Bloom Into Wellness

This quote is from The Comfort Book by Matt Haig. A great read for anyone who is looking for a reminder of the power of self-care, kindness and of course, hope.

Are you finding yourself more anxious during the holiday season? If so, you are not alone.

The holidays present a number of challenges: travel stress, mental fatigue, financial stress, high expectations, loneliness, family gatherings, and grief for some of us.

For this reason, we’ve decided to share some helpful strategies for coping. We hope these tips help you manage stress so that you can fully enjoy the holiday season, however you may celebrate! 🌟

Happy Monday! Who is ready to bloom into wellness with us this week?? 🙂🦋

This is your reminder that prioritizing your rest is vital for improving your mental health. Resting your body and mind IS productive!

Thanks for the great illustration!! 💗

Meet Dixie Lyons, LMHC: Site Supervisior & Psychotherapist 🌷

Dixie is from Massachusetts and has learned to adapt to change as the weather is always changing. Her favorite time of year is autumn because she loves the changing colors of the leaves. She believes that her childhood years and early adulthood experiences were preparing her for her life’s purpose to be a mental health counselor.

She spent twenty-five years as a Residential Director of a school for children with behavioral issues and gained a great deal of experience working with children and families in a therapeutic setting.

She decided to return to college to complete her undergraduate degree at Worcester State College. She completed her graduate studies at Framingham State University and while working at a community mental health agency she became a LMHC and continued to work for that agency for the past 17 years. She has a great deal of experience working with children, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. She has earned a certificate in the Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) framework as well as in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has many years of providing trauma-informed care to children and adults using a strengths-based approach where she focuses on developing a strong therapeutic relationship in which children and adults feel safe, respected, and are encouraged to collaborate on what works best for them. She also has many years of experience working with those in need of court ordered services and teaching groups related to substance use.

She is experienced and trained in the areas of anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, substance use, & life changes. She uses an eclectic therapeutic approach which allows for flexibility and allows her to use the most effective methods available to address each individual client’s needs. She is passionate about being a LMHC and enjoys helping others to make positive changes during the many seasons of their life.

To join Dixie’s waitlist, click the link in our bio 🦋

Hello! 👋🏻 We haven’t posted journaling prompts in a little while and recently shared these that we thought were very helpful.

There is great therapeutic value in journaling. Many therapists will recommend that their clients journal in addition to the in-person or telehealth care that they receive. Journaling is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle for better managing stress and mental health conditions. It encourages self-reflection and it also gives you the unique ability to look back on how far you’ve come in your mental health journey.

Please feel free to save this post and give these prompts a try when you have some time to yourself. The best part is, there is no wrong way to do it!

Have a great week everyone 😌

Meet Gidget Keech, LMHC 🌷

Gidget grew up in the mountains of upstate New York in the Lake George area. She moved to Ohio for college at Kettering College of Medical Arts and later moved back east to Massachusetts. She graduated from Atlantic Union College with a B.S. Degree in Psychology and Framingham State College with a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. She also attended Fitchburg State University to take a few added courses in the field of Counseling and Psychology.

For the past 19 years she has been a mental health clinician at an outpatient community agency providing counseling and case management. For the past 5 years, her responsibilities expanded to include administrative duties. Also, for two 1/2 years she was a part time instructor at Atlantic Union College teaching Psychology of Personality, Counseling Principles and Techniques, Introduction to Psychology and Crisis Intervention. She also maintained a small private practice there as well as being the campus counselor.

She is happy to work with clients who have a variety of issues. She has a special interest in working with individuals with eating disorders, dissociation, and trauma. She uses an eclectic approach that seeks to directly meet the client and their needs by drawing from multiple therapy approaches in order to select the best treatment for each individual client.

Welcome to the team, Gidget! We are so happy to have you!!

