by Rev. Michael Heath | Aug 1, 2022
There is good news for those who worry about the stigma associated with mental health.
The amount of stigma surrounding counseling is much less than it used to be. When I first started counseling in the late 70s, some men would not schedule appointments during daylight hours for fear of being seen going to a counselor’s office.
Although attitudes have improved, many people still view getting help with emotional problems as embarrassing or even shameful. In large part, this discomfort is due to certain lingering myths about mental health. Common myths created misunderstandings about psychological disorders and their treatment. Here are some common notions which are misleading and or false:
by Rev. Michael Heath | Dec 15, 2020
Where to begin ? 2020 has been an absolutely horrible year for so many with increased social and racial tensions, violence, economic ruin, sickness and death all under the never ending threat of the COVID virus. Indeed, these have been depressing times. Worse, the unexpectedly long duration of this plague has worn down the our resolve and exhausted our energy and dampened the joy of the holiday for many . This year depression is not simply a clinical diagnosis. For many it is a daily reality.
Nonetheless, the end of the year has brought signs of hope. We have new president who acknowledges the reality of the viral threat and is committed to waging a vigorous and unified attack against the disease. Most importantly, the arrival of effective vaccines will mean that the end of the devastation and death is in the foreseeable future.
Whether you suffer from depression which pre-existed COVID or whether life over the past few months has simply become too much, here are some tips to help you cope with the holidays and make it to the new year:
by Rev. Michael Heath | Dec 17, 2016
A lot of brain research has been in the news lately but this one really is a “big deal” ! For those who have who suffer from treatment resistant depression and who maybe considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) this research and, specifically,...
by Rev. Michael Heath | Jun 15, 2015
Here is a great link from Web M.D. that lists 18 triggers for depression that you might not have recognized and which become more potent as we age. 1. Midlife 2. Overload 3. Low vitamin B 12 4. Low testosterone, lowered libido 5.Thyroid disorders 6. Arthritic pain...
by Rev. Michael Heath | Aug 13, 2014
Robin Williams’ tragic death has shocked and saddened us all. Today we want to use this tragedy as opportunity to shine light on the serious disease of depression. It is important to know that, even in this day and age, there is much confusion and ignorance...
by Rev. Michael Heath | Aug 14, 2013
1)What is Post Partum Depression, how common is it? PPDD is technically known as a major depressive disorder with post-partum onset. This condition is a mood disorder which also has physical symptoms and impairments. It usually occurs within the first four weeks...
by Rev. Michael Heath | May 1, 2026
Science Assaulted with the Reprieve of Reparative “Therapy”
With the soaring price of gas, the Iran War, and the Supreme Court’s latest assault on civil rights, Americans have a lot to worry about. Don’t look now, but there is another, ongoing problem that is getting worse, viz., the growing anti-science mentality of our government’s leadership.
It’s time for America to restore respect for science. Not only does the misinformation regarding things like climate change, transgender issues, or vaccines defy reason, but it also poses serious risks to our nation’s health and well-being.
Even more discouraging is seeing the Supreme Court continue to chip away at settled science. Consider how they recently overturned Colorado’s law, which banned reparative therapy (RT) https://www.npr.org/2026/03/31/nx-s1-5768170/the-supreme-court-struck-down-a-ban-on-conversion-therapy-in-colorado
This ruling is a serious blow to the authority of medical and psychotherapeutic science. In response, California’s legislature moved to bolster its ban it. In turn, the Washington Post (Post) ran an editorial accusing the California legislature of choosing ideology over freedom of speech. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/04/23/californias-conversion-therapy-bill-puts-ideology-over-free-speech/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRYWyBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeuhPPM6Xvc_ndkNuK6zxQrcCDFrYon5iBmcQgCqiNUsOiqW62c-TAvRG779s_aem_01ftp_xEu-gaKRAP1lmMXg
Further, it condemned California’s legislature’s bill for holding reparative practitioners liable for damages. https://kesq.com/news/2026/04/19/california-responds-to-supreme-court-ruling-on-conversion-therapy-with-new-bill . It argues that a therapist’s freedom of speech trumps the anti-reparative therapy claims, which it calls ideological.
