With so much going on in the world today, you might have multiple issues weighing on you. Pressures at work, worries about your family, or health concerns are all common. They can trigger anxiety that causes physical reactions, including rapid heartbeat and hyperventilation.

If these sound familiar, check out the Insider article How to deal with overwhelming anxiety: 6 skills from therapists for regulating your emotions. Reviewed by our therapist John Mutziger, it offers tips on how to combat anxiety and lower your stress level.

The post Having a hard time with anxiety? appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

Check out this article reviewed by our therapist John Mutziger for some tips on how to create and nurture new friendships.

The post Are you having a hard time making new friends? appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

LIIST is interviewing therapists who wish to specialize in working with clients coping with sexual issues (sexual orientation, gender identity, pelvic pain, alternative sexuality, erectile dysfunction, orgasmic difficulties, sexual compulsions, mismatched desire levels in couples, etc).

Previous sex therapy training is preferred but not required.

Previous couples and/or family work is also preferred.

Experience or interest in working with OCSB is a plus.

Opportunities for community education and group work are available.

The position is in Syosset, NY, on Long Island. The office is on the first floor of a building with ramp access but no automatic door. Starting in January or February would be ideal. Days and hours are flexible.

Weekly individual supervision and biweekly group supervision will be provided. Ongoing training and continuing education are often attended as a group.

Interested? Please email resumes to RosaraTorrisi@LISexTherapy.com.

The post We’re hiring at LIIST! Come join us! appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

Dr. Torrisi contributed her expertise to 7 Benefits of Orgasms Including Improved Mood and Pain Relief, published on Health.com. Dr. Logan Levkoff, a certified sexuality education and advisor, chimes in on the effect of orgasm on mood, while Dr. Sonia Bahlani, a pelvic pain specialist, shares her experience on the link between orgasm and pelvic floor health.

Give it a read!

The post How orgasms can affect your life outside the bedroom appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

For some tips on what to be aware of, check out the Insider article Couples therapists share 6 relationship red flags you shouldn’t ignore, reviewed by our therapist Sara Rosen.

The post Are there red flags in your relationship? appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

The post Breakin’ up is hard to do… appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

1. Eat a healthy breakfast.
   Your usual weekday routine might be grabbing a donut and coffee on the run, but you’ve got time today.
2. Disconnect from electronics.
   If you absolutely have to check your messages during the day, set one or two specific times to check your email and stick to them. If you need to keep your phone nearby due to family or friends, go into your settings and disable your social media accounts for the day.
3. Listen to music.
   Play what you love, whether it’s classical or country. Sing along.
4. Pamper yourself.
   If you’re in a position to go out, try a massage or a manicure. If you’d rather stay home, take a long bath.
5. Exercise.
   If you’re usually on your feet all day, you can try a light workout, such as stretching or yoga. If you work at a desk or another stationary job, take a walk.
6. Take a nap.
   Short naps are a great way to top up on sleep. Stick to 20-30 minutes; any longer may interfere with your normal sleep schedule.
7. Be creative.
   If you want to take up a hobby like painting or knitting, you may be able to find a club that offers classes and workspace. If you’d rather do it on your own, you can find supplies from a craft store and instructional videos on YouTube. If you like cooking, you could also try a new recipe.
8. Read a book.
   Read a book or magazine. You can also listen to an audiobook if you’re tired of reading.
9. Watch a movie.
   Find that movie you’ve been meaning to see or a few episodes of your favorite TV show.
10. Prepare for the next day.
    Lay out clothes, pack your lunch, and do anything else necessary to make sure you won’t be rushed in the morning.

At the end of the day, you should feel recharged and refreshed. If you feel the need to take a step back from your stresses, don’t hesitate. A mental health day can help you be your best self.

The post 10 things to do during a mental health day appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

The post Dr. Torrisi has been nominated for Best Sex Therapist in Long Island! appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

Here are some good pieces by LGBT writers on their experiences coming out and living as gay or trans.

Coming Out Is a Life-long Process, by Kathi Wolfe

Being gay in some parts of the world – and in some parts of your life – might be hard, but it can also be joyful.

Coming out as LGBTQIA+: A Personal Essay on Queer Invisibility by Shannon Collins

The author discusses how difficult it can be to secure in your identity.

Being Isabel by Isaac Amend

For some transgender people, memories of living as the wrong gender are painful; other people miss parts of those lives. Isaac Amend, a transman, reflects on this seeming paradox.

My Journey to Pride by Charles M. Blow.

Coming out as an older Black man, the author describes seeking support in a quieter older community rather than Pride parades.

I Don’t Know Who Needs to Hear This, but You Are Bi Enough by Zachary Zane

Your identity as bisexual isn’t invalidated if you’re in a relationship with a straight person.

The Taboo on Being Gay and Old by Peter Field

The gay community can have a stigma against aging, but the author pushes back on the assumption that you can’t have a fulfilling life as an older gay man.

If you want to support a newly-out person in your life, learning as much as you can is a great step towards being a straight ally. If you’re LGBT+, any or all of these pieces may offer you some insight and wisdom on your journey.

The post Here are some good reading recommendations for National Coming Out Day appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).

However, stonewalling is detrimental as a long-term strategy, since it prevents communication and problem-solving. Check out some tips here in order to prevent stonewalling from damaging your relationship.

The post How to keep stonewalling from damaging your relationship. appeared first on Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy (LIIST).