The Practice of Self-Care
Our society places a tremendous burden on us to be “on” at all times. We are overloaded with responsibilities at home and at work, and we care for our partners, parents, and children. In our efforts to be everything for everyone, we often push our own needs aside. When this neglect becomes routine, there can…
Read MoreHow Counseling Can Help With Big Life Changes
They say there are only two things in life you can count on: death and taxes. I would add a third: changes. Every person goes through changes in life. And some of those changes can be significant. Whether you are graduating, starting a new job, moving to a new city, or ending a relationship, you…
Read MoreAn Open Letter to My Younger Self
I write this letter because it is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDA) and I couldn’t think of a better time to sit and reflect on the journey. Dear Kels, At the time of this letter, you are a 31-year-old Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at a private practice in Texas. Becoming a therapist is certainly…
Read MoreBeginner’s Guide to Focusing on Mental Health
These days, many people focus on their physical health. But few give much attention, if any, to their mental health. What does mental health refer to? Mental health describes a person’s overall psychological health and well-being. It has much to do with the way you feel about yourself, your ability to manage your emotions, how…
Read MoreCouples: How to Regulate Yourself During Difficult Conversations
Sharing your life with someone means having open and honest conversations, even when those conversations are a bit difficult. But that’s easier said than done. During hard conversations, it’s common for many people to become triggered by something their partner has said. Calm one moment, but the next they’re thrown into “fight or flight” mode,…
Read MoreSilence Your Inner Critic
Every single human being has two voices battling it out inside their head. The one voice is our champion, encouraging us to feel confident and to reach our fullest potential. Then there’s that other voice. The one that is critical of every move we make. The one that looks at all of our perceived flaws…
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