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Mindfully Grounded with Dr. Ashley


Mastering Work-Life Balance: Identifying Gaps, Overcoming Barriers, and Effective Solutions
Finding a healthy work-life balance is a challenge many face today. When work takes over personal time, stress rises, relationships suffer, and overall well-being declines. Recognizing when your balance is off and knowing how to restore it can improve your happiness and productivity. This post explores what work-life balance means, how to spot if you are missing it, common barriers, and practical ways to create a better balance. Creating a comfortable space to separate work a

DrAshleyJarvis
Nov 16, 20253 min read


Essential Coping Skills: When and How to Use CBT DBT and ACT Techniques
Stress and emotional challenges affect everyone at some point. Knowing when and how to use effective coping skills can make a big difference in managing difficult moments. This post explores key coping strategies from three well-known therapeutic approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Understanding these categories helps you choose the right tools for different situations and improve you

DrAshleyJarvis
Nov 13, 20254 min read


10 Effective Strategies to Overcome the Holiday Blues
The holiday season often brings joy and celebration, but for many, it also triggers feelings of sadness, loneliness, or stress. These feelings, known as the holiday blues, can affect anyone regardless of age or background. Understanding how to cope with these emotions can make the season more manageable and even enjoyable. This post shares 10 practical strategies to help you overcome the holiday blues and find peace during this time. Creating a warm and inviting space during

DrAshleyJarvis
Nov 11, 20253 min read


The Impact of Family Dynamics on Emotional Suppression and Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Avoiding communication and suppressing emotions often lead to anger and unhealthy ways of coping. These patterns frequently start at home during childhood, where family dynamics shape how individuals handle conflict and express feelings. When families model ignoring problems and pretending everything is fine, it can create a cycle of emotional suppression that affects mental health and relationships. Families that avoid open communication often teach members to hide their tru

DrAshleyJarvis
Nov 9, 20253 min read


Understanding Family Roles and Attachment Styles in Adult Relationships
Family roles and attachment styles shape how we connect with others throughout our lives. These early patterns often influence adult relationships in ways we may not fully realize. Recognizing these influences helps us build healthier connections and break unhelpful cycles. Families naturally assign roles to each member. These roles can be explicit, like the "caretaker" or "peacemaker," or more subtle, like the "rebel" or "invisible child." Each role comes with expectations a

DrAshleyJarvis
Nov 7, 20253 min read


Understanding the Overfunctioner vs Underfunctioner Dynamics in Relationship Conflicts
Relationships can bring happiness, but they also present challenges. One common issue is the dynamic between overfunctioners and underfunctioners. Grasping this dynamic can provide valuable insights into your relationship and help you effectively navigate conflicts. In this blog post, we will dive into the characteristics of overfunctioners and underfunctioners, the challenges posed by avoidant partners who struggle with communication, and practical solutions to address these

DrAshleyJarvis
Nov 5, 20254 min read


Navigating Grief: Stages, Regrets, and Effective Coping Strategies
Grief is a shared experience that everyone is confronted with at some point. Losing a loved one can feel overwhelming and isolating, but understanding how to navigate this emotional process can make a difference. By exploring the stages of grief, confronting feelings of regret, and adopting effective coping strategies, individuals can find a path through their loss. This post aims to provide insights and practical resources for anyone grappling with grief. Understanding the S

DrAshleyJarvis
Nov 3, 20255 min read


The Impact of Social Media on Mislabeling Mental Health Disorders: A deeper look at Borderline, Narcissism, and DID
In today's world, social media is more than just a tool for connection; it has become a significant influence on how we perceive mental health. With platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, people share personal experiences and insights about mental health issues. While this can create support networks, it also leads to widespread mislabeling of disorders. Terms like "borderline," "narcissistic," and "multiple personalities" are often misused, resulting in confusion and

DrAshleyJarvis
Nov 2, 20254 min read


Empower Your Mind with CBT Skills to Overcome Rumination and Overthinking Tips to Transform Your Thoughts
In today's fast-paced world, many people find themselves stuck in cycles of rumination and overthinking. These negative thought patterns can lead to increased anxiety, stress, and even depression. However, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides effective tools to help break these cycles and empower individuals to take control of their thoughts. In this post, we will share practical tips for identifying, challenging, and replacing problematic thoughts. A peaceful landscap

