Stronger Self-esteem When You Don’t Look Your Best: Studio 5
Self-esteem comes from the inside, but sometimes what’s going happening on the outside can shake your self -confidence. Therapist, Julie Hanks, has tips to survive bad hair days and beyond. 1) Bad Hair Day Sometimes even small appearance flaws can ruin your day! A big blemish on your face, bad hair day, a skin rash more »
Read more“It’s Not Your Job To Make Everybody Happy”
Happy Monday. Do you find yourself feeling responsible for the emotions of your loved ones? When your child or spouse is sad or disappointed, do you feel like you’re somehow responsible to make them feel better? This quote is for you! Remember that it’s not your job to make anyone happy. You can’t make anyone more »
Read moreDon’t Let Seasonal Depression Get You Down: KSL TV News
Is it post-holiday blues or seasonal depression? Winter months bring shorter days and less sunshine. I sat down with KSL TV morning news to bring to light some of the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how to treat it. If you’re struggling with depression, we can help you to feel better! Click here more »
Read moreTexting Doesn’t Replace Comfort Of Mother’s Voice: KSL TV News
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 more »
Read moreI’ve Never Met A Shrink Who Didn’t Need One
My grandpa used to say, “I never met a shrink who didn’t need one,” as if that was a valid reason for not seeking help for mental health problems. After being a therapist for nearly two decades, I totally agree with my Grandpa. Therapists are an interesting and colorful bunch and we definitely have our more »
Read more6 Reasons I’m Obsessed With WordPress
WordPress is a fantastic platform for your private practice website. Originally a blogging platform, it’s commonly used for websites because it’s user friendly, functional, and easy to customize. I’m completely “in love” with it. For clarification, I’m talking about WordPress.org that is installed on your web hosting system, not WordPress.com – a web-based blogging platform. more »
Read moreAre New Year’s Resolutions Hazardous To Your Mental Health?
Resolution time again. To do lists get pulled out and we add to them our resolutions for the new year. Too frequently though, by February 1, our list of good intentions has been relegated to the junk drawer due to failed attempts. We’re left feeling down or guilty for what we didn’t do. But, what more »
Read moreDo You Suffer From “Christmas Perfectionism”?
If you already struggle with perfectionism, the holiday season can be particularly difficult for stress management. For one thing, there are often higher expectations, more on your to do list, and more people to please. So, whether you struggle with perfectionism when it comes to buying the “perfect” gift, decorating the house “perfectly”, sending out more »
Read moreDon’t Be Afraid To Set Boundaries: Studio 5
Does the fear of offending friends or family members keep you from setting boundaries? It’s a timely topic with the holidays fast approaching. Therapist, Julie Hanks, says it’s ok to set boundaries, even if you offend someone. Q: Why are we afraid to set boundaries that might offend someone? You might mistakenly confuse boundaries more »
Read moreShould You Keep Your Kids Believing in Santa?: Studio 5
No parent wants to be “Scrooge” about Santa, so why not just keep believing forever? Therapist, Julie Hanks, has advice on how to handle “Santa doubt” and how to keep Santa’s example of love and generosity, alive. Should you keep your kids believing in Santa? 1) Let your child take the lead · Watch more »
Read moreAdventures In Private Practice: Healthy Eating Expert Karen R. Koenig, LCSW
When I launched this blog in July I had no idea that one of the perks would be connecting with so many amazing therapists who’ve created successful practices. I’ve been inspired by shrinks around the globe who demonstrate the varied ways to make a living, and make a difference with their clients and I thought more »
Read moreA Day In The Life Of A Private Practice Therapist
After reading my recent posts on multiple income streams for therapists, Psych Central Associate Editor and blogger, Margarita Tartakovsky asked me how I, and other therapists, juggle so many different aspects of private practice. I’ve been thinking about her question and thought it might be fun to start a series that peeks into “a day more »
Read moreTechnology Milestones For Kids | When Should Kids Have Cell Phones, Facebook, Game Consoles?: Studio 5
Hi-Tech Parenting: When Should Kids Have Cell Phones, Facebook, Game Consoles? Under pressure to let your kids go hi-tech? Get expert advice on when to let children have a cell phone, open a Facebook account and more. Studio 5 Contributor and therapist, Julie Hanks, has tips to help you manage kids and technology. 1) At more »
Read morePenn State Sex Abuse Scandal – Have Courage To Report Child Abuse: KSL News
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 more »
Read moreLights. Camera. Therapy! National TV Debut Tonight
I let a camera crew film two therapy sessions for the TV series “Secretly Pregnant” airing tonight at 10:00 PM ET/8:00 PM MT on Discovery Fit & Health. While I have a lot of TV experience I’ve never been this nervous about it. I think it’s because I have NO idea how the therapy sessions will more »
Read moreWill 1 Year Wait Period Before Divorce Save Marriages: KSL TV News
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 more »
Read moreTherapist Media Cheat Sheet: Look Good And Sound Smart On TV
TV interviews are a great way to educate about relationship and mental health topics and to raise visibility for your private practice. Over the past few years, I’ve actively sought out interview opportunities and have found that over time, they have bolstered my credibility, fostered trust in my knowledge and clinical skills, and raised visibility more »
Read moreHow To Overcome Fears & Risk Emotional Vulnerability In Relationships: Studio 5
Allowing another person to “step in your shoes” means letting them know what is really going on in your life. Studio 5 Contributor and Therapist, Julie Hanks, says that’s a risk many of us are simply not willing to take. Find out how to break through false fronts and let people in. Level 1 – more »
Read more7 Mistakes Smart Parents Make: I’m Quoted in Parenting Magazine!
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)
Read moreWorld Mental Health Day – Do Your Emotional Family History: Studio 5
WHAT is emotional family history? Emotional family history is the emotional and relational patterns inherited and/or learned from your parents and grandparents, which may have been passed down to you. It includes: 1. nature: predisposition to certain emotional & mental health problems or traits (i.e. depression, anxiety, addictions) 2. nurture: learned patterns of how to more »
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