Art therapy has grown exponentially over the past two decades, not only advancing treatment options but also advancing into different populations and treatment settings. In particular, art therapists have been working with a very special and unique population—the military. For over 15 years, post-9/11 military service members
Read more →As a smart, ambitious person, you know that bad habits keep you from reaching your goals. You know you’re capable of self-control. Yet, despite your best efforts, you’ve been unable to change. Whether it’s mid-day snacking, procrastinating, or skipping workouts, feeling powerless in the face of bad
Read more →Altruism—the concern for the welfare of others—is considered a bedrock virtue by nearly all religions and cultures. From an evolutionary perspective, we’re wired for helping others. Giving of yourself—whether it is your time, energy or money—is not just of benefit to those you are helping; A wealth
Read more →Dr. Ermshar & Associates is proud to introduce companion and coaching services. This is a service we have been offering since 2016 but we want to tell you a bit more about it. Companion services encompass a variety of coaching strategies and interventions that are ultimately tailored
Read more →Therapeutic writing is an avenue to write about your thoughts and feelings and in turn become more self-aware. It involves taking a deeper look and gaining a better understanding of our wants and wishes. According to Lynda Monk, “Writing is a way to express our authentic voice,
Read more →Is it possible for the bacterial community in your gut to actually be related to psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder? Research on the human microbiome and its effects on health and illness has exploded into the worlds of medicine and research. It is increasingly
Read more →For our purposes, we will define effective feedback as that which is clearly heard, understood and accepted. Those are the areas that are within your power. You have no control over whether the recipient chooses to act upon your feedback, so let’s put that aside. So how
Read more →The key feature of bipolar disorder is mood fluctuations. Individuals with the disorder go from manic or hypomanic to depression to remission in a most unpredictable way. Ultimately, these shifts in mood are not constant and not permanent aspects of a person’s personality. Recognizing personality traits consistent
Read more →Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. When we practice mindfulness, our awareness is placed on what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or
Read more →Growing up in an emotionally neglectful household can take its toll and leave a legacy that is carried into adulthood. As a child, when no one sufficiently notices what you are feeling or what you need, you receive covert messages that are never stated outright, but will
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