• Contact Now Schedule an Appointment

    We have openings for new virtual therapy clients due to the Coronavirus challenges many of you are facing. We are looking forward to helping you through this challenging time. You are not alone.
    leanne@therapistconnecticut.com | (203) 787-8269

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
  • LM Therapy Associates

    • Home
    • About
    • Services Provided
      • Accountability Christian Life Coaching
      • Faith Based Counseling
      • Couples Counseling
      • Individual Therapy
      • Grief Counseling
      • Foster Care Counseling
      • Adoption Counseling & Consulting
      • New Therapist Awareness Consultation
    • Getting Started
      • FAQs
      • Out- of-Network and Direct pay
      • No Surprise Act Notification
      • Client Forms
      • Appointment Request
      • Testimonials
    • Resources
      • Recent News
      • Mental Health Links
      • Physical Health Links
    • Contact
    • Blog

    Treatment for Social Anxiety

    June 10, 2021

    For a year now, most of us have been unhappy with living a life in quarantine, wondering when the world would finally get back to normal. With vaccines rolling out and most towns and cities reaching herd immunity, society is beginning to open back up. Now if you are like some Americans, part of you […]

    Read More

    Treatment for Social Anxiety

    June 10, 2021

    For a year now, most of us have been unhappy with living a life in quarantine, wondering when the world would finally get back to normal. With vaccines rolling out and most towns and cities reaching herd immunity, society is beginning to open back up.

    Now if you are like some Americans, part of you is happy for life to return to normal, and another part of you is experiencing what some psychologists call “re-entry anxiety.” According to a report from the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly 50% of Americans have expressed that they feel some anxiety regarding resuming in-person interactions post-pandemic.

    This is a Normal Reaction to a Very Stressful Situation

    Mental health experts have suggested there are two groups of people that will most likely experience re-entry anxiety. One of those groups is people who have a lingering fear that they will either catch or help to spread the disease or the new strains of COVID that seem to be cropping up.

    The second group are people who feel their social skills have withered while quarantined and may find being around a lot of people and holding their end of the conversation to be very awkward, exhausting and challenging.

    It’s important to mention that while you may be feeling anxious about re-entry into society, avoiding social situations will only make your anxiety worse. In fact, experts agree the longer you avoid the thing that makes you anxious, the harder it will be to face it.

    What may help is to set small goals for yourself. For instance, you may want to set up small get-togethers with one or two others to start. Don’t feel the need to jump in the deep end right away, slowly acclimatize yourself to start.

    Getting Help for Your Anxiety

    We’ve all got to remember that we’ve faced a big trauma this past year and we must be gentle with ourselves. Life will feel normal once again. Until then, do the best you can do and ask for help when you need it.

    Speaking with a trained therapist can be highly effective for people dealing with stress and anxiety. A therapist can help you navigate your emotions and offer tools to move through the anxiety.

    If you’d like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me. I’d be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

    RESOURCES:

    • https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2021/03/30/reentry-anxiety
    • https://psychcentral.com/health/on-your-own-terms-why-it-is-important-to-set-boundaries-emerging-from-isolation
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/sustainable-life-satisfaction/202103/5-tips-manage-social-anxiety-post-vaccination

    Filed Under: Anxiety

    The Truth About Perfectionism

    May 16, 2021

    We live in a society that values things that appear perfect. And I suppose there are things that can be perfect. Architects can draw the perfect straight line, mathematicians can solve an equation with a perfect calculation, and a chocolate cake can be perfectly moist. But as human beings, we can never reach a state […]

    Read More

    The Truth About Perfectionism

    May 16, 2021

    We live in a society that values things that appear perfect. And I suppose there are things that can be perfect. Architects can draw the perfect straight line, mathematicians can solve an equation with a perfect calculation, and a chocolate cake can be perfectly moist.

    But as human beings, we can never reach a state of perfection because we will always be a work in progress. Perfection indicates a finality – a finished product – but we as humans are always growing and changing.

    What is Perfectionism?

    Many people view perfectionism as a positive attribute. They believe the more “perfect” they are, the more success they will have in life.

    Perfectionism is NOT the same thing as always doing your best. It is important that we always do our best. By doing so, we can experience healthy achievements and growth. But perfectionism takes this concept to the extreme.

    People with perfectionist tendencies often have self-defeating thoughts and/or behaviors that actually make it HARDER to achieve their goals. Perfectionism also can make the individual feel stress, anxiety, and depression.

