Notes from Holly Blue
Resources and inspiration to support your mental health journey through growth and change.
Family boundaries: navigating Thanksgiving without losing yourself
The holidays can make it especially easy to put your own needs aside because you want everyone else to have a good time. This Thanksgiving, it may be worth taking a moment to think about where your boundaries are and what you need to feel comfortable, connected, and present.
The benefits of creative hobbies for mental health
As the seasons change and we settle into a new rhythm, this can be a wonderful time of year to try something new. Fall often brings a renewed interest in learning, creating and connecting. That could mean signing up for a class, picking up a new hobby or returning to something you enjoyed in the past.
Thinking about virtual therapy? Here is what to expect.
Reaching out can feel like a big step, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. An initial consultation is simply an opportunity to start a conversation, ask questions and see whether a therapist feels like the right fit for you. Read on to find out what to expect in your virtual therapy consultation.
Building a support system
When we have a support need that comes up, we sometimes just default to asking certain people. By taking the time to think about who is good in specific areas of support, we can ask people whose strengths fit what we need. If you’re having trouble sorting through this and want a hand, a therapist can be a good resource. They can help you think through your support system, suggest additional options, and help you to tackle any internal beliefs that are barriers to you asking for the support you need.
Back-to-school: supporting the transition
As we head into another school year, let's remember that a successful transition doesn't mean there are no difficult feelings. It means our children know they don't have to navigate those feelings alone. This September, let's focus not only on getting kids back to school but on helping them feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Your voice matters in therapy
Healing often begins when we discover that we don't have to carry everything in isolation. Growth in therapy isn't measured by how much you share in a single session. Sometimes it's found in the quiet courage to show up and let yourself be seen even when it feels vulnerable.
So, you took time off work. Now what?
Taking time off is important, but for many of us, actually being off is more challenging than simply booking vacation days. If you find it difficult to fully disconnect from work, you’re not alone. Creating boundaries around time off can help make your break feel like an actual break, not just working from a different location.
Less talk therapy with neuroexperiential approaches
While talk-based therapies are highly effective for many concerns, some experiences with trauma and deeply held emotional patterns can be difficult to access through conversation alone. That's where neuroexperiential approaches, such as Brainspotting and The Flash Technique, can offer another pathway to healing.
You don’t have to figure this out alone
If you're working with a physiotherapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, or other health care professional, you're already taking important steps toward caring for your body. Psychotherapy can offer additional support, especially when recovery feels complicated, stuck, or emotionally heavy.
Somatic techniques for releasing anger & anxiety
Sometimes, caring for ourselves means slowing down enough to notice where stress and emotion are being held and creating space for release. With somatic techniques, we recognize the powerful connection between the mind and body and give our emotions space to move, release, and regulate. Read on to learn how.