DrAshleyJarvis
Nov 1, 20253 min read


Mastering Anger Management Techniques: Identify Triggers and Implement Adaptive Coping Skills Now
Anger is a natural emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. However, when it spirals out of control, it can lead to destructive behavior and serious consequences for both individuals and those around them. Learning to manage anger effectively is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and overall well-being. In this post, we will explore various anger management techniques, identify triggers, and implement adaptive coping skills to take control

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 30, 20254 min read


Navigating Love and Loss: Understanding Major Depressive Disorder in Relationships
Loving someone with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) can transform your life in profound ways. A solid understanding of mental health, compassion, and dedication is important in supporting your partner. This post will explore what it’s like to love someone with MDD, how to cope with the emotional strain, and why recognizing the pain and grief that come with this experience is essential. Understanding Major Depressive Disorder Major Depressive Disorder is not just sadness; it’s

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 28, 20254 min read


Understanding Cognitive Defusion Techniques: When and How to Apply Them in Daily Life
Cognitive defusion is a psychological method that can significantly improve how we manage our thoughts and emotions. This concept, part of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), encourages individuals to distance themselves from their thoughts. By doing this, people can respond to life's challenges more flexibly and adaptively. In this blog post, we will explore cognitive defusion, situations where it is particularly useful, and practical techniques for incorporating it int

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 27, 20253 min read


Understanding Defense Mechanisms That Hinder Emotional Closeness in Relationships
In the complex world of relationships, emotional vulnerability is essential. It fuels intimacy and meaningful connections. Yet, many people find themselves using defense mechanisms to protect themselves from the uncomfortable feelings of closeness. These mechanisms create barriers that can leave individuals feeling isolated or misunderstood. This post explores the different defense mechanisms people use to evade emotional vulnerability, how they develop, and effective ways to

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 24, 20254 min read


Recognizing the Signs: Do You Have an Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a critical issue impacting millions of individuals and their families. For many, recognizing the signs of this disorder can make a life-changing difference. In this post, we'll detail the signs and symptoms associated with alcohol use disorder, offer insight into how to identify them, and provide actionable steps to take if you or a loved one may be affected. What is Alcohol Use Disorder? Alcohol use disorder is marked by a person's inability to

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 22, 20253 min read


Boosting Emotional Well-Being With Therapy
Emotional well-being is a vital part of living a balanced and fulfilling life. When our emotions are in harmony, we can handle stress better, build stronger relationships, and enjoy everyday moments more fully. However, life’s challenges can sometimes disrupt this balance, leading to feelings of anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm. One effective way to restore and enhance emotional health is through emotional health therapy. This approach offers practical tools and support to help

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 21, 20254 min read


Understanding Insecurity and Low Self-Confidence: Why We Seek Reassurance and How to Break the Cycle
Insecurity and low self-confidence are feelings that impact many people throughout their lives. At some point, most individuals may have found themselves trapped in a loop of constantly seeking validation from others to improve how they feel about themselves. Grasping the roots of these emotions and the factors that drive reassurance-seeking can empower individuals to break free from this cycle and develop a more positive self-image. The Nature of Insecurity Insecurity arises

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 19, 20253 min read


Effective Strategies for Managing Family Stress and Enhancing Mental Health During the Holidays
The holiday season brings a mix of joy and excitement, but it can also stir up stress and anxiety for many people. The pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday experience, manage family dynamics, and meet demands can weigh heavily on mental health. In this blog post, we'll explore practical strategies to manage family stress during the holidays and offer tools that can enhance mental well-being as you navigate this bustling time of year. A warm and inviting holiday living

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 16, 20253 min read


An Overview of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern psychological approach that helps individuals live a meaningful life while managing difficult thoughts and feelings. It focuses on accepting what is out of your control and committing to actions that enrich your life. This therapy is gaining popularity for its practical and flexible methods that can be applied in various settings. Understanding ACT Therapy Methods ACT therapy methods are designed to increase psychological fl

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 15, 20254 min read


Understanding Core Beliefs in CBT: How They Shape the Way You See Yourself, Others, and the World
If you’ve ever found yourself caught in a cycle of self-criticism, anxiety, or relationship struggles, your core beliefs may be playing...

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 10, 20253 min read


Living with ADHD: How CBT Can Help
Understanding ADHD and Its Challenges ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects adults in various ways. It can lead to difficulties in maintaining focus, organizing tasks, and regulating emotions. These challenges can impact both personal and professional aspects of life. Understanding these difficulties is the first step toward finding effective solutions. What Is CBT? CBT is a structured, goal-oriented form of therapy. It focuses on the connection between t

DrAshleyJarvis
Oct 8, 20252 min read
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