IWP Blog
Years of working with clients have given us a deep understanding of which integrative health solutions and preventative wellness practices, skills, and strategies are highly effective. We have written and created the following resources based on what we know and what the research shows.
The Importance of Self-Compassion: Just Be Nice to Yourself!
The Importance of Self-Compassion: Just Be Nice to Yourself!
By: Sarah K. Hodges, LMFT (CA, WA)
Life can be tough, and it’s easy to fall into the habit of self-criticism when things don’t go as planned — but learning to treat yourself with kindness through self-compassion can make all the difference. Self-compassion is about offering yourself the same understanding and support you’d give a close friend, especially during rough moments. This blog highlights simple yet powerful ways to practice self-compassion, like changing negative self-talk, using mindfulness to pause and reset, and embracing mistakes as part of being human. It also encourages turning self-kindness into a regular, creative ritual, reminding us that being gentle with ourselves builds emotional resilience, reduces stress, and helps us grow. Bottom line: life isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being kind to yourself along the way.
The Rollercoaster of Parenthood: Self-Care and Stress Survival Tips for Parents
The Rollercoaster of Parenthood: Self-Care and Stress Survival Tips for Parents
By: Sarah K. Hodges, LMFT (CA, WA)
Parenthood. It's like an ongoing adventure, only there’s no map, and the snack breaks are far too few. As a parent, it feels like your life has transformed into a never-ending whirlwind of feeding schedules, school pick-ups, tantrums, and laundry piles that could rival Mount Everest. Amidst all of that, taking care of your mental health sometimes feels like a luxury reserved for people who don’t have tiny humans demanding their attention 24/7.
But here's the thing: self-care isn’t a “nice-to-have,” it's a must have. You can’t pour from an empty cup, as the saying goes. And yet, here you are, surviving on caffeine, happy thoughts, and sheer willpower. So, let’s chat about how to stay sane (or at least appear to be) while juggling the day to day stress of parenthood.
How to Create a Mindfulness Practice That Actually Works for You
How to Create a Mindfulness Practice That Actually Works for You
By: Ryan Lewis, LMHC, Founder & CEO
Mindfulness isn’t about forcing yourself into a rigid routine—it’s about finding small, realistic ways to be present in your daily life. Maybe that means taking a deep breath before responding to an email, tuning into the rhythm of your footsteps on a walk, or simply savoring your morning coffee without distraction. These moments might seem small, but they add up, rewiring your brain for more calm and clarity.
The key? Make it work for you. If sitting in stillness feels impossible, try movement-based mindfulness. If your mind races, experiment with naming your thoughts instead of fighting them. There’s no single “right” way to practice mindfulness—only the way that fits into your life and helps you feel more grounded.
Setting Boundaries Without Guilt: A Guide to Healthy Relationships
Grieving the Life You Thought You Knew: The Weight of Disappointment & the Power of Moving Forward
By: Ryan Lewis, LMHC, Founder & CEO
Not all grief is tied to loss through death—sometimes, it's the quiet mourning of a life, future, or version of yourself that no longer exists. This kind of grief, often called ambiguous loss, can feel isolating and unrecognized, making it harder to process. Whether it's the unraveling of plans, shifting relationships, or the loss of certainty, disappointment carries a weight that lingers in the gap between expectation and reality. Yet, acknowledging this grief is the first step toward healing.
Moving forward doesn’t mean ignoring the pain—it means learning to carry it differently. Through self-compassion, small acts of control, and the power of gratitude, you can navigate this uncertainty with resilience. Grief may not have a clear end, but it can transform. And in that transformation, there is hope.
Grieving the Life You Thought You Knew: The Weight of Disappointment & the Power of Moving Forward
Grieving the Life You Thought You Knew: The Weight of Disappointment & the Power of Moving Forward
By: Ryan Lewis, LMHC, Founder & CEO
Not all grief is tied to loss through death—sometimes, it's the quiet mourning of a life, future, or version of yourself that no longer exists. This kind of grief, often called ambiguous loss, can feel isolating and unrecognized, making it harder to process. Whether it's the unraveling of plans, shifting relationships, or the loss of certainty, disappointment carries a weight that lingers in the gap between expectation and reality. Yet, acknowledging this grief is the first step toward healing.
Moving forward doesn’t mean ignoring the pain—it means learning to carry it differently. Through self-compassion, small acts of control, and the power of gratitude, you can navigate this uncertainty with resilience. Grief may not have a clear end, but it can transform. And in that transformation, there is hope.
Purposeful Health: Finding Meaning in Uncertain Times
Purposeful Health: Finding Meaning in Uncertain Times
By: Ryan Lewis, LMHC, Founder & CEO
In times of uncertainty, it’s natural to crave stability and control. But what if uncertainty is an opportunity to realign with what truly matters? This article explores how shifting from fear to purpose can transform life’s unpredictability into a chance for growth. Through Emma’s inspiring story and practical strategies—like focusing on what you can control, reframing uncertainty as a transition, and seeking support—you’ll discover how to navigate the unknown with resilience. If uncertainty is weighing on you, therapy can provide the tools and support needed to find clarity, confidence, and meaning amidst change.