THE MANI JOURNAL
A little reflection.
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Stories, ideas, and practices for understanding yourself and connecting with what matters.
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Understanding Imposter Phenomenon at Work
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Understanding Imposter Phenomenon at Work
Imposter Phenomenon (IP) is more than just self-doubt—it’s a persistent feeling that your achievements are undeserved, that you’re not as capable as others think you are, and that it’s …
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Mindfulness for Anxiety Relief: Practical Tools to Calm the Mind and Soothe the Body
I’m excited to share that my new course, Mindfulness for Anxiety Relief: Practical Tools to Calm the Mind and Soothe the Body, is now available. In this course, I guide you through simp…
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Ham-Sah Pranayama
The Ham Sah mantra is a powerful and ancient spiritual practice that helps connect us to the universal energies within and around us. By incorporating this mantra into your meditation r…
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A prayer
Oh Divine Mother of mine! As I sit in my meditation room, I have just finished praying for guidance—for our family and for each of us to find the way back to the source. Help us learn t…
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Breaking Free from Negative Relationship Cycles
Relationships are often our greatest sources of joy—but when we feel disconnected, they can also bring pain and frustration. Over my years as a therapist, I’ve witnessed the profound tr…
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a snowy day in the heart
today is a white heavy snow day, and it’s absolutely beautiful to just sit at home. the quiet wraps around me like a soft blanket, and the music plays gently in the background. I’m not …
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The Hardest Therapy I’ve Ever Done
When I first began my journey as a therapist, I thought I knew what the hardest cases would be. I imagined working with individuals who had committed crimes, those battling psychosis, h…
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The Journey of Psychedelic Integration
The therapeutic potential of psychedelics has sparked a new wave of interest in mental health and personal growth. Psychedelic experiences often expand our consciousness, allowing us to…
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The pain of Motherhood
This morning, as I sat waiting for my daughter, a quiet ache settled in—a familiar one that seems to live in the heart of every mother. Motherhood is filled with joy, but there’s a hidd…
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Spiritual Bypass – A Barrier to Authentic Healing
Spiritual bypass refers to the tendency to use spiritual practices or beliefs as a way to avoid facing unresolved emotional or psychological issues. It’s a form of defense mechanism whe…
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Women – Creation, Love, and the Divine
As I’ve sat with my clients and listened to their stories, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply on the role of women in life. Time and again, I see that women hold a unique and sacred pl…
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Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development
Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development is one of the most well-known and influential models in psychology. It outlines eight stages of development that individuals go through…
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Behavior training – Does it work?
Behavioral therapy, especially as pioneered by B.F. Skinner, emphasizes the idea that behaviors can be shaped and conditioned through reinforcement, much like training animals such as d…
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THE BEAUTY OF DEPENDENCE
In today’s fast-paced world, we often take pride in our independence. We like to think of ourselves as self-sufficient beings, capable of navigating life on our own. But nature, with it…
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Internal Family Systems Therapy: A Path to Healing and Self-Discovery
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy offers a unique and compassionate approach to psychotherapy that empowers individuals to heal themselves from within. By recognizing the complexity…
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Exploring the Healing Journey Through EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy represents a shift in psychotherapeutic treatments that effectively alleviates the distress associated with traumatic memori…
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Emotions – Sensors of the Heart.
