Josie Jots Her Thoughts Archive

Why I Journal Every Morning: Finding Clarity on Great Days and Hard Days
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

Why I Journal Every Morning: Finding Clarity on Great Days and Hard Days

When I wake up, my brain begins to blow through thoughts, like the wind, where I think about everything I need to do for my children, my husband, my home, my practice. To be frank, It becomes overwhelming very quickly. Along with everything that needs to be done, my brain begins to think through all the things that I missed completing: the laundry in the basket that needs to be folded, making my kid’s lunch the night before, and so. much. more.

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Wait, Is That What Happened?!: When Healing Pushes Memories from the Subconscious to the Surface
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

Wait, Is That What Happened?!: When Healing Pushes Memories from the Subconscious to the Surface

“You’re sitting in your regularly scheduled therapy session, talking to your therapist about something you either thought you already processed or didn’t consider deeply before and suddenly…a memory surfaces.

It’s vivid, detailed, and disorienting.

You think and ask yourself, “Is that what happened?”

As a therapist, this is one of the initial “AHA” moments that lets me know that connections are being made and the person sitting in front of me is deeply connecting to the experience they are working through. It is an honor and privilege as a therapist to see; It is a signal that we are moving in the direction of the goals that my client is hoping for.

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 Non-Food Bank Food Resources in Denver Metro Area
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

Non-Food Bank Food Resources in Denver Metro Area

We are excited to share a variety of food resources in Denver that help address food insecurity when traditional food banks aren’t enough. From community fridges and mutual aid programs to fresh produce distributions and alternative grocery programs, these resources provide accessible, nutritious options for those in need.

To make this list as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible, we used AI assistance to help research and compile hidden, lesser-known options alongside more established programs, ensuring that anyone seeking support has a range of choices to meet their needs. We are not connected with any of these organizations but want to distribute information as needed.

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I’m Going to See My Family, and I Need to Mentally Prepare Myself: A First-Generation Perspective

I’m Going to See My Family, and I Need to Mentally Prepare Myself: A First-Generation Perspective

My flight is booked. My mom already asked what time I’ll land. And somehow, even though I love them, I can already feel my body tensing.

Every trip home I tell myself: “Its going to be different. This time, I will stay grounded. I won’t let their little comments get under my skin, I’ll breathe before reacting. But before the plane takes off, I’m already dysregulated; I am mentally preparing for the worst, since the worst is the most normal.

If you are child of immigrants like me or a first generation American, you probably know this feeling all too well. Going to see your family isn’t just about taking the time off work or school, or making the trip itself.

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Suicidality Amongst Indigenous Peoples
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

Suicidality Amongst Indigenous Peoples

Hey everyone, Monina here! As mental health professionals practicing in the state of Colorado, it is both important and necessary to acknowledge that we reside in the traditional homelands of Indigenous peoples since time immemorial (History Colorado, n.d.),.

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School is Starting! Are You Ready for the New Year?
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

School is Starting! Are You Ready for the New Year?

Calling all teachers, high school students, school health care providers, college students, family members, professors, support staff, and all those impacted by school out there, let's have a conversation about the new school year approaching!

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Meet Our New Co-Author: Monina Reyes
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

Meet Our New Co-Author: Monina Reyes

Hi there! My name is Monina Reyes (she/her/hers) and I am so grateful to be able to share this space with you. My love for writing cannot be disentangled from my love for this profession - I unashamedly bring every facet of my life into the therapeutic space. So… who is that, exactly?

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Dear Therapist of Color: A Letter to BIPOC Therapists During Black History Month 
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

Dear Therapist of Color: A Letter to BIPOC Therapists During Black History Month 

Dear Therapist of Color…

First and foremost you are so special. The lived experiences you bring as a professional and as a human transform the lives of your clients every day. Our work is hard and at many times can be draining, but our communities deserve you. As we navigate a world that challenges our existence, you show up each day in the best way you can and for that I say thank you.

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Josie Jots Her Thoughts On: Courage to Heal Therapy
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

Josie Jots Her Thoughts On: Courage to Heal Therapy

As we entered 2023, a goal of mine was to further uplift some of my wonderful consulting colleagues and clients. With this in mind, I decided to begin this spotlight series with Anna Khandrueva! Check out my interview with her below:

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Mindfulness Exercises for the Holiday Season! 
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

Mindfulness Exercises for the Holiday Season! 

The Holiday Season can be a busy time of year for many folks! As this season ends, it is so important to remember to check in with ourselves and make sure that we are caring for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. In doing so, it can be so important to have some strategies in your back pocket that can be helpful during the season.

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5 Salient Lessons I Have Learned in the Past Year
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

5 Salient Lessons I Have Learned in the Past Year

This first year is such a milestone and feels like celebrating all month long! However, with all the celebration, it is just as important to name the ways that I have learned about myself, my roles as a therapist/consultant, and business ownership!

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Meet the Author: Josie’s Story
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

Meet the Author: Josie’s Story

Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and learn more about me in this post. It is truly a privilege to be able to share my thoughts and to have folks want to read what I have to say. I am so thankful for your interest in what I have to say, and hope you enjoy reading my blog posts!

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I’m a Therapist. I Want to Teach What I Know. Now What?: Six Basic Steps that Help Lead to a Completed Workshop!
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

I’m a Therapist. I Want to Teach What I Know. Now What?: Six Basic Steps that Help Lead to a Completed Workshop!

First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS!! Why, you ask? It is because you are embarking on a new and vulnerable journey! I am so proud of you for even considering sharing a piece of yourself in this way. Your knowledge and experiences are unique. You are the best person to share what YOU are passionate about and you know. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s dive on in!

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Getting Married Changed Everything.
Josephine Ampaw Josephine Ampaw

Getting Married Changed Everything.

As an individual and as a therapist I realized something so salient on August 7, 2022 (the day after my weddings were over). Getting married changed EVERYTHING.

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*Disclaimer: These blog posts do not substitute for or act as therapeutic support. Please contact your mental health provider or use a directory listed on my resources page HERE to find mental health support. They do not also act as consulting support as it provides introductory information.