Team Blog
An Exciting Announcement from HRA
HRA is moving to a new location!
HRA Team
Special Announcement
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Internal Family Systems Theory: An Archetype for Understanding Ourselves
Internal Family Systems Theory allows us to understanding our personality and behavior through the identification of various parts as being distinct and separate from our True Self. This leads to the possibility for healing, reconsolidation of memory and the liberation from deeply embedded undesired behavioral and emotional patterns and personality traits.
Matthew M. Ready, LMSW, CAADC
August 2023
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Want to Make a Change?
It's easy to get caught in goal setting traps that don't set us up for success. For example, we may set too broad of goals or set unachievable goals for ourselves. S.M.A.R.T. is a mnemonic acronym that provides criteria to support the process of setting and achieving goals.
Jenny Schaafsma, PhD
July 2023
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Hardiness: Health Under Stress
Stress is often assumed to be problematic. The important issue is is stress becomes strain and if strain leads to illness. The thoughts of “Hardiness” were found to separate the characteristics of those coped, if not thrived, under stress to those that floundered.
Thomas M. Spahn, EdD
April 2023
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How to Beat the Winter Blues
A brief check in on the winter blues: what contributes to this shift in mood as well as options we have available to us as we look to combat it.
Elise R. Moore, MA LLP CAADC
March 2023
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Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity speaks to the idea that there is no one way to think, behave, and understand the world. This blogs offers a brief glimpse into the world of neurodiversity and how it intersects with neuropsychology.
Jennifer Maurer, PsyD & Christina Warholic, PsyD
January 2023
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A New Perspective on Neuropsychology
This blog serves as an introduction to a new specialty clinic at HRA Psychological Services, the Pediatric Mindworks Center. We explain the role of a neuropsychologist and how we approach the delicate science of evaluating children and teens with a respect for neurodivergence.
Jennifer Maurer, PsyD & Christina Warholic, PsyD
December 2022
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Intentional Relationships
A book review about the use of mindfulness and intention in relationships.
Thomas C. Fuller, PhD
November 2022
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Houston, We've Had A Problem
If you experience anxiety and panic, you are not alone. Anxiety issues affect 25 million Americans. So, what have you done to overcome the anxiety? Have your tried telling yourself over and over again that your fear is irrational? Does your voice echo in your head that your fear is illogical? Has it been effective? Probably not. The brain component that triggers the flight-or-flight response doesn't "think",and there is a better way to for your brain to learn to cope with anxiety provoking situations.
Robert J. Baird, PhD
October 2022
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Celebrating the Neurodiversity of FASD
FASD is a very prevalent disability, yet there is little awareness and understanding of its impact on individuals. Review some thoughts on why this disability is often unrecognized, what caregivers needs to know, and how you can better help create awareness of FASD.
Renee M. Orr, LMSW
September 2022
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The Curative Art of Forgiveness
Conventional wisdom typically associates the value of forgiveness with relationship repair and opportunities for noble and healthy reconciliation and renewed promise. While this is true, new research illuminates the value of the forgiveness of other as it relates to the emotional and physical benefits of self.
Matthew M. Ready, LMSW, CAADC
August 2022
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Music As Self-Care: Finding Peace and Joy in the Noise
The term "self-care" in the area of mental health can feel so broad and overwhelming. The typical mindset is that self-care needs to be a specific activity with a significant amount of time set aside for restoration. While those times away are good, there are other ways to bring peace to our lives on a daily basis through music. This blog will give a few tips on how to intentionally bring music into your life as a form of easy, accessible self-care.
Ashlynn Lister, LMSW
July 2022
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Connecting to Travel
Most of us are aware of the importance of taking time off to rest and restore, but it can be difficult to adjust back to the daily routine afterwards. Keep reading to learn some strategies to help keep a thread of connection extending from vacation bliss into the weekly routine.
Amy L. Jarchow, PhD
May 2022
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Rediscovering Self, Joy, and Harmony Within the Family of Addiction
The shattering impact of addiction within family units can be immeasurable. Engaging in family support group programs allow families to gather the wisdom, encouragement and energy to successfully navigate this treacherous territory called addiction.
Matthew M. Ready, LMSW, CAADC
October 2021
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Shame: A Fishing Story
Summer is wrapping up and here is a good fishing story. Worth the read.
Robert J. Baird, PhD
September 2021
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Benefits of Mindfullness
Mindfulness is a method of utilizing focus and attention on the present, (the here and now), in effort to reach greater acceptance and understanding of our experience.
Elise Moore, MA LLP CAADC
August 2021
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Breathe Deeply and Regularly for Relaxation
Basic breathing techniques are the foundation for all forms of systematic relaxation, yoga, meditation, and assorted other techniques for quieting the body. They are easy to do, can be done anywhere, and almost always will work. With practice, pairing this breathing technique with a phrase such as "just relax" will become the trigger to initiate relaxation. As long as you are breathing, do it in such a way that will promote general relaxation of the body and you will feel better, think better, and be a happier person!
Omar L. Mangrum, EdD
July 2021
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What Leaders Do
Considering the components of "Leadership" can be a guide for individuals, marriages, families, or organizations when facing either trauma, stress, change, or growth.
Thomas M. Spahn, EdD
June 2021
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Why don't I have more memories of my early childhood?
Why can't we recall memories from early childhood?
Thomas C. Fuller, PhD
May 2021
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Cultivating Self Compassion
Self-compassion is an important tool in healthy coping. Learn more about working towards letting go of self-judgment and tuning in to your thoughts and experiences in a more compassionate manner.
Amy L. Jarchow, PhD
April 2021
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What Is Family: A Black History Reflection
Every year since 1928 the month of February has been a time of remembrance, honor, and learning. This year let us honor Black History month in a special way as we look to this year's theme of, "Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity". It is a great task to undertake to examine each piece. Let us simply look at just one piece - Family. Who is our family? How do we continue to overcome racial oppression alongside people of color and honor those who gave their all?
Rebecca VandenHoek, LMSW
February 2021
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Coping with Separation and Divorce
In the blog Coping with Separation and Divorce, Dr. Jeff Kieliszewski discusses the common emotional fallout and psychological challenges one may experience while going through a divorce as well as in post divorce adjustment. He also outlines how counseling can help with the often unanticipated changes and personal loss that frequently occur with divorce.
Jeffery T. Kieliszewski, PhD
January 2021
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Staying Connected Over the Holidays
In times of uncertainty and stress, staying connected to others can be an important part of self care. Learn a few tips and strategies to help with staying connected this holiday season.
Julia Cunningham, PsyD
December 2020
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Trauma - The Invisible Visitor
Trauma and it's symptoms may be an unwelcome visitor in our lives, but there are ways to send it packing!
Merrill Graham, PhD, LMSW, RPT
November 2020
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Let's Talk About Emotions
Emotion regulation is a practice of learning how to manage your emotional experience. In order to learn how to better manage our emotions, it is important to be aware of what myths we believe about emotions. These myths can impact our ability to recognize, understand and express our emotions.
Jenny Schaafsma, PhD
October 2020
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Back to School with COVID-19
Back to school can be a stressful endeavor this year. Here are some ideas and insights to help your family cope with the process.
Renee M. Orr, LMSW
September 2020
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