As 2021 approached I saw different posts on social media or heard others saying how glad they would be to see 2020 in the rear-view mirror. Even though there were challenges, being able to focus on some of the highlights in 2020, really changed how I viewed the year. As I share some of my highlights from 2020 in this podcast, I hope it will encourage you to find your highlights as well!

Have you ever heard someone say “It’s to late for me to change”, “I’m set in my ways”, or the old saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This simply is not true! Come learn more about our brains ability to change and how it can improve our mental health.

If you find this episode insightful and helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review my podcast to help me reach more listeners.

https://www.thescienceofpsychotherapy.com/neuroplasticity-a-new-paradigm-for-understanding-and-treating-mental-health-issues/

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/effects-brain#How-Can-Treatment-Change-the-Brain?

https://therapyinanutshell.teachable.com/p/change-your-brain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkhk1VOnPHs

Since this podcast airs the week of Christmas 2020, I wanted to share a short, uplifting story about love and Christmas. I hope you enjoy the podcast!

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Having children grow up and become adults can be a big change for parents. There is a redefining of what the relationship will now look like between us and our children. This podcast talks about this process of change and how to rewrite our job description as parents of adult children.

Doing Life With Your Adult Children: Keeping Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out. By Jim Burns.

If you find this episode insightful and helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review my podcast to help me reach more listeners.

There are 4 styles of communication: Passive, Aggressive, Passive-Aggressive, and Assertive. Which style do you use most often? This podcast explains each style and then focuses on the most ideal of the four styles- assertive.

If you find this episode insightful and helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review my podcast to help me reach more listeners.

https://online.alvernia.edu/articles/4-types-communication-styles/

https://www.uky.edu/hr/sites/www.uky.edu.hr/files/wellness/images/Conf14_FourCommStyles.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmrokQdsjTA&t=105s

https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/i-statements

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Are you bleeding before you are cut?”. I had a significant person in my life say this to me once and it changed the way I viewed various situations that I felt stress or anxiety about. Come and listen as I tell the story about bleeding before I was cut.

I know the Holidays can be a time of great joy and for some they can also be a time of stress. This podcast includes some thoughts on dealing with two stressors that are more common during the holidays: loneliness and family relationships.

If you find this episode insightful and helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review my podcast to help me reach more listeners.

“I have anxiety” or “I’m feeling anxious” is something I have commonly heard either in my office or just in casual conversations. How do we know though if the symptoms we are experiencing are related to stress or if we are dealing with anxiety or possibly an anxiety disorder? This episode explores these specific questions and provides clarification on the topic of stress and anxiety.

If you find this episode insightful and helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review my podcast to help me reach more listeners.

https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/stress#:~:text=Everyone%20experiences%20stress%20and%20anxiety,least%20moderately%20with%20their%20lives.

http://www.ulifeline.org/articles/439-anxiety-vs-anxiety-disorders

https://my.cleveland

clinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2018/06/stress-vs-anxiety/

https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/5-ways-to-tell-the-difference-between-stress-and-anxiety-when-to-get-help/#:~:text=Anxiety%20is%20also%20normal.,experiences%20triggering%20feelings%20of%20anxiety.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610

How do we know when feeling really sad or down, if it's sadness or if we are dealing with symptoms of depression? This episode dives into that specific question and explains the difference.

If you find this episode insightful and helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review my podcast to help me reach more listeners.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201507/the-value-sadness

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-vs-sadness#symptoms

The American Institute of Stress says they are often asked what is the best way to relieve stress and relax. They indicate there are different ways for different people yet one of the best “super stress busters” as they call it, is breathing. This episode explains why it’s helpful to JUST BREATHE.

If you find this episode insightful and helpful, please subscribe, rate, and review my podcast to help me reach more listeners.

https://www.stress.org/take-a-deep-breath#:~:text=Deep%20breathing%20increases%20the%20supply,head%20and%20quiets%20your%20mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLbK0o9Bk7Q