    Signs to Look For

    Most human beings, from time to time, will strive for perfectionism in some aspect of their life. As an example, that “perfectly moist chocolate cake” I mentioned earlier got that way because the person who baked it was trying to get everything JUST RIGHT as a gift for someone’s birthday.

    But there are those people who are “full-time” perfectionists. They strive for perfection in all aspects of their life.

    Here are some signs you may be a perfectionist:

    • You don’t like to attempt tasks or activities unless you feel you can complete them perfectly.
    • You are end-oriented, meaning you focus little on the process of creating or learning something and put all of the emphasis on the outcome.
    • You cannot see a task as having been completed unless it meets your perfectionist standards.
    • You tend to procrastinate because you don’t like starting a task until you know you can perfectly complete it.
    • You tend to take far longer completing tasks than others. This can be problematic at work.

    Getting Help

    Again, perfectionism is not the same thing as doing your best. It is a condition whereby the individual is almost incapable of feeling joy or pride at what they accomplish because in their own minds, they are never quite good enough.

    If you believe you may have traits of perfectionism and it is causing you stress, there are things you can do to change your behavior so you can live a healthier and happier life.
    If you’d like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me.

    SOURCES:

    • https://cogbtherapy.com/cbt-blog/2014/7/9/stop-perfectionism-be-happy-with-good-enough
    • https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/perfectionism/overcome
    • https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/perfectionism

    Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression

    Hypnotherapy via Telehealth – Does It Work?

    March 30, 2021

    Hypnosis has to be one of the most misunderstood mental health treatments hands down. The myths surrounding this treatment stem from the many exaggerated movie scenes and stage shows that get people to cluck like a chicken. The truth is, hypnosis is an effective psychological treatment that has helped countless people. In a clinical setting, […]

    Read More

    Hypnotherapy via Telehealth – Does It Work?

    March 30, 2021

    Hypnosis has to be one of the most misunderstood mental health treatments hands down. The myths surrounding this treatment stem from the many exaggerated movie scenes and stage shows that get people to cluck like a chicken.

    The truth is, hypnosis is an effective psychological treatment that has helped countless people. In a clinical setting, hypnosis simply puts people into a highly focused or relaxed state, where there is heightened suggestibility. In this relaxed state, positive suggestions seem to better find their way into the subconscious mind, where they can then help people make better choices in their lives.

    When is Hypnosis Used?

    Hypnotherapy is often used to treat anxiety, phobias, substance abuse including tobacco, sexual dysfunction, undesirable spontaneous behaviors, and bad habits. Hypnosis can also be used to help with insomnia and other sleep issues, learning disorders, relationship issues and problems with communication. It has even been used successfully to aid in pain management and has been able to help resolve certain medical conditions such as digestive disorders, skin issues and GI upset related to chemotherapy and pregnancy.

    Hypnotherapy via Telehealth?

    Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many therapists have had to pivot and offer their clients therapy sessions via telehealth solutions. Now you may be wondering if hypnotherapy can really work when receiving the treatment through an online portal such as Zoom or Skype.

    Yes, this treatment can work remarkably even when not in the same room with the person. To start, hypnotherapy is all about getting into a DEEP state of relaxation. Most people are going to feel the MOST relaxed in their own home.

    In addition, these sessions typically have the person laying down or sitting comfortably with their eyes closed listening to their therapist speak. There may even be some calming music. All of this can happen just as easily over the Internet. In fact, if the patient wears headphones, they will be able to block out all ambient noise and focus JUST on their therapist, something that doesn’t necessarily happen in the therapist’s office where you may also hear distracting sounds from the building or outside traffic.

    Finding a Qualified Therapist

    The great thing about receiving hypnotherapy via telehealth is you are not limited to working with a therapist in your local area. When looking for a hypnotherapist, it’s important that you find someone who is a member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. Members of these organizations are required to prove they have a doctorate level degree in medicine, dentistry, or psychology, or a master’s degree in nursing, social work, psychology, or marital/family therapy plus a specific number of hours of approved training in hypnotherapy.

    Of course, in addition to finding someone with the right credentials, you should also find someone you feel 100% comfortable with.

    If you are interested in exploring hypnotherapy, please give my office a call. I would be happy to speak with you, answer any questions, and see if working together might make sense.

     

    SOURCES:

    • https://britalarsoncounseling.com/what-is-hypnotherapy-like-via-telehealth/
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-well/201301/the-truth-about-hypnosis
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/hypnotherapy

    Filed Under: Addiction, Anxiety, Sexual Health, Trauma / PTSD

    Hypnotherapy via Telehealth – Does It Work?

