Something New with Shanti

We don’t chastise a child when they are learning to walk or talk. So, be gentle with yourself because you are also learning something new.

Happy healing,

Shanti

Have you ever been curious about what it looks like to fight, flight, fawn, or freeze?

Here are a few examples:

Fight: anger outbursts, defensiveness, and conflict seeking behaviors etc.

Flight: avoidance, constant busyness, and moving frequently etc.

Fawn: constant apologizing, poor boundaries, people pleasing

Freeze: silence, emotional numbness, and dissociation

In general, trauma responses may look different for each person. The general goal is to become familiar with how each response may show up for you.

Recognizing you individual responses is crucial because it empowers you to implement coping strategies that meet your unique needs.

Finding ways to self-sooth doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s a list of ways to self-soothe using the 5 senses:

Sight: Look at calming visuals, like loved ones’ photos or sunsets. Create a tranquil atmosphere with dim lights and calming colors.

Sound: Enjoy soothing music, nature sounds, or embrace moments of silence.

Touch: Try massage, stress balls, or wrap yourself in a soft blanket. Feel comfort through hugs or warm clothing.

Taste: Eat comforting foods and drinks, such as herbal tea or chocolate.

Smell: Immerse yourself in calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus. Enjoy the fragrance of fresh flowers or the crispness of fresh air.

Remember, finding what works best for you may involve experimentation.

Here is an example of how someone’s thoughts about a traumatic event can change after EMDR therapy.

If you are interested in learning more click the link in my bio.

I currently have availability for Florida residents via tele-health and in person sessions.

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What is EMDR?

*EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is form of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or sounds to help individuals heal from the effects of traumatic, upsetting, or emotionally confusing events.

Shanti Hollis is an EMDR therapist located in St. Augustine, Fl and Jacksonville, Fl.

Are you looking for counselor in Florida? If so, I’m accepting new clients for in person sessions in Jacksonville, Fl and tele-health sessions for residents of Florida.

My specialities include depression, anxiety, trauma, christian counseling, EMDR therapy, and women’s issues.

If you are curious about what it would like to start therapy soon feel free to ask about a 15 minute free phone consultation. I’d love to answer all your questions!

What would you add to this list? Comment below 👇🏾

A green flag in a relationship is a positive sign or behavior that indicates a healthy and happy relationship.

Happy Healing,

Shanti

‼️TW: Mention of Birth Related Trauma

Sometimes trauma shows up in places where you wouldn’t expect to find it.

For many women, the journey to having a child isn’t easy. It can feel isolating or like you’re doing something wrong because your journey wasn’t as picture perfect as you thought it would be.

It’s easy to feel like you were robbed of an experience.

An experience that was probably years in the making.

You new exactly how you wanted it to go.

How it should have gone.

If you’d like to learn more about how EMDR therapy can help you cope with trauma related to conception and or birth leave a ❤️ in the comment section.

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Shanti Hollis is an EMDR therapist located in St. Augustine, Fl and Jacksonville, Fl.

What is EMDR?

*EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is form of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or sounds to help individuals heal from the effects of traumatic, upsetting, or emotionally confusing events.

Which type of self-care do you need the most right now?

Asking for help isn’t always easy! What’s a reason why someone may be unlikely to ask for help when dealing with depression? Comment below 👇🏾

It’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions.

If you struggle with giving yourself permission to feel your feelings try this:

1. Journal: You can use guided prompts, write poetry, make a bullet journal, keep a prayer journal, or just write whatever comes to mind.

2. Seek support from a caring individual: This can be from a friend or a trained professional.

3. Practice acknowledging your emotions with a feeling wheel: First, name the emotion you are feeling and then try to figure out the source of the emotion. If needed, take action to resolve the uncomfortable feeling.

Happy Healing,

Shanti

Leave a ♥️ in the comment section if you are recovering “strong friend”.

Scroll through this post and see how therapy can help you learn to prioritize your needs as much as you prioritize the needs of others.

Happy Healing,

Shanti

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Have you always wanted to try EMDR? I’ll now be accepting clients in our new Mandarin location starting in mid February.

Click on the link in the bio section to schedule a free 15 min consultation.

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What is EMDR?

*EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is form of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or sounds to help individuals heal from the effects of traumatic, upsetting, or emotionally confusing events.

Shanti Hollis is an EMDR therapist located in St. Augustine, Fl and Jacksonville, Fl.

What type of self-care do you need more of in your life?

I want to know!

Here’s a snap shot of how someone may view a traumatic event after EMDR therapy!

What is EMDR?

*EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is form of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or sounds to help individuals heal from the effects of traumatic, upsetting, or emotionally confusing events.

Shanti Hollis is an EMDR therapist located in St. Augustine, Fl. Click on the link in the bio section to schedule a free 15 min consultation.

Are you looking for a counselor? I have spots open for Florida residents!

Click on the link in my bio to schedule a phone consultation and to learn more about me.

Happy Healing,

Shanti

Just a little Monday wisdom 🤎

Just a little mid week reminder 🤎

What emoji describes your Wednesday more? 🥶 or 🌴
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How do you face your anxieties when you’re tempted to avoid them?

I’ll go first! 🙋🏾‍♀️

I tell myself that I can do anything for at least 2 minutes.

