Center for Cognitive & Behavioral Therapy of Ohio

06/01/2026

Getting to know yourself is one of the most powerful things you can do for your mental health. 💭

This self-discovery worksheet is designed to help you pause, reflect and better understand what shapes your thoughts, emotions and experiences.
Take a moment to explore questions like:
🧠 What are my strengths and challenges?
💛 What brings me joy or gives me energy?
🎯 What are my goals — and what’s holding me back?
🌿 What triggers me, and how can I respond differently?

There’s no “right” answer — just honest reflection.
The more you understand yourself, the more empowered you become to grow, set boundaries and move forward with intention. ✨

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05/30/2026

May may be coming to a close, but mental health awareness doesn’t end here. 💚

This month, our centers across Optum Behavioral Care came together to share stories, resources, education, support, and reminders that no one has to navigate life alone. From conversations around anxiety and burnout to healing, connection, and hope — every post, event, and interaction mattered.

Mental health is not just a month. It’s everyday care, everyday conversations, and everyday courage. 🌱✨ Feel like you need support? http://spr.ly/6180B8d9yw

05/29/2026

Mental health matters at every stage of life — and it becomes especially important as we age. 💭

While many mental health conditions begin earlier in life, they don’t go away on their own. In fact, about 14% of adults over 60 live with a mental health condition, and challenges like depression are often misunderstood as a “normal” part of aging — but they’re not.
Good mental health means having the ability to cope with life’s ups and downs, stay connected to others and continue living a meaningful, fulfilling life.

As we get older, prioritizing mental well-being can help:
🧠 Build emotional resilience
🤝 Strengthen relationships and reduce isolation
🌿 Improve overall quality of life

Simple habits can make a big difference:
🥗 Eating well
🏃 Staying active
💬 Maintaining social connections
😴 Getting enough sleep

Mental health is just as important as physical health — at every age. And support is always available if you or a loved one needs it. 🤝

Click here to learn more: http://spr.ly/6184B8buGj

05/25/2026

Reflection can be a powerful tool for growth — when it’s done in a healthy, balanced way.

Here are 5 ways to reflect without getting stuck in negative thinking:
🧠 Tune into your experience
Take a moment to pause and notice your thoughts and feelings. Writing them down can help you process what you’ve been through.
⚖️ Look at both the good and the hard
Don’t focus only on what went wrong. Reflect on your wins, growth and what you handled well, too.
🔍 Step back and get perspective
Seeing the full picture — not just one moment — can help you better understand what really happened and how you responded.
🔄 Shift your thinking
Challenge harsh or critical thoughts. Ask yourself what’s actually true and how you’d speak to a friend in the same situation.
💛 Allow yourself to feel
Tough emotions are part of the process. Let them be there without judgment — they don’t last forever.

Reflection isn’t about criticizing yourself — it’s about learning, growing and moving forward with more clarity. ✨ Need more help? http://spr.ly/6186B8RT84

05/22/2026

Kids feel stress too — and sometimes, they need a break just like we do. 💭
Between school, activities, social pressures and even things like social media, many kids are feeling overwhelmed. In fact, 1 in 7 children experience anxiety, and nearly 1 in 4 high school students report poor mental health.
A mental health day isn’t about avoiding responsibilities — it’s about giving kids the space to reset and recharge.

A day off can help them:
✨ Restore a sense of calm
🧠 Refocus and improve concentration
💛 Reconnect with family, friends or activities they enjoy
🌿 Return to school with more energy and motivation

Signs your child may need a mental health day can include feeling overwhelmed, anxious, unusually irritable, withdrawn or exhausted after big events like tests or busy schedules.

Creating space for these conversations helps kids feel supported — and reminds them they don’t always have to push through on their own.