    March 30, 2021

    Hypnosis has to be one of the most misunderstood mental health treatments hands down. The myths surrounding this treatment stem from the many exaggerated movie scenes and stage shows that get people to cluck like a chicken. The truth is, hypnosis is an effective psychological treatment that has helped countless people. In a clinical setting, […]

    Read More

    Hypnotherapy via Telehealth – Does It Work?

    March 30, 2021

    Hypnosis has to be one of the most misunderstood mental health treatments hands down. The myths surrounding this treatment stem from the many exaggerated movie scenes and stage shows that get people to cluck like a chicken.

    The truth is, hypnosis is an effective psychological treatment that has helped countless people. In a clinical setting, hypnosis simply puts people into a highly focused or relaxed state, where there is heightened suggestibility. In this relaxed state, positive suggestions seem to better find their way into the subconscious mind, where they can then help people make better choices in their lives.

    When is Hypnosis Used?

    Hypnotherapy is often used to treat anxiety, phobias, substance abuse including tobacco, sexual dysfunction, undesirable spontaneous behaviors, and bad habits. Hypnosis can also be used to help with insomnia and other sleep issues, learning disorders, relationship issues and problems with communication. It has even been used successfully to aid in pain management and has been able to help resolve certain medical conditions such as digestive disorders, skin issues and GI upset related to chemotherapy and pregnancy.

    Hypnotherapy via Telehealth?

    Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many therapists have had to pivot and offer their clients therapy sessions via telehealth solutions. Now you may be wondering if hypnotherapy can really work when receiving the treatment through an online portal such as Zoom or Skype.

    Yes, this treatment can work remarkably even when not in the same room with the person. To start, hypnotherapy is all about getting into a DEEP state of relaxation. Most people are going to feel the MOST relaxed in their own home.

    In addition, these sessions typically have the person laying down or sitting comfortably with their eyes closed listening to their therapist speak. There may even be some calming music. All of this can happen just as easily over the Internet. In fact, if the patient wears headphones, they will be able to block out all ambient noise and focus JUST on their therapist, something that doesn’t necessarily happen in the therapist’s office where you may also hear distracting sounds from the building or outside traffic.

    Finding a Qualified Therapist

    The great thing about receiving hypnotherapy via telehealth is you are not limited to working with a therapist in your local area. When looking for a hypnotherapist, it’s important that you find someone who is a member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. Members of these organizations are required to prove they have a doctorate level degree in medicine, dentistry, or psychology, or a master’s degree in nursing, social work, psychology, or marital/family therapy plus a specific number of hours of approved training in hypnotherapy.

    Of course, in addition to finding someone with the right credentials, you should also find someone you feel 100% comfortable with.

    If you are interested in exploring hypnotherapy, please give my office a call. I would be happy to speak with you, answer any questions, and see if working together might make sense.

     

    SOURCES:

    • https://britalarsoncounseling.com/what-is-hypnotherapy-like-via-telehealth/
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-well/201301/the-truth-about-hypnosis
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/hypnotherapy

    Filed Under: Addiction, Anxiety, Sexual Health, Trauma / PTSD

    5 Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep with Anxiety

    December 31, 2020

    Affecting nearly 40 million adults in the United States, anxiety is one of the country’s most common mental health disorders. Sleep disturbances such as insomnia are highly prevalent amongst those who suffer from an anxiety disorder. If you have trouble falling asleep, it may heighten or trigger your anxiety, and vice versa. While it can […]

    Read More

    5 Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep with Anxiety

    December 31, 2020

    Affecting nearly 40 million adults in the United States, anxiety is one of the country’s most common mental health disorders. Sleep disturbances such as insomnia are highly prevalent amongst those who suffer from an anxiety disorder. If you have trouble falling asleep, it may heighten or trigger your anxiety, and vice versa. While it can be difficult for an anxiety sufferer to fall asleep, it’s not impossible; read on for five ways to get a better night’s sleep.

    1. Exercise

    Physical activity is an important component of overall health. Exercise will produce chemicals in your brain that will help elevate your mood and decrease your stress or tension, which will provide some relief for your anxiety. Exercise will also help you sleep. Not only will the physical exertion improve the quality of your sleep, but it will also help ensure you’re able to sleep without interruption.

    2. Daylight

    Daylight helps set sleep patterns, so try to spend at least 30 minutes outdoors during the day time. Daylight sun exposure is critical if you have trouble falling asleep because it helps to regulate the body’s circadian clock.

