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3 Surprising Things About Mental Health: Sharecare.com Interview

Julie Hanks LCSW — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:40:59 +0000

In December, Sharecare Now named me the #1 online depression influencer of the past year! Crazy, huh? I love how the internet makes the world feel smaller because it allows us to talk to people all over the planet!

Since December, I’ve been in touch with the great folks at Sharecare who are passionate about connecting people with accurate health information online. A few weeks ago I chatted with the delightful Anne Kerueger, the Editorial Director at Sharecare.com about my life experience, how I became a therapist in the mental health field, what I wish clients understood, and why I’m thrilled when high-profile stars talk about their mental illness.

Read 3 Things A Therapist Wants You To Know

Oh, and feel free to comment on the article too.

Texting Doesn’t Replace Comfort Of Mother’s Voice: KSL TV News

Julie Hanks LCSW — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:01 +0000

A new study published in Evolution of Human Behavior shows their no substitute for hearing your mother’s voice to calm daughters who are stressed. I sat down earlier today with Brooke Walker at KSL TV News to share my thoughts on this news study. Give what I’ve learned about attachment theory, the results of this study aren’t surprising. Nothing can replace the presence and voice of a parent to soothe a stressed child.

Texting is a great for conveying information, but not emotion. It doesn’t replace the comfort of being with someone or hearing their voice –Julie Hanks, LCSW

Read the KSL News article here

Read the study abstract

photo credit: Jhaymesiviphotography

Christmas Wishes From Julie

Julie Hanks LCSW — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:01:40 +0000

As 2011 comes to a close I’m filled with gratitude for the many associations I’ve had with you over this year. Whether it’s professionally, personally, or virtually, I am grateful for your friendship and support. 2011 has been an amazing year filled with new opportunities to help make the world a better place in some small way and I couldn’t have done it without you.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas an Happy New Year. Here’s to 2012!

JulieHanks.com listed #1 Online Depression Influencer by Sharecare

Julie Hanks LCSW — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:42:23 +0000

I have a passion (bordering on obsession) with using technology to blog, tweet, post, and answer questions about mental health and relationships because 1) I love what I do as a therapist 2) I want to make a difference in the world for good by educating and providing helpful resources. So, this morning when I woke up to an email letting me know that I’d been recognized for my online efforts by an amazing national organization Sharecare it’s icing on the cake. Thanks to technology, anyone’s voice can be heard and anyone can make a difference–even a little social worker in Salt Lake City, Utah.

If you’re not familiar with Sharecare.com check it out! It’s an amazing online Q&A platform website founded by Jeff Arnold, founder of WebMD & Dr. Mehmet Oz, with partners Harpo Studios, Sony Pictures Television and Discovery Communications.

“Ask The Therapist” Live Facebook Event Dec. 21

Julie Hanks LCSW — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:31:03 +0000

The holiday season can bring out the best…and the worst in all of us, and in family relationships. Here’s your chance to get FREE advice to help you during the holidays and those cold winter months.

I’m excited to be participating in PsychCentral.com’s Ask the Therapist Live Facebook Q & A event with Dr. Marie Hartwell-Walker. We will both be available to answer YOUR mental health and relationship questions on Wed. Dec. 21st at 5:30-6:30PM MST in real-time in our Ask The Therapist Facebook Group.

Click here for details

Send you question to PsychCentral’s Ask The Therapist column anytime here

Want $100 Amazon.com Gift Card?

Julie Hanks LCSW — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 01:12:52 +0000

To welcome the Christmas season thank my wonderful clients, colleagues, friends, social network friends, blog followers, etc. for an amazing year of growth and opportunities I’m giving away $100 Amazon.com gift Card on Dec. 10th on Wasatch Family Therapy Facebook page.

Click here for details

Join Me For Time Out For Women 2012 Tour

Julie Hanks LCSW — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:04:54 +0000

Time outs aren’t just for kids. Women need a “time out” too. Spend a day & a half hearing inspirational music, and phenomenal speakers that will help you refuel spiritually and emotionally.

I’m thrilled to be a part of Deseret Book’s Time Out For Women Tour next year! When I got the invitation to be a presenter, I was honored. Speaking to women is one of my favorite things to do, and I especially love speaking to LDS women. I’ll be sharing how to become “Your Most Authentic Self”, to become the women God wants you to be, and how to make sure that you’re own needs are being met so there’s more of you to give to those you love.

