Monthly Archives: June 2024

Reducing the stigma around mental health

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Stigma can create self-doubt and shame, and gear toward discrimination. With mental health, it’s not an easy problem to solve, for example- your arm is broken, lets fix it. Mental Health concerns can include symptoms such as:

  • Overthinking
  • Guilt
  • Low self esteem
  • Intense sadness
  • Anger, irritability, easily frustrated
  • Physical symptoms including itching, headaches, stomach-aches, tight muscles, loss of sleep
close up photo of woman closing her eyes
Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com

Metaphorically speaking, stress can be equated to building a snowman – you can be on what appears to be flat yard rolling a ball of snow around to make it bigger and bigger but say you don’t notice a slope and next thing you know it’s too big and heavy to lift onto the snowman and now you have multiple snowmen to make up for not being able to bear the weight of the snow ball.

crop woman with heart on palms
Photo by Puwadon Sang-ngern on Pexels.com

How can we help reduce what we can’t see?

  • Try to be accepting of each other’s differences
  • View different loads of stress as a difference, not as a weakness.
  • Offer to help with tasks, be open minded that tasks you might be fine with may be too much for someone else
  • Offer to listen – not fix
  • Remember that you don’t know what that person’s day has looked like leading up to this moment and they may need some empathy
  • Education, look into what stress may look like in different environments – work, personal, and differences in positive vs. negative stress. Check out this page for some more details on stress

Reducing the stigma isn’t only one person’s task, it’s a little bit from everyone, a community effort. Smile at someone today, even the smallest behavior from you can be a big influence on someone else’s day.

Differences between Intensive Workshops and Therapy Groups ( make social posts from this )

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Within mental health and personal growth, individuals often seek various forms of support and interventions to navigate their challenges and improve their well-being. Two common options that people consider are therapy groups and intensive workshops. While both serve as valuable tools for self-exploration and development, they differ in their formats, goals, and approaches. Here, we will explore the differences between therapy groups and intensive workshops to help you better understand which option may be most suitable for your needs.

Therapy Groups:
Therapy groups typically consist of a small number of individuals who come together regularly, facilitated by a trained therapist or counselor. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for members to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to gain insights into their challenges and strengths. Therapy groups may focus on specific issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, and members often share their experiences, offer feedback, and learn from one another’s perspectives.

Key Characteristics of Therapy Groups:

  1. Regular meetings over an extended period (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly sessions).
  2. Led by a trained therapist or counselor who facilitates discussions and provides guidance.
  3. Emphasis on sharing personal experiences, processing emotions, and gaining self-awareness.
  4. Opportunity for members to receive support, feedback, and validation from peers.

Intensive Workshops:
Intensive workshops are typically short-term, immersive experiences that focus on a specific theme or goal, such as stress management, communication skills, or personal growth. These workshops may last anywhere from a few hours to several days and often involve a structured curriculum, experiential activities, and group exercises aimed at fostering insight, learning new skills, and promoting personal transformation. Intensive workshops can be intense and emotionally challenging, but they also offer a concentrated opportunity for deep exploration and growth.

Key Characteristics of Intensive Workshops:

  1. Short-term and immersive experience, often lasting a few hours to several days.
  2. Structured curriculum with specific goals and learning objectives.
  3. Incorporation of experiential activities, role-playing, and group exercises.
  4. Focus on personal growth, skill-building, and transformative experiences.

Choosing Between Therapy Groups and Intensive Workshops:
When deciding between therapy groups and intensive workshops, it’s important to consider your specific needs, preferences, and goals. Therapy groups are ideal for individuals seeking ongoing support, deeper self-exploration, and interpersonal connection over an extended period. On the other hand, intensive workshops are well-suited for those looking for a quicker, focused experience to learn new skills, gain insights, and jumpstart personal growth in a shorter timeframe.

Ultimately, both therapy groups and intensive workshops can be valuable resources for individuals searching to improve their well-being, develop self-awareness, and cultivate meaningful connections with others. By understanding the differences between these two options, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs and aspirations on your journey toward personal growth and healing.

Make sure to check out the new Intuitive Painting Workshop here!

Mental health books recommended for…

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I have read some, but not all of these books, however I am adding a few to my list. I have heard the titles given as recommendations in provider groups I am a part of, hopefully some of them can be helpful to you or someone you know in understanding mental health and reducing the stigma, opportunities to open conversations.

books in black wooden book shelf
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Someone who may need help but isnt ready?

“I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help! How to Help Someone with Mental Illness Accept Treatment” by Xavier Amador
Xavier Amador’s book focuses on improving communication and understanding between individuals with mental illness and their loved ones, reducing stigma through empathy and support.

“The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living” by Russ Harris: This book introduces Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles in a reader-friendly format. It offers practical strategies for managing difficult thoughts and emotions, improving mindfulness, and living a more fulfilling life.

“The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness” by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zinn: Combining mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy techniques, this book provides a holistic approach to overcoming depression. It includes guided meditations and exercises for developing mindfulness skills.

