Vanessa Jackson, Ed.D., LPC-S

12/17/2025

The holiday season can be a beautiful time of connection, but it can also magnify difficult emotions, especially if you or someone you love is facing the fear and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis. 💛🎄

If this time of year feels heavier than usual, please know you’re not alone. I’m sharing this helpful article from Mayo Clinic that offers insight and practical tips for understanding and coping with those emotions.

May we all give ourselves (and each other) a little extra grace this season. 💙

Psychiatrist Dr. Shehzad Niazi explains why holidays can trigger emotions for people with cancer and their loved ones, and how to cope.

12/16/2025

Happy National Ugly Sweater Day! 🎄🧥🤣

Turns out celebrating this—yes, even at work—actually boosts morale and builds trust. Who knew an ugly sweater could do so much? 😄✨

It may sound silly, but you should. It'll do great things for your company culture -- and it'll be fun, too.

12/16/2025

Winter can be a challenging season for many, but especially for those navigating cancer treatment. ❄️💙

Did you know that cancer patients are often more sensitive to the cold and more vulnerable to seasonal viruses? As temperatures drop, it’s important to understand the unique considerations they face and how we can better support them.

I came across this helpful article that breaks down what patients and caregivers should keep in mind during the colder months. If you or someone you love is going through treatment, check this article out.

Let’s stay informed and take care of one another this season. 💛

Cancer patients may feel cold all the time, but it’s particularly true in winter. Learn how to navigate the season’s weather and effects like neuropathy.

12/15/2025

Happy National Cupcake Day! 🧁🎉

I figured this little tidbit was too sweet not to share.
Now let’s all get baking (or at least eating)! 😂👩‍🍳🧁✨

In this blog, we look at the mental health benefits of baking - from yummy cupcakes and cookies, to delicious pastries and pies!

12/15/2025

Even adults need self-soothing!

today i’m sharing what’s inside my self-soothe kit, inspired by the DBT self-soothe skill! this kit has been a lifesaver for my anxiety, adhd, and ptsd. if y...

12/14/2025

You’re not wrong if this time of year feels heavy.

I wanted to make a video to talk through what's going on in my life right now. As many of you know, there have been many highs and lows this past year, and t...

12/13/2025

Trying to soak up the last tiny crumbs of fall before winter shows up tomorrow like, “I’m BACK!” 🍂➡️❄️

Out here sniffing leaves, hugging trees, and pretending my fingers aren’t freezing already. 😂🍁🧣

Enjoy it while it lasts, y’all! 🍂✨

12/13/2025

How can we intentionally destress during the Holiday season?

Relieving stress any time of the year is worth the effort. But during the holidays, with the extra rush, hurry, and expectations, reducing stress is even mor...

12/12/2025

Do you struggle with having enough energy for everything you want to do?

Feeling low-energy and tired often? These are the 8 habits I use to feel energized all day long, get more done, and be my best self. 👩🏽‍🍳 MY NEW COOKBOOK:...

12/11/2025

🥄✨ Have you heard of the Spoon Theory? I hadn’t — and wow, it’s such a simple but powerful way to understand energy, burnout, and how we move through the day.

The idea? You start each day with a limited number of “spoons” (aka energy units). Every task — big or small — costs a spoon. When they’re gone, they’re gone. It’s a helpful way to explain what it feels like to manage chronic stress, illness, emotional load, or just life in general.

💡 This short video explains it beautifully.

Have a watch — it might change how you think about your own energy (and others’) too! 👇✨

Using cutlery as a metaphor for units of energy it takes to accomplish tasks, Christine Miserandino's spoon theory helps illustrate the effort it requires to...

12/10/2025

🎄✨ The holiday season comes with so many expectations! ✨🎄

How do you handle boundaries when things get busy, stressful, or a little overwhelming?

I am going to be talking about ways we can best manage expectations and boundaries this holiday season. I know COVID has really thrown a wrench into a time o...

12/09/2025

How can we say no to gift-giving during Christmas without being snobby or rude?

Joshua and Ryan discuss how to say "no" to Christmas gifts without sounding snobby or standoffish. Watch the full episode on Patreon: https://youtu.be/eMLVzL...