Infinite Healing and Wellness Blog

Faith and Therapy Pt. 2: A Miracle or the Journey?

I think it is safe to say that many people would love to wake up one day and be completely healed of any depression, anxiety, pain, and other struggles. We hope and pray for miracles. We see numerous examples of God’s miraculous physical and mental healing in the Bible. The Red Sea parts allowed the Israelites to escape to freedom. A blind man’s sight is restored. A “sinful” woman is redeemed and freed from a demon’s possession. We often plead with God to take away burdens in an instant. But what if more blessings can be found for us in the journey?

I want to introduce you to my dad. Many would describe him as introverted, independent, and headstrong. He only really allowed a select few into his world. I am glad I was one of them. My dad isolated himself from many relationships in an attempt to avoid the heap of shame he carried from his past. The only love he let in was from myself, my sister, and a handful of friends.

God began to heal my dad’s heart when he was saved at the end of 2018, but there was still a lot of shame he couldn’t get rid of. At the beginning of 2020, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 malignant melanoma with tumors throughout his body. He didn’t want to burden others and did not want others to take care of him. I begged God for a miracle, and my dad did, too. We didn’t get that, but we did get a beautiful journey.

For a little while, my dad could barely stay awake for 4-6 hours a day and struggled to make it to the bathroom in time. As a single man with his children out of the home and going through chemotherapy as COVID is just beginning, he was forced to allow us to take care of him. But to his surprise, our whole community stepped in to support him. People went grocery shopping, washed all the groceries to avoid spreading viruses, mailed him encouraging letters, prayed for him, brought him to appointments, and cooked him meals. He spent his waking hours reading loving stories from the Bible and addressing his past in prayer.

“This was the hardest thing I have had to go through; sometimes, I wished death would come. But this is also the best thing to happen because I learned I am unconditionally loved. I never knew that before.” - my dad.

We did not get the miracle we prayed for, but my dad gained abundantly more from the painful, beautiful journey.

I praise God that he designed our minds in a way that pursues mental and emotional healing. When we are riddled with negative thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and ways of connecting with others, we can heal from these adaptations that have resulted from our experiences and epigenetics. Our minds are creatively crafted to reprocess through these experiences, allowing us to view the world, ourselves more adaptively, and our relationship to the world. EMDR Therapy uses this beautiful design to target information that is not adequately processed initially due to the lack of time, information, energy, or resources. With the support of an attuned and non-judgmental therapist, our mind can reprocess these maladaptively stored memories and have more propensity to use its intended makeup to pursue healing. By embracing this journey, we may gain more than just the absence of the burden but, instead, the addition of an even more abundant life.

Interested in learning more about how EMDR can help you? Schedule a free 15-minute consult to learn more! With offices in Gilbert & Phoenix, Arizona, our therapists are ready to help you achieve your limitless potential.

p: 480.448.1076 

e: info@infinitehw.com

Gilbert Location: 2563 S. Val Vista Dr. Ste 108. Gilbert, AZ 85295 

Phoenix Location: 1440 E. Missouri Ave. C270. Phoenix, AZ 85014

Reclaiming the Holidays: Navigating Family Expectations and Setting Boundaries for a Jolly Season

Updated: Dec 1, 2023

The holiday season often brings joy and togetherness, but for many, it can also be a source of stress, strained relationships, and unmet expectations. Reclaiming the holidays involves breaking free from the limitations imposed by family expectations and finding ways to make the season genuinely enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you navigate this festive time while prioritizing your well-being:

1. Set Boundaries:

Establish clear boundaries to protect your mental and emotional space during the holidays. This may involve communicating your limits on social gatherings, gift exchanges, or any activities that contribute to stress. Remember, setting boundaries is not selfish—it's an act of self-care that allows you to maintain your well-being and create room for connection.

