Mind by Design Counseling

Unconventional Therapy for Unconventional People

Unconventional Therapy for Unconventional People

New Year's Resolutions for Better Mental Health in 2024

In addition to setting New Year’s resolutions for better mental health, I’m also all for boycotting impersonal, run-of-the-mill resolutions. Focusing our goals and intentions on better mental health is more likely to yield positive outcomes, like actually sticking to it, because not only is the outcome awesome, but the motivation is organic and aligned with us as individuals. Although everyone’s mental health goals will be different, we’ve put together some options, ideas and thought-provoking goals that may help you this new year.

Why Focus Your Resolutions on Better Mental Health?

Setting mental health goals as New Year’s resolutions is a powerful way to initiate positive changes. These goals can range from improving relationships, to nurturing your inner child.  The key to successful resolutions is setting realistic goals that truly align with who you are and what you want for your life. Approaching NYE resolutions like this will ensure that you have natural motivation and avoid the common pitfall of abandoning our resolutions.

Inspiration for this New Year's Resolutions for better Mental Health

Physical Health Resolutions that Boost Mental Health

Daily Movement:

Regular exercise is a cornerstone of physical health. It’s not about rigorous workouts but finding enjoyable activities that keep us moving, like walking, yoga, or cycling.

 

Mindful Eating for Body-Strength:

A balanced diet means consuming a variety of nutrients, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Mindfully eating helps you to listen to your body’s cue’s and learn about what your body needs to stay fueled.

 

Sleep Like a Queen:

Quality sleep is as important as diet and exercise. Aim for 6-7 hours of sleep each night to allow your body and mind to recharge.

Emotion-Based Mental Health Resolutions

Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness practices like meditation can significantly improve mental health. They help in reducing stress and increasing self-awareness.

Digital Detox: In our digital world, it’s important to take breaks from screens. Setting aside time to disconnect can improve mental clarity and reduce stress.

Building Meaningful Connections: Strong social connections are vital for emotional well-being. This year, resolve to nurture relationships with family and friends.

Self-Care Rituals: Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. It can be as simple as reading a book, taking a bath, or spending time in nature.

Expanding Horizons: Engaging in new learning experiences contributes to cognitive health. This could be learning a new language, skill, or hobby.

Sticking to Your New Year's Resolutions for better mental health

The Power of Intentions for Better Mental Health

The first step is setting a clear intention. What do you want your life to look like?
This vision will guide your journey.

1. Self-Reflection:

Take time to understand your values, passions, and goals. Self-reflection is crucial in determining the direction of your new life.

2. Setting Goals:

Break down your resolutions into small, manageable goals. This makes them less daunting and more achievable. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. These will act as milestones on your journey.

3. Plan, Celebrate, Repeat:

Develop a step-by-step plan to achieve your goals. This plan will keep you focused and on track. Keep track of your progress. Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated and on track.

4. Embrace Fear:

Change can be daunting, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. Embrace the uncertainties and be adaptable. Fear of the unknown can be a major obstacle. Acknowledge your fears, but don’t let them hold you back.

5. Get Knocked Down (And Back up Again):

Resilience is key in overcoming challenges. When faced with setbacks, remember why you started this journey. Be flexible and adaptable. If a resolution isn’t working, it’s okay to modify it.

Don't Sleep on Your New Year's Resolutions for Better Mental Health

As we embark on this journey of health and wellness, let’s remember that the goal is not perfection but progress. By setting realistic resolutions and taking small steps towards our goals, we can make this year one of health, happiness, and personal growth.

FAQ's About Setting Goals for Better Mental Health, Getting Therapy & How to Start!

Where are you located? I need a therapist near me

We are fully online, which means that your therapy sessions will be help via video call on our HIPAA compliant Platform. Anyone in New Jersey can access our therapy services

How do I get started as a new client?

New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:

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Does my insurance cover my visits?

We provide”Courtesy Billing” for clients who are using the Out-of-network insurance benefits.

Our Insurance Page shares a small blurb about Why We Left Insurance Panels

What are out-of-network benefits?

When using OON benefits, patients typically pay the full cost of the treatment upfront and then file a claim with their insurance company for reimbursement. The amount of reimbursement can vary depending on the plan, but it can sometimes be as high as 90%.  Call your insurance to see if you have OON benefits or click here to call us and we can check for you!

Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?

Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that tele-therapy is as effective as traditional counseling. Professional organizations and state governments recognize its benefits and have set regulations for it. However, like any therapy, its success in achieving your goals isn’t guaranteed. It’s important to discuss with your therapist whether tele-therapy is working for you.

How Should I Prepare for My First Session?

Showing up is all that you need to do! But if you really want to get the most out of session, it could help to take some time to think about what you want from therapy. It helps to write down your goals, questions you have or things that you feel are important to share. 

Do you offer traditional talk therapy?

of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information

Is Virtual Counseling Suitable for Everyone?

Online therapy might not be as effective for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, significant mental health history, or those recently in intensive care. Such cases often benefit more from traditional, in-person counseling. We’ll help you decide if our online services are right for you during your intake and evaluation.

Can I Change Therapists If I'm Not Happy?

Yes, you can switch therapists to another provider within the practice, or we can provide you a referral if preferred. We want to ensure that your time and effort are well spent, and that you are getting the relief you need, that’s why we work collaboratively with each other in the practice, as well as outside therapists who we know and trust.

How Do I Know If Therapy Is Helping?

You should feel like you’re making progress. Signs it’s working include:

  • Feeling comfortable talking to your therapist
  • Your therapist respects boundaries
  • You’re moving towards your goals
  • You feel listened to
    You’re doing better in life
  • Your self-esteem is getting better

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.

What Geographic Areas Are Served?

Currently, we serve clients in New Jersey and are expanding to other states as telehealth laws evolve. While telehealth offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, state laws require clients to be in-state during their session.

Is Online Therapy Easy to Use for Non-Tech-Savvy People?

Yes, it’s pretty simple to access sessions. You’ll need basic internet skills, such as opening and visiting the patient link sent to you via email. It’s similar to video chatting like Facetime or Zoom. We can also walk you through it on the phone the first time to ensure a strong connection

What Questions Should I Ask My New Therapist?

Feel free to ask anything. Some good questions are:

  • How often will we meet?
  • What do you specialize in?
  • What experience do you have with my issue?
  • What outcomes can I expect?
  • How will I know I’m progressing?
  • How long do you usually work with clients?
  • How will we set my treatment goals?

What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?

Our Qualifications:

Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.

To see each providers credentials, training and licenses, visit our “Meet the Therapists” Page to learn more.

  • LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
  • LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.

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