Post-Pandemic Anxiety: Why Reopening Feels Stressful Instead of Exciting

Leave a Comment / Anxiety / Veronica Ingrao, LCSW, LADC, CCS

Post-Pandemic Anxiety: Why Reopening Feels Stressful Instead of Exciting “I should be happy and excited, but all I feel is pressured.” This is a variation of a statement many therapists have heard from clients as communities continue to reopen and social expectations increase. For some people, vaccinations, social gatherings, and returning to pre-pandemic routines bring […]

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Break the Rules: A Guide to Relearning Love

Leave a Comment / Couples Counseling / Veronica Ingrao, LCSW, LADC, CCS

Disclaimer: I know this doesn’t speak to everyone’s experience, including those adopted at birth or those with extremely volatile early experiences. Please know that I acknowledge & honor this disparity. When we are born, our mother’s body releases ‘love’ hormones & neurotransmitters that intuitively drive her to take care of us. Oxytocin, the primary maternal

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How Do I Know I’m Receiving GOOD Therapy?

Leave a Comment / GOOD Counseling / Veronica Ingrao, LCSW, LADC, CCS

Therapy is an emotional and financial investment, so people’s hesitation makes sense. Some basic ways to assess whether or not you are receiving quality therapy, versus just chatting with a stranger, are: Your therapist is qualified. It is very important to find a counselor with credentials and certifications in the area you are experiencing stressors

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3 C’s: Quick Mental Health Tips You Can Work on NOW

Leave a Comment / Emotional Regulation, GOOD Counseling / Veronica Ingrao, LCSW, LADC, CCS

3 C’s: Quick Mental Health Tips You Can Work on NOW Most of us are quick to help someone who is in emotional distress. However, in terms of our own mental health, we fall short. Give yourself grace and maintain your mental health to live a full life! Here are 3 quick ways you can

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Needs + Feelings: Another Way to Inventory

Leave a Comment / Emotional Regulation, Self Esteem / Veronica Ingrao, LCSW, LADC, CCS

Learning to name and pay attention to your emotions can help you identify what needs healing. First, use a journal, notebook, or smartphone notes to write down which of the feelings below you experienced. On the margin, note if they changed, at what pace, and how obvious they were. If your feelings come from the

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4 Methods for a Minute of Mindfulness I am Loving this Holiday Season

Leave a Comment / Mindfulness Skills / Veronica Ingrao, LCSW, LADC, CCS

Well, the past few years have been intense—from elections to a global virus, to isolation and the holiday season ramping up—stress is real! But stress also gives us a unique opportunity to practice mindfulness and expand our present-moment awareness. Instead of compulsively Googling gift ideas or worrying about distant loved ones, try one of these

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Procrastination Isn’t Laziness: A Self-Compassionate Approach

Leave a Comment / Mindfulness Skills / Veronica Ingrao, LCSW, LADC, CCS

As darkness sets upon us incredibly early and we’re feeling like it’s 12A at 5P, dialogues about procrastination multiply. At risk of sounding like a blind optimist (I’m not) – what a wonderful growth opportunity! Lack of vigor can put our priorities under a microscope and help us with time management. What needs to happen

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