Your voice matters, and learning to say "No" is powerful. Politely decline invitations or requests that may overwhelm you. Recognize that it's okay to prioritize your needs and mental health, even if it means stepping back from certain holiday obligations.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, remember to take moments for yourself. Deep breaths and moments of relaxation can help alleviate stress. The holidays are about celebrating joy, and that includes your own.

Reclaim your sense of freedom by incorporating moments of stillness and self-reflection into the festive chaos.

Consider EMDR therapy as a long-term investment in your well-being. Professional guidance can equip you with the skills to implement healthy boundaries, navigate complex relationships, and manage stress. EMDR Therapy offers a valuable space to explore and address the root causes of holiday-related challenges, providing lasting benefits beyond the festive season.

Reclaiming your holidays involves recognizing your limits, setting boundaries, and prioritizing your mental health. By embracing these small yet impactful skills, you can create a holiday season that aligns with your values and brings genuine joy. Remember, there is always time to prioritize your well-being and make the most of the holidays.

Are you interested in learning more about how EMDR can help you? Schedule a free 15-minute consult to learn more! With offices in Gilbert & Phoenix, Arizona, our therapists are ready to help you achieve your limitless potential. p: 480.448.1076 e: info@infinitehw.com Gilbert Location: 2563 S. Val Vista Dr. Ste 108. Gilbert, AZ 85295

Phoenix Location: 1440 E. Missouri Ave. C270. Phoenix, AZ 85014

• mental health
• EMDR
• emdrtherapist
• mesotherapy
• azemdr

Embracing the Seasons of Life: A Journey of Mindfulness and Healing

Updated: Dec 1, 2023

Today, we embark on a journey through the ever-changing tapestry of seasons in nature and our lives. Just as the world around us transitions from spring to summer, autumn to winter, we too experience the ebb and flow of life's seasons. In this blog, we'll explore how embracing the changing seasons can be a powerful tool for mindfulness and healing.

Nature has an extraordinary way of reflecting the patterns of our lives. As the trees shed their leaves in the fall and bloom again in the spring, we can draw parallels to our life experiences. There are seasons of growth, letting go, rest, and renewal. Each season and each year has its unique beauty and purpose.

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, and nature provides the perfect backdrop for this practice. Take a moment to step outside and breathe in the crisp autumn air at sunrise or feel the summer sun's heat on your skin. Observe the changing colors of the leaves or the gentle grass sway in the breeze.

When we immerse ourselves in the sensory experience of nature, we connect with the present moment and let go of worries about the past or future.

As trees shed their leaves, we must let go of what no longer serves us. The autumn season teaches us the importance of releasing the old to make space for new growth, whether it's old habits, toxic relationships, or negative thought patterns. Letting go can be painful, but it's a necessary part of our healing journey.

After the quiet introspection of winter, spring arrives with its promise of renewal. The budding leaves and blossoming flowers remind us that life is a constant cycle of growth and transformation. Embrace this season by setting new intentions, nurturing your passions, and cultivating self-care practices that promote healing and growth.

Just as nature experiences storms that test its resilience, we face challenges that shake us to our core. Mindfulness can be a lifeline, helping us find inner calm and strength amidst the chaos. We can weather life's storms with grace and resilience by anchoring ourselves in the present moment.

Summer is a season of abundance and joy, where we can savor the fruits of our labor. Embrace the moments of joy and celebration in your life, no matter how small they may seem. Mindfulness allows us to fully appreciate and savor these moments, creating a reservoir of positive experiences to draw upon during challenging times.

Finally, we come to winter, a season of rest and reflection. Just as the earth rests beneath its blanket of snow, we, too, can benefit from periods of stillness and self-reflection. Use this time to nourish your soul, engage in self-care, and gain insight into the past year's lessons.

As we journey through the seasons of life, let us remember that change is constant, and each season has its purpose. By embracing mindfulness and healing practices, we can navigate these transitions with grace and resilience, finding beauty and wisdom in every moment. Like the earth, we too can bloom, shed, rest, and renew in our own time and in our way. Embrace the seasons of life, and may they bring you peace, healing, and profound self-discovery.

