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Emotional Refueling: Vital to Mental Health

by Emily Phifer, M.S. MFT   During this difficult life season, Sync Counseling Center wants to remind you that everyone can benefit from prioritizing mental health practices.  Particularly during this pandemic and the collective shifting around long-held systems of  racial inequality in our society today, you may find yourself "running on empty", depleted and fatigued.  It's not uncommon during times of personal or collective grief, or both, for people to find themselves unusually exhausted, slowed down, and having difficulty completing usual tasks or functions.  Grief and stress slow us down physically, emotionally...

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Look Carefully. Listen Carefully: Timeless Advice

Anyone who has ever watched an episode of “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” knows that Fred Rogers was something special.  The PBS icon had a distinct way of connecting to, teaching, and valuing children, adults and living beings in a way that was simultaneously simple and undeniably profound.  Roger’s philosophy, rooted in the innate value of each and every person leaves a timeless legacy of living in humility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and grow.  In these difficult and uncertain times, Mr. Rogers offers lasting wisdom and encouragement for us all as...

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Unrest: a Nation Shouts for Justice

The past few weeks of turbulent unrest in our country shine a global spotlight on the systemic racism and injustice embedded in our history's foundation.   We grieve with our Black brothers and sisters.  Many have watched or heard of those brutal final moments in the life of George Floyd.  As fellow human beings, we are finding ways to take a stand for racial justice in our communities. Even so: Racial injustice in our society has pervasive systemic roots that are not easily uprooted.  While protests and voices and bodies raised in...

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Parenting in Pandemic Times

Even in the best of times, parenting is a challenging and ever-evolving journey, requiring stamina and grace. [perfectpullquote align="full" bordertop="false" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]Add in the daily restrictions, stressors and upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many parents and families are struggling to find their way.[/perfectpullquote] Take a look at these suggested routines and insights from Rubina Haroutonian, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist at Sync Counseling Center to guide you and your family in these uncharted times:   [perfectpullquote align="full" bordertop="false" cite="" link="" color="" class="" size=""]“When parents deal...

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Grounded In the Present: Now. Here. This.

  By Emily Phifer    In overwhelming circumstances, with no end in sight, we may find ourselves challenged by knowing how best to survive the day- to- day marathon of our lives.   Disruptions to our routines, plans, and usual rhythms can bring overwhelm and disorientation for even the most balanced of people.  Our overwhelm is a normal and valid response to the stressors, changes and uncertainty we are collectively experiencing. We are normal, we are overwhelmed, and we are struggling, together.   Father Greg Boyle, the Jesuit priest and founder/director of “Homeboy Industries” organization with...

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