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Live to EmPower
Monthly therapeutic insights, coping skills, and inspiration — delivered with care.
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Piedmont Therapy & Wellness
Live to EmPower
September 2026
As the air turns crisp and September invites us into a season of transition, I encourage you to use this time to reflect on what you want to cultivate in the coming months. Just as the trees prepare to let go, remember that your own process of shedding old habits is a beautiful part of your growth. I am here to support you in finding your footing in this new season, Rahim Skinner, LCMHC.
Therapeutic Intervention of the Month
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Values-Based Living
At its core, ACT encourages us to move toward what truly matters to us, even when life feels challenging. Instead of fighting against uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, we learn to identify our deepest values—the qualities of being that guide our actions, like kindness, curiosity, or courage. By aligning our daily behaviors with these chosen values, we foster a more meaningful and purposeful life. 🌿 Instead of focusing on getting rid of 'bad' emotions, we create space for them while still taking steps toward our goals. Practical takeaway: Try selecting one value for the week, such as 'patience.' Before you make a decision, ask yourself, 'Does this action move me closer to the kind of person I want to be?'
Coping Skill for Stress
The Self-Soothing 'Cold Splash' Technique
When stress peaks and you feel physically overwhelmed, our nervous system can use a reset. 1. Fill a bowl with cold water (or grab an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel). 2. Take a deep breath and hold it. 3. Submerge your face (or place the cold pack over your eyes and cheekbones) for 15-30 seconds. 4. Release your breath slowly as you pull away. This triggers the 'mammalian dive reflex,' which naturally slows the heart rate and shifts your physiology out of fight-or-flight mode. Use this when you feel an intense emotional spike or a panic-like sensation where your mind feels stuck.
"The wound is the place where the Light enters you."
— Rumi, 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic

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This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice.