“Self-sabotage is when we say we want something and then go about making sure it doesn’t happen.”
-Alyce Cornyn-Selby

News and Updates at River Valley BHWC

Coming in 2026: New Client Portal & EHR Upgrade

We’re excited to announce that beginning in the new year, River Valley will be upgrading to ProsperityEHR for all electronic health record (EHR) and client portal services.

More information will be shared soon about the new features and enhancements coming with this system. One key update to note now is that telehealth appointments will transition from your provider’s current platform, Doxy, to Prosperity’s integrated Zoom Health feature.

Once the upgrade is complete, you’ll be able to access your telehealth appointments directly through your client portal.

Stay tuned for more details on this exciting update and the simple steps to continue your telehealth visits with your River Valley provider!

Broaden My Knowledge

Book of the Month: "The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery" by Brianna Wiest

This is a book about self-sabotage. Why we do it, when we do it, and how to stop doing it—for good. Coexisting but conflicting needs create self-sabotaging behaviors. This is why we resist efforts to change, often until they feel completely futile. But by extracting crucial insight from our most damaging habits, building emotional intelligence by better understanding our brains and bodies, releasing past experiences at a cellular level, and learning to act as our highest potential future selves, we can step out of our own way and into our potential. For centuries, the mountain has been used as a metaphor for the big challenges we face, especially ones that seem impossible to overcome. To scale our mountains, we actually have to do the deep internal work of excavating trauma, building resilience, and adjusting how we show up for the climb. In the end, it is not the mountain we master, but ourselves.

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Video of the Month: "Last Days Here"

The new documentary from Don Argott and Demian Fenton (THE ART OF THE STEAL, ROCK SCHOOL), is a raw yet unexpectedly touching portrait of cult metal legend Bobby Liebling, chronicling his bid to resurrect his life and career after decades wasting away in his parents' basement. Liebling made his mark in the '70s as the outrageous front man of Pentagram, a "street" Black Sabbath whose heavy metal riffs once blew audiences' minds. But various acts of self-destruction, multiple band break-ups and botched record deals eventually condemned his music to obscurity. Now in his 50's, wasted by hardcore drug use and living on the charity of his ever-patient mother and father (a former Nixon advisor), Bobby's music is finally discovered by the heavy metal underground. For over three years filmmakers (and metal musicians) Argott and Fenton are witnesses to his unbelievable journey, following the triumphs and downfalls of this underground icon at the crossroads of life and death.

In a world that often pulls us into busyness and disconnection, Connection is a gentle reminder to come back to what truly nourishes us: meaningful relationships, shared values, and authentic presence. These wellness technique helps you intentionally build connection—with others, your community, and yourself—through small but powerful actions that boost mental and emotional well-being.

How to Practice Connection

1. Connect with Your Purpose
Take five minutes to reflect on a cause or issue you care deeply about. Ask yourself: What’s one small way I can support this right now? Whether it's through volunteering, a donation, or simply raising awareness, taking aligned action increases your sense of meaning and self-worth.

2. Strengthen One Relationship
Think of one person you'd like to reconnect with or grow closer to. Reach out—schedule a phone call, coffee date, or even just a quick check-in. Even a simple “thinking of you” text can open the door to deeper connection.

3. Communicate a Boundary
Connection thrives when it's grounded in safety and respect. Reflect on one boundary that would help you feel more peaceful or balanced. If you feel ready, express it gently to the person involved. Honoring your needs is a vital part of healthy relationships.

4. Say Yes to Community
Look for a local event that sparks your interest—like a film screening, community meal, farmer’s market, or local sports game. Shared experiences create spontaneous opportunities for connection and joy.

5. Host a Gathering
Plan a low-pressure cookout, game night, or potluck with people you care about. Laughter, shared food, and simple togetherness are powerful mood boosters and stress relievers.

6. Practice Deep Listening
Try asking someone today, “How are you—really?” Hold space for their answer without rushing to fix or respond. Genuine curiosity and listening can create profound connection in just a few minutes.

7. Share Your Story
If it feels right, open up about your mental health journey—whether it’s in a post, a conversation, or a journal. Vulnerability builds bridges, reduces stigma, and reminds others they’re not alone.

8. Express Gratitude
Send a thank-you card, message, or email to someone who’s made a difference in your life. Practicing gratitude not only uplifts others, but it also rewires your brain for positivity and connection.

9. Spend Time with a Furry Friend
Cuddling or playing with a pet can lower stress hormones and increase oxytocin—a hormone that enhances bonding. No pet? Visit a friend’s, or consider volunteering at a shelter.

Connection is one of the most powerful protective factors for mental health. It reduces loneliness, lowers anxiety, boosts resilience, and reminds us we’re part of something bigger. Connection isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about choosing one or two ways each week to lean into what truly matters.

Be sure to utilize all the techniques and recipes from our previous newsletters in the "Cue to Be Well" archive: