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Discover Your Self-Love Language and Transform Your Happiness Today
Just as people express love in different ways toward others, each of us has unique ways of showing love to ourselves. These personal self-love languages shape how we nurture our wellbeing and happiness. Understanding your self-love language can lead to a deeper connection with yourself and improve your overall quality of life. This post explores five self-love languages and offers practical tips to help you embrace them.
mrebekahshurtleff
6 days ago3 min read


Breaking Free from the Cycle of Catastrophic Thinking and Anxiety
Catastrophic thinking can feel like a storm cloud hanging over your mind, ready to burst with anxiety and fear at any moment. When your brain senses danger, it doesn’t just wait for problems to arise; it starts imagining them. This habit of pondering “what if” scenarios comes from your nervous system’s instinct to brace for the worst. While this protective mindset can sometimes help, it often leads to a cycle of anxiety that is hard to escape.
Understanding this pattern to be
mrebekahshurtleff
Jan 123 min read


Why Celebrating Past Achievements is More Effective Than New Year Resolutions
Celebrating your achievements, no matter when they happen, builds confidence and motivation. Reflection helps you see how far you’ve come and what you’ve learned. This positive reinforcement encourages steady progress.
For example, if you learned a new skill in October or improved your mindset in July, take time to acknowledge those wins. These moments more than any January resolution.
Instead of feeling pressured to make drastic changes every January, embrace a mindset of on
mrebekahshurtleff
Dec 25, 20252 min read


Managing Holiday Stress: Recognizing Triggers and Finding Joy in the Season
The holiday season often brings a mix of excitement and pressure. While many look forward to celebrations and time with loved ones, others feel overwhelmed by the demands that come with this time of year. If you find yourself stressed or anxious during the holidays, you are not alone. Understanding what triggers your stress is the first step toward managing it and finding moments of joy. Once you recognize your triggers, you can take steps to reduce stress and enjoy the seas
mrebekahshurtleff
Dec 4, 20253 min read


Family Gatherings: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Experience
Family gatherings often stir up mixed feelings. Some look forward to reconnecting, while others feel uneasy or even want to avoid these events. When family dynamics are challenging or you feel out of place, skipping gatherings might seem like the easiest choice. Yet, avoiding these moments can increase anxiety and cause missed opportunities to build stronger bonds. Approaching family events with curiosity can shift your experience from stressful to meaningful. Read more....
mrebekahshurtleff
Nov 26, 20253 min read


Navigating Family Stress During Holidays Tips for Joyful Gatherings
The holiday season often brings excitement and warmth, but it can also stir up stress and tension within families. When relatives gather, old conflicts and unresolved feelings sometimes resurface, making celebrations challenging. Understanding how to manage these mo ments can transform holiday gatherings into joyful experiences that strengthen family bonds. The holiday season offers a chance to deepen family connections, but the work does not end when the celebrations do.
mrebekahshurtleff
Nov 8, 20253 min read


Exploring EMDR Therapy Benefits for Veterans Battling PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major challenge for many veterans returning from military service. The emotional and psychological impact of traumatic experiences can be overwhelming, deeply affecting daily life and relationships. Thankfully, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has become a powerful tool for healing. This blog post discusses the benefits of EMDR therapy for veterans, the essential components, and how it can assist in recove

Rebekah Shurtleff
Nov 2, 20253 min read
Content by Rebekah Shurtleff Marriage and Family Therapist
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