Mary R. Stanley - Marriage and Family Therapist

On this Inspire Your Heart With Art Day, let's embrace the transformative power of art. Not only is it a form of self-expression, but it can also help us process complex emotions, reduce stress and enhance self-awareness. Art isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a balm for the soul. Engaging in creative activities like painting, sculpting or even appreciating art can significantly boost our mental health. Art stimulates our brains, evoking emotions and unlocking creativity. It's even a form of therapy providing a safe space to explore our deepest thoughts and feelings without words. Whether it's creating or appreciating, art has the power to soothe stress, boost your mood, and enhance overall well-being. Let it inspire you, heal you, and uplift your spirit. Your heart- and mind- will thank you for it.

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🌟 New Year, New Goals! 🌟
Now that you've had nearly a month to sort it out.... it's the perfect time to set intentions and chase your dreams. Whether it's health, career, or personal growth, fine-tuning your New Year's Resolutions can be a powerful way to make positive changes in your life. What's your top resolution for 2024? Share it with us! 💪

⏳ Overcoming Procrastination: The Time is Now ⏳

Procrastination is a common hurdle on the path to achieving our goals. But recognizing why we procrastinate is the first step towards change. Often, it's the fear of failure or overwhelm that holds us back. Let's start by taking small steps, setting deadlines, and breaking tasks into manageable chunks. Together, we can conquer procrastination and seize our dreams! 💪

In a world filled with distractions, maintaining focus on your goals is the secret sauce to success. Break your big dreams into smaller, actionable steps, and tackle them one at a time. Remember, each step brings you closer to your dreams. Your future self will thank you! 💡

Stress is an inevitable part of life. As a mental health therapist, I've witnessed the profound impact stress can have on individuals' well-being. Fortunately, I've also seen clients make significant strides in managing and reducing stress through therapeutic strategies.
(Click the link to read more)

https://ecs.page.link/csHSe

"Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience that touches the lives of virtually everyone at some point. As a mental health therapist, I have had the privilege of helping individuals navigate the challenging terrain of grief and loss. In this blog, I'd like to share some insights and perspectives on grief from a therapist's point of view, with the hope that it may offer guidance and comfort to those who are facing this difficult journey." (Click on the link to read more)

https://ecs.page.link/ZfpJ3

🤗💖 Did you know that a simple hug can work wonders for your health and happiness? It's a health boost in disguise! With every embrace of at least 20 seconds, we unleash a cascade of health benefits. When we hug, our bodies release oxytocin, boosting happiness and reducing stress. Cortisol levels lower which helps lower anxiety and calm our mind. It even lowers blood pressure and strengthens our immune system!

Remember hugging is more than just a gesture of affection; it's a powerful tool for physical and mental well-being. So, let's not underestimate the power of a good hug – it's a simple act with profound health benefits! Hugging not only warms the heart but genuinely enhances our health. So go ahead, share a hug today and feel the magic!


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Did you know that yesterday was Ditch Your Resolution Day? It got me thinking....we are barely into 2024 and we are already celebrating giving up!?!?!

Why not look at January 17th every year as "Fresh Start Day" instead?

The one resolution I set for this year was to set goals rather than resolutions. Resolutions seem so all or nothing; so black and white. If you are anything like me, resolutions are a setup for failure.
By setting a goal, I am giving myself something to work towards. Just like football players slowly advance the ball down the field toward the goal, I slowly make progress toward my goal. The football players don't stop at the first tackle, or even the second. They don't even give up with an interception. They keep going.
The ability to reassess and refine your goals when things aren't going as planned is essential. Instead of giving up on your New Year's resolutions entirely, why not consider January 17 or today, or even tomorrow as an excellent opportunity to redefine or calibrate your goals?"

So, while you're welcome to completely abandon your New Year's resolutions every January 17, l would suggest you make it a day where you simply adjust your goals. What do you think?

TOMORROW IS NATIONAL UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DAY! Are you ready?

The first rule of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is that you have to wear your ugly Xmas sweater no matter what you’re doing. Beyond that, participants can celebrate this day in a number of other ways as well. This includes having an ugly Christmas sweater party or competition, giving ugly sweaters as gifts, or using the hashtag on all of your social media accounts. And yes....I will be wearing my Ugly Sweater today and will post a picture just so you all know I support this just-for-fun holiday! Have a little fun tomorrow and pull out your ugliest sweater!! Post your picture and tag us! .r.stanley

There is more to it than CHOICE! 🍪Weight loss therapy, also known as weight management counseling, is a type of therapeutic treatment that focuses on helping individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.🏋️‍♀️It involves working with a mental health professional 👩‍⚕️to develop a personalized plan that addresses the underlying psychological and behavioral factors that contribute to weight gain and obesity. 🙇‍♀️You are NOT alone. Click on the link below or check out our "Weight Loss Therapy" blog to learn what weight loss therapy is like in a therapeutic environment.
https://ecs.page.link/N52Gj
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The hedonic treadmill is a psychological concept that describes the tendency for humans to adapt to changes in their environment and return to a baseline level of happiness or satisfaction. It suggests that, regardless of positive or negative changes in our lives, we tend to eventually return to a stable level of happiness. Read our "Hedonic Treadmill" blog to learn more about this concept....

