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Self-love takes effort. You are worth it! Self-love is about learning to be compassionate toward yourself and valuing the person you are. Self-love and self-acceptance allow us to be compassionate with ourselves and start building acceptance from within, when it may be hard to find love and acceptance from people in our lives.

So how do we work toward that?

1. Spend time with yourself. Do the things that bring you joy.

2. Create some positive affirmations for yourself (will do a longer post about that later!)

3. Engage in some journaling - what do you love about yourself?

4. Set boundaries - it’s okay to choose yourself over demands that don’t feel aligned with
your values.

5. Look at a photo of yourself from childhood. Remind yourself that you are still that same
person that deserves love, compassion, and protection.

What are some ways that you practice self-love?

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#SelfLove #CultivateSelfLove #SelfCompassion #SelfCompassionJourney #SelfCompassionPractice #ValuesBasedTherapy #QueerTherapist #TherapistsOfInstagram #MentalHealthMatters

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You don’t need to be more. You don’t need to be less. You don’t need to change your body. You don’t need to do anything. You are enough. Just as you are. That’s all.

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#TherapyForEveryone #TherapyWorks #AddictionRecovery #HarmReduction #ThisNakedMind #SoberCurious #ValuesBasedTherapy #QueerTherapist #TherapistsOfInstagram #MentalHealthMatters #EMDRTherapist #RecoveryIsPossible #TraumaTherapist

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Benefits of running a values-based business for service-based entrepreneurs:

1. Leading with your own values helps you find employees that share your values.

2. Leading with your own values helps you *keep* your employees that align with your mission.

3. Leading with your own values helps you find clients who align with your values.

4. Being transparent about your values inevitably leads to greater client satisfaction. They're more likely to feel seen and understood.

5. Running a values-based business leads to greater satisfaction for you - the business owner! Working with aligned clients is more enjoyable for everyone.

6. Running a values-based business increases efficiency - you're able to create systems that work for your ideal clients as you continually increase your expertise within your niche.

As a clinician, what are the biggest benefits you’ve found in running your values based practice? As a client, what are the biggest benefits you’ve found in going to a values-based therapist?
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#Values #ValuesMatter #ValuesDriven #ValuesBasedTherapy #LivingInAlignment #CoreValues #ValuesBasedLiving #TherapistOfInstagram #FindingATherapist #QueerTherapist #RaleighTherapist #LCSW #LCAS #LGBTQTherapist #NCTherapist #SocialWorker #TherapyHeals #InnerWork

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Abstinence-based recovery, completely abstaining from all substances, is one model of recovery. However, that model does not work for everyone, which means it also leaves out folx that may want to work on their substance use without completely giving it up. There are several ways to work on substance use. Harm reduction is a model that works to educate folx on how to use substances in a safer way. This might look like drinking a glass of water between each drink, reducing overall amount of substances used, or using medications to manage cravings or to prevent overdose. If you are “sober curious”, therapy can be a great place to discuss a plan that will fit your individual needs.

Substance use can sometimes be a way to cope with deeper emotions and traumas and therapy can be a wonderful place to address underlying issues.

Some paths to recovery:

This Naked Mind - a science-based program that allows you space to change your relationship with alcohol.

Dry January - This can be a helpful reset to try out sobriety while examining your relationship with alcohol.

Medication Assisted Treatment - Medications that can manage cravings, support long-term recovery, or prevent overdose.

Harm Reduction - Strategies to use substances in a safer way.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous - both 12-step programs that utilize spirituality as a part of the program.

SMART Recovery - a program that does not utilize spirituality as part of their 4 principles.

These are just some options of many. Are there any paths to recovery you have found helpful?

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#TherapyForEveryone #TherapyWorks #AddictionRecovery #HarmReduction #ThisNakedMind #SoberCurious #ValuesBasedTherapy #QueerTherapist #TherapistsOfInstagram #MentalHealthMatters #EMDRTherapist #RecoveryIsPossible #TraumaTherapist

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What can therapy address?
I often hear from folx starting therapy for the first time, "I don't know why I waited so long!" I think there can be the idea that therapy is a last resort. I believe that therapy really is for everyone and can be so beneficial no matter what you might be dealing with. Some people come to therapy to address a present issue - anxiety, depression, negative thoughts, etc. Some people come to therapy to address a past issue - trauma, family dynamics, etc. But therapy can also be a great tool to improve on things that are not necessarily "terrible." Therapy can help improve communication and boundary setting in order to have more fulfilling relationships. Therapy can help you find clarity in your goals. Therapy can help you find ways to manage stress and bring more joy into your life. Therapy can help you work on building confidence which can lead to living the life you envision for yourself.

How has therapy been helpful for you?

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#TherapyForEveryone #TherapyWorks #ValuesBasedTherapy #QueerTherapist #TherapistsOfInstagram #MentalHealthMatters #EMDRTherapist #RecoveryIsPossible

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Self-love and self-acceptance can be hard for anyone, but folx who identify as LGBTQIA+, non-binary, or genderqueer may have increased difficulty finding self-acceptance. LGBTQIA+ folx often experience trauma due to homophobia, transphobia, bullying, spiritual abuse, and microaggressions. There is a deep connection between shame and trauma. Self-love and self-acceptance allow us to be compassionate with ourselves and start building acceptance from within.

1. Daily Gratitude
Intentional gratitude doesn't have to be a chore. You can use a journal or a note on your phone. You can also develop a daily gratitude practice where you take a couple minutes at the same time each day to focus on what you are grateful for.

2. Cultivate self-love
Think about things you love about yourself. Are there things you love about your body? Maybe it's hard to find something about your body that you love - is there something about your body you are grateful for? I often recommend that folks struggling with body-love start with body-neutrality. Instead of a negative thought about our body, can we say "I have a body" instead?

3. Self-Care
Self-Care is a lot more than pedicures or massages. Self-care can look like going to therapy. Self-care can be giving gifts to your future self - instead of putting off doing my laundry, I'm going to do it today and future me will be so grateful. Self-care can be saying no.

4. Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries with people can be one way to show yourself self-love. Setting boundaries might feel difficult in the moment, but can bring lasting relief long term.

5. Find Joy
Do things that make you happy. What makes you laugh? What brings you energy? Some of my favorite things are joyful movement, doing an art project, getting outside, and laughing with close friends.

6. Find Stillness
Deep breathing, meditation, rest, and “being” instead of doing can all be acts of self-love.
What are your favorite ways to show yourself love?

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Values are personal, fundamental beliefs that motivate our behaviors. Values aren't just something you say, but really show up in how you live your life.

Values can be anything from authenticity & inclusivity to flexibility & courage.

When we aren't feeling great about a situation, it’s often indicative of a values misalignment.

Therapy can be a wonderful way to gain clarity on your values and help you to lead a more values-driven life.

But it's so important to find a therapist who aligns with your values, as the therapeutic relationship is one of the best predictors of success in therapy!

How do you find a therapist who aligns with your values? Start by reading over their website and social media - does it speak to your values? Will this be a safe space for you to be yourself? 🌈[Rainbow Emoji]

Often therapists will offer a free consultation call (I do!) which can help you get a feel for their style and see if you intuitively feel comfortable with them.

What are some values you live by? ⬇️ [Down Arrow Emoji]

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#Values #ValuesMatter #ValuesDriven #ValuesBasedTherapy #LivingInAlignment #CoreValues #ValuesBasedLiving #TherapistOfInstagram #FindingATherapist #QueerTherapist #RaleighTherapist #LCSW #LCAS #LGBTQTherapist #NCTherapist #SocialWorker #TherapyHeals #InnerWork

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