Bloom Into Wellness, LLC is thrilled to partner with Commodore Coaching to offer a series of weekly meditation sessions. Be in the now and experience the present moment by relaxing your mind, body and spirit. Experience joy, peace, compassion and self-love through guided meditations and visualizations. Come as you are and enhance your well-being while connecting to the stillness and silence within.

Each class offers simple and practical ways to pause and connect to your inner calm. Learn breathing techniques that leave you feeling centered, less overwhelmed, and with an overall sense of well-being. You will explore the benefits of building a lasting practice that will help calm the chaos of life's demands. You will discover how utilizing your breath in meditation can bring you to a mindful place and allow you to experience the present moment.

Sessions occur on the following days/times:
Wednesdays: 7am, 2pm, 6pm
Thursdays: 7am, 2pm, 6pm
Fridays: 7am, 2pm
All sessions are approximately 30 minutes.

Pricing:
To ensure that our classes are accessible to everyone, we offer tiered pricing. Please choose from the following and pay the price that aligns with your current financial situation.
Supporter: $22
Standard: $15
Donation: $7

Instructor: JaTorra Commodore of Commodore Coaching

Link in bio!

Meet Brian Sperry, LCSW 🌷

Brian received a master's degree in Social Work from California State University Stanislaus, a traditionally Hispanic-serving institution with a curriculum rooted in social justice.

He is passionate about the mental health of young people, and has experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults in both group and individual settings. He has also spent time working specifically with men's mental health issues, including the anger and irritability that often accompanies men's mental health struggles.

Brian’s clinical approach is rooted heavily in both systems theory and empowerment theory. No person developed in a vacuum; we are all influenced by the complex environments we grew in and exist in today. He believes understanding the environmental factors that weigh on each of us and how they influence our everyday lives, is key to overcoming our personal struggles and finding a sense of control over our own lives.

Knowing that each person and the environmental factors that shaped them are unique, he uses an array of therapeutic modalities to meet an individual's needs. He has studied and regularly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy.

We are so happy to have Brian as part of the Bloom Into Wellness team! 🙂

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy 4th of July! 💙🤍❤️

Meet Ani Zarifian, LMHC Candidate 🌷

Ani received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Clark University in Worcester, MA, and her Master of Science at UMASS Boston in Mental Health Counseling. Her experience in the mental health field began as a milieu counselor at a group home for adults, then transitioning to the medication coordinator there. She counseled individuals and ran groups for the residents for about 7 years until deciding to go back to school. During her internship, she was able to work with children in early intervention programs, working on building behavioral and social skills. She was also able to meet with teenage and adult clients one-on-one, as well as work with families in the home setting. She has experience working with clients of many diverse backgrounds, nationalities, races, genders, and sexual identities. Clinically, she has experience helping treat symptoms of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, as well as building on social and interpersonal skills. Welcome to the Bloom Into Wellness team, Ani!

Sharing this post from because I saw a comment that seemed helpful to share! Someone suggested that this circle is an exercise you can do in your own life. Grab a piece of paper, draw the inner circle and then you'll have the outer circle. Write all the things in your life you can't control in the outer circle and the things you can control in the inner circle. It helps put whatever situation you're in into perspective. Loved that idea!!! 🙂

Meet Craig Boland, LMHC 🌷

Craig’s journey to becoming a therapist began after graduating from Framingham State University. He was employed at a residential treatment program for at-risk teenage girls, and decided to return to UMASS Boston where he earned a graduate degree in Counseling Psychology. For the past five years, he has worked at an outpatient community agency providing counseling and case management.
His clinical background includes working individually with clients of all ages as well as with entire family units. The majority of his clients seek out therapy for help with anxiety and depressive disorders, but he also has experience treating anger disorders and substance abuse disorders.

If you’re interested in getting started with Craig, please go to bloomintowellnesstherapy.com and click the link at the top of the webpage to join his waitlist today!!

Therapy can bring up some intense emotions and memories. When you schedule a session, we also recommend setting aside time to decompress afterwards. Here are some suggestions from the Bloom Into Wellness Team!