If you are interested in the next step in your healing journey, please consider Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR is an eight-week evidence-based mindfulness training designed for stress management and to assist people in dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and pain. The MBSR classes use a combination of mindfulness, meditation, body awareness, gentle yoga, and the exploration of patterns or behavior, thinking, feeling, and action. This is an evidence-based approach that has beneficial effects on both mental and physical health. The next class is scheduled to begin on January 24, 2024.

Register for Julie's MBSR Class

Are you interested in learning more about how MBSR can help you? Schedule a free 15-minute consult to learn more! With offices in Gilbert & Phoenix, Arizona, our therapists are ready to help you achieve your limitless potential.

p: 480.448.1076 

e: info@infinitehw.com

Gilbert Location: 2563 S. Val Vista Dr. Ste 108. Gilbert, AZ 85295

Phoenix Location: 1440 E. Missouri Ave. C270. Phoenix, AZ 85014

• mental health
• mindfulness
• beherenow
• intentionalliving
• mind body connection
• MBSR

What Is Your Identity?

Updated: Nov 16, 2023

As a little girl, my mom always told me that I could grow up and be whatever I wanted to be. It felt good to have my cheerleader growing up; therefore, with my kids, I adopted the same role. As I tuck them in at night, I would plant the seed of encouragement and confidence and tell them that they could be and do anything in the world they dreamed of - the skies were the limit.

So, at what age do we start disbelieving this? When does all the doubt and fear creep in? Whether we had the biggest cheerleader on our side or maybe we didn’t have anyone on our side, the world around us can creep in, distort our thinking, and change how we feel about ourselves. Then, one day, we no longer think this is true or possible. Throughout our lives, we learn to adapt to our environments. When we have an experience that is not nurturing, we can adapt in unhealthy ways. This new adaptation is marked in our brains, and our brains continue to go to what is familiar, so we keep returning to sick thinking, feeling, and behaving.

We all have a personal identity: what you believe is the truth about yourself. Our identity informs how we think, feel, and show up in the world. We can’t reach our full potential with a poor self-identity. Our habits, relationships, and daily decisions make or break a healthy identity.

So, how do we change our identity? One of the simplest things I learned was to keep my promises to myself - even the little ones. For example, if I say I will wake up early and exercise or go for a walk, but instead, I hit snooze, now I no longer have time. This decision planted the seed that I cannot even trust myself. When we add up all the little promises we don’t keep for ourselves, they compound, and we end up with a poor identity. This translates into insecurities, low self-worth, doubt, shame, etc.

The words we speak to ourselves are so important. Sometimes, we don’t even notice that little voice that tells us negative messages all day.

It is not the big things in life that make us who we are; it is all the little things that add up over time that equate to our beliefs. Our brains are so powerful, but we can’t always buckle down, get disciplined, and make sustainable changes. This is where EMDR Therapy comes in. When we revisit those places where we get stuck, we can reprocess those not-so-nurturing times in our lives that left us with a negative self-image. This helps everything from low self-esteem to more adaptable behavior and positive self-growth from the past, present, and future.

So, when you tell yourself you are going to do something, make sure you follow through and do it. Yes, stuff comes up, emergencies happen, but decide, to the best of your ability, you will start keeping the promises you make to yourself. Remember, the little things help you create who you want to be:

• What you plan to eat.
• Who do you plan to spend time with or not spend time with?
• How you manage your time.
• When you go to bed.

Keeping promises to yourself flows into all areas of our life. Keeping promises builds your confidence and spills into better time management and more positive, healthy daily habits and routines.

We all need a cheerleader, but we must also believe in ourselves. I have had several times in my life when my circumstances were so dire that I felt helpless and hopeless. Through my own personal therapy, I have grown to love and believe in myself by building confidence through a healthy, solid identity. My therapist was often my biggest cheerleader, and I would not be who I am today with her.

