Self-compassion is a concept often praised in mental health spaces—and for good reason. Treating yourself with the same care you’d offer a loved one has been linked to lower anxiety, greater emotional resilience, and improved overall well-being. But what’s often left out of the conversation is just how difficult self-compassion can be, especially when one […]
Why Self-Compassion Feels So Hard—and How to Begin Anyway Read More »
Disordered eating is a complex issue that is often misunderstood, but it affects many individuals across all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Engaging in disordered eating can serve as a way to manage emotional distress, past traumas, or the pressures imposed by society. The behavior often stems from emotional issues rather than the food itself, whether
Understanding and Supporting Disordered Eating Read More »
Navigating the Journey of Acceptance and Support Parenting is filled with unexpected moments—some bringing immense joy and others challenging us to grow. When your child comes out as LGBTQIA+, you might feel a range of emotions: love, confusion, worry, and even fear of fighting with family over differing views. You’re not alone in this. Many
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding and Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth Read More »
In a fast-paced, ever-changing world, family rituals serve as anchors, providing children with a sense of security, belonging, and predictability. While many parents think of rituals as grand holiday traditions, it’s the small, everyday moments—like bedtime stories, Sunday pancake breakfasts, or evening gratitude practices—that shape a child’s emotional well-being the most. These simple but meaningful
Guilt is a complex emotion that often begins in childhood, and for many, it lingers long into adulthood. Whether it stems from feeling responsible for a parent’s emotions, trying to live up to their expectations, or believing that something we did (or didn’t do) was the cause of family turmoil, childhood guilt can weigh us
Healing from Childhood Guilt: Embracing Your Path with Awakened Path Counseling Read More »
Feeling stuck in an energetic rut can be frustrating and overwhelming. An energetic rut refers to a state where we feel trapped in our emotions and/or routines, making achieving our goals seem impossible or far-fetched. In this state, we may experience procrastination, lack of motivation, fatigue, pessimism, or overall exhaustion. Prolonged periods of energetic ruts
How to Get Out of an Energetic Rut Using the Upward Spiral Method Read More »
Technology has undeniably transformed our lives in remarkable ways. It has revolutionized how we communicate, work, and even care for ourselves. Yet, as with any tool, its use comes with consequences—some subtle, others profound. In the realm of mental health, technology’s influence is complex, acting both as a helpful resource and a source of modern
Technology and Mental Health: Navigating the Modern Stress Epidemic Read More »
Trauma is a deeply personal and often distressing experience that can take many forms. Whether it’s emotional, physical, sexual, or psychological, the impacts of trauma are profound and wide-ranging. What’s less talked about, however, is how trauma can influence us in ways we may not even recognize until years later. Sometimes, the aftermath of trauma
Sleep and anxiety are deeply connected. Perhaps this isn’t news to you, but you may be curious about how significantly one affects the other. In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between sleep and anxiety, how poor sleep can exacerbate anxiety, and how improving sleep hygiene can be a powerful tool in managing it. By
The Effects of Sleep on Anxiety: How to Holistically Heal Your Sleep Routine Read More »
Do you ever find yourself chasing the next job, relationship, or opportunity, only to feel unfulfilled once you’ve attained it? This restless search for a better “next” is often referred to as “grass is greener syndrome.” While it’s natural to desire growth and change, constantly believing the grass is greener elsewhere can hinder personal growth
The Grass Isn’t Greener: Overcoming Impulsive Behavior for Long-Term Success Read More »
The holiday season is a time that many eagerly anticipate, filled with joy, connection, and a sense of celebration. For introverts, this is perhaps one of the most overwhelming times of the year—mentally, emotionally, and sometimes physically draining. Amidst the chaos of busy schedules, family gatherings, and a whirlwind of social commitments, the introvert frequently
The Introvert’s Holiday Survival Guide: Finding Joy and Balance This Season Read More »
What happens to your thoughts when you are in a challenging or uncomfortable situation? Perhaps you notice they sound aggressive (blaming others or feeling angry), avoidant (feeling like you can’t deal with this or wanting to immediately escape), or maybe you feel paralyzed or stuck by your thoughts (feeling extremely overwhelmed or unsure what to
How to Effectively Manage Your Thoughts in Challenging Situations Read More »
