https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-09-12 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/benefits-of-journaling monthly 0.5 2024-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1716467633323-MYBNFV8W3FLYUADV1DGB/image-asset.jpeg Blog - The Benefits of Journaling - “Why does my therapist keep telling me to journal?!” Ahh, the dreaded journaling. The go-to therapist recommendation for seemingly everything. It’s no secret that clients are skeptical of the practice and its alleged benefits, yet we therapists continue to encourage it. I promise we’re not just throwing a last-resort intervention your way when we tell you to “journal about it.” Numerous scientific studies have found that journaling can offer huge benefits to your emotional well-being, some of which may surprise you. Scientifically Proven Benefits: Helps acknowledge your feelings and access innate wisdom Relaxes the body, quiets the mind, and increases focus Increases exploration of personal issues Integrates new awareness and understanding into the recovery process Manages cravings Improves communication skills Strengthens immune system Increases self-confidence Heightens IQ Reduces blood pressure Improves lung and liver function Improves working memory Reduces PTSD symptoms, specifically intrusive and avoidance symptoms Improves mood and affect Increases overall psychological well-being Heals emotional wounds faster https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/how-i-explained-my-depression-to-my-parents monthly 0.5 2024-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1633361507490-0NNHXBKGYGJRMRP94E1C/unsplash-image-i-ePv9Dxg7U.jpg Blog - How I Explained My Depression to My Parents - When I was 16 years old I was in the trenches of an abusive relationship and slipped into the deepest, darkest, and longest depression I have ever experienced. I remember going through the motions of the school day and then coming home and crawling into bed, exhausted, until my mom woke me up for dinner. I’d drag myself out of bed and force myself to eat something, as to not raise any alarm with my parents- although my appetite was non-existent. Again, once the motions of mealtime were completed, I’d curl back up in my bed. The room now dark with the fading sun. My soul dreading the inevitable rise of sunlight. Growing up in my family, mental health wasn’t talked about. It wasn’t that it was a taboo subject, it just wasn’t something that we felt we needed to discuss. It simply wasn’t on our minds. We didn’t learn about it in school and at that time people outside our family rarely spoke about it either. “Depression” and “anxiety” were not words that floated around my house as a child. My parents didn’t struggle with mental illness (or didn’t believe they did), and at the time were completely uninformed of depression and its symptoms. Thus, when I started to experience the depth of my own depression, I had no idea how to share this with my parents and reach out for help. I felt like I didn’t have the words to describe the suffering I felt. I also struggled to understand how they couldn’t notice my remarkably diminished mood, motivation, and behavior. I stayed quiet for many months until one day I couldn’t battle it alone any longer. I decided I was going to write my parents a letter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1633362342458-C5OKPA2B10V655K091XZ/unsplash-image-K5Icxi1tezc.jpg Blog - How I Explained My Depression to My Parents - At the time I didn’t know about the diagnosis Major Depressive Disorder. I didn’t know the symptoms or really anything about the mental illness. What I did know was how lonely and isolating it was to go through what I was going through without anyone knowing, or better yet, understanding. How do I explain depression to someone who hasn’t experienced it themselves? I decided to just put the pen to paper and write freely, in hopes my words could shed even an ounce of light into the darkness of my heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1633363749892-J89P9PCMUHOVT7VWQ6LO/unsplash-image-v-NBXj3Yv5o.jpg Blog - How I Explained My Depression to My Parents - The frustrating thing about depression, or the psychiatric diagnosis Major Depressive Disorder, is that there isn’t always an identified cause. How can we justify how much pain we’re in if we can’t understand why were feeling this way? I can’t tell you the number of times as a therapist I’ve heard loved ones discount my client’s depression, stating things like “they can’t be depressed, they have nothing to be depressed about!” It’s responses like these that create shame and guilt and strengthen society’s stigma around mental illness. Depression resulting from trauma, stressors, hardship or grief are definitely real, common occurrences. Depression caused by the chemicals and neurotransmitters in your brain, however, are just as real, valid, and frequent. You do not need to have an explanation or justification for why you’re feeling this way. Take for example, just a few of the many things that can cause depression: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1633365378153-CH35LV9VD7LI3Y7LEGAS/unsplash-image-PGnqT0rXWLs.jpg Blog - How I Explained My Depression to My Parents - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-fight-flight-freeze-reponse monthly 0.5 2021-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1632082545300-0OOV6LHERWO1KFJ9E8DR/unsplash-image-zMfP2YvouOY.jpg