Karalyn Violeta Psychotherapy

Enjoying the hot tub and reading Irwin Krieger’s excellent books on a cold spring morning during a writing retreat in the Catskills. It’s sunny and there’s light snow falling... the perfect ambience for reading and staring down the dreaded blank page as I work on my second book.

Spots are filling up for our group, Building Our Resilience: Self-care and mindfulness skills for LGBTQIA+ folks during COVID. Facilitated by Dr. Ronica Mukerjee, the group will be meeting on Thursdays during the month of April at 6:30 pm with sessions on 4/1, 4/8, 4/22, and 4/29. The suggested per-session fee is $25 and we are offering a very low sliding-scale to encourage participation by LGBTQ+ people who've been impacted by the pandemic. No one will be turned away for la...ck of funds and all proceeds will be donated to Refugee Health Alliance. You can register for the group by filling out a quick form here: https://forms.gle/EQiXxEQJMtk6qpJD9 As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Potential group members can email [email protected] or call 347-370-9175

With everything going on in the world, it’s hard not to feel stressed and anxious. Psychology tools put together a free guide to help you manage these feelings during this time. Make sure to: - Set a routine - Stay mentally and physically active... - Practice gratitude - Notice and limit worry triggers - Rely on reputable news sources It's natural to struggle when times are uncertain, so remember to offer care and compassion to yourself, and to those around you. . . . #selfcare #selflove #mentalhealth #selfworth #mentalhealthawareness #psychology #mindfulness #selfhelp #therapy #counseling #therapist #counselor https://www.psychologytools.com//guide_to_living_with_worr

Something to make your Wednesday a little sweeter!

COVID has had a negative affect on mental health for most of us. LGBTQ+ people have been severely impacted by COVID in the last year; Queer, Trans, and NB people and POC have been among the hardest hit. On Thursdays in April, Dr. Ronica Mukerjee will be facilitating a zoom group teaching mindfulness skills to be used in times of stress. Join us to learn mindfulness skills and have fun connecting with others! Click here to register! https://karalynvioleta.com/fall-2020-support-groups Suggested donation of $25. No one will be turn anyone away for lack of funds. All proceeds from the group will be donated to Refugee Health Alliance.

In moments of stress and anxiety, box breathing is an easy way to slow down and help calm your body and mind. This is a breathing technique I’ve been using in moments of anxiety or times during the day when I need a moment of quiet to soothe and refocus myself. Does box breathing help reduce the physical and mental effects of anxiety for you? If not, what techniques are helpful in moments of anxiety or panic? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEmt1Znux58

My dear friend and colleague, D. M. Maynard, is an educator of 30+ years and is the author of several workbooks aimed at guiding partners, parents, and other family members of TGNB and gender questioning people to explore their own personal process as their loved one transitions. Check out her live Q & A (from Dec 16, 2020): https://www.youtube.com/watch... D’s newest book is aimed at educators and schools and will be released this month!

Have you been making visual art or music, crafting, cooking, or doing other creative activities during quarantine? Turns out crafting can be a powerful self-care tool! Enjoyable activities can appeal to a positive mood and lowered stress, which is connected to boosting the neurotransmitters serotonin, and these activities also trigger the neurotransmitter dopamine, the neurotransmitter tied to our inner reward system," says clinical psychologist Carla Manly, PhD. .... . . #crafting #selfcare #selflove #mentalhealth #selfworth #mentalhealthawareness #psychology #mindfulness #selfhelp #therapy #counseling #therapist #counselor https://www.wellandgood.com/crafting-mental-health/

As the coronavirus pandemic grinds on, how are people coping with ongoing needs to social distance, wear masks, stay at home and undertake other measures to keep themselves and others safe? How can we cultivate our mental health resiliency in 2021? Take a look at this Q&A with psychiatric epidemiologist Karestan Koenen and Elana Gordon. (Presented jointly by The Forum at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and The World from PRX & GBH, from Nov 17, 2020). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfrgd-Eazy

Are you a trans or non-binary person living in Westchester County? THE LOFT's TransMission microgrant program offers funds to help with transition-related expenses not covered by insurance. #trans #ftm #mtf #transisbeautiful #transgirl #genderfluid #transwoman #lgbtqia #transman #transguy #transpride #trans #transexual #tgirl #girlslikeus #transgender #transition Apply online now through 2/28! http://www.loftgaycenter.org/transmission

In these times, it's almost impossible to escape anxiety around health and many of us have experienced a personal confrontation with illness or death. There's been recent attention to the concept of death acceptance, and this article explores the importance of being able to discuss our fears, anxiety, and personal experiences of death with a therapist: http://ow.ly/v1fx50BOqEi... I believe that no subject should be off-limits between my clients and myself; I try to lean into conversations around difficult topics because each and every one of us deserves this type of care and support!