Education

College of St. Joseph, Rutland, Vermont

Undergraduate Degree: September 2013 – June 2017: Bachelor of Art in Psychology. (Cum Laude)

University of Vermont, College of Social Services & Education. Burlington, VT

Graduate Degree: August 2018 – August 2020: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. (CACREP Accredited Program)

VT State Licensing Examinations 

May 2021: Passed the National Counselors Examination (NCE). National Certified Counselor (NCC)

October 2022: Passed the National Mental Health Counselors Examination (NCMHCE)

National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE)

October 2020: Passed the Alcohol & Drug Counselors Examination (ADC). Apprentice Addiction Professional (AAP)

2023 (TBD): Take the Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselors Examination. Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC)

International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC).

Work Experience 

James Fitzgerald Therapy, PLLC (Private Practice)

June 2023 – present

(Licensed) Clinical Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Addiction Counselor, VT Roster of Psychotherapists

James Fitzgerald Therapy, PLLC (Private Practice)

July 2021 – June 2023

(Pre-Licensed) Master’s Level, National Certified Counselor, Apprentice Addiction Professional, VT Roster of Psychotherapists

Baymark Health Services (BAART Programs)

August 2020 – June 2021

(BAART Programs) Master’s Level, MAT Counselor, Apprentice Addiction Professional

University of Vermont Medical Center

September 2017 – December 2020

(Inpatient Psychiatry) Master’s Level, Mental Health Technician, CPR/AED Certification, MOAB & ProAct Certified

Central Vermont Substance Abuse Services

August 2019 – August 2020: 

(One Year Internship) Bachelor’s Level, Intensive Outpatient Program – Group Clinician, Adult Outpatient Program Clinician

Rutland Mental Health Services (Community Care Network Family Assistance Grant) ARIS Administrator

June – September 2017

Life Skills Support Worker for an Adult on the Autism Spectrum

Rutland Mental Health Services

(Maplewod Residential Program) (Crisis Stabilization Inpatient Diversion Program)

September 2015 – June 2017

Crisis Support Specialist, Residential Recovery Specialist, Site Safety Coordinator, Group Facilitator 

Rutland Mental Health Services

(Maplewod Residential Program) (Crisis Stabilization Inpatient Diversion Program)

September 2014 – September 2015 

Peer Support Services & Community Programs Coordinator 

Vermont Psychiatric Survivors – Outreach Program

June 2013 – March 2015

Peer Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, Wellness Recovery Action Plan Facilitator, Intentional Peer Support Certified

Turning Point Center for Rutland County – Volunteer

September 2012 – June 2013

Support Staff, Group Facilitator, Meeting Chairperson, Front Desk Staf

.

March 2023: Self Study Course | Seeking Safety Overview

(Certificate) (Online Course) (All CEUs – Counselor’s Toolbox Podcast)

Instructor: Dr. Dawn Elise-Snipes, PhD. LPC-MHSP. 

CEU: 3 Hours (Online); Test Passed 3/18/2023; Certificate Course Completed

March 2023: Self Study Course | Couples Therapy

(Certificate) (Online Course) (All CEUs – Counselor’s Toolbox Podcast)

Instructor: Dr. Dawn Elise-Snipes, PhD. LPC-MHSP. 

CEU: 2 Hours (Online); Test Passed 3/12/2023; Certificate Course Completed

February 2023: Sleep: An Overview (Online Course) (CE4Less)

Instructor: Jassin M. Jouria, MD

NBCC ACEP Number 6991. CEU: 1 Clock Hours (Online); Test Completed: 2/4/2023; Score 100%; Program Created: 2017 (Course Completed)

February 2023: Self Study Course | Counseling Theories – Addiction and Clinical Mental Health Counseling

(Certificate) (Online Course) (All CEUs – Counselor’s Toolbox Podcast)

Instructor: Dr. Dawn Elise-Snipes, PhD. LPC-MHSP. 

CEU: 2 Hours (Online); Test Passed 2/4/2023; Certificate Course Completed

January 2023: Self Study Course | Health Coaching – Comprehensive Case Management

(Certificate) (Online Course) (All CEUs – Case Manager’s Toolbox Podcast)

Instructor: Dr. Dawn Elise-Snipes, PhD. LPC-MHSP. 

