone.

Wishing everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day from all of us at Complete Wellness! 🍀 May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of luck. Remember to take a moment to appreciate the little blessings in life. Stay safe and celebrate responsibly! 💚

Did you know that practicing gratitude can have profound effects on your mental well-being? 🌟 Research shows that cultivating gratitude can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall happiness. Here are 5 simple ways to start practicing gratitude today:
1️. Keep a gratitude journal to jot down things you're thankful for each day.
2️. Express gratitude to loved ones with a heartfelt note or message.
3️. Practice mindfulness to become more aware of the present moment and the blessings around you.
4️. Look for silver linings in challenging situations and focus on what you've learned.
5️. Create rituals of gratitude, like starting your day with a moment of reflection or expressing thanks before meals. Let's embrace the power of gratitude and cultivate a more positive mindset together! 💖

Important words to remember…we can be all three at once.

Ever heard about the magic of mindfulness? 🌟 It's not just a trend; research shows it can do wonders for anxiety, chronic pain, emotion regulation, and overall well-being. Even a few minutes of practice can make a positive impact. Here are some simple activities to help you stay present:

Mindful eating 🍽️
Mindful walk 🚶
Body Scan 🧘
Coloring/Drawing 🎨
Mindful Meditation 🧘‍♂️

Curious to learn more? Check out the link below for details and start weaving mindfulness into your day!

https://www.healthline.com/health/mind-body/what-is-mindfulness -to-practice

🌟 Happy World Compliment Day! 🌟

Today is all about spreading positivity and lifting each other up! 💖 Take a moment to share a genuine compliment or gratitude with someone you appreciate - a friend, family member, or even a colleague. Let's make the world a brighter place, one kind word at a time! ☀️✨

Today, we spotlight Marian Wright Edelman, a black activist and champion for civil and children's rights. In 1973, she established the Children's Defense Fund, dedicated to advocating for disadvantaged children, particularly those of color and with disabilities. The organization serves as both an advocacy and research center, addressing issues and proposing solutions for children in need. Edelman also played a vital role in school desegregation cases and served on the board of the Child Development Group of Mississippi, overseeing one of the largest Head Start programs in the nation.

Today we highlight Inez Beverly Prosser, the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in psychology. Her groundbreaking dissertation, 'The Non-Academic Development of Negro Children in Mixed and Segregated Schools,' delved into the effects of racial inequality on the mental health of Black children. Prosser's research laid the foundation for early discussions on school desegregation.

Recognizing Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller for Black History Month: A trailblazing African American psychiatrist, born in Liberia to a formerly enslaved African who secured freedom and emigrated. Dr. Fuller's groundbreaking research on Alzheimer's disease included significant contributions to understanding the physical changes in patients' brains. As one of the earliest known Black psychiatrists, he collaborated with Dr. Alois Alzheimer, the discoverer of Alzheimer's traits in 1901.

This week we recognize the contributions from psychologists Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark and Dr. Kenneth Bancroft Clark. The Clark's were dedicated towards developing and providing adequate mental health services to the poor, blacks, and other minorities in the community. The most significant contribution that the Clark's made was in conducting the "Doll Study," which provided evidence of the psychological impacts of racial segregation on black children. This study would prove to be crucial towards helping to end school segregation via Brown vs. The Board of Education.

As we highlight Black pioneers who contributed to the mental health field, today we recognize Maxie Clarence Maultsby Jr., an author and American psychiatrist. Maultsby was the founder of the therapeutic method, rational behavioral therapy (RBT). RBT is considered to be one of the first cognitive-behavior therapies that was developed specifically as a self-help method. It emphasized the idea of rational self-counseling, an intervention to help those explore their thoughts and examine how unpleasant emotions and events can be managed effectively. Maultsby's contributions were especially helpful in collaboration with Albert Ellis, the founder of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT).

In honor of Black History Month, we at Complete Wellness are excited to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of Black pioneers in mental health, social services and community wellness. Throughout this month, we'll be dedicating our posts to recognize and celebrate the remarkable individuals who have played pivotal roles in improving mental health and societal well-being.

Stay tuned for inspiring stories and insights that highlight the invaluable contributions of Black leaders in improving mental health and fostering social justice. Together, let's honor and amplify these voices that have shaped our collective well-being. 🌈🙌

Photo credit: Donovan Potter

The Do’s & Don’ts when it comes to Effective Communication.

As we continue to see mother nature bring snow to Baltimore this season please see the link below for a refresher on our office's inclement weather policy. Stay warm and safe!

https://www.completew.com/inclement-weather-policy

Today, we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. His dream of equality and justice continues to inspire us. Let's strive for a world where everyone is judged by their character, not by the color of their skin.

The thoughts that we have can have significant effect on our mood and behavior. When appropriate, reframing our thoughts can go a long way in helping. If you are someone you know struggles with negative or unhelpful thinking patterns, take a look at these tips for cognitive reframing.

https://www.mindtools.com/aef000n/cognitive-restructuring