Stress Series Part 1: How Stress Affects You
Stress. It’s a five-letter word that feels more like a four-letter one. The tension creeps into your shoulders, you feel your stomach unsettle, and you start to sweat. It’s not...
Breathing Exercises To Do At Home
Anxious, stressed, overwhelmed? We have a powerful tool for you that you can easily access: your breath. Stop what you’re doing and take a nice deep breath, in through your...
A DIY Art Therapy Exercise You Can Do At Home
It’s been a rollercoaster year. If you’ve been feeling a lot, you’re not alone. In fact, a lot of people on our team agree that there have been so many...
Common Barriers to Mental Health Care — and How to Overcome Them
At the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center and our sister campus, West Valley Counseling Center, we want to make it easier and more comfortable for people to access mental health...
The Ocean and Mental Health: How They Connect & What It Means For You
Good news, Venturans. By deciding to live in this city, you’ve done some good for your mental health. A recent survey found that people who live close to a body...
Pros and Cons of Mental Health Apps
The National Institute of Mental Health said it best: “Technology has opened a new frontier in mental health support.” Want mental health care at your fingertips? There’s an app for...
Natural Ways to Boost Serotonin
Your nerve cells make a chemical called serotonin. On top of playing a role in your digestion, blood clotting, and other bodily functions, serotonin is a powerful natural mood stabilizer....
Reduce Your Zoom/Digital Fatigue
By Melissa Foulks, MFT Trainee, West Valley Counseling Center In the age of technology, we have the ability to connect with anyone around the world at our fingertips. From text...
Art Therapy in the Time of COVID-19
By Cecilia Polkinhorn, Art Therapist, Registered Associate MFT Processing feelings from quarantine 2020 using art materials If you’re anything like me, you struggle constantly with wondering what you are supposed to...
Immunity
By Kira Wiggins, Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee The other day my head was aching. I turned to the medicine cabinet for aspirin but continued to suffer. As the day wore...