Meet Samantha Ricci, LCSW 🌷

Samantha is a proudly LGBTQ+ Licensed Certified Social Worker who provides outpatient therapy to adults and couples struggling with depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, traumatic histories, LGBTQIA+ issues, and interpersonal relationship problems.

She learned a Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree from Tufts University prior to graduating with a Master’s of Social Work degree (with a specialization in trauma and interpersonal violence) from Simmons University. Her clinical experience has been primarily focused on working with folks with significant trauma histories and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

She is a trauma-focused, strengths-based therapist with experience working with folks from diverse backgrounds. In her work, she utilizes a variety of clinical modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. With specialized trauma training in neurobiology, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care, she approaches her work by building strong and trusting relationships with her clients.

Previous clients would describe her as warm, welcoming, compassionate, and well-researched. You can expect her to show up fully and authentically in her therapeutic work. She believes that you are the expert on your life and her goal is to work collaboratively with you to support you in moving towards a more joyful, authentic, and whole-hearted way of living. She considers this work to be a true privilege.

Click the link at the top of our website (bloomintowellnesstherapy.com) to join her waitlist today!

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World Down Syndrome Day is today, March 21st to symbolize a third copy of the 21st chromosome in people with Down syndrome. Communities all over the
world will be celebrating the acceptance and inclusion of people who have Down syndrome by rocking fun socks and doing random acts of kindness! We ask that you join us today. Let’s celebrate our differences and abilities today and everyday! 💙💛

Meet Eunice David 🌷Master’s Level Psychotherapy Intern in MA and RI

Eunice is currently a student at Southern New Hampshire University obtaining her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She was born and raised in Rhode Island where she received her B.A in Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Sociology from Rhode Island College.

The majority of her experience has been in community mental health, including hospital and residential settings, where she provided case management. Some of her areas of clinical interest include: supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse/neglect, relationship/family issues, life stressors, and mood disorders.

She enjoys working with and advocating for diverse populations including LGBTQ+, children, teens, adults, families, couples, and she is skilled at ensuring that her clients feel safe enough in therapy to begin their journey towards self-discovery.

Eunice has immediate availability! Call today to book a phone consultation with her! 🦋

Today on ***depreventionday we are sharing the 5 action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal that are supported by evidence in the field of su***de prevention (Art by: 🎨)

1. Ask the question in a non-judgemental and supportive way to open the door for effective dialogue about emotional pain. The flip side of the “ask” step is to listen.
2. Be there, whether it be on the phone or physically in person. Being there for someone with thoughts of su***de is life-saving.
3. Keep them safe. Put time and distance between the person and their chosen method. Safety measures are essential.
4. Help them connect by assisting in getting in touch with help lines, therapists, and support groups.
5. Follow up - Increasing outreach attempts will also increase the person’s feelings of connectedness and there is evidence that even sending a post card can potentially reduce risk of su***de.

Find more information at bethe1to.com

***deprevention ***depreventionday2021

Hello 🙂 Nicole here! I am the Bloom Into Wellness practice manager. Very nice to meet you all!

As we approach the end of , I am here to share this image from and a little story. A year or so ago one of our therapists said something to me that has stuck in my head and helped me through some challenging days. She said “take it one day or one minute at a time.” This sentence gives me such relief! Taking it one day at a time can feel like a lot sometimes. So much can happen in a day. But when she said “or one minute” this phrase changed for me. The pressure was lifted and getting through the present moment was now the goal. I think about it often on those hard days.

So, for anyone out there who needs to read these words: “take it one day or one minute at a time” 🤍

Happy Friday everyone! We made it 🙏🏻 Time for some rest and relaxation!

Thank you, ✨

Meet Dale LaBonté, LICSW 🌷

Dale received her BA from Mount Holyoke College and MSW from Boston University School of Social Work with specializations in gerontology, group work and macro social work practice.

