Letter from the Editor: Tis the Season

December 4, 2011 by

Tis the season when we gasp at how quickly the year has passed and celebrate the holidays as the New Year approaches. The holidays are enjoyable for many families as they gather together and celebrate family traditions. This time can also be challenging as family dynamics play out in full force and others face feelings of depression of loneliness as they grieve a loss or wish their lives were different. Holiday stress also becomes just as abundant as all the shopping advertising and unhealthy food choices.

We hope to offer some information and inspiration as you delve into the holiday season and bid farewell to 2011. I personally encourage you to carry the Thanksgiving spirit through December, as you embrace mindful gratitude for all that has entered your life this year…challenges and triumphs, closed doors and open opportunities, people who push your buttons and the new friends you’ve made. Take some time out, even if it’s one minute in the car as you’re driving, to reflect on the positive gifts in your life as you face the inevitable stress this month. Reach out to those around you to offer support and find joy in the spirit of giving…not necessarily material giving, but giving of time, energy, support, and appreciation.  The joy of giving is contagious and will spread amongst your children and those around you.

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Filed Under: Healthy Holidays, Integrative Wellness, Motivation, Stress/Anxiety
About Kimberly Rodgers, LCSW, RPT-S

Kimberly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor through the Association for Play Therapy. She also supervises clinical social work interns pursuing licensure. She has worked as a psychotherapist for twelve years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia and Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida.

Her experience includes foster care, adoption, youth shelter, youth related research, school-based counseling, and sexual assault crisis center settings prior to private practice. She specializes in counseling children, families, and adults struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment to life transitions. Kimberly is a current Board member of the Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida and former Vice-President of the Southwest Florida chapter of the Association for Play Therapy. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and EMDR International Association.

Kimberly is founder of Monarch Wellness (originally Monarch Therapy), an integrative center focused on empowering individuals and families through emotional and behavioral metamorphosis. In addition to counseling and play therapy, the center offers other supportive modalities to further enhance emotional healing and stress management including support groups, yoga, laughter yoga, breathwork, integrative relaxation, and sound therapy. Monarch Wellness' sister site eFitFamily.com offers health related information and inspiration for everyday families to live healthier every day. The center is also involved with House of Gaia community center and other community and service focused organizations. More information about Kimberly and her practice can be found online: www.MonarchWellness.net.

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