CEU: 2 Hours (Online); Test Passed 1/30/2023; Certificate Course Completed

January 2023: Self Study Course | 3-Day Dialectical Behavior Therapy Certification Training

(Certificate) (Online Course) (PESI) (Evergreen Certification Pending)

Instructor: Lane Pederson, PsyD, LP, DBTC

CEU: 20 Hours (Online); Test Passed 1/13/2023; Original Program Date (11/15/2022) Completed

January 2023: Self Study Course | A Clinician’s Guide to Teaching Mindfulness

(Certificate) (Online Course) (All CEUs – Counselor’s Toolbox)

Instructor: Dr. Dawn Elise-Snipes, PhD. LPC-MHSP. Based on:  A Clinician’s Guide to Mindfulness by Christiane Wolf, MD and J. Greg Serpa, PhD

CEU: 12 Hours (Online); Test Passed 1/15/2023; Course Completed (Book still being used as a reference in practice)

January 2023: Self Study Course | IFS and Polyvagal Theory: Healing through Compassionate Connection

(Certificate) (Digital Seminar) (PESI)

Instructor: Alexia (Lexi) D. Rothman, Ph.D.

CEU: 2 Hours (Online); Test Passed 1/17/2023; Original Program Date (February 2, 2022); Completed

January 2023: Self Study Course | Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction | Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

(Certificate) (Online Course) (Udemy)

Instructor: Stan Cerulus

Accredited Program: 17.5 Hours (Online Videos/Webinar/Classroom); Course Completed 1/23/2023

January 2023: Self Study Course | Professional Life Coach Certification

(Certificate) (Online Course) (Udemy)

Instructors: Joeel & Natalie Rivera, Transformation Academy Services

Accredited Program: 13 Hours (Online Videos/Webinar/Classroom); Course Completed 1/23/2023

May 2021: Internal Family Systems Step by Step: IFS for Deep Healing with Richard Schwartz (Online Course) (PESI)

Instructor: Richard Schwartz, PhD, The Center for Self Leadership

CEU: 7.5 Hours (Online); Test Completed: 05/11/2021; Original Program Date: 7/12/2016 (Course Completed)

November 2022: Human Sexuality: Across the Lifespan (Online Course) (CE4Less)

Instructor: Jessie Simmons, LCSW

NBCC ACEP Number 6991. CEU: 3 Clock Hours (Online); Test Completed: 11/23/2022; Score 100%; Original Program Date: 2022 (Course Completed)

November 2022: Clinical Applications of Internal Family Systems (IFS) 2 Day Advanced Workshop (Online Course) (PESI)

Instructor: Frank Anderson, MD

CEU: 11.75 Clock Hours (Online); Test Completed: 11/23/2022; Original Program Date: 03/12/2020 (Course Completed)

July 2020: Cognitive Behavior Therapy Techniques for Everyday Practice (PESI)

Instructor:  John Ludgate, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist Psychotherapist

CEU: 6.25 Hours (Online); Test Completed 07/19/2020 01:26 AM CST; Original Program Date 07/26/2016

July 2020: Advanced Practical Clinical Skills for the Trauma-Informed Therapist (PESI)

Instructor: Julie M. Rosenzweig, Ph.D., LCSW

CEU: 6.25 Hours (Online); Test Completed 07/12/2020 10:43 PM CST; Original Program Date 03/21/2017

April 2020: Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals (PESI)

Instructor: Joni Gilbertson, MA, NCC, LCPC, LMHC, BC­TMH, CTMH

CEU: 12.5 Hours (Online); Test Completed 04/08/2020 – 10:46 AM CST; Original Program Date 02/20/2020

September 2013: Wellness Recovery Action Plan Group Facilitator (Vermont Recovery Network)

Copeland Center for Wellness & Recovery

Instructors: Karen Lorentzon, Jane Winterling

Turning Point Center, Rutland, VT, September 2013

June 2013: Intentional Peer Support (Vermont Psychiatric Survivors)

Shery Meade

Instructor: Chris Hanson

Capitol Hotel, Montpelier, VT, June 2013

Learning Materials (My Library)

Professional Skills and Practices

Helping Skills for Counselors: Fundamental Counseling Skills and Principles [Anne Geroski]

Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change, 2nd Edition [William Miller & Stephen Rollnick]

