Sequoia Counseling Center
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In my work as a therapist, I've noticed that many people struggle because they set expectations that are almost impossible to meet, not because they lack motivation or because they don't work at it, but because the bar is set extremely high. A lot of the time they put off even setting a goal because they don't think they can do it. For example someone might say they don't have time to start exercising, or tackling a project, or socializing. In their mind, they need to "do it

As humans, we are all connected by what are called universal longings or universal needs. Examples of these needs might be safety, stability, connection, love and belonging, and purpose. When these needs struggle to be met whether due to societal culture, isolating events, or relationship issues, technology presents as a seemingly harmless solution. We might turn to social media apps, designed to interact with the reward centers in our brains, stream a movie or TV series for

The holiday season can be a wonderful time filled with celebration, family, and tradition. However, it's also notorious for bringing stress, anxiety, and overwhelming expectations. Whether you’re hosting gatherings, shopping for gifts, or balancing work and family, holiday stress can creep in and dampen your enjoyment. Data from the American Psychological Association indicates that 89% of individuals report heightened stress levels during this period, and approximately 64% of

For those of us with ADHD, there is often this all-too-familiar experience of feeling misunderstood by others. Sometimes, “others” are...

Most of us know that self-care is important. We try to make it happen but it seems like we never have the time. Between working, raising...

One of the best ways to relax and unwind at the end of a long day is by watching a movie. Movies create a myriad of emotions for people....

If you are like a lot of people, you may hear a song that describes the holidays as “the most wonderful time of year” and immediately...

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, admits the hustle and bustle it is crucial not to negate...

Let’s be real – screens and social media are pretty much part of our everyday lives now. Screens are a big part of how we work, play, and...

Imagine this: It’s roughly 85 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There is no breeze. The power is out. Your food is slowly rotting away in the...

A fun fact about me is that I am an avid reader. In almost every book I pick up, there is a consistent basic plotline: the protagonist...

Let's dive into a topic that I encounter a lot when working with kids struggling with anxiety - Anxiety Transmission. Anxiety has a...

My “Try Something New” Experience: A Hate-Love Relationship w/ Yoga OK, full disclosure from your therapist: I used to not be a fan of...

David - Beach Trip. These dreaded words pop up on my calendar once a year, and reading them always creates a pit in my stomach that I...

What does “lazy” mean to you? I had a professor challenge me on saying the word “lazy” when I talked about my form of self-care. She...

Defining Burnout The simple description of burnout is when you have reached your personal limits emotionally, mentally, and physically....

Halloween is behind us, which means we are rapidly approaching the holiday season. The season comes with so much: family gatherings,...

The information we input has impacts on what we output. In this day and age of a pandemic, racial tension, an upcoming election, and even...

“Codependents often report that they don’t know who they are.” – Pia Mellody Author and speaker, Pia Mellody, maps out several...

As the mother of four young children, my husband and I have spent a lot of time lately considering our options, attempting to arrive at a...