A Note from Cassie: 5 Steps to Managing Mental Health During These Unprecedented Times

I wanted to take this time to check in with clients and let you know that I am continuing to book appointments through our secure and easy to use telehealth portal. Many of my clients have found it very useful to continue their check-ins and have additional support during this stressful time. Additionally, here are five tips to manage mental health during these unprecedented times:

1. Establish a routine: building consistent schedules helps to feel more in control and adds predictability to an uncertain situation

2. Connect with positive supports in your life: whether it be family or an old friend, it is important to use the technology we have available to maintain social connection during this time

3. Identify one positive activity: from exercise to reading to crafting (and everything in between), it is important to have at least one activity that provides joy and fulfillment

4. Take breaks: this time brings unique emotional and physical stress which is why it is important to take breaks (social media, screen time, work, etc.)

5. Lastly, remember: this is temporary

I’m looking forward to hearing from you and moving back into the office as soon as possible!

Cassie Len

508-443-1508

cassielenlmft@gmail.com

READ CASSIE'S BIO OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Overcoming the Situation: Dealing with a Pandemic

Traumatic situations develop from many challenges beyond our control.

Here are some suggestions to help you manage stress and trauma during

the Covid-19 Pandemic and its effects:

Challenge: Unpredictable events

What to do: Make a scheduled day with start and end of the day

Challenge: Loss of control

What to do: Make a plan of what you want to do (i.e. exercise, clean,

write, connect with friends)

Challenge: Social isolation

 What to do: Connect with friends, virtual meetings, social distancing

contacting

Challenge: Inability to care for self

What to do: Make sure you eat food from the earth and move your body

Challenge: Desire to dumb feelings

 What to do: Do not use drugs, alcohol or food to disconnect  with feelings

Challenge: Unknown ending time

What to do: Remember all bad times end, the world will return to a

sense of safety and normalcy

SOME THINGS TO DO to feel better:

Yoga

Enjoy a walk in nature

Listen to music

Laugh

Call friends and make plans for future calls

Do something you are proud of

Help someone

Cook meals

Dance

Karen Peabody, LICSW is a therapist and business consultant for social workers and therapists interested in starting their private practice. She founded Forgewell Solutions in East Bridgewater, MA. Her office is a great place to start a private practice. Visit her FOR THERAPISTS page to learn more.

Welcome Demi! Our Emotional/ Therapeutic Support Dog in Training

Forgewell Solutions is excited to announce our newest team member, Demi. Originally from Aruba, Demi recently moved to the South Shore to pursue her love of helping people. She will be fine-tuning her clinical interventions over the next year as she prepares for private practice.

Demi's preferred method of clinical practice is supportive and fun with a little bit of crazy time. She loves treats, walks, and her big sister Lindsay. She is currently enrolled in my "Cut the Crap" puppy school which is loosely based on good puppy behavior. Demi is starting her exclusive puppy training this spring and looks forward to continuing her higher-level training to earn her Excellence in Emotional & Therapeutic Support Animal Standards.

Within a short time, she has settled into life in Massachusetts. She has already mastered her foundation skills with basic commands. Demi will be an excellent addition to the team. Stay tuned as we post updates to Demi's Journey documenting her training, adventures, and more!

#demisjourney @sgtpeppersfriends #forgewellsolutions #emotionalsupportanimal

Karen Peabody, LICSW is a therapist and business consultant for social workers and therapists interested in starting their private practice. She founded Forgewell Solutions in East Bridgewater, MA. Her office is a great place to start a private practice. Visit her FOR THERAPISTS page to learn more.