The Thinker’s Guide to How to Write a Paragraph: The Art of Substantive Writing [Richard Paul] Foundation for Critical Thinking

The Thinker’s Guide to The Art of Socratic Questioning [Richard Paul]

The Miniature Guide to Taking Charge of the Human Mind [Linda Elder]

Tracking Mental Health Outcomes: A Guide to Measuring Client Progress, Analyzing Data, and Improving Your Practice [Donald Wiger]

The Clinical Documentation Sourcebook: The Complete Paperwork Resource for Your Mental Health Practice [Donald Wiger]

Clinician’s Thesaurus, 8th Edition: The Guide to Conducting Interviews and Writing Psychological Reports [Edward Zuckerman]

Counseling Skills for Dummies [Gail Evans]

The Heart & Soul of Change: Delivering What Works in Therapy [Barry Duncan]

The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients [Irvin Yalom]

Interviewing for Solutions [Peter DeJong, Insoo Kim Berg]

Interactive Group Counseling & Therapy [William Kline]

Family Therapy: An Overview [Irene Goldenberg]

Ethics, Research and Educational Materials

Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (MindTap Course List) [Gerald Corey]

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA TIP Series]

Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice (Tap 21) (DHHS, SAMHSA)

Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People With Co-Occurring Disorders (Treatment Improvement Protocol) TIP 42

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association [APA]

A Primer of Drug Action: A concise non-technical guide to the actions, uses, and side effects of psychoactive drugs [Robert M Julien, MD, PhD]

Handbook of Clinical Psychopharmacology for Therapists [John Preston]

Encyclopedia of Counseling [Rosenthal Study Guides]

Study Guide for the National Counselor Examination and CPCE [Andrew Helwig]

Educational Research: Fundamentals for the Consumer (6th Edition) [James McMillan]

Case Studies in Abnormal Psychology [Ethan Gorenstein]

Social Justice – Advocacy – Activism

Harm Reduction Psychotherapy: A New Treatment for Drug & Alcohol Problems (Andrew Tatarski]

Chasing the Scream: The First & Last Days of the War on Drugs [Johan Hari]

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts [Gabor Maté]

The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture [Gabor Maté]

Readings for Diversity and Social Justice [Maurianne Adams]

Privilege, Power, and Difference [Allan Johnson]

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria: And Other Conversations About Race [Beverly Daniel Tatum]

Common Ground: Lessons and Legends from the World’s Great Faiths [Todd Outcalt]

Human Development – Personality – Strengths

Positive Psychology [Shane Lopez]

Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification (Christopher Peterson & Martin Seligman]

16 Ways to Love Your Lover (Relationships and Myers Briggs Personality Types) [Otto Kroeger]

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts (Gary Chapman]

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience [Brené Brown]

Attachment in Psychotherapy (David Wallin]

Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, Second Edition: Understanding Personality Structure in the Clinical Process (Nancy McWilliams]

Extraordinary Relationships: A New Way of Thinking about Human Interactions, Second Edition [Roberta Gilbert]

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One [Joe Dispenza]

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help YouFind – and Keep – Love [Amir Levine]

Insecure Attachment: Anxious or Avoidant in Love? How attachment styles help or hurt your relationships [David Lawson]

Neuroscience

A User’s Guide to the Brain: Perception, Attention, and the Four Theaters of the Brain [John Ratey]

Behavioral Challenges in Children with Autism and Other Special Needs: The Developmental Approach [Diane Cullinane]

ADHD & Us: A Couple’s Guide to Loving and Living With Adult ADHD [Anita Robertson]

Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults (Advances in Psychotherapy) [Brian Daly]

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence [Dr. Anna Lembke]

Mind-Body Topics and Approaches

The Body Keeps the Score [Bessell van der Kolk]

Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma [Peter Levine]

Tai Chi for Dummies [Therese Iknoian]

Mindfulness Skills Workbook for Clinicians and Clients: 111 Tools, Techniques, Activities & Worksheets [Debra Burdick]

The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation [Deb Dana]

Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection: 50 Client-Centered Practices [Deb Dana]

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment [Pat Ogden]

Therapy Approaches

The Complete Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner [Arthur Jongsma]

Adult Psychotherapy Homework Planner [Arthur Jongsma]

