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NEIL PAREKH'S
LENS ON LIFE BLOG
Thoughts and observations on mental health, technology, social media, photography and more.


The Power of Online Support Groups
Working as a psychologist in schools and in clinics, I am aware of the myriad of community supports available and the difference they make.

Dr. Rachelle Kritzer
Sep 11, 2024


Ep. 15 Dr. Rachelle Kritzer | Shining Light on Shadows: The Importance of Community Support (NAMI, etc.)
This episode will focus on the importance of community support for people with mental health challenges / developmental disabilities.

Neil Parekh
Sep 10, 2024


Finding That Something That Brings Us Joy Is Well Worth the Effort
Finding that thing (or things) in our lives that makes us feel better when we're struggling is an important aspect of self-love and wellness

Dawn Helmrich
Aug 20, 2024


Nature Walks Are Good; But Is It the Right Place To Start With Self-Care?
I think I get overwhelmed thinking about the possibilities. Self-care is absolutely important. But where do I start?

Neil Parekh
Aug 20, 2024


Nature Photography Keeps Me Healthy, Happy and Focused
When I am out on my walks…I let everything flow and things just develop right in front of me as I am observing and absorbing nature.

Steffen Kaplan
Aug 20, 2024


Ep. 14 Steffen Kaplan | Shining Light on Shadows: Nature is the Best Medicine
Steffen will share how he has found Nature walks, particularly with his camera in hand, to be great for his mental health.

Neil Parekh
Aug 20, 2024


Choosing Between Online, In-Person or No Therapy? Do What Works Best
Everyone has the right to choose what works best for them. I continue to practice mindfulness, grounding and breathing.

Dawn Helmrich
Aug 8, 2024


Online Therapy Works for Me
There are pros and cons to online versus in-person therapy. Some people might need one or the other. I’ve actually benefited from both.

Neil Parekh
Aug 8, 2024


Telehealth / Online Therapy from a Therapist’s Perspective
Prior to COVID-19, I only provided counseling services in-person. My impressions of telehealth were neutral to negative. That's changed.

Dr. Grace Hipona
Aug 6, 2024


Ep. 13 Grace Hipona, Ed.D. | Shining Light on Shadows: The Pros and Cons of In-person and Online Therapy
Grace began seeing patients online during the pandemic. This episode will focus on the pros and cons of in-person vs. online therapy.

Neil Parekh
Aug 6, 2024


The Long and Winding Road to Finding a Therapist
Struggling to find the right fit with the right person can be challenging and defeating, but mental wellness is vital to well-being.

Dawn Helmrich
Jul 31, 2024


I See a Therapist; It Almost Feels Normal for Me To Say That Now
Although I was never embarrassed about going to therapy, I also never volunteered the information and kept it private for almost 30 years.

Neil Parekh
Jul 31, 2024


Therapy is a Journey
In the years since my formal diagnosis, I have come to realize how anxiety and depression have always been present.

Rev. Byron Tyler Coles
Jul 31, 2024


Ep. 12 Rev. Tyler Coles | Shining Light on Shadows: Getting Help (Therapy) Takes a Lot of Work and Some Courage
This episode will focus on the challenges of getting help when we need it, specifically mental health therapy.

Neil Parekh
Jul 30, 2024


Thriving as an Advocate with the Support of Other Survivors
Survivors CAN be thrivers. They just need the help and support of people around them: other survivors, people they can trust.

Neil Parekh
Jul 23, 2024


The Personal and Community Benefits of Advocacy Work
I knew that my voice could be a tool to make change in the systems that failed me. So that is what I did. I spoke up and I spoke out.

Dawn Helmrich
Jul 23, 2024


Thriving and Surviving by Soaring Beyond the Ashes
My biggest flex and healing skill has been to rise beyond the ashes and soar, while helping others.

Samantha Collier
Jul 23, 2024


Ep. 11 Samantha Collier | Shining Light on Shadows: Surviving and Thriving After Rape and Sexual Abuse
Samantha, Dawn and Neil are all survivors of sexual abuse / rape. They've each used advocacy to not only survive, but to also thrive.

Neil Parekh
Jul 23, 2024


A Candid Conversation With My Daughter About Mental Health
It’s never too early to talk about difficult issues with your child. You may be surprised at how well it goes.

Neil Parekh
Jul 9, 2024


The Negative Self-Talk Started in High School as a Teen; It Continues to This Day
Finding the right way to love yourself should definitely begin between the ages of 13 and 23 and certainty shouldn’t wait until you are 52.

Dawn Helmrich
Jul 8, 2024
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