Author: Shannon Bussnick, LSW
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The Importance of Play Activities for Child Development
The importance of play in children’s development is often overlooked amid academic pressures. Child-centered play fosters cognitive, emotional, and social growth, enriching their overall well-being. Balancing education with play encourages creativity and individuality, ensuring children thrive in diverse environments as they grow.
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Facing the Mirror: Understanding Emotional Masks in Families
Imagine an environment where everyone wears a smile on the outside but is walking on eggshells on the inside. In these emotionally insecure spaces, people are often afraid to be themselves for fear of judgment or rejection, and for a plethora of other reasons. They…
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Coping Techniques for Sensory Sensitivity in BPD
Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often face emotional and sensory overwhelm, leading to heightened sensitivity to stimuli. Understanding triggers and utilizing coping strategies can help manage meltdowns and improve emotional regulation. Compassionate support is essential.
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Unlocking the Thrill: Understanding Your Adrenaline Cravings
There’s something oddly satisfying about feeling your heart race—but when it’s on your terms. Whether it’s from an intense workout, a horror movie, or the exhilarating drop of a roller coaster, that rush of adrenaline feels different when you’re the one in control. But what…
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Breaking the Stigma of Male Mental Health
Depression often looks different in men, showing up as irritability or anger instead of sadness. With men accounting for 80% of US suicides, tackling stigma and fostering understanding is crucial. We need to encourage men to seek help and support.
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The Emotional Impact of Perfectionism: Striving vs. Obsessing
By Shannon Bussnick, LSW Perfectionism is often misunderstood, packaged neatly into rigid definitions that don’t fully capture its complexity. Many associate it with the textbook “Type A” personality—someone with a spotless house, a relentless work ethic, and an eye for every last detail. But perfectionism…
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How to Combat Workplace Burnout Effectively
Workplace burnout is increasingly common, affecting various professions, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion. Recognizing symptoms, understanding risk factors, and taking proactive steps are essential for restoring balance and prioritizing mental well-being, especially in toxic environments.
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Top 10 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth
Self-improvement is personal, and what inspires one might not inspire another. Here’s a roundup of 10 classic self-help books that offer solid guidance on personal growth, from building relationships to finding meaning and embracing mindfulness. Perfect for anyone wanting to level up their life!
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Common Challenges for Highly Sensitive People
Being a highly sensitive person means feeling life deeply—both its beauty and its challenges. From navigating relationships to handling criticism, HSPs face unique struggles that can feel overwhelming. But sensitivity isn’t a flaw—it’s a strength. Let’s uncover ways to turn these challenges into opportunities for…
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Can THC Boost Intelligence? Debunking Myths and Facts
Does THC unlock hidden intelligence or simply enhance access to our innate intellect? Discover the science behind THC’s interaction with brain chemistry, genetics, and individual neurobiology, and learn how it can impact cognitive function and well-being. Dive into research on how THC influences creativity, introspection,…
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The Poetry of Winter: 12 Savorings to Cherish
Join us as we celebrate the beauty of winter through 12 cherished, snow-globe suitable moments. From the elegance of bare trees to the comforting warmth of candlelight and rejuvenating winter air, take a moment to pause and reflect this savory season.
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Understanding Stress and Authenticity
Stress often forces us to shed the masks we wear, leaving behind the unfiltered, raw versions of ourselves. But what emerges in these moments? Are we witnessing our authentic selves, or is stress distorting who we truly are? This blog explores how stress influences personality,…
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The Duality of Identity: Aligning Your Many Selves
Do you ever feel like you’re wearing different masks in various aspects of your life—from the creative spark at work to the supportive friend in your social circle? You’re not alone. IWe’ll differentiate between a healthy multifaceted personality and mental health conditions like Dissociative Identity…
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Are Homeschooled Kids Socially Awkward? Debunking the Myths
Homeschooling’s a hot topic, and many parents worry about their kids being socially awkward. But research shows homeschooled kids often do better socially than those in traditional schools. With the right strategies, like joining activities and role-playing, homeschooling can promote strong social skills and individual…
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Rise and Shine: 15 Intentional Ways to Start Your Day with Purpose and Positivity
Mornings are like blank canvases, offering us the chance to set the tone for the day ahead. By introducing small, intentional habits into your routine, you can create a morning that fuels your spirit, sharpens your focus, and nurtures your growth. Whether it’s savoring a…
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Transformative Reads from Yesterday to Today
Books have the power to reshape our minds, challenge our perceptions, and spark personal growth. This list of timeless transformative reads offers wisdom, inspiration, and a deep dive into the human experience. Whether you’re seeking to expand your empathy, find your purpose, or explore life’s…
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The Truth About Lies: Why Deceit Teaches Us Honor
It is only through the breath of falsity that we know the depth of truth. We all falter at times—led by fear or shame—but these moments, painful as they are, offer lessons in honor and growth. What if we approached them with compassion instead of…
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Priming the Mind for Creative Outpour: How to Set the Stage for Creative Success
Creativity can feel like magic—sudden bursts of glorious inspiration that seem to come out of nowhere. But what if you could actually invite that magic? For many, setting the stage for creativty through simple rituals like reading, journaling, or even taking a moment for self-care…
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Why I Got Shopping All Wrong: The Move to Intentional Style and Real Fulfillment
Shopping was once my favorite thrill—a quick fix for feeling good. A trip to the mall meant new clothes, accessories, and maybe even an iced coffee (because, obviously, caffeine was essential). But looking back, all that “stuff” didn’t bring lasting joy. It was a temporary…
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How to Let Go of Regret and Guilt: A Practical 3-Step Guide
Struggling to move past regret and guilt? Learn practical steps to release these emotions, improve your mental and physical well-being, and start living fully in the present. Discover the power of self-forgiveness, gratitude, and mindfulness in this 3-step guide to letting go of the past.
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Why Do We Keep Doing Things We Hate? A Look at Addiction and the Brain’s Betrayal
Why do we keep doing things we hate—like speeding when we can’t afford a ticket or finishing a bag of unsatisfying gummy candies? In “Why Do We Keep Doing Things We Hate? A Look at Addiction and the Brain’s Betrayal,” Shannon Bussnick, LSW, explores how…
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The Invisible Village: When Strangers Become Angels
My village showed up today. Not in the form of close friends or family, but as two beautiful strangers in a grocery store. As I fumbled with Apple Pay, overwhelmed with twins in tow, they stepped in with a kindness that felt like a lifeline.…
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Why ‘Leveling Up’ is Essential for Growth and Success
Leveling up isn’t just a trendy holiday we book every now and then—it’s essential for our growth, success, and ultimately, survival. Yup, our mere existence. Whether through the people we choose to surround ourselves with or the challenges we embrace, leveling up requires aligning our…
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Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs): Susceptability and Triggers
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), like hair-pulling and skin-picking, go beyond bad habits. Often tied to stress, anxiety, or sensory needs, these actions exist on a spectrum, from harmless to harmful. Understanding when BFRBs serve as self-soothing tools versus when they need intervention is essential for…
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Chasing the Right Idea: Navigating the Shaky Place Between Inspiration and Invention
In this blog about, Chasing the Right Idea, we explore the shaky place between inspiration and invention. Read on to discover practical techniques for gaining clarity amidst creative overwhelm, including mindful journaling, visualization, and mood boards. We say it’s time to embrace your unique journey…
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Vienna Lane 