arinwestpheling

Nervous System Regulation: Strategies for Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Activation

Our bodies are in constant equilibrium, whether we’re aware of it or not. As old as concepts such as Yin and Yang, there’s a balance to the human experience in order to properly function and respond to external and internal stimuli. The two systems in discussion are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system that makesContinue reading “Nervous System Regulation: Strategies for Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Activation”

A post on anger

Let’s take a quick assessment on where you learned about anger, conflict and conflict resolution: How our relationship with anger begins We build our emotional intelligence within the home that paves the way for future interactions and exchanges with expressing emotions (or not) with others. Intentional or not, your parents and guardians sent subtle messagesContinue reading “A post on anger”

100 coping and calming skills

“You can do hard things” -Glennon Doyle

Resources

If you ever wonder and need additional resources, I’ve done my best to compile several within St. Johns County, primarily focused on adolescents, but several listed are for adult populations as well. St. Augustine Youth Services A variety of programs available to youth including behavioral support, therapy services and boys- residential home. https://www.sayskids.org (904) 829-1770Continue reading “Resources”

Snapchat safety with your teens

Snapchat is a fun and playful app to stay connected and social amongst peers, but it comes with a dark side. I’m all for trust and freedom with youths, but there are some measures I definitely am on board with including the new parental control features on Snapchat. If you allow this platform for yourContinue reading “Snapchat safety with your teens”

A post on vulnerability

I was going to write a post on going outside and consistency/motivation to do the things that you enjoy and are good for you but decided to do something a little different and write a post a bit more personal/vulnerable. But this can still be a plug to go outside because ~ here in NorthContinue reading “A post on vulnerability”

Let’s talk…

Happy January, folks! Haven’t written in a moment but wanted to share a bit more on communication as this is a common discussion lately for me and a very necessary skill to ward off feelings of loneliness and increase sense of belonging. If you haven’t met with me or read past posts, I’ll reiterate fourContinue reading “Let’s talk…”

National Suicide Prevention Week is September 5-11

This article may be triggering. If you have any current suicidal thoughts or plans to act on these thoughts, please reach out for support or contact the National Suicide Hotline at: 800-273-8255. You may also text the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. If you have experienced a loved one’s death to suicideContinue reading “National Suicide Prevention Week is September 5-11”

Am I self-sabotaging?

Have you ever made a SMART goal (read on to find out what this is if you don’t know), to last minute see it blow up and not get accomplished? Have you had every intention to make things go as smoothly as possible to find out it ended miserably, or was only half-accomplished? These examplesContinue reading “Am I self-sabotaging?”

Okay, so what should I expect when starting therapy?

Well, you will be greeted warmly by myself within the waiting room and be led back to my office space. You may take a seat on the couch or at the table. I will begin assessing needs and concerns as well as begin the collaboration process on what you want to work on and end-goals.Continue reading “Okay, so what should I expect when starting therapy?”