I also use techniques like square breathing or visualizing a safe/calm place. (Yes, therapists actually use the techniques they teach you in session!)

If you’re finding it hard to face your anxieties remember this can be completely normal.

Avoidance and anxiety often go hand in hand.

It may seem easier to simply avoid things that induce feelings of anxiety, but in the long run your anxiety about the situation or task will grow.

So what do you do? Asking yourself the questions in the above post is a great start.

Anxiety, like all emotions, serves a purpose. Get curious about why you feel the way that you do!

Next, take steps to conquer your fear.

For those with clinical levels of anxiety this may mean starting therapy and/medication.

For others, it may mean putting a plan in place to do something that’s a bit scary. For example, asking a friend to come along for moral support, using a breathing technique to relax in the moment, or coming up with a calming mantra!

Let me know in the comments what helps you face your anxieties! 👇🏾🤎
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How did you know it was time to address your anxiety?

Comment below 👇🏾

Navigating life is easier when you can name what you are experiencing.

But, let's be honest. Getting a diagnosis can be scary.

Truthfully, it doesn't have to be. As a practitioner, I never lead with a diagnosis.

My approach is to get to know each client as an individual.

I want to know what it feels like to be you; what are you challenges, what are you strengths, what does your support system look like? Is there a truth you've been dying to speak out loud and couldn't find the strength to say prior to coming to my office.

I take this approach because I believe you are more than a list of symptoms.

Should we throw out diagnosing and the DSM? Of course not!

Without these tools it would be hard to name what you are experiencing. It would be hard to recognize anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness if you didn't know what to look for.

As you look over this diagram know that this isn't a tool to diagnose yourself. Leave that to your doctor or therapist.

I do want to you to take note if any of these symptoms are making it hard to live your life fully.

If so, reach out to me our another local mental health professional. I'd love to help you start feeling like your best self.

Here's to something new,

Shanti

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/simone-biles-naomi-osaka-mental-health-olympics_n_61001bdae4b00fa7af7c385b

Simone Biles Says Naomi Osaka Inspired Her To 'Focus On My Mental Health' The 24-year-old, who is widely recognized as the greatest gymnast of all time, also said she was "not having as much fun" at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

In case you didn't know a mental health day is a sick day.

Taking a day off because you're emotionally overwhelmed doesn't mean you're weak. It means you recognize your limits and you value your total well being.

If you're not feeling well emotionally it's ok to ask for help.

You can visit a doctor, schedule an appointment with a counselor, or have a chat with a friend etc.



Thank you to and for showing the world what it looks like to

Do you know how to support someone with depression? Save this post in case it comes in handy later.

[Image Reads]

5 Ways to Support Someone with Depression

•know the symptoms of depression
•help them find a therapist
•check in on them
•plan something fun
•listen and ask questions

*Practicing healthy boundaries is necessary. This list is just a suggestion that may be helpful depending on the situation. This is not medical advice.

One day I'll share the lessons I've learned since entering my 30s. Until then this post will have to suffice.

Change is inevitable. It is a natural progression in life.

We are allowed to blossom into new creatures.

We can learn new things, have new desires, and experiment with new possibilities.

If you find it hard to embrace change. Consider the relationship you have with control. Yes, this is scary!

You may find that you use control as a skill to cope with the uncertainties of life.

Planning is good, but it's impossible to plan for everything. Sometimes things will not go as planned and that's ok.

You are more than capable of adapting!

Change also doesn't mean that you are missing out on anything. Sometimes life is better when the unexpected happens.

As you embark on a new week take a moment to think about how you have changed in the last year, 5 years, and even 10 years.

What new things have you learned?

How have you surprised yourself?

Cheers to a new week!

-Shanti

Are you having a hard time coping with anxiety? Are you finding that you’re nervous while doing activities that used to be routine?

Is it hard to be around large groups of people, fly, or even drive on a busy highway etc?

If so, keeping reading.

Here’s how the anxiety cycle works:

1. You feel anxious about a situation
2. You avoid the situation
3. You get immediate short-term relief
4. Your anxiety grows the next time you are faced with the same or similar situation

Here’s how you reverse the anxiety cycle

*Reversing anxiety will look a bit different for everyone. It depends on the coping skills you already have and how much anxiety you are experiencing.

1. Face the fearful situation
2. Your anxiety will increase slightly
3. Use coping skills to manage anxiety levels
4. Your belief in your ability to face a scary situation will grow

If you’d like to learn more about coping with anxiety click the "learn more" tab at the top of the page. Together we can create a plan that works for you.

Here’s to learning something new!

-Shanti

Something New with Shanti added a button to help you learn more about them.

Something New with Shanti updated their phone number.

Something New with Shanti updated their website address.

Celebrate 👏🏾 your 👏🏾 wins!

Don’t let imposter syndrome and perfectionism steal your joy.

It can be easy to be so focused on your long terms goals that you forget to celebrate where you are now. In those moments of anxiety about the future, stop and pause.

•Reflect on what you enjoy about your life now

•Think about all the things that are currently going well in the present

•Make a list of everything you are thankful for

and…

•Give yourself permission to go at your own pace.

Here’s to enjoying the moment! 🥂