Since, she has been helping individuals and families of all ages address issues of depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions for over a decade as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. She has seen clients individually and within family/group sessions throughout Boston and the surrounding shores. From these experiences she gained knowledge and comfort working with various mental health issues, including people with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, anger management, personality disorders, and physical disabilities. She thoroughly enjoys group work and short term solution-focused family therapy. She utilizes stress reduction techniques, problem solving, and symptom management using CBT, DBT, and well as strength-based approaches.

Call today to schedule with Dale 🦋

A little self care Sunday reminder from 🦋

Meaningful compliments to uplift and empower others 🌷

Shared by:
Drawing by:

Sharing a much needed reminder today from the lovely 💙

You are strong. You are resilient. You are brave!

Anxiety is your body’s way of trying to get your attention... An invitation from your unconscious, alerting you to something in your emotional life that needs to be addressed.

Next time anxiety pops in to say hello, try welcoming it and exploring why it has appeared. If we begin to understand why, we can begin to find relief.

What is your anxiety trying to tell you?

Post from: 🤍

Meet Lauren Grenier, M.S., LMHC 🌷

Lauren is a licensed mental health counselor and a graduate of Northeastern University where she received her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. She holds certifications as a Clinical Trauma Professional and a SMART Recovery Facilitator. She has over 12 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families and couples in community-based, schools, outpatient and residential mental health settings, including McLean Hospital, the Boston Area R**e Crisis Center, and Arbour Counseling Services. She has experience and specialized training in a wide range of clinical issues, including but not limited to trauma/abuse, depression, anxiety, OCD, and substance abuse. She also has a background in community-based program management and provides clinical supervision. She is passionate about supporting her clients through an eclectic approach in developing skills to manage challenges and daily stressors, as well as work through emotional and relationship barriers that are preventing them from living to their fullest potential.

When she is not working, she loves spending time with her family and friends and watching her 8 month old son grow and learn new things. She loves to go bike riding, spending time at the beach, or just relaxing at home and cooking a good meal. She also loves practicing yoga and hopes to become a certified instructor in the near future!

Call today to schedule an appointment with Lauren!

Repost from 💙

Our owner of , Tonia Zarrella, brought baby Rocco into the world last week. Please join us in welcoming him and congratulating her and her family!

@ Stoughton, Massachusetts

So what is self-soothing? Self-soothing is a deliberate effort to calm oneself. Each person’s preferred method of self-soothing is different but the the most effective coping strategies involve one or more of the five senses. When stress and anxiety hit, it is a good idea to have a few skills ready to help you find relief. In times like these, social support may not be readily available so here are a few ideas of self-soothing techniques that we thought you all may find helpful. Let us know what you think in the comments below! 💞
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Meet Camila Azuero, M.A., LICSW 🌷

As a clinical social worker with over a decade of experience working both individually and in groups, with children, teens, adults as well as families, Camila creates a safe space so each of her clients can fully access each part of themselves, facilitating self-compassion and acceptance.

Her practice is rooted in the belief that the body and mind are connected, and these connections are influenced by our relationships with others and the larger systems within which we live. Thus, her approach is heavily grounded in neurobiology, attachment and systems theory and she has been trained in modalities which reflect these theoretical orientations. She has completed trainings in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, Attachment Based Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

She specializes in treating the legacy that trauma - in all its forms - leaves, such as chronic anxiety, depression, and substance use. She also has specialized training in working with those who have felt marginalized in their communities, particularly those who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity.

Fun fact: Her dream is to learn how to surf 🏄🏻‍♀️

Contact us today if you are interested in setting up an appointment with Camila!

Did you know journaling has various mental health benefits? It allows for the opportunity to clarify your thoughts and feelings, get to know yourself better, reduce stress, resolve disagreements, and solve problems more effectively.. just to name a few! We will be occasionally sharing journaling prompts. This weeks prompt is: “What drains my energy? What energizes me?”
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