Emotions guide us much like the senses guide our interactions with the physical world. They are the sensors of our heart, intricately designed to protect and nurture our inner selves. E…
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The Importance of Nurturing Children’s Hearts
In the realm of child development, the emphasis often leans heavily towards intellectual growth and physical health. However, according to Rudolf Steiner, true education encompasses far…
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Love’s Resilience
This morning, as the sun streamed through the windows of my office, casting a gentle glow on the faces before me, I was reminded once again why couple counseling holds such a special pl…
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A reflection on healing and recovery
This morning, as I bid farewell to a client, my heart felt unusually heavy. The progress we seemed to be making suddenly felt overshadowed by a single moment that reminded me of the com…
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The Art of Nourishing Your Inner World
Imagine for a moment that your mind is a garden. The thoughts you plant, the attention you water them with, and the information you feed them, all contribute to the landscape of this in…
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Embracing Life’s Cycle: Lessons from Nature on Harmony and Coexistence
Reflecting on my client’s observation this morning about two trees – one flourishing and the other withering – sharing the same soil, a profound metaphor for life’s intricate interconne…
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The Melting Point of Heaven and Earth: A Drive by Lake Superior
This morning, as I drove towards work, I witnessed a spectacle that beautifully encapsulated the balance of life, a scene where heaven and earth seemed to merge into one. Lake Superior,…
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Navigating the Seas of Anxiety: A Journey Through New Beginnings
Anxiety is like a dance between our thoughts and emotions, often reaching its crescendo when we stand on the brink of new experiences, such as embarking on a new job. It’s a dance that …
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Understanding and Upholding Client Rights in Mental Health Care
In our continuous effort to provide exceptional mental health care, it’s crucial to understand and respect the rights of our clients. This post delves into the 2023 Minnesota Statutes, …
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Navigating HIPAA: Best Practices and Understanding Breaches
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) stands as a crucial cornerstone, ensuring the protection and confidentialit…
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The Power of Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
The quest for understanding and enhancing human relationships has long been a topic of interest in psychology. Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby (1969/1982, 1988), and Emotion…
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Rediscovering the Magic in Creation
In the hustle of our daily lives, we often overlook the profound mysteries that envelop us. The natural world, with its intricate designs and complex processes, operates in a symphony o…
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The Myth of Normal Parenting
In a world where ‘normal’ often dictates our actions and beliefs, it’s crucial to question the norms that shape our parenting styles. Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and author, in…
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Meditation Needs Energy
In my counseling sessions, I’ve observed a curious phenomenon: sometimes clients fall asleep during guided meditation. While this might seem surprising, it’s actually a telling sign. It…
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Embracing Life and Death: A New Year’s Reflection
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it’s a time to reflect on the profound interplay between life and death, two forces that shape our existence. Often, we view death with fear …
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Understanding Personality Disorders: A Compassionate Perspective
Personality disorders, as outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), are a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring…
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What to Expect in a TRE Session with Me
If you’re considering a Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) session with me, you’re embarking on a unique and transformative journey. TRE is a series of exercises designed to ass…
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Using Meditation to Heal Deep Trauma: A Journey to Understanding and Healing
In my practice with clients, I often use meditation as a key tool to understand and heal deep-seated trauma. This process involves creating a safe and calm space, guiding clients to gen…
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Pranayama and the Ham Sah Technique
Pranayama, a time-honored practice deeply embedded in the ancient traditions of yoga, is often understood as the control or regulation of the ‘prana’ or life force through breath. This …
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Religious Counseling
As someone who has survived the profound challenges of a cult environment, I understand the complex nature of religious trauma and its far-reaching impact on one’s life. The trauma that…
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Embracing the Body’s Role in Healing: The Power of Somatic Therapies
The path to healing from trauma and emotional distress often involves a journey that goes beyond the mind and into the body. Somatic therapies, which focus on the body’s role in psychol…
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Harnessing Inner Healing through Meditation
In the realm of healing and personal growth, meditation stands as a powerful tool. My unique meditation technique, born from my experiences with Jhana, Vipassana meditation, and daily s…
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Vagus music therapy
Vagus Music Therapy (VMT) is an innovative and evidence-based listening therapy that integrates the principles of Polyvagal Theory to offer a unique approach to healing and emotional re…
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Power of TRE Therapy: A Path to Healing and Release
In the pursuit of mental and physical well-being, innovative therapies such as Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) have gained prominence as effective tools. TRE therapy, a uniqu…
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The way of the heart – Embracing love and connection in counseling
Throughout history and across cultures, the concept of love has been revered as a powerful force, a universal language that transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the human soul. …
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KEEP EXPLORING
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Doing What Matters in Times of Stress
An illustrated guide with practical skills and accompanying audio exercises.
Explore the guideNIH · NCCIH · RESEARCH OVERVIEWUnderstanding mindfulness
Information on meditation, mindfulness, the evidence, and safety.
Read the overviewFROM CRISTAL · COURSE INTRODUCTIONMindfulness for anxiety relief
Read about Cristal’s course and explore its approach to everyday practice.
Discover the courseWHEN YOU’D LIKE TO TALK