Anxiety. A dreaded word. Everyone experiences anxiety of various degrees at different points in their life. Where does anxiety come from and what purpose does it serve? Anxiety is a direct result of one’s flight or fight response. The flight or fight response is a physiological reaction in our bodies that occurs in response to... Continue Reading →
Throughout my life, I have come to realize the incredible value of asking questions. Whether it's seeking knowledge, solving problems, or building relationships, asking questions has become an indispensable tool for personal growth and development. In this blog, I will share my personal journey and the profound benefits I have experienced by embracing the art... Continue Reading →
BIPOC. Have you seen this acronym appear more often recently? I know I have, even though the acronym has been around since 2013. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The People of Color portion is intended to include Latino/a/x, Asian, and other ethnic and racial groups as well. The creation of the... Continue Reading →
If you have ever been in counseling, you may have heard your counselor refer to the “DSM” during a session. Or, even better, perhaps they have pulled out the DSM during session and have gone through specific material with you. DSM is the acronym for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It is... Continue Reading →
It was December of 2020. The first Christmas we would all experience during the Covid-19 pandemic was approaching. My best friend of twenty-five years, Kelly, had moved in with me earlier in the year. She had been teaching art in Quito, Ecuador for the past 3 years, but was forced to make a final decision... Continue Reading →
The Olive Branch Community would like to encourage its members to appreciate just how much gratitude rocks! With the holiday season upon us and a new year approaching, it is the perfect time of year to focus on how much every one of us has to be grateful for. This year, we have witnessed from... Continue Reading →
Let me set the scene. You are out with your friends for happy hour on a Friday night. Everyone has worked hard and is eager to relax and let loose. One of your friends, on top of having a rough work week, has also recently experienced some personal stress. Perhaps they went through a breakup... Continue Reading →
Have you ever come across the term "IOP" and wondered what it means? I was in the same boat until recently. IOP, or Intensive Outpatient Program, is a type of treatment option for individuals struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues. Intrigued by this concept, I embarked on a journey to understand what an... Continue Reading →
I enjoy my beer. However, as I am approaching my mid-thirties, my body has started to let me know it does not share my enthusiasm. I usually must pop a Pepcid AC prior to the event. And heaven forbid I have more than two drinks. If I do, I will surely feel bloated, tired, and... Continue Reading →
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