Life By Design Therapy

  While AAPI individuals report lower rates of mental health disorders than other racial groups, they are also the least likely to seek mental health treatment. A lack of help-seeking in the AAPI community may result in skewed statistics that underestimate the number of people who are actually suffering. This #MentalHealthMonth, learn from and consider donating to organizations like the Asian Mental Health Collective that directly support mental health in the AAPI community. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/walk-and-talk-therapy

  As you know, May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month and it is also Mental Health Awareness Month. AAPI people face specific cultural barriers when it comes to mental health, including racism, the "Model Minority" myth, pressure to succeed, and a collectivist culture that discourages seeking help. Because of this, it's important for AAPI individuals to seek mental healthcare professionals who are sensitive to these cultural differences. Life by Design Therapy prides itself on providing culturally aware, holistic therapy to diverse communities, including Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders. To learn more about our commitment to cultural competence, visit our website or reach out to us today. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/holistic-somatic-therapists

  Our selves are made up of two parts: our Emotion mind and our Rational Mind. One is ruled by passion, while the other is ruled by reason. The Wise Mind skill asks us to choose the middle path, allowing both our emotions and our intellect to guide our decision-making. For more useful coping skills & tips , follow us  @lifebydesigntherapy . https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  We can't talk about #MentalHealthMonth without acknowledging the impact of the pandemic on all of our well-being. Anxiety is one of the most common consequences of the pandemic . Three times as many Americans reported experiencing an anxiety disorder in 2020 than in previous years. Does this match your experience? Let us know in the comments below! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/anxiety-therapy

  Dealing with a problem that feels overwhelming? Try the STOP skill 🛑 1️⃣ Stop whatever you're doing. 2️⃣ Take space from the situation. 3️⃣ Observe your thoughts & feelings. 4️⃣ Proceed mindfully. For more useful coping skills & tips, follow us  @lifebydesigntherapy . https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges that make them twice as likely to experience a mental health disorder in their lifetimes. This #MentalHealthMonth, learn from and consider donating to organizations like the Trevor Project that directly support LGBTQ+ mental health . https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/holistic-somatic-therapists

  Sometimes, when we're stressed due to a specific problem, the best course of action is to break it down! Problem-solving is a coping skill that asks us to describe our situation, look at potential options, and mindfully choose the course of action that best supports our values. For more useful coping skills & tips, follow us  @lifebydesigntherapy . https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  Hello, My name is Tiana Brawley and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker. I work holistically blending Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Narrative Therapy, and Attachment work in therapy. I specialize in working with BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ and nonbinary individuals and communities.  HOW I WORK  By utilizing mindfulness techniques , we will work together to develop strategies and coping skills that will create more calm, invite more present thoughts and feelings, alleviate and quiet intruding thoughts and feelings which disrupt your wellbeing and moving forward.  Negative thoughts can trap you in a vicious cycle. I utilize CBT to help you disrupt, shift and challenge these negative thoughts and feelings . CBT will assist you in developing healthy problem-solving skills, and to effectively cope with conflict and uncomfortable situations.  Narrative therapy focuses on helping you find your voice, identify your values, and can support you in owning your unique story. 

  Hello! My name is Leah Kaplan and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.    I am queer identified and am particularly attuned to working with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community. I support clients in strengthening the interpersonal connections in their lives as well as their relationship to the natural world in order to bring balance into their lives. I utilize mindfulness based practices, ecotherapy, expressive arts therapy and a collaborative, person centered approach to support you in moving through life’s challenges and centering your joy.  My experience in the mental health field includes providing care for transition aged foster youth, LGBTQ Seniors and youth, and as a therapist in healthcare, I’ve developed a passion for working with teens, adults, and seniors.  As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I look at clients' challenges through a systems approach, meaning looking at the underlying social, economic and political forces that might be driving our discomfort.  With this

  MY PRESENT IS BEING AFFECTED BY MY PAST: HOW TO COPE WHEN CURRENT EVENTS BRING UP PAST TRAUMA As we do our morning scroll through our news and social media apps, there is a substantial amount of events that we are constantly being exposed to. Whether these events are on an international level, such as war or tension between nations, a national level, such as politically charged or party-driven bills that are controversial in nature, or at a local level, such as riots as a result of police brutality, all of these events can trigger negative feelings or reactions. This is especially true if your past involves a traumatic event that is similar in nature to that of current events.  While the media may be responsible for sharing and keeping us updated on current events, we have the responsibility to process the information that is delivered to us. Sometimes, this means that we need to process any negative feelings that may have been brought up in the course of receiving updates on current

