Education
Below are options to nurture your mental health. These videos, handouts, presentations can be used in your book club, for your personal journaling, discussion during groups or more! This page is continually growing.
Check back throughout the seasons!
Self-Esteem
Nurturing Self Esteem: Material from Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD.
There is hope! Self Esteem is NOT all or nothing but rather made up of 7 components. When we work on one, we are nurturing the others. This PowerPoint has voice recording paired with it by Cynthia McSwain. There are pauses as it transitions slide to slide.
Nurturing Self-Esteem Handouts 1
Nurturing Self-Esteem Handouts 2
Notebooks for Mental Health
Two methods to nurture self kindness and our goals using a tabbed notebook or a calendar. Watch to learn more for empowerment and nurturing your authentic self!
Communication
Roadblocks to Communication by Judith Belmont
Communication is complex. We all have had forms of communication modeled to us as children. As adults, we begin to learn what does and does not work for us in our different types of relationships/settings. These videos provide explanation of habits we may have in our communication style that stops the speaker from sharing or turns the focus away from the speaker. Taking a look at from Roadblocks to Communication to assist in better connecting with others.
Accepting Compliments
This can be a challenge. When safe people are trying to connect with us, accepting compliments is a skill. This video assists with some practical tips.
Active Listening by Judith Belmont
These 6 techniques help us to be in the moment, grounded, and connect with others. Listening is a powerful tool to build healthier relationships and decrease reactive communication.
Active Listening: 6 Techniques
Indirect Anger and Blocks To Anger
This discussion helps us to better understand patterns that are barriers in self advocacy, healthy communication, and addressing needs. The material is created by Laura J. Petracek, PhD, LCSW and presented by Cynthia E. McSwain. At the end of the presentation, 3 coping skills are shared. There are pauses as it transitions slide to slide.
Three Animals Communication: Aggressive, Passive, Assertive.
Communication is a major part of nurture our mental health. This a 4 part video series that gives us insight in how we communicate, why we communicate in that style, and options for communication skills. Material by Judith Belmont. Additional information and tips by Cynthia McSwain.
Introduction To 3 Animals Communication
About Therapy
Why Does My Therapist Do That?
These videos provide answers to some complaints and questions loved ones and clients have had about the therapeutic process. I do not represent all therapists. These videos do not replace ethical Treatment Goals. I hope this helps to bridge understanding about therapy & remove mental health stigma. Click on below links to watch the videos. These & other resources are also posted on the Firefly Counseling NC Facebook page.
(1) Isn’t Therapy Supposed to Make Me Feel Good?
(2) Why Do I Have To Have A Diagnosis?
(3) Why Does My Therapist Stop Me Talking About Trauma?
(4) Why Does My Therapist Keep Asking Me Questions About The Basics?
(5) Why Doesn't My Therapist Tell Me What To Do?
(6) Why Doesn't My Therapist Self-Disclose More?
Going To Therapy
There are lots of reasons to go to therapy. This video discusses a common reason and how therapy is beneficial.
Going to Therapy: Together On The Journey
Coping Skills
Coping Skill Videos
These videos each teach a specific skill. Practicing skills daily (1) helps us to remember them when we do need them more (2) resets out body throughout the day to base level to assist in managing any suprises.
Trauma: The 3 P's: Plan, Prevent, Protect
Quote Based Skills
Quotes
I created quotes based on patterns in thoughts or behaviors. These quotes help me to remember coping skills and ground.
Art Based Skills
Creative Coping Skills
We don't always need words to take steps towards healing and empowerment.
Coping Skill Handouts
Helpful Handouts
Handouts are great to put up for reminders, a tool for discussion in groups, or a journaling prompt.
Healing to The Brain: Affirmations 1 page
Empowerment and Choice: Proactive and Reactive Coping Skills 2 pages
Managing Intensity: Coping Skills and Emotions' Scale 2 pages
Inviting in Balance: Time Management 2pages
Balance to Our Thoughts: Positive Evidence 1 page
Managing Intense Thoughts: Validation Plus Facts 1 page
Caring For Ourselves: The 3 R's of Self-Care 2 pages
Healthy Communication: Timeout Tips During Conflict 2 pages
Judgmental Thoughts: The Shoulds 1 page
Sleep Hygiene: Bullet Journaling 5 pages