Summer Mental Health Bucket List
for Your Body, Mind & Soul
Our Top 5 Easy Summertime Mental Health Activities
For some, summer feels like a fun and relaxing season filled with experiences, energy and downtime. But let’s be real, mental health doesn’t take the summer off! It’s okay to not have a *hot girl summer*, and maybe, instead have a *healthy girl summer*. That’s why this blog is focused solely on feeding your body, mind and soul and keeping your summertime mental health in check.
As always, managing mental health needs varies from person to person. Some of these tips may not be do-able or helpful for everyone and that’s okay! We will keep posting and writing about real, applicable mental health skills to ensure that there’s a little bit of something for everyone. So let’s get into the list….
Summer 2023 Mental Health Bucket List Top 5
Float On
Ah, something so simple yet powerful! You can do this in freshwater, or —drum roll please—you can go to a float tank! Float tanks are sound proof, temperature regulated, light proof “pods” filled with enough epsom salt to allow your body to effortlessly float. Let the float tank kick off your summer mental health goals.
Paint Outside
One of my favorite things to do is to paint, but man, taking the supplies outside and livening up that canvas is another level! Nature is an inspiring place for creative thinkers and the inspiration is unlimited! Being able to observe your surroundings, and it’s fine details, helps us to be more grounded and less chaotic
Summer Mental Health in the Garden
Dirt again? Yup. Let dirt be your friend this summer. Plating and tending to a garden has shown to improve mental health, promote our “flow state” and ease stress. “It’s been shown to lighten mood and lower levels of stress and anxiety.
Watch a sunrise
Not only can waking up early and getting into a routine help your body and mind, but just watching the sunrise alone boosts our mood, helps with regulating our emotions and, of course, allows us to slow down and soak in the beauty.
Earthing aka Grounding
Put your feet in some dirt! Yes, it has a name: Earthing, sometimes referred to as grounding, is the intentional act of placing your feet onto the ground and becoming present.
So needless to say, we’re encouraging you to forget the social pressures to make every moment instagram-worthy. Instead, plan for your summer mental health bucket list and start doing the things that bring you joy!
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FAQ's about Online Therapy in NJ
How do I get started as a new client?
New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:
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.
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
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 Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?
Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that teletherapy 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 teletherapy is working for you.
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
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?
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.
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.
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 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.
What Equipment is Needed for Online Therapy?
To join a session, log in using the credentials we provide. No downloads are needed. Our platform, compatible with both individual and group sessions, requires:
A computer or mobile device with a webcam and internet access.
We’ll help you test your setup before your first appointment to ensure a reliable connection. iOS users should use the Safari browser for mobile and tablet sessions.
What Questions Will Therapists Ask Me?
It depends on your goals. Expect questions about your thoughts, feelings, relationships, work, school, and health. They’ll ask to understand your therapy goals.
How Do You Keep Client Information Secure?
Security and Confidentiality of Sessions:
Your privacy is crucial to us. We use TherapyNotes, a HIPAA-compliant platform, ensuring secure and confidential teletherapy sessions. This platform’s security features include encrypted video connections, secure data transfers, and encrypted databases, ensuring your information is safe at all times.
What is VRT used for?
we use VRT to support Exposure Therapy, a long standing traditional therapy modality to treat phobias, anxiety and stress. we send a headset directly to your home so you can access VRT from anywhere.
VRT not only helps with exposure therapy for phobias, but is great for ADHD, mindfulness, PTSD and social anxiety.