Mental Health

Affirming Safe Spaces When I came to The Village for my employment interview, I noticed a symbol near the bathroom door, which reassured me about gender neutrality and safety. When I greet a new client, I will often introduce myself as “Rachelle, she/her.” This simple introduction invites them to do the same, if or as desired. It creates space for authenticity right from the start. Upon hire, and still today as I look around my colleagues’ offices, I continue to see many signs of safety (see below). In listening to client services staff on the phone, I notice that no assumptions are made about [...]

Taking care of your mental health can sometimes feel like a full-time job. We’re told to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, drink more water, practice mindfulness, take our medications, and schedule therapy appointments. Oh my! And while all of these habits are incredibly valuable, there’s one essential piece of mental well-being that often gets overlooked: Our connection to other people. Why Relationships Matter Healthy relationships don’t just help us avoid loneliness; they actively improve our mental health. Strong social connections can: Help regulate stress and emotions Increase [...]

The world can be a turbulent place, with the pressures of work, relationships, family, kids, and other life events constantly weighing on us. But how well do you cope with your feelings? How well do you really know yourself or recognize emotions like stress, sadness, fatigue, or anger? Managing emotions is an essential life skill, but it’s often easier said than done. You never want to let these feelings simmer until they erupt in outbursts, passive-aggressive behavior, or even self-harm. Here are some practical tips to help you better understand and manage your emotions. Become more aware of [...]

Social media can be a powerful tool for increasing mental health awareness, but can also contain a plethora of mental health misinformation. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have helped normalize conversations about anxiety, depression, and therapy for many children. Your child might see posts encouraging self-care, sharing coping strategies, or telling personal stories, all of which can be a good thing. Unfortunately, there’s another side to the story. Not everything online is accurate, and when it comes to mental health, misinformation can be harmful. A 2023 study found that over half of [...]

June marks Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, which highlights the unique mental health challenges men may face and how we can support them. Despite mental health being crucial for everyone’s overall well-being, societal expectations and stigma often discourage men from seeking the help they need. In this blog, we will explore common mental health challenges for men and share practical ways to offer support. Common Mental Health Challenges for Men: Depression and Anxiety: Men face depression and anxiety at rates comparable to women, yet societal norms often discourage them from seeking help [...]

As we acknowledge International Women's Day on March 8th, it's important to recognize the unique challenges that women face in maintaining good mental health. At The Village, we understand the significance of directly addressing these obstacles and providing customized assistance to meet the specific needs of our clients. Women often balance multiple roles and responsibilities, from caregivers to professionals, frequently putting others' needs before their own mental well-being. The pressure to excel in all areas of life can be overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression [...]

As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves jotting down resolutions – aspirations for positive change and personal growth. We applaud anyone taking steps for growth and finding ways to better themselves. The beginning of the year often marks a period of reflection and a commitment to self-improvement. Whether it's adopting healthier habits, pursuing a new skill, or fostering stronger relationships, resolutions are expressions of our desire for positive changes. However, setting goals when everywhere you look is telling you to set resolutions can feel daunting. There’s a lot of [...]

Below is an excerpt from an IOP Counselor. In my experience working in an Intensive Outpatient Program, I have noticed that most of our clients come into the group with high anxiety related to being in a new setting with new people and not knowing what to expect exactly. In general, it takes about 2-4 weeks for group members to begin feeling comfortable and allowing themselves to be truly vulnerable, not only with themselves but with their fellow group members. Once this takes place and they feel the support, comfort, and validation from the group, there is a definitive shift in their [...]

Everyone gets stressed and overwhelmed. One way to regulate big feelings is to use sensory interventions to help calm your body and mind and process your thoughts. If you use sensory approaches to help control your emotions, you can make a sensory bin whenever you feel anxious. Keeping all of your favorite sensory toys in one spot makes it easier to deal with emotions when you're feeling overwhelmed. Here are four steps to get your sensory bin started: 1. Identify your primary sense Everyone has senses that are more sensitive than others. Think about which of your senses are most perceptive to [...]

Using sensory interventions can help regulate your body when you're in a stressful or overwhelming situation. By utilizing one of your senses, your mind and body can focus on a specific stimulus, which will ground you and calm your thoughts. Sensory tools and toys can help with this. How do sensory interventions work? The first step to successful sensory intervention is to assess which of your senses is most perceptive to stimulation. Once you choose between touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell, you can focus on that sense as a grounding exercise. Stimulate the primary sense you've chosen any [...]