gokc Nature Therapy & Mental Health Counseling Blog

Embracing Nature in DBT: How the Outdoors Support Emotional Regulation

Emotional Regulation is not an easy task. Especially for those receiving DBT treatment. The blessing & curse of DBT is that it's heavily skills-based. If you find difficulty sticking to your plan of skills, homework from a full DBT Program or being so activated that you can't even practice skills then consider the benefits of walking out your door. Nature will always be accessible & welcoming to you. I'd strongly encourage you to utilize Mother Nature's availability to your advantage during all times of the year. Even during our bitter mid-western winters. With the right layers & mindset, a little time outside in all seasons is wonderful for you. You will be able to thrive in your wise mind. Keep going!

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mental health, nature, trauma recovery Aaron Shore mental health, nature, trauma recovery Aaron Shore

The Calming Effects of Nature on Trauma Survivors & PTSD

Okay, just breathe!

C'mon, you can do it. This happened a lifetime ago. What's my calming plan?!? Count backward slowly - that didn't work. Somatic breathwork?! Yeah right! What's next? I'm not calling Katie again...I can do this. Oh yeah - get outside! 

If you have ever noticed the fantastic difference it makes being outside versus in our home, office or car? If so, you are NOT alone! Maybe you've forgotten the impact of the warmth of the sun, the gentle touch of a spring breeze, songbirds calling out to one another or the touch of your plants as you stroll through your backyard native garden. Spending time in our natural world offers tremendous opportunity for calm. Nature provides significant effects on our bodies, minds and psyche. This post will examine nature's calming effects on our lives. Specifically, we're going to learn about how outdoor activities give us the most positive effects for healing from our traumas.

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nature, relationships, connection Aaron Shore nature, relationships, connection Aaron Shore

Backpacking Adventures Series: I Threw That Shit in the Fire

Good friends pay dividends for miles and miles (and miles). I underestimate the hilariously entrenched memories until they rage back to the forefront while in a backcountry pick-up truck shuttle from a guy called Leroy. This adventure on the Taum Sauk Mountain section of the Ozark Trail was shared by me & two good friends. The Ozark Trail is a fantastic backcountry trail that (eventually) connects suburban St. Louis, MO to Little Rock, AR

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nature Aaron Shore nature Aaron Shore

Party Time Potting Soil Mix for Aloe Vera Plants

Have you always hoped and dreamed of being the aloe envy of your neighbors? Are you ready for unlimited holiday gifts for your loved ones an off-shoot at a time? Do you find yourself with constant sunburns? Well, then you're in luck! With this simple strategy for success in the right soil, your aloe vera plants will party! Read below to find the best homemade potting soil to perfectly nurture your aloe vera plant and make your dreams come true.

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mental health, nature, connection Aaron Shore mental health, nature, connection Aaron Shore

Welcome to the gokc blog

Welcome, good morning, how do you do? This is our initial blog post - yay! I hope to add some value to your day, as well as to provide opportunity to stay focused about the things that matter to me. And just maybe we’ll be lucky enough for those topics to matter to you too. This post will cover three things:

  1. Introduce ourselves to you - gokc is a leading mental health private practice in KC

  2. Provide a roadmap for the gokc blog in 2024

  3. Encourage you to keep going no matter what!

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