Sometimes, a small pause can make a big difference. 🤝
Need extra support? Go to http://spr.ly/6183B8HtjH

05/14/2026

Meet the team! 😃
Mike Hastilow, LPC

Mike Hastilow is a compassionate mental health professional dedicated to creating a safe, client-centered environment. His individualized, research-based approach incorporates a range of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma, and grief counseling.

Mike began his career as a crisis response therapist in Chattanooga, Tennessee during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since worked as a psychology professor and therapist for college students, and has supported veterans, first responders, medical professionals, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys backpacking and spending time on the water. He is committed to walking alongside clients on their journey toward healing.

Want to get in touch?
Call Call: 614.459.4490

Kevin was elect President-Elect of Division 42 of APA. Through teamwork and unity, independent pract

04/20/2026

Anxiety doesn’t look the same for everyone — and understanding the different types can help you better recognize what you or someone else may be experiencing. 💭

Here are a few common anxiety disorders:
🧠 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Ongoing, excessive worry about everyday things
⚡ Panic Disorder: Sudden panic attacks with physical symptoms like a racing heart or shortness of breath
👥 Social Anxiety: Intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations
🎯 Phobias: Strong fear of a specific object or situation (like flying, heights or animals)
💔 Separation Anxiety: Fear of being away from loved ones
😟 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions)

Anxiety is more than just stress — but it’s also treatable, and support is available. 🤝 If these feelings are impacting your daily life, reaching out to a mental health professional can be an important next step.

Click here to learn more: http://spr.ly/6186BB6Blo

04/14/2026

Everyone feels stressed sometimes — it’s a natural part of life. 💭
The good news? Small activities can help calm your mind and reset your body when stress starts to build.

Research shows that practices like meditation, breathing exercises and yoga can make a real difference. For example:

🧠 Mindfulness and meditation programs have been shown to significantly reduce stress and distress levels in participants.
🌬️ Studies reviewing dozens of breathing interventions found most breathing practices were effective at reducing stress and anxiety symptoms.
🧘 Even a single 45-minute yoga session has been shown to improve anxiety and stress levels in adults. (National Library of Medicine)

Try a few simple activities when you’re feeling overwhelmed:
🧘‍♀️ Meditation to quiet your thoughts
🌬️ Slow, deep breathing to relax your body
🧠 Progressive muscle relaxation (tense and release muscles)
🧘 Gentle movement like yoga or tai chi

Click the link to learn more: http://spr.ly/6184B6NbN2 🌿

04/03/2026

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in your thoughts? Creativity can be a surprisingly helpful way to calm your mind. 🎨🧠

When you focus on a creative activity, your brain shifts away from anxious thoughts and into the present moment — a key part of mindfulness that can help ease stress and improve your mood.

This could look like:
🎨 Coloring or drawing
📓 Journaling your thoughts
🧩 Working on a puzzle
🌿 Gardening or caring for plants
🍪 Trying a new recipe
🕺 Moving your body with yoga or dance

What’s one creative thing you enjoy doing?

02/20/2026

🍽️🧠 Hunger vs. Emotional Hunger: What’s the difference?

Physical hunger is your body’s biological signal that it needs energy. It typically develops gradually and may be felt as stomach growling, low energy, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. Physical hunger is usually satisfied by a range of foods and leads to a sense of fullness.
Emotional hunger is driven by feelings rather than physical need. It can appear suddenly and is often linked to stress, boredom, sadness, anxiety, or habit. Emotional hunger may feel urgent and be connected to specific comfort foods, and eating may not lead to lasting satisfaction.

📚 Why this matters:
Both types of hunger are real and valid. Understanding the difference can help you respond more intentionally — whether that means nourishing your body, addressing an emotional need, or both. This awareness supports a healthier relationship with food and can reduce guilt or confusion around eating.

💡 Try a gentle pause before eating:
• What am I feeling right now?
• When did I last eat?
• What might help me feel more supported in this moment?

👉 Learn more about mental health, nutrition, and supportive strategies at http://spr.ly/6186h9jgo