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One of the greatest challenges when dealing with depression is finding the energy and motivation to move in the direction that will support you in feeling better and recovering. Ashly Graff LMHCA offers up some expert advice on how to as Nike says "Just Do It" and some actionable steps to get there. Treating depression is different for everyone and the right way to treat depression is finding what works for you. Ashlyn shares some tips on how to get started and start feeling better.

Michelle and Laura discuss how the news, being exposed to the chronic stress or trauma in others, and living through a pandemic can create a trauma response in people who are not being directly impacted. This is especially prevalent in the healthcare industry. Laura and Michelle will point out symptoms of secondary trauma and offer up some expert tips on how you can treat this condition if you are being affected by this mental health challenge.

Child & Family Therapist Andi Eberhardt stops by to chat with Laura about strengthening family bonds, especially, during the summer time. Create that quality time with your family. Website: https://anchorlighttherapy.com/andi-eberhardt/

On this episode of Holding Ground psychotherapist Laura Richer speaks with Licensed Mental Health Counselor Sarah Skoterro about the signs and causes of suicidality in kids and teens and what parents can do to intervene and help prevent their child being at risk. With 30+ years of national experience as a counselor, trainer, advocate and speaker – Sarah Skoterro still finds joy and compassion in mental health and advocacy for healthcare overall. Her specific interest and dedication is to training and raising awareness of suicide intervention and prevention, her efforts have spanned settings ranging from major corporations in the private sector to community-based not for profit entities, educational settings and hospitals. Of particular focus in her work is the growing need for facile and fast access to care, edification of natural supports and increasing the “normalization” of screening and/asking about mental health factors across all sectors of care. Website(s): https://offtheclockpsych.com/page/6/?fbclid=IwAR093eU9-Lzp4_qtVRgGGle_K3GUovC2C6ud6-sAV5uIXl81QEMfxkZCxT4 https://familiesontheline.com/resources/ https://www.dbtfamilyskills.com/resources-for-families-couples--friends.html https://health.ucdavis.edu/health-news/newsroom/covid-19-is-wrecking-our-sleep-with-coronasomnia--tips-to-fight-back-/2020/09 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/put-the-phone-away-3-reasons-why-looking-at-it-before-bed-is-a-bad-habit/ https://psychotherapyacademy.org/ https://nowmattersnow.org/ https://www.dbtselfhelp.com/

On this episode of Holding Ground psychotherapist Laura Richer and Marriage and Family Therapy Intern Denise Johnson discuss Internal Family Systems therapy aka IFS. IFS is a therapy that was developed by Richard C. Schwartz. Denise and Laura talk about how this effective therapy can help clients better understand their own inner conflict and create positive change in their lives by understanding and addressing issues related to trauma, addiction, and self-sabotaging behaviors.

On this episode of Holding Ground psychotherapist Laura Richer and Anchor Light Therapy Collective's clinical director Michelle discuss why premarital counseling can benefit couples considering taking the next step. They touch on the top 8 Must Ask questions that partners will want to discuss before saying I do.

Do you feel like you have some emotional work to do but therapy feels intimidating? Does it feel scary to talk about feelings or find the right words to say? Art Therapy might speak to you. On today's episode host Laura Richer talks to art therapist about Jennifer Spektor about the benefits of using art as part of the therapeutic processes and how you can accomplish emotional growth and healing using art.

Licensed Therapists Michelle Mooney and Brenda Gil discuss stonewalling and the impact it has on your relationship and even more importantly the anecdote to remedy it. If you want to improve your communication skills with your partner tune in!

How can sports impact our mental health? Playing sports can teach valuable life skills like resilience, endurance, and how to work with others. It can also support cognitive development, improving focus and problem-solving skills. There are also concerns about whether the pressure to compete could have a detrimental effect on mental health for some. If you are the parent of an athlete, an athlete yourself, or a sports fan you won’t want to miss this episode! Psychotherapist Laura Richer interviews the perfect guest to weigh in this topic. If you are a Washington sports fan this episode's guest needs no introduction. Brock Huard is a former NFL Quarterback who has played for the Huskies and The Seahawks. He shares his insight and perspective into this topic from all angles from being a young athlete to playing in the pros and now being the parent of young athletes.

On today's episode couples therapist's Laura Richer and Samantha Cohen talk about how to find balance when it comes to taking care of your own needs and focusing on your relationship. Laura and Sam will offer up some expert advice on how you can communicate your individual needs to your partner without being hurtful and give you the five signs that it might be time to spend some time alone! Links https://anchorlighttherapy.com/samantha-cohen/ https://anchorlighttherapy.com/how-much-alone-time-is-normal-in-a-relationship/

The Importance of Physical Activity on your Mental Health and Relationships with Stevie Long. Marriage and Family Intern Stevie Long shares the science behind Physical Activity as a path to improving your overall mental health and your relationships.

Dating VS. Relationships: What's The Difference?! Website: www.AnchorLightTherapy.com

How focusing on Yourself will Improve Your Relationship with Marriage and Family Therapist Intern Denise Johnson

On this episode psychotherapist Laura Richer and special guest Brenda Zane discuss the stigma associated with substance use disorders. They break down how stigma interferes with treatment and recovery and look at some ways that we as a society can do better in addressing this epidemic. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or if you would like to become better informed or educated on substance use disorders you won't want to miss this episode. This episode covers the main distinctions between dating and relationships to support you with identifying what you are looking for and what it would look like to move on to the next stage.

Psychotherapist Laura Richer takes a deep dive into this question -“How can you stop being Insecure in your relationships?” Laura will help you identify what some of your relationship’s insecurities might be rooted in, as well as offer some practical advice on how to shift into the most confident version of you in all of your relationships. If you are struggling to know your worth or feel empowered in your relationships, you won’t want to miss this episode.