“The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook” by Edmund J. Bourne: While not a replacement for therapy, this workbook offers practical tools and techniques for managing anxiety and phobias. It includes cognitive-behavioral strategies, relaxation exercises, and tips for overcoming specific fears.

“Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy” by David D. Burns: This classic self-help book outlines cognitive-behavioral techniques for combating depression, anxiety, and negative thinking patterns. It includes practical exercises, thought restructuring methods, and strategies for improving mood.

Need humor to read about serious things?

“Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things” by Jenny Lawson: Lawson’s humorous yet poignant book about living with mental illness breaks down stereotypes and encourages readers to embrace their quirks and challenges with humor and resilience.

“The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking” by Oliver Burkeman: Burkeman’s book challenges traditional notions of happiness and self-help with humor and skepticism. It offers a refreshing perspective on embracing life’s uncertainties and finding meaning in imperfection.

“You Are Here: An Owner’s Manual for Dangerous Minds” by Jenny Lawson: Another book by Jenny Lawson, “You Are Here” combines humor with interactive activities like coloring pages and journal prompts. It’s a creative and lighthearted approach to exploring mental health and self-care.

Non verbal body behavior giving mixed signals?

“The Power of Body Language: How to Succeed in Every Business and Social Encounter” by Tonya Reiman: Reiman’s book explores the impact of body language on various aspects of life, from business interactions to personal relationships. It provides strategies for using body language effectively and reading the nonverbal cues of others.

“Nonverbal Communication in Therapy” by Arthur J. Clark: This book specifically examines nonverbal communication within the therapeutic context. It discusses how therapists can interpret clients’ nonverbal cues, understand underlying emotions, and enhance therapeutic rapport through nonverbal channels.

“Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: A Common-Sense Guide for Parents and Professionals” by Maggie Mamen: While not focused exclusively on mental health, this book addresses nonverbal learning disabilities (NVLD) and their impact on social skills, emotional regulation, and mental well-being. It provides insights into understanding and supporting individuals with NVLD.

Cathy Malchiodi’s book “Telling Without Talking: Art as a Window into the World of Multiple Personality” is a compelling exploration of using art therapy as a means of expression and communication.

Art Therapy and trauma

“The Art of Healing Trauma: Expressive and Experiential Techniques for Healing” by Gretchen M. Miller: Miller’s book combines art therapy with mindfulness and somatic practices to address trauma and promote healing. It includes practical exercises and techniques for therapists and individuals working through trauma.

“Art as Medicine: Creating a Therapy of the Imagination” by Shaun McNiff: McNiff, a pioneer in the field of art therapy, explores the transformative power of art in healing and personal growth. This book delves into the therapeutic process of creating art and its profound effects on emotional well-being.

“The Expressive Body in Life, Art, and Therapy: Working with Movement, Metaphor, and Meaning” by Daria Halprin: Halprin’s book explores the connection between the body, movement, and creative expression in therapeutic contexts. It offers practical exercises and insights into using the body as a tool for healing and self-discovery.

“Art Therapy Sourcebook” by Cathy Malchiodi: This comprehensive guide by Malchiodi provides an overview of art therapy techniques, applications, and benefits across various populations and settings. It’s a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the field of art therapy.

Peace in Color- Intuitive Art Workshop

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Collaborative Creative Coaching
with Samantha Hanson and Tina Gray Siebers

Are you ready to explore your creativity, overcome fears, and reconnect with your inner child? Join our Intuitive Art Intensive Workshop, a transformative experience designed to help you express yourself, face challenges, and find joy in artistic expression. No prior art experience is necessary—just bring your willingness to explore and create.

This is a two-day intensive workshop, led by two professional counselors—one a registered art therapist. However, this is not a therapy group! It is a small retreat from daily life, designed to guide participants through an intuitive painting process.

Workshop Goals:
Try Something New: Step outside your comfort zone.
Overcome Fear: Let go of the fear of failure or judgment.
Self-Discovery: Learn how you handle challenges.
Feel Positive: End with a sense of achievement.
Have Fun: Enjoy playful, creative activities.
Stress Relief: Take a refreshing break from daily stress.

Workshop will include
Open mindedness and experimentation in a judgement free zone,
Setting Intentions
Warm-Up Exercise: “Zen Tangle”
Independent Reflection and Sharing
option to purchase beverages on site at ROK cafe

Disclaimer: This is a vulnerable open space. Be mindful of sharing work that may be considered taboo outside of the workshop with non participants who may not understand.

Join Us June 22 and 23rd – Registration closes June 17th and space is limited to 8 attendees!
4 minimum needed to hold the workshop.

Perfect for all skill levels, our workshop offers a supportive and enriching environment to unlock your creative potential.Secure your spot today to avoid missing out as spots are filling up fast. Don’t let the stress of the week distract you—reserve now!

For more information and to register, visit Here. We look forward to creating with you!


**please note spots are non refundable due to the time and preparation to prepare for your seat we appreciate your understanding if you are a no show or notify us day of, of no attendance.**