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Mind Matter's Blog



The Truth About Self-Care: Why It’s Failing You & What Works Instead
If you’re like many of my clients, you’ve spent years trying to make self-care “work.” You schedule bubble baths, yoga sessions, coffee breaks, or a quick meditation, and still feel like it’s not enough. You’re tired. Overwhelmed. And maybe even frustrated with yourself for not “getting it right.” The problem? Most of the self-care advice floating around today isn’t designed for real life. Instagram-worthy rituals and Pinterest-perfect ideas look relaxing, but they often aren
Carol Ann Murphy
4 days ago3 min read


Why Reflection Matters More Than Resolutions
Before You Rush Into “New Year, New You” As the year comes to a close, there’s a familiar pressure that starts to creep in. New goals. New habits. A better version of yourself. Messages everywhere telling you who you should be next year and what you should fix. But before we rush forward, I want to gently invite you to push pause. This past year has been hard for so many people. Not just “busy” hard, but emotionally heavy, exhausting, and at times overwhelming. For some,
Carol Ann Murphy
Dec 30, 20252 min read


Finding My Home: Why My New Office Means More Than Just a Move
There are certain places, and certain people, that just feel like home . Not because they’re perfect. Not because they’re fancy. But because something inside your body softens the minute you step into them. Your shoulders drop. Your breath deepens. You feel… settled. For me, office space has always been more than four walls and a Wi-Fi password. It’ s where people come to be vulnerable. Where they cry, laugh, heal, grieve, rage, rebuild. It’s where stories are held and where
Carol Ann Murphy
Nov 30, 20253 min read


Boundaries 101: Learning the Art of Disappointing People to Protect Your Mental Health
Have you ever felt like you’re carrying everyone else’s emotional baggage but when it comes to your own feelings, there’s no room left?...
Carol Ann Murphy
Aug 9, 20253 min read


Less Chaos, More Calm: The Power of a Good Routine
The Power of Routine: How Structure Supports Mental Health In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, one of the simplest...
Carol Ann Murphy
Jun 17, 20253 min read


The Loneliness Epidemic: Why You Feel This Way
As a therapist, I’ve lost count of how many times someone has sat across from me and said, “I just feel… alone.” And I don’t mean they...
Carol Ann Murphy
May 19, 20253 min read


Loud, Proud, and Still Holding Space for You
How Therapy Can Feel Safe, Even in a Politically Divided World — Yes, Even With an Activist Therapist If you follow me online, you...
Carol Ann Murphy
May 5, 20252 min read


The Art of Challenging verses Changing Someone
One of the most powerful realizations I’ve had in my career as a therapist is this: it’s not my job to change my clients. It’s not even...
Carol Ann Murphy
Apr 13, 20252 min read


Grief Has No Rulebook: Understanding Loss in All Its Forms
Grief is often associated with death, but the truth is, we grieve many things in life. The loss of a relationship, a job, a sense of...
Carol Ann Murphy
Mar 24, 20253 min read


The Choice to Grow: Why “That’s Just Who I Am” Isn’t Enough
I believe that as human beings, we are constantly learning, evolving, and shaping the way we interact with the world around us. Life...
Carol Ann Murphy
Mar 3, 20253 min read


Take Her Freakin Picture
When a baby is born, the focus often lands squarely on the newborn. Family and friends flock to take selfies with the baby, snap pictures...
Carol Ann Murphy
Feb 24, 20253 min read


How to Choose the Right Therapist: 7 Questions to Ask in Your First Session
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about what to expect or where to begin. Therapy is a...
Carol Ann Murphy
Feb 3, 20254 min read


Is 'High-Functioning Anxiety' Just Another Buzzword? Let's Dig Deeper into What It Really Means
Anxiety is often misunderstood, and high-functioning anxiety adds to that confusion. Contrary to the common idea that anxiety leaves...
Carol Ann Murphy
Jan 27, 20254 min read


Breaking Barriers: A Guide to Men’s Mental Health
Men’s mental health is often a silent struggle, overshadowed by cultural expectations and societal norms. Phrases like “man up” or “boys...
Carol Ann Murphy
Jan 6, 20252 min read


Christmas Magic
The holiday season is often synonymous with joy, togetherness, and a touch of magic. But for many moms, it can also bring immense...
Carol Ann Murphy
Dec 23, 20243 min read


To My Best Friend on Her 40th Birthday
Dear Melissa, Today is a monumental day—your 40th birthday. I couldn’t let this milestone pass without taking a moment to celebrate you...
Carol Ann Murphy
Dec 16, 20242 min read


Merry Without the Madness: A Holiday Survival Guide for Moms
Last year, I found myself deep in the trenches of holiday burnout. I poured so much physical and emotional energy into making Christmas...
Carol Ann Murphy
Dec 3, 20242 min read


Selfish vs. Self-Centered
One of my favorite “a-ha” moments with clients often comes when we discuss the difference between being selfish and being self-centered....
Carol Ann Murphy
Oct 21, 20242 min read


Growth Begins Where Comfort Ends: Embracing Discomfort for Real Change
It’s human nature to seek comfort when things feel uncertain or overwhelming. Whether it's reaching for a drink, impulsively shopping, or...
Carol Ann Murphy
Sep 17, 20242 min read


The Quest for the Perfect Therapist: How to Find Your Best Fit
Finding the right therapist can be challenging. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another. It’s not a...
Carol Ann Murphy
Sep 10, 20242 min read
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