As we transition into spring, this is a wonderful time to reflect on growth, renewal, and personal well-being. With St. Patrick's Day around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to celebrate your own "pot of gold"—the strength, resilience, and growth you've cultivated on your mental health journey. In this edition, we're excited to share helpful resources and tips to support your well-being. Whether you're looking for strategies to reduce stress, deepen your self-care routine, or explore new ways to navigate challenges, we're here to help. Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to supporting you in your continued growth and healing.

The Hamilton Wellness Team

Casey believes that fostering strong relationships with each client is essential to the success of their work together. Using an integrative approach, Casey tailors treatment plans to meet the unique needs and concerns of each individual client. Additionally, Casey completes psychological assessments of ADHD, Autism Spectrum, and Learning Disorders. Casey serves as a dedicated advocate, ensuring clients receive the full range of support they deserve.

Q&A:

Q: Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a therapist?

A: I decided to become a therapist after I took my first psychology class in high school and was fascinated by the brain and how it works. I started working in the mental health field while in college by working as an office assistant at a pediatric trauma assessment center and as a counselor at a summer camp for kids with various special needs. That helped me realize that I really enjoyed working with kids/teens and their families and led to my other positions while in grad school that ultimately led me to achieving my goal of becoming a therapist.

Q: What types of issues or conditions do you specialize in?

A: I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults on a variety of issues including anxiety, OCD, depression, and LGBT issues. I start with a humanistic foundation and use elements of cognitive and behavioral therapy to customize the therapy process for each client.

Social Work: Compassion + Action

Social workers are an integral part of communities, working in diverse fields like healthcare, government, education, and social services. With demand for their expertise increasing, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in the profession by 2033, totaling over 836,000 social workers across the country. Their dedication, training, and compassion make them invaluable in addressing today’s most pressing challenges.

Social workers play a critical role in improving lives and society. Their compassion fuels a fast-growing profession in the U.S., with an increasing number of people joining each year. Through extensive education and training, social workers are equipped to help individuals, families, and communities reach their full potential.

This year’s Social Work Month theme, Social Work: Compassion + Action, highlights the vital role social workers will play in addressing key societal issues, such as the protection of LGBTQIA2+ rights, reproductive rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Social workers are also at the forefront of tackling the mental health crisis, substance use disorders, and rising homelessness due to income inequality.

The theme also reminds social workers to prioritize self-care, just as passengers are instructed to put on their own oxygen masks in an emergency. By nurturing themselves, they can continue to serve those in need effectively.

"May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door."

- Old Irish Blessing

March is a time of renewal, growth, and a little bit of luck! Use these themed activities to boost your mental health and well-being.

🍀 1. Finding Your Pot of Gold

• Identify your personal "gold" by writing down values, goals, or things that bring you joy.
• Reflect: What small steps can you take toward these treasures?

🍀 2. Cognitive Restructuring Clover

• Draw a four-leaf clover and label each leaf:
1. Unhelpful Thought – A negative belief you often have.
2. Challenge It – Is this thought true? What evidence do you have?
3. Reframe It – Turn it into a more balanced, positive thought.
4. New Perspective – How does this make you feel now?

🍀 3. Lucky Affirmations Jar

• Write down positive affirmations on small slips of paper.
• Each day, pull one out and say it aloud to yourself.
• Example: "I am worthy of happiness and success."

🌷 4. Spring Forward with Self-Care

• With daylight saving time, reset your routine:
• Prioritize sleep.
• Get outside for fresh air and sunshine.
• Adjust screen time for better mental clarity.

🌷 5. March Mindfulness Walk

• Go on a nature walk and use your senses:
• What do you see? (New blooms, changing trees)
• What do you hear? (Birds, wind, footsteps)
• What do you feel? (Sun, breeze, your breath)
• What do you smell? (Flowers, fresh air)

🍀 6. Let Go Like a Leprechaun

• Write down worries or negative thoughts on paper shamrocks.
• Rip them up, throw them away, or place them in a "luck box" to revisit later with a fresh mindset.

🌷 7. Wellness Bracket Challenge

• Create a “March Madness” bracket with self-care activities.
• Each day, pick two activities and do the one that benefits you most.
• Example: Meditation vs. Journaling – which one helped you feel better today?

🍀 8. Weather the Storm

• March’s unpredictable weather is like life—sometimes sunny, sometimes stormy.
• When challenges arise, remind yourself: “Storms pass, and so will this moment.”

Learn how simple actions like creating positive family routines and maintaining open and honest communication help foster a warm, supportive relationship with your child or teen.