This may be an easy concept to embrace intellectually, but I have seen over and over again, and experienced myself, the heartbreak and questioning of identity and worth that happens when individuals are not able to do the things that they are used to doing… Read More »Your Worth & Identity Is Not the Sum of the Things That You Do
I love mindfulness because it’s a good brain health practice for everyone, but can be particularly helpful for people dealing with post concussion symptoms. It is one of my very favorite strategies to help clients suffering with emotional dysregulation or nervous system over stimulation or… Read More »Mindfulness
Hi Friends! As we’re finishing up our first week of 2024, I just wanted to pop in and remind us all of the power of our thoughts as we face a new year. How are you thinking about this upcoming year? Are you looking forward… Read More »Welcome, 2024!
The holidays are upon us – a time for joy, family, and festivities. But for those recovering from a concussion, it can also be a season of stress and potential setbacks. Navigating social gatherings, travel, and altered routines can be daunting when managing post-concussion symptoms.… Read More »Managing the Holidays with a Concussion
A number of years ago, we were renting a home and the owner sent over someone to fix the blinds for us. This handyman kept sighing really loudly, and my then-4-year-old daughter said to me, “Mom! He’s breathing like Daddy!” This made me laugh quite… Read More »The Physiological Sigh
Noise sensitivity is one of the most common concerns of people suffering from post concussion syndrome. Sounds can feel overwhelming and prevent people from participating in activities they love, such as sporting events, concerts, youth camps, family gatherings, etc. Noise sensitivity can be devastating and… Read More »How to Reduce Noise Sensitivity
I was listening to a podcast yesterday and the guest, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, told a story about how her daughter was getting ready for a competition in karate and her sensei, rather than telling her to not be afraid, told her to get her… Read More »Get Your Butterflies Flying In Formation
My guest on The Concussion Coach Podcast this week shared this thought, and it’s an idea that I’ve come to believe and appreciate over the past few years. I don’t think that believing this thought in a moment when you don’t feel ok means that… Read More »It’s OK To Not Be OK
Do you ever feel like you’re being pulled in too many directions at once? …Or like you want to do all the things but don’t have time to do any of them? …Or that you have so many balls in the air you’re afraid you… Read More »What Are Your Top 5 Priorities?
The other day my son wanted to do something, and I asked him if he’d gotten his chores and homework done yet. He started complaining that we have the rule in our house that chores and homework have to be done before other things, and… Read More »You Don’t Have To Like It… But It’s A Lot More Fun If You Do…
So many people ask to know what they can do to get better from a concussion. This is a good question, and there are in fact many, many things that can be done to improve symptoms and heal the brain. However, one key element that… Read More »When “Not Doing” Is More Important Than Doing
I used to think that at some point I’d get life (the balance of time and priorities) all figured out… but I’m discovering that life IS the figuring. Have you heard of the “Conscious Competence” Learning Model? I think it’s brilliant and really helpful in… Read More »Life IS the Figuring
Today’s post is a short and sweet one. Just a reminder of some helpful concepts. I’m sure you’re familiar with this, but I think it’s worth repeating and considering again: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change… Read More »Serenity Prayer
Ah, children. I frequently tell my clients that children can be our best therapists — they will challenge us in ALL the ways — physically (hi, auditory and visual stimulation), mentally, emotionally, and every other -ally you can think of. I had to remind myself… Read More »When Your Kid Says, “I Wish I Was In Gus’ Family”
With the beginning of a new school year upon us (here in the US at least), I thought I’d share a memory/study tip that I like to share with clients. This is something that I wish I had known when I was in school, but… Read More »The Study Tip I Wish I’d Known When I Was in School
This is one of my favorite go-to thoughts. It’s believable for me when I zoom out and look at the big picture and remind myself that God isn’t up there wringing His hands in worry about whatever it is I’m concerned about. Trusting that there’s… Read More »Nothing’s Gone Wrong Here
The human nervous system is wired for survival, and is constantly scanning for cues of safety or danger. It scans for these cues in the external environment, from our internal organs and systems, and relationally between us and other people. Based on these cues, the… Read More »Befriending Your Nervous System
Hi there! Today I thought I’d share a few recommendations of books that have been motivational and inspiring to me and that have helped increase my understanding of the brain & body in significant ways. Here they are, just a few: *The Art of Learning… Read More »Book Recommendations
Remember that you are a human. Sometimes we forget this and think we should not have human experiences like feeling the way we feel or making the mistakes we make. We think we should be happy no matter what, or that we should… Read More »You Are A Human
This past week I got to go to a destination wedding, sans children, for 5 days. I was surprised at how much NOT being responsible for keeping 6 other little humans alive brought out the inner child in me… I had almost forgotten how much… Read More »Play Time!