It's a common theme you hear these days, why is my therapist no longer accepting my insurance? While this can be frustrating for some there are significant reasons why more and more therapists are no longer taking insurance and I'd like to share with you why....

https://ecs.page.link/aiawW

Why Therapists Are Moving Away From Insurance Companies - Mary Ruth Most people who have insurance prefer to utilize it for seeking therapy with the reasoning, “I pay for it, I might as well use it.”  Makes perfect

To honor the world’s favorite grouch, Oscar, from “Sesame Street,” National Grouch Day was created on October 15. This is a day to celebrate all the grouches we know — or to embrace the grouch that lives inside all of us. On this day no one can stop us from complaining, being irritable, or wallowing in misery. Because that is what grouches do! Also, this day teaches us that it’s good to spend time processing our negative emotions.

Today is a day to CELEBRATE the rich beauty & history of the indigenous people throughout the world. Let us reaffirm our commitment to guaranteeing the individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as supporting their engagement in global dialogues and decision-making.

Social isolation 😞 is a common problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can occur due to a variety of reasons, including mental health conditions, physical disabilities, and social stigma. 👎Social isolation can have significant negative effects on a person's mental and physical health, including depression, anxiety, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
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Click on the link below or head to our website to learn how therapy can play a crucial role in helping you overcome social isolation....🧡
https://ecs.page.link/6xrbs
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Relationships can bring joy, but they can also be tough. Ever wondered why they sometimes fail? 🤔 Let's dive into the reasons behind unsuccessful relationships and explore the complexities that surround them. Understanding the "why" might just help us build stronger, lasting connections. Head to my website and check out the latest blog post then share your thoughts and experiences below! ❤️🌟

💡 Life presents us with challenges that can leave us feeling stuck or unsure of our next steps. But here's a secret: You don't have to navigate it alone. 🤗💫

🌟 It's OK to reach out for help. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply need someone to talk to, a therapist or life coach can offer valuable tools and perspectives to help you navigate life's twists and turns with clarity and confidence. 🚀🌠

🙌 So, take that brave step and reach out! Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Your dreams are waiting, and together, we can make them a reality! 💪💙

🌟 Embracing the Journey: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs & Living to Your Full Potential! 🌈💫

🔹 Physiological Needs: Nourish your body with healthy food, good sleep, and regular exercise.

🔹 Safety Needs: Seek the needs include physical safety, emotional well-being, stability, and freedom from harm or threat. You can start by surrounding yourself with trusted allies who uplift and protect your dreams. 🛡️🤝

🔹 Love and Belonging: Creating and maintaining meaningful connections have been shown to have a positive impact, not only on our emotional well-being, but also on our physical health. ❤️

🔹 Esteem: Recognize your unique talents and accomplishments. Embrace self-love, accept imperfections, and believe in your inherent worthiness. ✨💖

🔹 Self-Actualization: Embrace personal growth, pursue passions, and strive for self-fulfillment. Set goals, keep reaching, learn from mistakes, keep going, and become the best version of yourself. 🌻💫

Your mental health has an impact on your physical health (and vice versa). Taking care of yourself physically involves eating right, regular exercise, and getting good sleep. All of those are factors in your emotional/mental health too. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your self-care. You are worthy of love, compassion, and the space to prioritize your well-being.

Practicing self-care is an important step in a transformative journey toward reclaiming our power! It serves as a reminder that prioritizing ourselves isn't selfish; it's an act of empowerment. 🌸 Whether it's a soothing bubble bath, a mindful walk in nature, or simply saying "no" to things that drain us, self-care allows us to recharge and nurture our souls. 🌿 So let's commit to embracing self-care as a beautiful form of self-love, empowering ourselves to shine brighter than ever before. 🌟''

Relationships can be one of the most rewarding aspects of life, providing love, companionship, and support. However, relationships can also be challenging, and many of them fail for a variety of reasons. Here are some common reasons why relationships fail...READ MORE at https://ecs.page.link/7EiSt or visit our blog at maryrstanley dot com.

Where Relationships Can Fail... - Mary Ruth Relationships can be one of the most rewarding aspects of life, providing love, companionship, and support. However, relationships can also be challenging, and many of them fail for a variety of reasons. Here are some common reasons why relationships fail: Lack of communication Effective communicati...

First the good news, YOU control your mindset. Now the bad news, YOU control your mindset. Having a growth mindset enables you to bounce back easier from setbacks. A growth mindset enables individuals to bounce back from setbacks and failures. Instead of feeling defeated, they see setbacks as a chance to learn from their mistakes and improve. This resilience helps individuals stay motivated and persevere through tough times, leading to greater career success.

No one ever said life was easy...but it certainly helps when we know what to expect. This quote by Alicia Taylor says it all! 👏🎬

Weight loss therapy, also known as weight management counseling, is a type of therapeutic treatment that focuses on helping individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It involves working with a mental health professional to develop a personalized plan that addresses the underlying psychological and behavioral factors that contribute to weight gain and obesity. Here's what weight loss therapy is like in a therapeutic environment....READ MORE at https://ecs.page.link/N52Gj or visit our blog at maryrstanley dot com.

I LOVE the work of . She defines worthiness as the conviction that you are good enough as you are, flaws and all. “The important thing to know about worthiness is that it doesn't have prerequisites. Most of us, on the other hand, have a long list of worthiness prerequisites—qualifiers that we've inherited, learned, and unknowingly picked up along the way. Most of these prerequisites fall in the categories of accomplishments, acquisitions, and external acceptance. It's the if/when problem ("I'll be worthy when ..." or "I'll be worthy if ...").”
YOU ARE WORTHY PERIOD. FULL STOP.