Internal Family Systems Therapy [Richard Schwartz]

Self-Therapy: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Wholeness and Healing Your Inner Child Using IFS, 2nd Edition [Jay Earley]

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training Manual [Marsha Linehan]

Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Second Edition: Basics and Beyond [Judith Beck]

Emotion-focused Therapy: Coaching Clients to Work Through Their Feelings [Leslie Greenberg]

Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse [Lisa Najavitz]

Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual [Patricia Resick]

Maps of Narrative Practice [Michael White]

Narrative Therapy (Theories of Psychotherapy) [Stephen Madigan]

Brief Dynamic Therapy (Theories of Psychotherapy Series) [Hanna Levenson]

Feminist Therapy (Theories of Psychotherapy Series) [Laura Brown]

The Couples Psychotherapy Treatment Planner [Daniel O’Leary]

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide [John Gottman]

Easy Marriage Counseling: 52 Self-Guided Exercises to Deepen Your Relationship [Emelie Blank]

1-2-3 Magic: Gentle 3-Step Child & Toddler Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting [Thomas Phelan]

Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide (The Positive Parent Series) [Rebecca Eanes]

The Positive Parenting Workbook: An Interactive Guide for Strengthening Emotional Connection [Rebecca Eanes]

Self-Help Books, Audibles, and Workbooks

A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook [Bob Stahl, Elisha Goldstein, Jon Kabat-Zinn] Kindle Edition

You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?: A Self-help Audio Program for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder [Kate Kelly] Audiobook

(Purchase Books on My Kindle Reading List)

Professional Associations

American Counseling Association (Member # 6526860)

National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC) National Certified Counselor (June 2021)

State of Vermont Licenses

VT Secretary of State Board of Allied Mental Health Professionals

Liability Insurance Coverage

Modality

• Hybrid (In person & Telehealth)
• Adults 18 to 65
• Adolescents 15 to 18
• Individual Therapy
• Individual Health & Wellness Life Coaching
• Advocacy & Activism Support
• Group Counseling Support (DBT, MBSR, MBCT, IFS)

The Purpose of Therapy

HOW I APPROACH THE WORK

Psychotherapy can be a rewarding, challenging, and, at times, uncomfortable process. Successful therapy usually means learning how to relate to our lives in ways that cultivate growth and health, while becoming aware of and reducing habitual patterns that cause suffering. This is a collaborative process. Together we will focus on feelings, thought processes, and physical sensations, in order to support positive relationships, emotional health, and increased awareness and empowerment. I will provide support, feedback, treatment ideas, diagnostic information, suggestions for reading/education, referrals as needed, and a space for you to explore all of the above. Please remember that psychotherapy is a process based on communication and a deepening level of trust.

METHODS AND DURATION

My approach to treatment pulls from a combination of humanistic, existential, cognitive, and mind-body integration perspectives. The specific treatment methods I use and the duration of psychotherapy will depend on your history, current circumstances, the issues we explore, and our mutually-established goals for therapy. I believe counseling is a collaborative effort, which is successful with an individual’s energy, courage, and commitment to look deep within. In our first meeting we can discuss your goals for therapy, and explore the therapeutic path you are interested in.

I provide ongoing therapy for individuals who are interested in deepening their understanding of themselves, as well as their relationships, goals, and patterns. I offer guidance and support with relational issues, anxiety, depression, personal transitions, suppressed creativity and vitality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious values, and body image and eating issues. I offer traditional talk therapy, as well as an additional option to work with mental health concerns by incorporating mindfulness practices, guided meditation, and integral life planning. I work collaboratively with other alternative approach professionals to provide continuity of care across all of life’s domains. These methods can complement talk therapy and allow for a fuller exploration of the root of symptoms. Regardless of the treatment methods used, the focus will be on empowering you to make the changes you wish to make in your life. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have about my experience, training, methods used, collaborative partnerships, or duration of treatment.

IN BETWEEN SESSIONS

At some point during our work together, you might want to take what you are working on in therapy sessions and apply it in your everyday life. This can be especially challenging given the nature of our society and culture. Can you make a commitment to yourself, and treat yourself as important or even more important than anyone else, your career, your responsibilities, and your family? At some point I may ask you to read books, complete workbooks, watch videos, listen to podcasts, journal about your experiences, and practice skills in the real world. In other words, practical application of the skills you will learn in therapy. I will try not to call this “homework assignments.” Can you make the time to work on yourself?