Click here to find out which cities I’ll be visiting

Early bird special if you register before December 6th!

Oh, and I’m finishing up my first book to be released in Aug. 2012!

Will I see you at TOFW???

Penn State Sex Abuse Scandal – Have Courage To Report Child Abuse: KSL News

Julie Hanks LCSW — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:53:08 +0000

The Penn State sexual abuse scandal has brought child abuse to the forefront of headlines across the nation. When I heard about this situation I was sickened for the victims – the children who were abused. While the news is focusing on Paterno and other school officials who were fired because of this scandal, and the student outrage about their beloved coach being fired, this story is about institutional secrecy and protecting your own job and reputation.

“Part of why people protect the institution is because, really, they are protecting themselves because they are a part of the institution,” said director Julie Hanks of Wasatch Family Therapy. “And if the institution is threatened, they are somehow threatened.”

I wanted to be a voice to support having the courage to act on behalf of abused children, and to report any crime, or suspected crimes, against children to police authority. I was invited to share my thoughts on tonight’s KSL news story “LaVell Edwards describes friendship with Joe Paterno.” My comments are near the end of the story.

Read the full story at KSL.com

Read Utah mandatory child abuse reporting law

photo credit: Lance Neilson

National TV Appearance on Secretly Pregnant on Nov. 3 on Discovery Health

Julie Hanks LCSW — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:51:09 +0000

Tune in Nov. 3rd 8PM MT to Discovery Fit & Health

No. I’m not secretly pregnant. Several months ago I got a call from a casting company asking if I’d be willing to do some pro bono therapy with a woman in Salt Lake for a women’s health documentary show about women who are hiding their pregnancies. I agreed and the next day a producer, crew, and new client “Jen” came to Wasatch Family Therapy to film the first of 2 sessions for the show. Would you let a camera crew sit in on your therapy session? Surprisingly, after a while I forgot they were even there and was really able to connect with and help “Jen”.

Here’s a little clip from behind the scenes.

Here’s more about the show:

Each episode of “Secretly Pregnant” follows the experiences of two women who, for various reasons, have hidden their pregnancies from their family, friends, boyfriends and/or bosses, and follows them through the emotional reveal of their secret and the aftermath that includes the birth of the baby.

Local therapist Julie Hanks, LCSW and Salt Lake City resident “Jen” will be appearing on the November 3 episode of Discovery Fit & Health’s new series “Secretly Pregnant.” As part of the episode Hanks will be providing therapy, with the cameras rolling, for Jen who is hiding her pregnancy due to fears that stem from the traumatic stillbirth of a previous pregnancy.

Here’s more about the show on Discovery Health

Watch the episode trailer

Peek behind the scenes during the shoot

Will 1 Year Wait Period Before Divorce Save Marriages: KSL TV News

Julie Hanks LCSW — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:35:12 +0000

KSL’s Brooke Walker asked me to weigh in on the recent proposal from the Institute for American Values suggesting to lawmakers a mandatory divorce waiting period. In my clinical work with couples I’ve found that couples often seriously consider or file for divorce because they have lost hope of reconnecting with their spouse and think that they’ve exhausted all resources. I frequently suggest slowing down the divorce process by reminding couples, “You can get divorced next month, in 3 months, or in a year. What’s the rush?”

Luckily, marriage counselors have more tools than ever before to help couples understand the root of their emotional disconnection and to repair relationships, if they are willing. Dr. Susan Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, the model we use here at Wasatch Family Therapy, has had tremendous success repairing severely distressed relationships.

Learn more about this proposed wait period and here a few of my thoughts on the topic…

Read the entire “Second Chances: A Proposal To Reduce Unnecessary Divorce

Overcoming Pregnancy Body Image Fears: Quoted on Parents.com

Julie Hanks LCSW — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:53:00 +0000

Pregnancy is a time of change, and living in a culture obsessed with appearance and thinness, many women struggle with fears surrounding body changes that accompany pregnancy. I recently interviewed with Parents.com to share my thoughts on this topic…

“Women need to develop a willingness to view bodily changes as part of the journey of motherhood, instead of something to be feared,” says Julie Hanks, a psychotherapist, and owner and director of Wasatch Family Therapy in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. “It’s crucial to have a healthy view of your body during and after pregnancy.”

