Serenity Solutions offers in-person and virtual therapy options in PA and NJ.

Anxiety/Stress Management Articles

Overcoming the worry barrier to self-care practices

Do you ever struggle to commit to self-care practices because incessant worry crops up whenever you consider following through? We’ve all been there. Whether you’re trying to exercise, eat healthy, get a good night’s sleep, or participate in hobbies, getting started is not easy. For those of us who struggle with anxiety, “what if” thoughts often get in the way, convincing us it’s not worth it.

How to cope with war-related anxiety

Amid headlines and images of the Russia-Ukraine war, a new layer of anxiety has set in. In our practice, clients—already coping with pandemic-related stressors and all of the other life stressors that exist outside of a pandemic—express worries

Social Anxiety During the Holidays

The winter holidays are a time to come together with friends and family, reflect on the year we’ve had, and look forward to the year ahead. For some people, these holidays are rooted in important religious beliefs. For others, they’re more about family and cultural traditions. However you celebrate, the winter holidays are a uniquely social time, meant to be celebrated joyously with others.

5 Ways to Cope with Holiday Stress

How has your holiday season been so far? Are you looking forward to the rest of the holidays or are you wishing that you could fast forward to January and skip the whole thing? For a lot of us, this time of year creates a slew of mixed emotions.

Unplug and Recharge: 5 Ways to Avoid Burnout

Unplug and Recharge: 5 Ways to Avoid Burnout

It’s 10:30 on Monday night. I worked 9-5, picked up dinner on the way home, played a game of hide and seek, gave my daughter a bath, and put her to bed. Since she fell asleep, I have been on my laptop doing work for the past 2 hours. I should be relaxing from my long day,

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Happy Holidays from Serenity Solutions!

Happy Holidays from Serenity Solutions!

I hope that you are enjoying the beauty and magic of the season. Unfortunately, for many people, the busyness of this time of year can lead to a lot of stress and interfere with being in the moment.

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Feeling Grateful

Feeling Grateful

With the holiday season upon us, I began to think about what I am thankful for. With fear and anger rampant in the hearts and minds of many post-election, taking time to be grateful feels like a needed respite.

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ACT Bootcamp

ACT Bootcamp

Last week, I attended a 4-day conference on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I was really excited to learn more about this therapy style and improve my skills. Part of me didn’t want to go.

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Big Decisions

Big Decisions

This month, I had the opportunity to go on several college tours with my 17-year-old niece who was visiting from out-of-town. We looked at big schools, small schools, some in the city, and some in the suburbs.

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A Spring in your Step

A Spring in your Step

I love this time of year. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and after the annoying task of switching closets, I get to wear my fun summer clothes again. All of these things provide me with an energy that did not exist during the dark, cold months of winter.

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Bouncing back from all this snow

Bouncing back from all this snow

With all the snow we’ve been getting in Philadelphia (and throughout the country), I have heard a lot about how different parts of the county are managing. There have been serious discussions about each city’s ability to clear out the snow and make the streets safe to drive on.

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Holding On!

Holding On!

As my husband and I prepare for the arrival of our child in November, we have started nesting. Our evenings and weekends have been filled with cleaning and organizing to make room for all the supplies that the baby will need.

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Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes

As I embark on moving to a new office (one floor up from where I currently am), I began to think about change. As exciting as change can be, it can also feel really scary.

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How to Make Coffee

How to Make Coffee

Last month, I started a project that I had been procrastinating for a long time. I felt a sense of accomplishment for taking the first step but this feeling quickly faded as I realized how difficult this work was for me.

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Thank You! An Attitude of Gratitude

Thank You! An Attitude of Gratitude

Last February, I went out of town to visit my mother-in-law, Betty, who was in the final stages of cancer. During this trip, I hung out with my 15-year-old niece, Lauren, who lives close to her grandmother and was spending a lot of time with her during these final days.

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Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

I have a confession to make. Every year, my holiday cards are late. I just don’t get around to mailing them out until I go on vacation a few days before Christmas.

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