This is why I became a therapist. I want to impact others with encouragement, love, compassion, and empathy to help them discover they can be whoever they want. Everyone was born to do something great, and I want to help as many people as possible find their unique gifts and start their journey of building their positive self-identity and becoming who they dream of becoming.

Are you interested in learning more about how EMDR can help you? Schedule a free 15-minute consult to learn more! With offices in Gilbert & Phoenix, Arizona, our therapists are ready to help you achieve your limitless potential.

p: 480.448.1076 

e: info@infinitehw.com

Gilbert Location: 2563 S. Val Vista Dr. Ste 108. Gilbert, AZ 85295

Phoenix Location: 1440 E. Missouri Ave. C270. Phoenix, AZ 85014

• mental health
• EMDR
• emdrtherapist
• mesotherapy
• intentional living

Understanding Mindfulness: Strategies to Incorporate Mindfulness and Its Benefits Into Our Lives.

Updated: Dec 1, 2023

Part of my mental health journey has been seeking out different methods and techniques to learn and apply to my life to help me understand myself more and live my life to the fullest. One word I have encountered increasingly throughout the last few years has been mindfulness and the importance of being mindful as a part of our health and wellness. But what exactly is mindfulness, and how can we incorporate it in our lives?

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. Within this concept, there are three components of mindfulness:

Intention - choosing to cultivate your awareness.

Attention - to the present moment, sensations, and thoughts.

Attitude - being kind, curious, and non-judgmental.

Mindfulness can help people avoid destructive or automatic habits and responses by observing their thoughts, emotions, and other present-moment experiences without judging or reacting to them. Some of the benefits of mindfulness are:

Stress Reduction. Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and increasing your ability to manage stressful situations effectively.

Improved Mental Health: Mindfulness can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It encourages a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to respond skillfully.

Better Focus and Concentration: Practicing mindfulness can enhance your ability to concentrate and pay attention to the present moment, improving productivity and task performance.

Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness helps you become more aware of your emotions and allows you to respond to them in a balanced and constructive way rather than reacting impulsively.

Enhanced Self-Awareness: By regularly practicing mindfulness, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your values, and your motivations, leading to personal growth and self-improvement.

Meditation: Dedicate a few minutes each day to meditation. You can start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. There are various meditation techniques, such as breath awareness, body scan, loving-kindness meditation, and many more.

Mindful Breathing: Practice conscious breathing throughout the day. Please take a moment to focus on your breath, whether during a break at work, while commuting, or before bedtime. This simple exercise can help you stay grounded and reduce stress.

Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your food's taste, texture, and smell when you eat. Avoid distractions like TV or smartphones during meals to help avoid eating too quickly or overeating.

Body Scan: Occasionally scan your body from head to toe, noticing any tension or discomfort. This can help you become more aware of physical sensations and release stress.

Mindful Walking: When walking, pay attention to each step and the sensations in your body as you move. This can turn a routine activity into a mindfulness practice.

Mindful Journaling: Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal without judgment. This can help you gain insight into your emotions and thought patterns.

Mindfulness Apps and Resources: Many mindfulness apps and online resources offer guided meditations and exercises to help you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

I strive to be mindful and apply some of these techniques in my own life every day, but remember that mindfulness is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Be patient with yourself and understand that some aspects of mindfulness may take time to build, but know that the more effort we put into being mindful, the more we can appreciate and love ourselves!

Are you interested in learning more about how Mindfulness practices can help you? Schedule a free 15-minute consult to learn more! With offices in Gilbert & Phoenix, Arizona, our therapists are ready to help you achieve your limitless potential.

Gilbert Location: 2563 S. Val Vista Dr. Ste 108. Gilbert, AZ 85295

Phoenix Location: 1440 E. Missouri Ave. C270. Phoenix, AZ 85014

• mental health
• phoenix therapist
• phoenix therapy
• mindfulness