HAPPY MONDAY, EVERYONE! I really hope that all of you are doing okay and are staying healthy. Over the weekend, I became symptomatic for covid-19, and I have been in isolation to try and protect others. This has become an even scarier time for me, and I know how hard it must be on allContinue reading “Update: I am Symptomatic for Covid-19”
Author Archives: Ashley Nestler, MSW
How to Use This ‘Emotion Chart’ to Pick Your Next Quarantine Read
Books have always been a safe haven for me. Ever since I was young, I have found solace in and healing through reading. My healing experience with reading has led me to become a huge advocate for Bibliotherapy (the use of books as therapeutic tools). I am so excited to share this easily accessible formContinue reading “How to Use This ‘Emotion Chart’ to Pick Your Next Quarantine Read”
5 Ways to Protect Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Hello, Everyone, I know that you are probably being bogged down with articles about the Coronavirus pandemic in one way or another, but I wanted to reach out and provide you with some of my personal help if you are struggling with mental illness during this time. I am currently being quarantined at home, andContinue reading “5 Ways to Protect Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Pandemic”
Subscription Review: The Body Love Box – March 2020
HAPPY THURSDAY, EVERYONE! I am super excited to share with you a subscription box that I am just IN LOVE with! This box is called The Body Love Box and it is all about body positivity and size inclusivity. I am a huge advocate for body inclusivity and fighting weight stigma, so I found this box to be anContinue reading “Subscription Review: The Body Love Box – March 2020”
How Criticizing My Emotions in Childhood Created an ‘Emotional Storm’ Inside Me
When I was growing up, I was labeled as a “shy” and “sensitive” child. I would cry often, and I would be criticized for it, which contributed to my quiet demeanor. Whenever I would express anger, I was told I wasn’t allowed to be mad, or that being angry was wrong. I learned that sadness and angerContinue reading “How Criticizing My Emotions in Childhood Created an ‘Emotional Storm’ Inside Me”
The Underdiagnosed (and Misunderstood) Type of Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder is a frequently overgeneralized condition. Stereotypically, individuals with BPD are seen as impulsive and moody with outbursts of anger; however, while impulsivity and intense emotions are possible symptoms of BPD, they are not applicable to all. There are 256 possible representations of BPD, and stereotyping individuals with the disorder marginalizes thoseContinue reading “The Underdiagnosed (and Misunderstood) Type of Borderline Personality Disorder”
The Use of Counted Cross Stitch in Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Art therapy was established in 1942 by Adrian Hill, who found painting and drawing soothing while healing from tuberculosis (Team, 2016). Since then, art therapy has grown as a profession and has been utilized in the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, cancer, eating disorders, and numerous other conditions. Art therapy is no longer limited toContinue reading “The Use of Counted Cross Stitch in Therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)”
Memories – A Poem
Memories flood inCrashing into me like wavesAll control is lost
Stuck – A Poem
Sometimes I feel stuckA prisoner in my mindSave me from myself
The New Face of Accessible Online Therapy
In the past few years, the therapy field has grown significantly in the online world. In the past, therapy was widely experienced with a therapist in person talking face to face. While this was an effective format, many individuals weren’t able to access therapy due to issues with cost, insurance, or location, and marginalized populationsContinue reading “The New Face of Accessible Online Therapy”
Releasing the Phoenix 