Issues addressed in Therapy

ADHD/Autism Spectrum Disorders

Addiction/Alcoholism

Adjustment Disorder

Anxiety 

Attachment Patterns

Behavioral Issues

Career Transitions

Compassion Fatigue – Burnout

Coping Skills

Depression

Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

Gender Role/Identity Issues

Grief/Loss

Life Coaching

Life Transitions

Mania

Marital and Premarital

Men’s Issues

Mental Health Advocacy

Mood Disorders

Multiculturalism

Societal Oppression

Palliative Care – End of Life

Parenting

Peer Relationships

Perinatal/Postpartum 

Personality Disorders

Phobias

Racial Identity

Self Esteem

Sexual Orientation Issues

Sleep or Insomnia

Stress Tolerance/Resilience

Substance Use Disorders

Trauma and PTSD

Women’s Issues

Evidence Based Primary Approaches to Therapy

• The Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner (Wiley)
• The Adult Psychotherapy Homework Planner (Wiley)
• The Couples Therapy Treatment Planner (Wiley)
• The Couples Therapy Homework Planner (Wiley)
• The Family Therapy Treatment Planner (Wiley)
• The Family Therapy Treatment Planner (Wiley)
• Internal Family Systems [IFS]
  • Parts Work
  • Self Therapy
  • Exploring your own System
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy [CBT]
• Cognitive Processing Therapy [CPT]
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy [DBT]
• Emotion-Focused Therapy [EFT]
• Narrative Therapy
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction [MBSR]
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy [MBCT]
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy [MET]
• Motivational Interviewing (Socratic Dialogue)
• Somatic Experiencing Therapy
• Polyvagal Theory Informed Therapy
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
• Seeking Safety (Trauma Informed Therapy)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy [Couples]
• Narrative Therapy [Couples]
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy [Couples]
• Internal Family Systems Therapy [Couples]
• Gottman Method of Therapy [Couples]

Other Approaches

Other scientifically supported theories that inform my practice:

• Strengthening Your Conscious Self © 2022
• Attachment/Adjustment Theory
• Career Development
• Crisis Intervention Plans
• Positive Psychology
• Character Strengths and Virtues
• Relapse Prevention Plans
• Transtheoretical Stages of Change Model
• Wellness Recovery Action Plans
• Feminist Theory
• Critical Race Theory
• Love Languages (Chapman)
• Personality Types (Myers Briggs)
• Brief Solution-Focused Therapy
• Game Theory
• Neuroplasticity

My Health & Wellness Philosophy

• Guided Meditation
  • Many can be found on the “Calm” and “Insight Timer” Phone Apps
• Mindfulness Practice
  • Based on Neuroscience Research and Buddhism Philosophies
• Neuroscience (Andrew Huberman)
• Brain Rules (John Medina)
• Grounding Exercises ~ for example, 5,4,3,2,1 activity
• 12 Steps (work) with a Sponsor
• “Self” Led Internal System and Self Therapy / Parts Work (Psyche and Shadow)
• Support Group Meeting Attendance
• Mind-Body Practice
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation
  • Hatha Yoga, Yin (Restorative) Yoga
  • Tai Chi and Qui Gong
  • Karate / Kung Fu (Martial Arts)
• Balanced Nutrition Programs
  • Organic, Local, Sustainable – Whole Foods
  • Gluten Free & Dairy Free 
• Strength Training Programs
• Cardiovascular Exercise Programs
• Music Therapy
• Writing (Journal) Therapy
• Creative Outlets (Model building, Legos, Construction Toys)
• Art (Crafts) Therapy
• Bowen Theory Family Therapy
• Integral Life Plan ~ Ken Wilber
• Miracle Morning ~ Hal Elrod

Continuing Educational Endeavors

My goal is to learn a little bit about all science, not to be smarter than anyone else, but just be knowledgeable enough to know why it is important to learn about these different scientific schools of thought. The arts, science, and practice in many of these ideas are interconnected in ways that are not noticeable sometimes, subtle sometimes, and blatantly obvious other times. The science behind my approach to therapy and coaching provides the evidence that they work.