Blog - 5 Things You Need to Know About the Fight-Flight-Freeze Response - Fight, Flight, Freeze are buzzwords when it comes to trauma. Check out the list below of 5 things you should know about this physiological reaction to trauma. *Keep in mind that when I refer to the term “threat,” this is a perception by our nervous systems. What our bodies feel as dangerous may not actually be the case in every situation (like giving a speech in front of a full classroom) https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/fall-self-care-bucket-list monthly 0.5 2021-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631986449866-52ZQMUB2MZO9AOSRDGS1/unsplash-image-VAWqURK_Th0.jpg Blog - Fall Self-Care Ideas - Go on a nature walk or hike There’s no better time to pack a lunch, lace up your hiking shoes, grab your water bottle, and hit the trails. Hiking in the fall is an absolute game-changer! Eliminate all distractions (this includes your phone- but still keep it on you for emergencies!) and fully immerse yourself in the beauty, peace, and calm of the nature around you. Ask around for recommendations for parks and trails to visit in the fall. I recommend any that have higher elevation to give you a better view of the trees. The key here is to be mindful. Go on a day where you can carve out a few hours to enjoy nature and not have to rush back for anything. Don’t turn on any music, but instead allow yourself to be in the present moment as you experience all the sights, sounds, and smells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631986974499-YOXNO94Y2AWHIRYY2V9J/unsplash-image-NuO6iTBkHxE.jpg Blog - Fall Self-Care Ideas - Read outside Put on your coziest socks and sweatshirt, grab your favorite blanket, brew your favorite hot drink, and sit outside while you read a good book. Don’t have a book you’re excited to read? Check out your local library and pick up a few that interest you. While reading, turn off your phone, eliminate distractions, and allow yourself to fully relax and enjoy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631987413516-1K19ZEAH9LWA98X3RIH3/unsplash-image-TF_J4yTvg70.jpg Blog - Fall Self-Care Ideas - Indulge in your favorite fall drink Take a little extra time in the morning to drink your pumpkin-spiced coffee and plan for the day. For a pick-me-up during the workday, take a little break to brew a calming (or caffeinated- if it’s one of those days!) tea and focus on taking deep breaths and relaxing any tension in your body. In the evening, curl up on the couch with a big mug of hot apple cider. Be mindful of the warmth of the cup in your hands, the aroma of the flavors, and the sensation of the warmth in your mouth and throat as you take a sip. This also calls for a special trip to the grocery store to stock up on your favorite seasonal drinks, flavorings, and spices! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631987776420-RO0JPJ462931OPNX8GP7/unsplash-image-TOZqUHD8L38.jpg Blog - Fall Self-Care Ideas - Light some candles and take a bath Morning, afternoon, or night- there’s no better time to light some fall scented candles (pumpkin apple is my absolute fav) and take a relaxing bath. Dim the lights and add some spa or relaxing music to really add to the effect! I also encourage pouring some Epsom Salt in the water and finish the experience off with some good smelling lotion. Gosh, I feel like I’m melting just writing this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631988440453-QL6CRM9JLP08GJNEJEAL/unsplash-image-LcAZcVWsCIo.jpg Blog - Fall Self-Care Ideas - Take a nap- guilt free! We need to retire the idea that napping is lazy. Instead, lets vow to actually listen to our bodies and what they’re telling us we need. When you’re tired, I encourage you to take a cat nap, whether it be 20 minutes or an hour. Our bodies need rest, and rest is an essential part of self-care. Not only does it boost our energy, but it helps battle depression and keeps our immune system strong. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631988990083-GFJJW1HDB0G9K0X3RC0U/unsplash-image-q9nZUFC1nTw.jpg Blog - Fall Self-Care Ideas - Cozy up your space For me, this means a plethora of warm, fuzzy blankets to choose from, lighted scented candles, soft throw pillows, fresh fall-colored flowers, and my favorite seasonal decorations. Create a space in your house, whether it be your office, bedroom, or living room, where you feel peaceful, relaxed, and happy. Try to make this your stress-free zone. Trip to TJ Maxx anyone? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631989332720-G64Z9MZGLYS3I7LTD97X/unsplash-image-IuLgi9PWETU.jpg Blog - Fall Self-Care Ideas - Create your monthly goals and get organized Grab a notebook and your favorite pen and jot down a list of goals you have for yourself this month and your steps to achieving them. Make sure your goals are attainable and not too big! In addition, organize and fill-in your monthly calendar and to-do list. Swap out your summer clothes for your fall clothes and explore new ways that can help you stay organized through this chaos we call life! https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/favorite-mental-health-books monthly 0.5 2025-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954184847-C9K28BM8E61NLJD0WCEQ/71LFfnWn5DL._SY466_.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954493829-VCD3NV778VPFZ8ZRBZF6/40890214.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954368108-0JIKZT8RPCUMEFQ4JVJP/81p2fJertEL.