Read the full article on Parents.com

photo credit: www.photographybyjoelle.com

7 Mistakes Smart Parents Make: I’m Quoted in Parenting Magazine!

Julie Hanks LCSW — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:08:28 +0000

Sweet! My therapy clinic Wasatch Family Therapy and I got a shout out in the November issue of Parenting Magazine!

Read my advice on common parenting mistakes (and my own personal confessions) on newsstands this week.

Download the pdf below

7 Mistakes Even Smart Parents Make–Fixed! (pdf)

Having A “Favorite” Child Isn’t Such A Bad Thing: KSL News

Julie Hanks LCSW — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 01:49:15 +0000

In his new book “The Sibling Effect”, Jeffrey Kluger says that whether they want to admit it or not, every parent has a favorite child. I think he’s right. A parent may naturally “click” with one child over another or may find one child easier to understand. What’s important is that parents to do what they can to work against playing favorites by celebrating each child’s strengths, seeking support and feedback from spouse or other adults to manage the internal struggle, and to refrain from comparing your children to each other.

I was recently asked to comment on favoritism in families on KSL TV news. Here’s the interview!

Did your parents have a “favorite” child? Do you secretly enjoy one of your own children over the others? Feel free to comment below or join in the conversation about playing favorites on my Facebook page!

I’m Giving Away Therapy Oct. 3-7: Free Therapy Week In Utah County

Julie Hanks LCSW — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 01:15:11 +0000

Get free therapy & help your community

My therapy clinic is opening a Provo office!

To celebrate our grand opening of Wasatch Family Therapy Provo location we are offering free 45 minute therapy for new clients who bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Provo Community Action Food Bank.

When: October 3rd – October 7th

Where: Wasatch Family Therapy Provo Office
363 N University Ave, Suite 108A, Provo UT 84601

Participating therapists include:
Clair Mellenthin, LCSW, RPT, Julie Hanks, LCSW, BCD, Mike Morgan, AMFT, Kate Hofer, LPC, or Christine Holding, MFT Intern

*News clients only

*Offer only good at Provo location

*Sessions are first come, first served basis

To schedule your free session: click here

Have Playgrounds Become Too Safe?: KSL TV News

Julie Hanks LCSW — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 05:15:50 +0000

Can a playground be TOO safe and stifle kids imagination, or stunt development? Remember the tricky bars, carousel, really high slides, and gigantic monkey bars? A recent NY Times article on this topic suggests that eliminating all risk may not be in your child’s best interest. Watch what I have to say about it here…

Settling the Household “Chore War” in Your Marriage: Fox 13 News

admin — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:58:45 +0000

Do you and your partner fight about whose turn it is to do the laundry, load the dishwasher, or put the kids to bed? Julie Hanks, LCSW, Director of Wasatch Family Therapy is here to help couples understand and setting the chore war. Division of household chores is among the top sources of conflict for couples. According to Dr. John Gottman the happiest, and most sexually satisfying relationships, are those where husband participate equally in childcare and household chores.

Despite evidence that men are contributing more at home than ever before to household chores and child rearing many women still complain of feeling overwhelmed and overworked. According to recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the work load of men and women have never been so similar.

A recent Time Magazine cover story, “Chore Wars” explores the narrowing gap between the time men and women spend performing unpaid tasks, challenging the common assumption that working mothers have a “second shift”:

Full-time working moms did just 20 minutes more of combined paid and unpaid than working husbands.
Married couples without children working full-time are doing the same amount of unpaid work at home.
Men are doing nearly 3 times the amount of child care compared to 1965.
Families and Work Institute found that 60% of fathers said they were having a hard time managing the responsibilities of work and family.

So why do women still feel like they’re carrying more than their fair share?

Although actual time spend doing household chores is similar, the burden management and tracking of household tasks usually falls on the woman.
Society still values on paid work over unpaid work so there’s less social reward for household duties.
Women tend to multitask during leisure time, whereas men are better at relaxing during leisure time.