Philosophy

Psychology

Academics

Sociology

Anthropology

History

Astrology

Astronomy

Physics

Statistics

Game Theory

Research Method

Pharmaceutical

Psychopharmacology

Substance Use Disorder

Addiction

Chemical Dependence

Harm Reduction

Recovery Models

Integrative Health Care

Reiki/Acupuncture/Cupping

Chiropractic Medicine 

Cultural Diversity

Political Science

Theology

Engineering

Computer Science

Environmental Science

Agriculture

Energy

My Own Health & Wellness Integral Plan

My goal is to live a healthy life, making the best choices I can based on sound, reliable, and safe scientific data.

I am a student of Buddhism (Dharma and Sangha) but not a Vegan or Vegetarian. I was raised going to a Catholic church every Sunday, was baptized, received communion, and had a confirmation as a parishioner of Saint Peter’s church in Rutland, VT but I do not practice Catholicism or Christianity. I still celebrate a humble, temperant,  and moderate Christmas. I have studied and continue to study (not practice) many of the world’s major religious faiths, healing systems, and belief systems, Judaism, Islam, Hindu, Wiccan, Pagan, Crystals, Cosmology, Astrology, Reiki, Meridians, Shamanism, Secular Humanism, Atheism, and Zoroastrology.

I have made a conscious choice to abstain from products with gluten and wheat but will consume grains and I don’t have a gluten disorder. I have made a conscious choice to abstain from dairy products and consume products with almond, coconut, cashew, or oats and I don’t have a lactose disorder. I have made a conscious choice to abstain from alcohol and other drugs because I am a person in long term addiction recovery and I take medications prescribed for my physical and mental health. I believe in purchasing and consuming whole fresh foods that are nutrient rich (organic, fair trade, sustainable), proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. My food servings are moderate and I believe in practicing grateful and mindful eating. I take a daily multivitamin supplemented with Vitamin D, Prebiotics, and Probiotics.

I practice a relaxing and restorative style of Yoga that includes holding a long pose and breathing while meditating or contemplating a subject (object). I believe in daily physical activity of any kind, exercises to build strength, endurance, and flexibility, high intensity interval training, cross fit, aerobics, pilates, and cardiovascular activities, not to lose weight or fill a desire for a body type or image, but to feel better and have a stronger and healthier body. I believe in a body-neutral philosophy, not body shaming, body positive, or glorifying obesity.

I use a daily practice called “Miracle Morning” (Hal Elrod) which includes time every morning doing nothing for 10 minutes, meditation or reflection time, affirmations and visualizations, mental planning and self therapy parts work. I believe in making my bed every day, brushing my teeth after every meal and before bed, and then reading or writing before going about my day. I believe a daily routine for bed should include the following rules: for one hour before bed, no television or technology in the bedroom, no food, no fluid, no exercise, just time for yourself.

I have one close friend (domestic/romantic partner) and I also believe in social and civic engagement, and the power of community and family (I have 4 siblings, 4 parents, 2 children, and a large extended family). That encompasses several domains of health and wellness, and I hope you can take something away from my honest and vulnerable self-disclosure.

I have worked on my own mental and physical health with Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapists, 12 Step Sponsors, Fitness Trainers, Life Coaches, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Physicians, Nutritionists, and Reiki Healers. I am not sharing my daily maintenance health and wellness plan to guilt anyone into my practices, I am just trying to convey that I practice what I teach, and not the kind of therapist or coach who would say “do as I say not as I do.”

Full disclaimer: I am aware that my practices may not work for everyone or someone else because…

1. Everyone is different, genetically, biologically, mentally, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, relationally, and culturally.
2. Everyone has different schedules, careers, families, children, responsibilities, etc.
3. Everyone has different abilities, capacity, insight, inner dialogue, strengths, and limitations.
4. What I have learned and what you have learned may be dialectically opposed and different, so we may not understand each other.
5. Everyone has had different experiences, events, influences, and circumstances. I have not walked in your shoes.

What I will leave you with:

Find the self-care practice that work for you, and practice it every day. Develop “atomic” habits that will transform into automatic behaviors. You can do it for you, or do it for others. You are the one who has to decide to start. It is your choice, decision, and responsibility if you desire it and have the willingness, ability, capacity, wisdom, and insight.