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954327957-DNVYS2DPOGOP1TY7193H/71slpLr3dDL.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983739812-STX691O7I3GYANOUUZ3T/18693771._SY475_.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954254486-OC2NU1CTDSTLMTVNA9V5/61-1itnxrPL.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983739029-3TBN5TFSOEIU73Z8BURH/41VErOJr-KL._SL350_.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954296151-0UWXK7XLEDUDA5M8EKLH/61XNLSEPCOL._AC_UF1000%2C1000_QL80_.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983739031-74DVYM4C8UT8TUJO36J1/4069._SY475_.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983739390-PFACCG3PYEE8PQ6A1WPL/5725d19fbab4b8ba8eeb7cbb46d99484a9f1a618.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983739434-DNVVAOMEJ2WOEAGDXNRQ/5653041.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983739904-MT9Y90GM6YBFFU0CKRZI/37570546.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983740199-3RHPUIM885UIWTK9RCPY/42397849.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983740324-J42Q30AUYTBLNMBPL5TU/50196744._SX318_SY475_.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983740918-TS7GPI6MGMSDQMZ0S6DC/52129515.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983740724-P53RIGHNYAZXJP5DPS1J/52252715._SY475_.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983741077-K0U3Y8O2ONERYLQ5B7CD/53238858.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983741434-8XFS3ECVAUZE0J45LAOX/54304169.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983741478-TUMASTHSM199LAQ24NY9/An+Unquiet+Mind.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983741826-CEY1XE5W34XNOYCWQXW4/fef30fb95eedb3dd44b103b563bd7798bcbdb945.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983742221-R04WJXZLREETJLMN4CC7/Psychopath+Free.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983742399-HOQ8VSAFGNWUAN69EPOU/Quit+Like+a+Woman.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983742626-D18E94526LL422LUTJKV/The+Highly+Sensitive.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983742813-CHAPBDUO15WB52PKD0U8/Whole+Again.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1631983743035-HZXYPZ8KE6LUXSQC2Z15/Women+who+love+too+much.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954200353-Q3SKTAEDSKLTROQB8G3O/54785515._SY475_.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954209913-MRO9P5KZE993FQ9SQICB/16280.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954217088-0OM664JYF70N1EIUFRCQ/57094630.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954225355-CPTSC9KFD7MPFUWDH3GM/57933306.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954228577-6M06VBZEWLQ6DAY7X4Z3/13588356.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954471762-S7WBPSXI2ISI9LO74Y7C/37880811.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1736954525966-XIRF7F70YU0G6C0KYS9S/7445.jpg Blog - Favorite Mental Health-Related Books https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/category/Depression monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/category/Mental+Health monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/therapy+books monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/reading+recommendations monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/mental+health monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/journaling monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/therapists+favorite+books monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/Depression monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/How+to+explain+your+depression monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/How+to+tell+your+parents+you%27re+depressed monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/Explaining+Depression monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/writing monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/mental+health+books monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/self-care monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/blog/tag/Major+Depressive+Disorder monthly 0.5 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/home daily 1.0 2026-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/1771100973960-1KD7GHBC9HIPOEDHFOBK/unsplash-image-ylveRpZ8L1s.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/5d63e73b-2338-4dff-99bb-0e25921afe4f/Untitled+design.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/704d599a-4b71-4233-a76b-56f257b28312/ChatGPT+Image+Feb+13%2C+2026%2C+02_58_27+PM.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/51381adf-ca71-4bc2-811f-af9abd33932e/Headshot2.jpg https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/about daily 0.75 2026-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg About the Therapist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg About the Therapist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/9a978b34-7750-42e0-aa9c-7717570f8440/Headshot2.jpg About the Therapist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60d3d3f498123c222735153a/f09e588d-23f7-4ac5-a265-dafacedd1b53/headshot.jpg https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-10-08 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/fees daily 0.75 2025-08-31 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/faqs daily 0.75 2025-10-08 https://www.trishcorrinecounseling.com/resources daily 0.75 2026-02-16