  I FEEL LIKE MY BODY AUTONOMY IS UNDER ATTACK: HOW TO COPE WITH POLITICAL THREATS AGAINST WOMEN’S RIGHTS The recent threats against Roe vs. Wade have made many women feel as though their bodies, rights, and reproductive health are under attack. While this may not be the first time that women have felt personally affected by a potential impact on our current rights and access to reproductive health care, it feels increasingly difficult to cope with politically-driven threats after all that has occurred in this country over the last couple of years. Decisions related, but not limited to, the Covid pandemic, women’s rights, and immigrant’s rights have all been highly politicized, to the point where one can feel that decisions are being made for us solely based on a political agenda that may not align with our needs or opinions. This can leave many women feeling concerned and overwhelmed by the prospect of losing rights that are strongly advocated for.  by Melody Wright, LMFT https://www.

  ✨ASK A THERAPIST✨ Q: Do I have Panic Disorder? A: Having one panic attack does not mean you necessarily have Panic Disorder. In order to be diagnosed with Panic Disorder, you must experience recurring panic attacks, and significant worries or behavior changes related to at least one of those attacks. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  ✨ ASK A THERAPIST ✨ Q: Do I have Persistent Depressive Disorder? A: Persistent Depressive Disorder, a.k.a. dysthymia, is a milder but chronic form of depression. If you have experienced symptoms for at least two years, and have never been without the symptoms for more than two months, dysthymia may be likely. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/depression-therapy

  ✨ASK A THERAPIST✨ Q: Do I have Adjustment Disorder? A: Your mental healthcare professional might diagnose you with Adjustment Disorder if you are experiencing significant and prolonged distress related to a specific life stressor. Sometimes, you may also be diagnosed with Adjustment Disorder temporarily, so that your therapist can treat you while they are still learning more about your symptoms. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/holistic-somatic-therapists

  ✨ ASK A THERAPIST ✨ Q: Do I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder? A: Some anxiety is natural and even helpful. However, if your worries feel out-of-control and you are experiencing 3+ other symptoms, you may be struggling with GAD. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/anxiety-therapy

  Not sure what to expect from your first virtual therapy session? Life by Design Therapy is offering weekly telehealth sessions with our holistic team of therapists. We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video and phone sessions with easy online booking to help you navigate life's challenges despite the pandemic. As for our therapists, they continue to be as supportive as ever via telehealth. Our culturally-competent, holistic therapists are dedicated to providing you with resources for growth and change -- all from a safe distance. Our offices in Berkeley and Richmond have immediate openings for online sessions. Contact Life by Design Therapy today to schedule an initial consultation. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/online-therapy

  ✨ASK A THERAPIST✨ Q: Do I have Major Depressive Disorder? A: Depression is more than simply feeling sad. If you have low mood or loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, AND you experience physical symptoms, you may be suffering from Major Depression . https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/depression-therapy

  ✨ ASK A THERAPIST ✨ Q: Do I have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? A: Most people will have some symptoms after experiencing or closely witnessing a traumatic event. However, when these symptoms persist more than one month after the event, it may be due to PTSD. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/trauma-therapy

  O ne of the most common questions we get is, "What should I talk about in therapy?" The most important thing to understand prior to starting therapy is that these sessions are for YOU. While we may occasionally ask questions or ask you to elaborate, you have the freedom to talk about whatever you choose during therapy. Sometimes, you may come in knowing what you want to talk about, while other times, you may have no idea. And that's okay! Some of the most impactful breakthroughs in therapy happen when you don't plan them. So, don't worry if you don't know exactly what you want to talk about when you start therapy. Open-ended sessions invite you to rely on your own intuition and inner guidance. In therapy, that is where the magic happens 💙 https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  How can holistic therapy support teens? Many teens are dealing with increased pressures to perform at school or the college admissions process, navigating heartbreak and sexuality for the first time, and experiencing community trauma in the form of school shootings teen suicides, and, most recently, the long term impacts of COVID-19. From ages 13-18, it's normal to feel like you aren't reaching your child like you once did. Holistic therapy offers an alternative for helping your teens grow through challenging experiences without subjecting them to parental lectures. Teens need a voice and a platform, and holistic therapy can provide that platform -- often for the very first time. Contact our holistic therapists for an initial consultation to learn how we can help your teen ❣️ https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/teen-therapy

  May is #MentalHealthMonth! Stay tuned throughout the month as we explore different mental health challenges , important statistics, & ways to stay grounded. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/