Tips to settle the “chore war” in your relationship:

Explore your own gender assumptions about chores

Think of the household responsibilities chores as “ours” instead of “yours”

Decide together who will do what and who’s in charge of tracking it

Express appreciation for your spouse’s paid and unpaid work

Use leisure time to relax together, not to multitask

Building a Therapy Practice Using Technology: featured in Social Work Today

Julie Hanks LCSW — Thu, 26 May 2011 17:41:19 +0000

I LOVE technology — Facebook, Twitter, Websites, YouTube, e-newsletters, google and not just personally, but I have also used technology and social media to help build my therapy practice Wasatch Family Therapy.

Well, my love of technology and my therapy practice, Wasatch Family Therapy was featured in May/June 2011 Social Work Today Magazine’s cover story “Building A Practice In A Digital World” ! Not just mentioned, but the article starts out with…

“Julie Hanks, LCSW, has a self-professed love of technology—and it shows.

Hanks is owner and clinical director of Wasatch Family Therapy in Cottonwood Heights, UT. The practice has its own website, Facebook page, Twitter account, and YouTube channel. Hanks and her staff send an e-newsletter each month, use Google’s calendar function for client scheduling, and send bills through e-mail.

“Why not embrace technology? It’s here and it allows us to make such an impact,” Hanks says. “Social workers, of all people, should be on the forefront of using technology for educating and making client interactions easier.”

While many social workers and other mental health professionals in private practice are not as tech savvy as Hanks, an increasing number of them are using technology—particularly social media—to market their services. This has started a debate among social workers about whether embracing technology is simply a necessary business move or a trend that puts the profession’s ethics in jeopardy. And the speed of technological change is leaving many social workers to fend for themselves as they try to navigate the digital world.”

Read the article “Building A Practice In A Digital World”

Download “Building A Practice In A Digital World” article PDF

Consulting for Therapists

I’ve had many requests by therapists to consult and coach on business and marketing aspects of building a private practice so I’m excited to announce that I’ll be holding a monthly business consultation group for therapists starting next Tuesday 6/7 & also offering individual practice consultations in-person or via Skype.

Helping Your Child Be A Real-life Hero (part 2): KSL TV News

Julie Hanks LCSW — Thu, 19 May 2011 00:56:15 +0000

Yeah! KSL TV liked the Studio 5 segment on on helping your children find and become heroes so much that they ran this related story yesterday on the 5 o’clock news.

Read more here

Overcoming Envy: Quoted in Ladies Home Journal

Julie Hanks LCSW — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:48:09 +0000

Wish you had someone else’s life? If you only knew…

Pick up June 2011 LHJ and turn to pg. 47 “Why Can’t I Be You?”.

While at the grocery store this morning I thought I’d check the magazine section to see if, by chance, they had the June issue of Ladies Home Journal. I’d done an interview with LHJ 8 months ago and I heard that the article might be published in the June issue. They HAD it and the article WAS published. The woman at the check out stand said, “There must be something really good in this issue, huh?” as she rang up my 3 copies of the same magazine. I couldn’t resist so I blurted out, “Yes! I’m quoted in it,” with a big grin on my face, pleased that a little Utah therapist is quoted in a large, national woman’s magazine. I’m still smiling as I’m typing this.

Fernanda Moore, the writer of this article, retells the experience of attending her high school reunion last summer, how it drudged up feelings of inadequacy and envy, and how she came to terms with her own life’s twists and turns, includes a quote from me on how my experiences as a therapist have almost completely cured me of envy. Having the opportunity to peek inside the real lives and deep pain of so many clients for so many years has helped me

Christy & me at a recent workshop

to understand that NO ONE has a life free from pain, struggle, and burdens.

What makes this quote extra cool is that the writer also quotes my dear friend Dr. Christy Hibbert a psychologist in Flagstaff, AZ in the article.

Click the link below to download the article (pdf).

Ladies Home Journal Article “Why Can’t I Be You?”

so…does this mean I can claim some close connection to Sheryl Crow, since she’s on the cover??? (grin)

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Self & relationship expert Julie de Azevedo Hanks, LCSW is wife of 22 years and mother of 4, a performing songwriter, a licensed psychotherapist, a popular media contributor, and director of Wasatch Family Therapy. Watch Julie on KSL TV’s Studio 5, listen on B98.7 radio, and read her national advice columns on Psych Central, and Latter-day Woman Magazine. Follow Julie on Facebook & Twitter.