You Don’t Need a New You: Rethinking the New Year
By: Jamie Herman MSW, LGSW, LADC – Mental Health Therapist, Progress Valley Mental Health Clinic At some point, most of us have crafted a New Year’s resolution with the hope of becoming a better version of ourselves. The intention is usually positive—self-improvement, growth, a fresh start. But the pressure to constantly reinvent ourselves can quietly slip into something less helpful. There comes a point where …
When the Holidays Hurt: Making Space for Grief, Love and Healing.
By: Jamie Herman MSW, LGSW, LADC – Mental Health Therapist, Progress Valley Mental Health Clinic The holiday season can stir up a wide range of emotions. For many, it brings reminders of what once was—traditions, relationships, or loved ones who are no longer here. Amid the hustle and bustle, the pressure to keep up with to‑do lists, attend every gathering, and show up for every …
Identity, Gender, and Trauma: Why Who We Are Matters for Mental Health
By: Diederik Durst, Progress Valley Mental Health and LADC intern Identity lies at the heart of mental health. Research consistently shows that our sense ofself—how we understand, name, and narrate who we are—shapes well-being, coping, and resilience.Self-concept, social identities (such as gender and culture), and narrative identity are closely linked tomental health outcomes, and culture powerfully contextualizes these processes (McLean et al., 2020;McAdams & McLean, …
From Surviving to Thriving: Mental Health as a Pathway to Healing from Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October is a time to honor survivors, raise awareness, and advocate for change. While conversations often focus on safety and crisis intervention, we must also ask: What happens after survival? How do survivors move from surviving to thriving? Surviving abuse is only the beginning of a long healing journey. Mental health support plays a critical role in helping survivors reclaim …
Back-To-School Stress & Anxiety: A Wellness Guide for Educators
How do we support ourselves to support others? Understanding Educator Stress Educators face a unique blend of stressors during the back-to-school season—ranging from shifting expectations and administrative demands to personal pressures and emotional labor. A 2024 qualitative study found that 94% of educators cited school or district-related stressors, including excessive demands and insufficient resources. These stressors impacted physical health (76%), psychological well-being (62%), and social …
Nurses & Mental Health: Holding the Line on Both Sides
By: Kylyn Kapitain BSN, RN, DON: Progress Valley Director of Nursing/Health Services It’s no secret that nursing is a profession rooted in compassion, advocacy, and nonstop decision-making — but beneath the scrubs and shift work lies a much deeper story. One where mental health isn’t just something nurses care for, but something they navigate in their own lives too. We talk a lot about mental …
From Diet Coke to Eruption: The Hidden Layers of Anger
What is Anger, Really? Anger. When we think of anger what often comes to mind is a red face, steam coming out of ears, losing my marbles type of moment. Anger is depicted all over the place in our society, we have movies that show anger being presented in physical violence or aggression, intimidation of others, etc. But what does anger actual mean? The definition …
What is Artificial Intelligence – and Why Does It Matter in Mental Health?
Understanding what AI is—and what it isn’t—helps us better grasp the complex relationship between technology and therapy. Can AI support mental health? Yes. Can it replace the human connection found in therapy? That’s where things get more nuanced. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence—like learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. While AI has been around in theory …
The Strength in Vulnerability: Redefining Masculinity.
By: Shelly Bohmert MA LADC LPCC: Director of Mental Health "Men make up half the population—but nearly 80% of all suicides." According to both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), in 2023 alone, over 49,000 people died by suicide in the United States. The suicide rate among men was nearly four times higher than among …
What If Your Thoughts Aren’t Random? A Brief Introduction to EMDR Therapy.
By: Faith Suckerman MA LPCC LADC – Senior Counselor at Progress Valley Residential Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same emotional loop—feeling anxious, unworthy, or overwhelmed—without fully understanding why? Maybe certain thoughts or reactions seem to come out of nowhere, repeating themselves in different situations, relationships, or stages of life. What if those thoughts weren’t random at all? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and …
Maternal Mental Health: Personal Reflections and Professional Insights
By: Shelly Bohmert, MA LADC LPCC; Director of Mental Health Maternal mental health is often discussed within the mental health community but remains less recognized by the general public. What is it about associating "mental health" with pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum that makes it feel unrelated? Maternal mental health conditions, as reported by the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, are the most common complications of …
Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Gardening: Q&A
Welcome to our latest blog post where we delve into the incredible mental health benefits of gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this Q&A will provide valuable insights into how gardening can enhance your mental well-being and bring a sense of serenity to your life. This Q&A features Jim, our Mental Health Clinical Support Specialist, who also authored our latest blog …
Plant Yourself: How Gardening Helps Your Mental Health
By: Jim McCarron; Progress Valley Mental Health Clinic intern and the newest Clinical Support Specialist at our PV4 location in Roseville, MN. You don’t need to be a plant expert or have a big backyard to feel the benefits. Even caring for a few houseplants or growing herbs on your windowsill can help your mind and mood. In fact, science shows that gardening is good …
Spring Forward: Navigating Daylight Saving Time and Mental Health
By: Amber Michalski, MA LPCC LADC: Senior Director of Operations The weather is changing, and many Minnesotans couldn't be more thrilled. With the change comes more daylight and more opportunities to get outside. However, there is one part of this time of year I always dread (besides all the muddy paw prints from having two dogs): Daylight Saving Time. The one hour of sleep we …
Playful Life
By: Sarah Collins MA – Mental Health Therapist with the Progress Valley Mental Health Clinic Often, we discuss our mental health as a teeter-totter or perhaps a roller coaster. Yet, when was the last time you took part in such fun or merriment as a swing, a teeter-totter, or a playful time outside? For that matter, when was the last time you simply lost yourself …
The Holidays on Your Own Terms: Practicing Self-Compassion and Finding Balance
The holidays are often seen as the most wonderful time of the year, but for many, they can also bring a complex mix of stress, pressure, and isolation. Between the rush of shopping, the endless social events, and the expectations of 'perfect' celebrations, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or out of balance this December, …
Holidays and Mental Health: A Double-Edged Sword
Tis the season to be jolly? While the holiday season is often filled with joy, festivities, and togetherness, it’s also a time when many people experience heightened stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. As we deck the halls, bake cookies, light candles, and spend time with family, we may not immediately notice the impact the holidays can have on our mental well-being. According to …
Importance of Training in Mental Health
By: Shelly Bohmert MA LADC LPCC Training involves the process of teaching or cultivating skills, knowledge, or competencies through instruction, practice, or experience. Throughout our lives and careers, we engage in training in numerous ways and settings, including workplaces, educational institutions, and sports. Ultimately, training enhances our performance and helps us reach our goals. Why is training especially vital in the field of Mental Health? …
Embracing October: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder and Finding Light in the Dark
By: Shelly Bohmert, MA LADC LPCC, Director of Mental Health at Progress Valley October brings ghouls, pumpkin patches, vibrant fall colors, and the start of spooky season. For us in Minnesota, it also signals a transition from summer sunshine to the crispness of fall. We get to enjoy the stunning colors of the leaves—nothing beats the autumn hues of Northern Minnesota! However, we also brace …
September: Suicide Awareness
September is commonly associated with the start of fall, back-to-school season, the return of pumpkin spice, visits to apple orchards, and the opening of pumpkin patches. However, it is also recognized as Suicide Prevention Month. Discussing suicide can be uncomfortable because the topic often evokes distressing thoughts and images. However, it is crucial to change our perspective on suicide—encompassing suicidal thoughts and ideation—in order to …