As a licensed mental health counselor, I disagree. (Reparative therapy’ | Pastoral Counseling Syracuse NY) Specifically, the Post editorial is wrong on two counts:
1) Opposition to reparative therapy is based on science and not ideology, and 2) Psychotherapists, like other medical professionals, do not have the same liberty of speech as in private conversations or public debate. Here’s why:
by Rev. Michael Heath | Mar 15, 2026
Recently, my wife and I went on vacation. Since our usual spot was closed for renovations, we decided to book a nearby resort. Unlike previous getaways, this place was not adult-only. Initially, I was somewhat concerned about what that would be like. Fortunately, my worries were quickly assuaged, and I was happily surprised. Indeed, what I discovered was the wonderful experience of watching parents taking pleasure in playing with their children.
It was touching to see the delight on a dad’s face as he tossed a ball to his son in the pool. Likewise, I got a kick out of listening to the laughter of children splashing together with mom in the ocean.
With that discovery in mind, here is why delighting in and finding joy with your children is important for both them and you.
by Rev. Michael Heath | Feb 2, 2026
For many reasons, these are very strange times. For someone who helps individuals and couples deal with sexual issues, a glaring paradox stands out: On one hand, research shows that the use of internet pornography is on the rise. On the other hand, both individuals and couples report having less sex.
While some suggest that using porn leads to havingless sex, it’s not that simple. There is no convincing evidence that porn use diminishes interest in having sex with a partner. While not completely understood, here are some of the factors responsible for this perplexing trend:
The Internet and Pornography
The rise of problems connected to pornography correlates directly with the innovation of the internet. The impact of the dramatic change in pornography’s availability accounts for its increased use.
Sexually erotic materials used to be kept from pubic view. For example, drug stores used to hide Playboy magazines under the counter. Today, however, porn is instantly available to anyone, including children, with the click of a mouse. 2025 Porn Addiction Statistics – Rates, Demographics & Effects – Addiction Resource
To be clear, however, the rise in folks viewing pornography does not mean that most people prefer porn to sex. There are other reasons which explain why folks are having less sex.
by Rev. Michael Heath | Dec 4, 2025
Everyone knows what a sigh is. But, just in case you’ve never really thought about it, and to be clear, a sigh is a natural, involuntary occurrence that is expressed as an audible exhaling of the breath … as in ahhh.
Typically, sighs express either exhaustion, sadness, or relief. Whatever the feeling, physically, there is a release and a sense of relaxation. And that is the point. Today, I want to talk about intentional sighing and how it can provide immediate stress relief in moments of emotional duress or panic.
Of course, there are a variety of breathing exercises used to manage stress and anxiety, https://revmichaelheath.com/tips-for-panic/ Some of them are complicated and or require being in a quiet space to do them. An important advantage of the intentional sigh is its simplicity and that it can be used anywhere at any time.
How to do an intentional sigh ?
An intentional sigh is sometimes called the physiological sigh. It is like a natural sigh except you can choose (intend) to employ when it’s needed. The Science of Physiological Sigh: Insights from Huberman Lab – PsychSolutions, Inc – Therapy In Edmonton, AB T5M 4C9
To do an intentional sigh, all you have to do is take 2 quick breaths followed by a long exhale. That’s it!
When to employ an intentional sigh ?
The key to the effectiveness of the intentional sigh is timing. You focus on your breathing as soon as you recognize that you are becoming upset. Becoming aware of brewing upsets starts with paying attention to muscular tension in your body.
Often, physical reaction precedes feeling stressed. For example, some folks will express stress as muscular tension in their chest or stomach area. Others may feel tightness in their shoulders or lower back. Still others may experience headaches or a clenching of their jaw or fist.
Wherever you feel the tension, you can learn to interpret the sensations as a stress alarm sounding. At this time, the alarm can remind you of your stress response and remind you to take an intentional breath.
In addition to learning how to short-circuit emotional overload, it’s also helpful to understand what happens in our bodies when we feel stressed.
The basics of emotional stress ?