    3. Healthy Habits

    Studies have shown that people who make unhealthy food choices are more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances. Healthy balanced meals will keep your energy stable which will help you manage your mood and improve your sleep habits.

    It’s also important to avoid big meals or alcohol for several hours before bedtime. Smoking is another bad habit that can cause many health problems, which will negatively affect your sleep in a number of ways.

    4. Night Time Routine

    Create a routine that you execute nightly, an hour or two before bedtime. Minimizing screen time will help calm your mind and prepare you for sleep. Change into your pajamas and do some light reading, or find other ways to charge down and get ready to sleep. Make sure you go to bed around the same time every night too, including weekends.

    5. A Comfortable Bedroom

    Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, without distractions. Have a window open to keep the room cool and the air smelling fresh. A clean room and clean linens will make your bedroom more inviting. Make sure you have a good quality mattress and pillow to maximize your comfort.

    Are you struggling with falling or staying asleep, and need help maintaining healthy sleep habits? A licensed professional can help. Call my office today and let’s schedule an appointment to talk.

    Filed Under: Anxiety

    How to Cope with the Stress and Anxiety Caused by COVID-19

    December 31, 2020

    If you’re like most people, you are doing your best to stay calm during COVID-19 pandemic. But that can feel incredibly difficult at times. When not worrying about friends and loved one’s health, there’s also the conflicting information provided by the media and the economic ramifications of the virus that have people on edge. Signs […]

    Read More

    How to Cope with the Stress and Anxiety Caused by COVID-19

    December 31, 2020

    If you’re like most people, you are doing your best to stay calm during COVID-19 pandemic. But that can feel incredibly difficult at times. When not worrying about friends and loved one’s health, there’s also the conflicting information provided by the media and the economic ramifications of the virus that have people on edge.

    Signs of Emotional Distress and 6 Ways to Cope

    Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, but most will exhibit some of the following signs:

    • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Worsening of chronic health problems
    • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

    If you are experiencing significant stress right now, here are some ways you can cope:

    1. Limit Media Consumption

    Hearing the media constantly spread panic isn’t good for anyone. It’s important to stay rational and do your own research to uncover facts from fiction as well as stay positive.

    2. Nurture Your Body and Spirit

    Be sure to get outside for some fresh air and go for a walk. Eat right and make sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep. Avoid consuming too much alcohol and try and find fun ways to reconnect with your family.

    3. Tap into Your Sense of Fun

    If you have kids, look to them for some good old-fashioned playtime. Play hide and seek in the house. Create an obstacle course in the back yard. Watch some of your favorite funny movies. Laughter really is the best medicine so get plenty of it!

    4. Support Your Local Community

    Many local businesses are hurting right now. If you’re still getting a paycheck, consider buying a gift card from a local restaurant, gym, hair salon, etc. to give them revenue now and you can use the card later. This will make you feel great at the same time.

    5. Be a Role Model

    Remember, your kids will ALWAYS look to you first to see how they should be thinking and feeling about something. So move about each day calmly and confidently and reassure your kids everything will be okay because it will be.

    6. Use Your Time Constructively

    For many of us, there is a silver lining in this situation in the form of extra time. What can you do with the extra time that isn’t being used to drive an hour or more each day in commuting? Focus on using this time wisely. Maybe you have an ever-growing list of home projects that you just never have time to tackle. Tackle them now, you’ll feel great about it later.

     

    If you find yourself becoming too stressed or depressed during this time, I encourage you to connect with me. Speaking with a therapist can help you cope with the situation and navigate the days ahead. I am currently able to conduct sessions over the phone or via Skype, so you won’t even have to leave your home if your state is in lockdown.


    SOURCES:

    https://www.ucihealth.org/news/2020/03/covid-19-anxiety

    https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/ep/behavioral/stress_covid19.pdf

    Filed Under: Anxiety, General

    5 Strategies to Calm Your Anxiety Quickly

    July 9, 2020

    When you live with an anxiety disorder, any moment can become one that creates a slow-rising panic within you. Life is normal one second and the next, you feel your chest tighten and your heart begin to race. You may begin to hyperfocus on future events and find yourself getting lost in “what-ifs.” To make […]

    Read More

    5 Strategies to Calm Your Anxiety Quickly

    July 9, 2020

    When you live with an anxiety disorder, any moment can become one that creates a slow-rising panic within you. Life is normal one second and the next, you feel your chest tighten and your heart begin to race. You may begin to hyperfocus on future events and find yourself getting lost in “what-ifs.”

