Upward Behavioral Health

02/19/2026

When stress builds, many people respond by pushing harder or becoming more self-critical.

In this Dash Wellness podcast clip, Dr. Megan Keyes explains why harsh self-talk can actually intensify stress — activating the brain’s threat system and contributing to mental exhaustion.

The shift? Self-compassion engages a different biological response — one that supports recovery, resilience, and emotional balance over time.

If you’ve been feeling depleted or burned out, this offers a powerful reframe of what resilience really looks like.

View clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFUiOsB862E

View full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7ujF229jgU&list=PLSICd87oJsrF18iP4fVgBVoS-WQbqas0n

If stress or burnout is taking a toll, our team offers effective, evidence-based therapy options for a range of mental health concerns.
📞 Free 15-minute consultation: 205-983-4063
🌐 https://upwardbehavioralhealth.com/

02/19/2026

Did you know that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia can include a medication taper? Many patients with insomnia are interested in reducing medications as part of their treatment goals. At Upward Behavioral Health, our sleep psychologists partner with your prescribing providers to help with safe tapering while you reset your sleep with CBTI.

We are ready to serve you and help you get the sleep you deserve. Visit our website: https://upwardbehavioralhealth.com/ or call us at 205-983-4063 for a consultation!

02/19/2026

02/18/2026

💛UpWORDS Wednesday💛

Just like this cheerful little sun says, today will be good — not because it’s stress-free, but because you have tools, support, and resilience.

The flower reminds us: you are growing. Growth in therapy isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s setting a boundary. Sometimes it’s challenging a negative thought. Sometimes it’s simply showing up. 🌱

The rainbow says: believe in yourself. Healing can hold both hard days and hopeful ones at the same time. Both are part of the process.

The heart? You are so loved. Connection is powerful — and you don’t have to navigate this alone.

The star whispers: keep shining, superstar. Even on days you feel dim, your effort matters.

And the final reminder: you are enough. Not “when you fix everything.” Not “when you’re less anxious.” Now.

At Upward Behavioral Health, we believe therapy is about nurturing your inner light — helping you build insight, confidence, and emotional strength one step at a time. 💛

02/18/2026

Sleep trackers can raise awareness about sleep habits, but they can also increase sleep anxiety. Learn how to use sleep tracking without added stress.

02/18/2026

02/17/2026

In this Dash Wellness podcast clip, Dr. Keyes shares why the brain naturally zeroes in on potential threats during prolonged stress — and how that can leave us feeling tense or unable to fully unwind.

The encouraging news? Skills like mindfulness, gratitude, and optimism can help shift the brain out of survival mode and restore a broader, more balanced perspective.

Ever find yourself thinking, “Why can’t I just relax?” This may be why.

Watch video clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyv_hn7Db-o

Watch full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7ujF229jgU&list=PLSICd87oJsrF18iP4fVgBVoS-WQbqas0n

If ongoing stress is wearing you down, our team provides effective, evidence-based support.

📞 Free 15-minute consultation: 205-983-4063
🌐 https://upwardbehavioralhealth.com/
Watch full episode here:

02/16/2026

✨Mental Health Monday✨

✨ Sleepless nights shouldn’t be your norm. Chronic insomnia impacts your energy, focus, & quality of life — and relying on sleep meds alone often isn’t the long-term answer. But there is an evidence-based way forward. CBT-I helps retrain your brain and habits for restorative sleep, and when paired with a careful, clinician-guided medication taper it supports sustained, medication-free sleep that lasts. 🌙💪

We combine science-backed CBT-I strategies with supportive taper planning so you can rebuild your natural sleep rhythms with confidence and care. 🧠📉

Ready to reclaim your nights? You’re not alone — healing begins with intentional steps, not just good intentions. 💛

To learn more, read Dr. Courtney Worley’s blog on our website: “Integrating Medication Tapering into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)”

02/14/2026

ICYMI from last Valentine’s Day 💘

If your relationship has ever gone from
“Can you help fold laundry?”
to
“You NEVER listen to me!”
in under 90 seconds… you’re not alone. 🙋‍♀️🙋

Behind the roses and posts are real couples navigating real conflict — and sometimes getting stuck in the same painful cycle.

In this blog from Dr. Keyes, we revisit why Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) remains the gold-standard, evidence-based approach for helping partners move from frustration and disconnection back toward emotional safety and closeness.

Because the most meaningful Valentine’s gift isn’t perfection — it’s connection. 💓

👀 Read Dr. Keyes' blog here: https://upwardbehavioralhealth.com/celebrate-love-connection-with-emotionally-focused-couples-therapy-efct

📞 If you are interested in couples therapy, please contact us to schedule a free 15-minute consultation at 205-983-4063 or visit our website: https://upwardbehavioralhealth.com/

02/14/2026

Love is often framed as chemistry, but attachment research points to something else.

What matters most isn’t how strong the feeling is, but whether the bond is reliable. Whether we feel safe to turn toward someone.

This Valentine’s Day, we’re reflecting on love as a secure bond — the romance of responsiveness.

02/14/2026