Author name: Dr Shyra Jones

Dear Reader, One of my favorite things to say due to its profound truth is that as humans we are instinctively wired for survival.  The need for survival means we seek balance and safety by interacting with our environments in a particular way which is seeking pleasure and avoiding pain.  Our bodies get in on […]

Dear Reader, I am going to warn you… radical view ahead!  I value my clients and cherish their experiences and believe It can be disempowering to be “labeled” instead of “seen” and find working with a person instead of their diagnosis a more respectful approach to the care I try to offer.  That said let’s

Dear Reader, My mother calls me her “word assassin” because I can be rather precise and direct in my words especially when angry.  When I think about her saying that it makes sense that I would value precise communication and carry this into my counseling practice.  I seek to harness the power of words and

Dear Reader, Therapy once was a mysterious process you did without knowing what to expect.  As the stigma of therapy diminishes people are talking about it more and we are seeing it depicted in the media.  Though this is a positive thing it is time we start talking about what therapy is “really” like. When

Dear Reader, The past couple of years have been filled with a variety of experiences for not just me but everyone. As we have made our way through a pandemic, I too have had to spend some time thinking about my place in the worldwide and local community. Since September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month,

“Getting to know you. Getting to know all about you. Getting to like you.” The King and I So, here we are at the end of our 30 days of self-reflection. I have grown as a result of writing these blogs. Each day as I showed up and thought about my message to you I

“There is no royal road to the summit…Every struggle is a victory.” Helen Keller Sometimes we can become wrapped up in how we are doing in comparison to others. As we strive to overcome obstacles we can get down on ourselves noting how poorly we are doing. As we compare ourselves to how we think

“Your mind struggles only when you oppose it.” Unknown What we are learning about the brain is growing in leaps and bounds. With scientific advancements we can map which parts of the brain are used for tasks and learn about the affects our thoughts have on our body and spirit. Scientists can use functional Magnetic

“Worrying is like paying on a debt that may never come due.” Will Rogers There is a difference between worry and preparing despite the two commonly being mixed up. Worry steals precious time and energy by encouraging us to focus on problems that may never manifest. Preparing by brainstorming about what may happen and then

“Happiness is the new rich. Inner peace is the new success. Health is the new wealth. Kindness is the new cool.” Unknown What a wonderful reminder that life is full of richness, success, wealth, and coolness if we cultivate happiness, inner peace, health, and kindness. Life is not about obtaining things or accomplishing tasks but