    To make matters worse, you may then begin to berate yourself for allowing the panic to get the best of you and begin to believe that all of those what-ifs are indisputable facts.

    Luckily there are many powerful tools and techniques you can use to manage your anxiety effectively.

    Breathe Deeply

    The minute you feel a panic attack coming on, the first thing to do is stop and gain control of your breath. Deep, slow breathing sends a signal to our brains that everything is safe in our environment. Controlled breathing is one of the most powerful ways to activate your body’s relaxation response. It will take your mind and body out of “fight or flight” mode and put it instantly into a calm and relaxed state.

    Accept That You are Anxious

    It’s important to always remember that anxiety is “just a feeling.” And like all feelings, it can go as quickly as it came. You are having an emotional reaction to a string of thoughts. Accept your anxiety because trying to pretend it’s not happening will only make matters worse.

    Let’s be clear – by accepting your anxiety, you are not resigning yourself to a life of eternal misery. You are not throwing in the towel and trying to suddenly like your anxiety. Nope. You are simply living a more mindful existence, being in the moment, and accepting whatever is in that moment with you.

    Your Emotions Cannot Kill You

    One of the most frightening things about a panic attack is the feeling that you are having a heart attack. But you aren’t. Your brain can and will play tricks on you, trying to get you to believe that you are in physical danger. But the truth is, you are not in physical danger. You are having an episode based on emotions and it will pass. Remind yourself of that as many times as you need to.

    Question Your Thoughts

    When your panic attack begins, your mind begins to throw out all sorts of outlandish ideas at you, hoping some of them stick. These thoughts are intended to keep the panic attack going.

    Before you take any of these thoughts as reality and truth, question them. For instance, if your mind throws things out like, “No one here likes me. I am for sure going to screw this up. I probably left the stove on. And I’ll no doubt get stuck in bad traffic on the way home and maybe even get a flat so I will then be stranded, and on and on and on…”

    Questions these ideas. Are you TRULY not liked by everyone around you? Most likely not. Are you really going to screw up? Probably not. Traffic? Well, maybe but a flat tire? Chances are no.

    Always question your thoughts. You will usually find the majority aren’t very realistic or probable.

    Visualize

    Picture somewhere serene that brings you peace and calm. Maybe this is your grandparents’ old house or a lake you’ve visited before. Maybe it’s that fantastic beachfront condo from your last vacation. Just picture it in your mind’s eye and really put yourself there. See it, smell it, feel it. Feel how calm it feels to be in this space that is perfectly comforting and safe.

    Use these techniques the next time you experience an anxiety attack. They should help you feel much calmer much sooner.

    If you would like to explore treatment options for your anxiety, please get in touch with me. I’d would be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

     

    SOURCES:

    • https://psychcentral.com/lib/9-ways-to-reduce-anxiety-right-here-right-now/
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-empaths-survival-guide/201810/self-soothing-strategies-8-ways-calm-anxiety-and-stress
    • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/prescriptions-life/201709/7-ways-calm-your-worried-mind-and-reduce-anxiety

     

    Filed Under: Anxiety

    Do You Have C-PTSD?

    March 1, 2020

    You have most likely heard the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – also known as PTSD. It is used to describe the mental and emotional anguish suffered by those who have experienced sudden trauma. PTSD is often experienced by soldiers as well as those who have been victims of rape and other crimes, and even […]

    Read More

    Do You Have C-PTSD?

    March 1, 2020

    You have most likely heard the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – also known as PTSD. It is used to describe the mental and emotional anguish suffered by those who have experienced sudden trauma. PTSD is often experienced by soldiers as well as those who have been victims of rape and other crimes, and even victims of house fires and car accidents.

    Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) describes a condition that very much presents like PTSD, the difference being the sufferer experienced prolonged periods of abuse or neglect. This could happen as a result of childhood neglect or the abuse suffered at the hands of a narcissistic partner.

    Diagnosing C-PTSD

    Diagnosing C-PTSD is tricky because the symptoms are usually not very unique. That is to say, someone who is suffering from C-PTSD may be experiencing anxiety and lethargy, but these symptoms match other mental health issues.

    But it is very important to accurately diagnose C-PTSD because of the necessary treatment measures. The main difference between C-PTSD and other mental health issues – say, bipolar disorder – is that C-PTSD is a result of things that were done TO an individual, and not an intrinsic problem. In other words, someone suffers from C-PTSD because of abuse and neglect at the hands of another and not because of genetically determined brain chemistry.

