I know this…and I have everything I need..and yet, making time for play feels so hard in the middle of life and *all the things*. One thing I’m finding helpful these days is to block it out on my calendar as a non-negotiable appointment with myself, AND to leave the house to play elsewhere. I’m hopeful for the day when…
Category: Self-Care
Endocannabinoid System
We all have an Endocannabinoid system, which is active whether or not you use cannabis. There’s a lot we don’t know about exactly how the ECS helps with sleep, mood, appetite, memory, immunity, and inflammation. However, we do know that having a balanced system involves managing a combination of lifestyle factors to support its optimal functioning. About the Author Kara…
Perfectionism
Perfectionism is the enemy of Creativity. Comparison is the fast track to dissatisfaction and disappointment. About the Author Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Provisional Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and a mixed-media artist at Mountain Creative Arts Counseling, in Hendersonville, NC.…
Be Seen
If we let ourselves be truly seen, then we can be truly loved. About the Author Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Provisional Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and a mixed-media artist at Mountain Creative Arts Counseling, in Hendersonville, NC. She provides…
Attachment-Trauma Cycle
There’s a way out of this cycle at every ramp. 1. Get in therapy and do your own healing work. Learn about your predominant attachment style and ways to feel more secure in relationships. Heal your trauma. Build a support system. Take care of your physical, mental, spiritual, and financial health. 2. Learn and practice healthy communication skills. Research the…
Be Yourself
If you are not yourself, who will you be? About the Author Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Provisional Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and a mixed-media artist at Mountain Creative Arts Counseling, in Hendersonville, NC. She provides individual and group psychotherapy…
Why Make Art
…and to have FUN! About the Author Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Provisional Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and a mixed-media artist at Mountain Creative Arts Counseling, in Hendersonville, NC. She provides individual and group psychotherapy and with individuals who feel…
Numbing
Our sense of selves is deeply rooted in our connection to our bodies. Numbing doesn’t just reduce our discomfort. It also reduces our capacity to feel joy and connection. About the Author Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Provisional Somatic…
I want both
Both can be true at the same time. About the Author Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Provisional Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and a mixed-media artist at Mountain Creative Arts Counseling, in Hendersonville, NC. She provides individual and group psychotherapy and…
Self Care is Community Care
If we give ourselves the care we give to others, our impact will be greater. “How you gon’ win when you ain’t right within?” -Lauren Hill About the Author Kara Ashley-Gilmore believes in the use of our innate creativity for our wellness and healing. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Registered Art Therapist, Provisional Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and…