About Us
Active Mind & Lifestyle is dedicated to mental health and all of the lifestyle choices that impact it. It is an online resource for those of us who have encountered mental-health challenges either as an individual, couple or a family, but it is also designed to help anyone seeking to create a healthy lifestyle that embraces the reality that mental health, physical health, and lifestyle choices all go hand-in-hand. They are intertwined and inseparable.
This approach emphasizes the importance of building strengths rather than focusing solely on fixing problems. It aims to boost what's going well, not just mend what is not. By highlighting the good, it helps individuals thrive and achieve better mental health.
Joshua Wood, LPC
Joshua Wood, MA, LPC has provided counseling and therapy services to individuals and families for 18 years in the Morris County and Somerset County areas of New Jersey. He currently provides online counseling services to individuals with anxiety disorders, gastrointestinal conditions (Crohn's disease, colitis and celiac disease), adjustment disorders, and college mental health challenges. He formerly worked at the Cambridge Professional Center in Morristown, NJ and received his training at the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program at Morristown Medical Center. He earned an M.A. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2006 and his B.A. in English and Textual Studies from Syracuse University in 1993.
Some of Joshua's recent articles:
Sleep and Health
Sleep is a fundamental human need that plays a crucial role in our overall health. Often dubbed as the body's natural healer, sleep facilitates a range of vital functions, from cognitive processes to physical restoration. Its impact stretches across every dimension of health, underscoring its significance in maintaining well-being.
Autoimmune Disease and Mental Health
The mental health implications of autoimmune diseases are a critical part of their management. Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, or organs. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto's disease and celiac disease. While the primary concern with these diseases typically centers on the physical manifestations, there's growing recognition of the profound impact they can have on mental health.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, often referred to as CBT, is a therapeutic approach grounded in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. This means that changing negative thought patterns can lead to changes in feelings and behaviors, ultimately promoting a healthier state of mind and well-being.
The Importance of Fitness and Exercise
Regular physical activity is not just about maintaining an ideal body weight; it's a cornerstone for overall health and well-being. Recent research continues to confirm what we have long suspected: exercise is vital for both the body and mind.