nourished minds: counseling + wellness newsletter

 

Hi there! Happy May to you! May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which highlights the importance of increasing understanding and reducing stigma around mental health conditions. Many people with mental illness face discrimination and judgment, which can prevent them from seeking the help they need. By raising awareness and increasing understanding, Mental Health Awareness Month aims to break down barriers and promote acceptance and support.

Mental health and physical health are equally important, and often times go hand in hand. It's important to prioritize both as they work together to provide you with your best life. Addressing mental health issues and seeking support is a sign of of strength, it is never a sign of weakness.

I am here to support you in your mental health journey. You are not alone. 

I invite you to read on for a few Nourished Minds Counseling + Wellness news updates, including: 
1. Author and recovery speaker, Betsy Brenner, addressed my psychotherapy group for women age 50 and over - learn her inspiring words of wisdom.
2. We have hired Winnie Lee, PMHNP-BC! Get to know Winnie and book a session with her today. 

Thank you for your support and as always, be in touch to let me know if you have questions or feedback. 

Be well, 
Karen
karen@nourishedmindscounseling.com

Let's bust a common myth that only young people develop eating disorders. This couldn't be further from the truth. Eating disorders can develop at any time in life. And when they develop in midlife, they can be compounded by other issues that don't necessarily affect those who are younger. For women in their 40s and older, for example, these challenges can include perimenopause and menopause, body changes due to hormonal changes, loss, intimacy issues and more. 

Betsy Brenner (@betsybrennerauthor on Instagram) is living proof of someone who developed an ED midlife. 

Betsy is an author, recovery speaker and mentor. In her 2021 memoir, Betsy details her life, one filled with blessings and privilege, but also with emotional trauma, grief and loss. Her past challenges contributed to the development of an eating disorder in midlife which was ultimately the catalyst for healing.

I was honored to have Betsy attend my psychotherapy group for women 50 and over who struggle with eating disorders. Betsy shared her story with the group earlier this month, the strategies which helped her recover, along with the many gifts of recovery.

I am sharing some of the pearls of wisdom Betsy discussed in the group with the hope of helping other individuals who struggle with eating disorders.

  • Be open to vulnerability: Share parts of yourself and your story. Share it with people you trust, the ones who accept you for you you are. 

  • Seek holistic care: Build a care team that will support your whole self, including a therapist, dietitian and primary care provider.

  • Feel your feelings: Feelings are always welcome! Share how you are feeling with others - those who you value as great listeners.

  • Build coping skills: There will always be challenges in life. Use healthy coping skills to navigate the tough times.

  • Take time for self-care: Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. Find things that bring you joy and do them. 

Thank you, Betsy, for sharing your story with us.

Please join me in welcoming Winnie Lee to the Nourished Minds Counseling team! We are delighted to have her join our ever-growing team of health professionals. Winnie is a board-certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who prescribes psychiatric medication to individuals ages 18 and over. She has experience working in various treatment settings across a continuum of care with an expertise in eating disorders.

Winnie is dedicated to educating and empowering clients with mental health concerns to regain control of their lives. Her practice ideology is centered on building a collaborative relationship with her clients, while supporting and guiding them to make informed decisions about integrating psychopharmacology into their treatment plan. Winnie provides comprehensive medication evaluations, medication management, and offers guidance regarding adjunct therapies to support optimal health and wellness.

Learn more about Winnie here.

To book a session with Winnie, please email or call:
info@nourishedmindscounseling.com
617-333-8188

Karen's Mental Health Bite

I invite you to slow down and enjoy a few long, leisurely days of the upcoming Summer! I will be taking a break from hosting my support groups and will be relaxing, spending time at the shore and doing some traveling. Groups resume this Fall. Until then, bring on the warm weather! Are you with me? 

About Nourished Minds: Counseling + Wellness

At Nourished Minds: Counseling + Wellness, we help clients achieve overall wellness by addressing issues of stress, anxiety, panic disorders, depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and eating disorders. We also provide a variety of services to professionals in the healthcare and mental health industry. I invite you to learn more about my practice and areas of expertise by exploring my website. Contact me to discuss how we can work together to develop an individualized plan which addresses your unique needs and circumstances.