    To help correctly identify C-PTSD, a therapist must uncover an accurate history to understand if:

    • The individual has experienced multiple prolonged traumas that have lasted for months (or even years)
    • The traumas were caused by someone the individual had a deep interpersonal relationship with and/or someone who was part of their primary care network (most commonly a parent or caregiver)
    • These traumas were experienced as permanent features of life, with the individual unable to see any end in sight
    • The individual had no control or power over the person traumatizing them

    Symptoms of C-PTSD

    As I just mentioned, the outward symptoms of C-PTSD may match other mental health disorders. Those symptoms include:

    • Flashbacks and nightmares in which the trauma is relived.
    • Avoiding people, places, and situations that remind them of the trauma.
    • Dizziness or nausea when remembering the trauma.
    • Hyperarousal. This is a state of high alert and one they often lived in.
    • A belief that the world is a dangerous place.
    • A loss of trust in self or others.
    • Difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
    • Being startled by loud noises.

    Treatment for C-PTSD

    There are a few different treatment options for people suffering from C-PTSD:

    Psychotherapy

    Therapy can take place on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting. The focus will be on addressing feelings, improving connections with others, and dealing with anxiety and flashbacks. Many therapists have had success using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helping people cope with the symptoms of C-PTSD.

    EMDR

    EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. This is a process that uses eye movement to help a person desensitize their reactions to a specific traumatic event. The result is the person can eventually recall the memory but have no emotional reaction to it.

    Medication

    Some individuals may need to be on medications for a while to reduce their anxiety. A therapist can work with you to determine if this is the best course of action.

     

    If you believe you are suffering from C-PTSD and would like to explore treatment options, please be in touch. I’d be happy to discuss how I may be able to help.

    Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect, Anxiety, General, Trauma / PTSD

    Five Polite Ways for Introverts to Leave a Party Early

    October 21, 2019

    Most people who are introverted have no desire to attend a party. For introverts, parties are torturous social affairs, putting you far out of your comfort zone and forcing you to interact with strangers. Unfortunately for the introvert, there are moments in life when you absolutely must attend a party. If for you, the best […]

    Read More

    Five Polite Ways for Introverts to Leave a Party Early

    October 21, 2019

    Most people who are introverted have no desire to attend a party. For introverts, parties are torturous social affairs, putting you far out of your comfort zone and forcing you to interact with strangers. Unfortunately for the introvert, there are moments in life when you absolutely must attend a party. If for you, the best thing about a party is leaving it, here are five ways to make a quick exit.

    1. Tell The Host in Advance

    One polite way to leave a party early is to make your excuse ahead of time. When you reply to accept the invitation, let the host know that you have to leave early because of another commitment. If it’s a less formal affair, you can let the host know when you arrive that you have to leave early. That way when it’s time to go, they won’t be surprised.

    2. Take a Bathroom Break

    Using a bathroom break as a method of escape is most handy for sit-down or small parties. Excuse yourself to use the bathroom; when you come out of the bathroom, grab your coat and/or purse and make your way to the host, thanking them for a lovely time.

    3. The Early Morning

    The tried and true “early morning” is the perfect excuse to leave a party. “I’m sorry I have to go, I have an early morning tomorrow.” Everyone understands having to hit the hay a bit earlier because of an early morning commitment.

    4. Sudden Sickness

    Alcohol at the party is a convenient scapegoat for your early departure. Let the host know you drank too much, or that the alcohol didn’t hit you well, so you have to head home.

    5. Blame the Sitter

    Letting your hosts know you have to get home to relieve your baby or pet sitter is a no-fail way to leave a party early.

     

    Whatever method of escape you choose, when it’s time to duck out, make sure you take the time to find your host and thank them for inviting you. Be sure to let them know they were a great host by complimenting the food or saying how much fun you had, so they don’t interpret your exit as their party being a dud.

    If you’re an introvert and are looking for support and guidance in overcoming shyness or handling social situations, a mental health professional can help. Call my office today, and let’s schedule a time to talk.

    Filed Under: Anxiety, Self-Esteem

    30 Hazel Terrace Woodbridge, CT 06525
    (203) 787-8269 leanne@therapistconnecticut.com

    Common sense practical therapy for your life.

    Contact Today

    LM Therapy Associates
    leanne@therapistconnecticut.com | (203) 787-8269

    "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." -James Baldwin

    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy