www.tinkerpsychotherapy.com

05/12/2023

Therapy can be so helpful. It is my honor to help people to help themselves!

Talk therapy has changed a lot in last 30 years, and our understanding of it hasn't kept up.

11/28/2022

Your move Netflix

07/18/2022

Hey gang, Oooooops! My scheduled filled up again. I know it is difficult to find a Clinician these days. Maybe room for 1 more and then the waiting list. If you need a referral, just email and I will try to help.

07/16/2022

Needed to take a break this Spring, but in the Fall there will be a limited number of appointment slots opening in the afternoons (golly, my evening & weekend slots are full) for anxiety, depression, life changes, & grief work for ADULTS. Many insurances and self-pay accepted. Bethlehem downtown location with free parking.

06/14/2022

Gail-Elaine of Tinker Psychotherapy Services has been delayed in taking on new clients due to health reasons. We know it is really difficult to find therapists of late and if you are on our waiting list, we can A. Let you know asap when new openings are available and B. Help you to find another therapist in the area. If you are waiting: please do not ignore serious mental health emergencies AND know that more daytime appointments are available than the coveted evening & weekend slots. Hope to see you soon! GET

02/24/2022

I know this is a med sponsored ad, but the info is still helpful. Someof these things ca be so subtle... then add trauma, physical issues, relationship challenges, work pressure and it can creep up on you. I like the idea of journaling as a narrative therapy, but it really CAN help you gain perspective to see these things before they get nasty! Be well, friends.

If self-criticism is stuck on a loop in your head, that’s one sign.

01/27/2022

Hey friends, colleagues, & clients. If it blizzards as much as they are threatening.... I won't be in the office on Saturday.

09/12/2021

Hi all. It has been a while since I have posted. I have been super-busy with counseling. So, so many people calling to begin therapy!! My case load is full! I am diverting potential clients to other qualified therapists until further notice.

12/22/2020

Give yourself grace💚💙💜

12/06/2020

If you know me and my work, I am a proponent of breath on the everyday stress, anxiety, and trauma. Indians call the belly-breathing pranayama and it is used extensively in yoga. It is easy, free, and portable means of control of difficult thoughts and situations. Anyone, even children and the elderly can do it. When I introduce this process, I am aware of how cliché it sounds... but trust me, it has been studied thoroughly. It influences your body on physical, neurological, neurochemical, and mental aspects. You do not need to meditate like a yogi (but that is nice too) but you can breathe in the best possible when (or before) you feel the tug of strain in your life. "Ooops! I dropped my cell phone. Pick it up and do 3 deep breaths"... your body/mind will be better for it.

Indian yogis knew the power of the breath thousands of years ago. We meet a master of pranayama, the yogic art of controlled breathing, and learn some of the basic techniques that can help reduce anxiety. One image use: From the book Prana and Pranayama by Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati. Video Journ...

11/24/2020

GRATITUDE may sound like a woo-woo buzzword to many who are struggling with serious issues mental, physical, and situational in nature. However, it is a critical coping mechanism to surviving and thriving amidst such painful circumstances. My most poignant experiences in this vein were those I saw working with those with cancers, many terminal. While there were periods of "this is not fair" (and it was not fair), there were sustained acknowledgement of gratitude, for family, friends, lovers, co-workers, grandchildren, resources, means of expression, hobbies, and so much more. It was such a lesson! Think, if you were lost, frightened, confused, and desperate.... could you take half a minute to see an object of beauty, to admit relief that you had a granola bar and bottle of water, to have faith that it would be ok,- all that would be gratitude. ( I am not talking about celebrating in the midst of tragedy.) You would be coping in a proper way to help your head stay clear enough to find your way out. This is what I try to explain to my clients who are struggling with mighty issues causing them depression, anxiety, grief, anger, and confusion. It isn't easy. It isn't easy to teach as it is so rarely discussed. Just for today, THINK about gratitude in the midst of agonizing frustration.

Being thankful is difficult right now. These simple, expert-backed methods will help you find some positives.

11/17/2020

A Perfect Storm: COVID and SAD (seasonal affective disorder) are joining forces to demoralize the populace again. We need to be ready to combat it. First, if you tend toward anxiety, depression, insomnia, be ready. Secondly, have a plan to eat right, exercise, talk with friends, healthy distractions (think hobbies, books, tv/movies, meditation, cooking, volunteering, etc). Third, talk to your doctor to consider medication. Antidepressants, vitamin D3 supplements, and light therapy can be very effective. Lastly, seek out a therapist. We can do in-person or telehealth. We can do breathing exercises, in-person hypnotherapy can be helpful, and perhaps investigating any root issues could be very helpful. Winter does not last forever.

Seasonal affective disorder appears in about 5% of the US population during winter months. With social distancing amid the pandemic, this form of depression could hit harder this year. Here's how to prep in order to reduce SAD symptoms.