“People tend to forget that play is serious.” –David Hockney There was a time when play was everything. As kids, we were handed crayons or paint and encouraged to create, delighting caregivers with our imaginative stories and playful spirit. But as we grew up, play seemed to vanish. No one reminds us to make time
Prioritizing Play for Holistic Balance & Well-being Read More »
Anxiety, fear, and at times an overriding feeling of hopelessness— are all examples of what the recent election result has brought on. For many people whose survival, rights, and identities come into question, the burden of that anxiety can be very heavy. The purpose of this post is not to make those feelings go away
In today’s fast-paced world, many people feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, without realizing that their mental health might be linked to an unexpected source: their gut. At Awakened Path Counseling in New Jersey, we take a holistic approach to therapy, addressing not only your mental and emotional health but also your physical well-being. One of
Every single one of us will experience grief at some point in our lives. Grief arises from loss—be it the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or even the loss of a cherished dream. While grief is a profoundly personal experience, society often imposes various misconceptions
Understanding Grief: Unraveling Misconceptions and Embracing the Journey Read More »
What is your initial thought or feeling when you hear the word anger? In most cases, it’s viewed as a “negative emotion.” One reason anger gets a bad reputation is because we aren’t sure how to express it. If we admit to being angry at a person or situation, what do we do about it?
A Holistic Approach to Understanding and Managing your Anger Read More »
The postpartum period is a time of profound change—physically, emotionally, and mentally. As new mothers navigate the joys and challenges of caring for a newborn, it’s essential to prioritize their own well-being. A holistic approach to postpartum recovery, focusing on nutrition and gentle movement, can help new moms restore balance, alleviate postpartum pain, and embrace
Holistic Postpartum Recovery: How to Heal Through Nutrition & Gentle Movement Read More »
Self-compassion might feel unfamiliar to many of us, but you’re not alone in that feeling. We’re often more used to self-criticism and judgment, especially when things go wrong or we face tough times. It’s common to think that being kind to ourselves during a difficult moment is like giving ourselves a free pass, which is
The Healing Power of Self Compassion Read More »
As the days of summer dwindle and the beginning of the school year approaches, feelings of excitement and nervousness can be overwhelming. Students are preparing for new classes and different social dynamics, parents are organizing schedules and expectations, and everyone is striving to find their footing in this transitional season. At Awakened Path Counseling, we
Navigating the Back-to-School Transition: A Heartfelt Approach to Mental Health Read More »
The word “no” often gets attached to being selfish. I invite you to instead view it as an act of self-preservation and an opportunity to create healthy boundaries. If you think about the non-negotiables in your life, it starts with a no. Whether it is ensuring a bedtime routine, leaving work on time, or committing
The Art of Saying No: Mastering Healthy Boundaries Read More »
Adolescence is a critical developmental phase marked by rapid changes and significant challenges. During this time, teens are especially vulnerable to stress and trauma, which can manifest in various psychological symptoms, including hallucinations. Understanding these effects and knowing how to address them is crucial for parents and caregivers. This blog post will explore the impact
Parenting is the most rewarding journey many of us will experience in life, but let’s face it – it can also be one of the most difficult. From sleepless nights with a newborn to the rebellious phases of teenagers, parents can experience a range of emotions, including anger and frustration. These feelings are natural, and
Mindful Parenting: Overcoming Anger and Frustration with Mindfulness Read More »
How well do you know yourself? We can always deepen and strengthen the connection. When we truly know and understand ourselves, life becomes more fulfilling. Self-awareness practices are often the first step toward whole body and mind wellness. At Awakened Path, we are here to guide you towards a more fulfilled life. Through fostering and
Getting to Know Yourself: Living a Life of Fulfillment and Self-Awareness Read More »
The teenage years are a transformative period filled with growth, challenges, and self-discovery. As parents, navigating this phase requires a deep understanding, empathy, and supportive strategies that foster your teen’s development. At Awakened Path Counseling, we embrace the principles of humanistic psychology to guide parents in supporting their teens. This blog post will explore how
Supporting Your Child Through a Humanistic Lens: A Parent’s Guide Read More »
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