Painted Rocks for Inspiration and Positivity

Moraine State Park Bike Path Have you ever noticed painted rocks with nice messages on your walk, hike or at the park? The idea behind painting rocks and leaving them about in nature is for people to find them and to feel inspired or to receive a positive reminder. The person who finds a rock … Continue reading Painted Rocks for Inspiration and Positivity

How I Overcame My Fear of Trail Running After Encountering a Cougar

Fastest Known Time, Unsupported, Women's Record We all experience scary events, some are traumatic, terrifying, and shake us to our core. If it was a traumatic event, it literally reshapes both body and brain.  A small way to address this reaction is to change your relationship or the way that you think about the traumatic event. … Continue reading How I Overcame My Fear of Trail Running After Encountering a Cougar

Lifelines and Suicide Prevention Information

Suicide statistics in the U.S. • Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. for all ages. (CDC) • Everyday, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide. (CDC) • There is one death by suicide in the U.S. every 12 minutes. (CDC) • Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 18+ in a given … Continue reading Lifelines and Suicide Prevention Information

Beach Ball Metaphor for Coping with Emotional Dysregulation

I first heard of the beach ball metaphor while watching a video through PESI (one of my continuing education providers). Arielle Schwartz, Ph D (see her books here) uses the beach ball metaphor to explain how we can manage our dysregulated emotions. Arielle Schwartz, PhD provides a mind-body healing exercise that can help trauma survivors … Continue reading Beach Ball Metaphor for Coping with Emotional Dysregulation

My Favorite Books and Resources as a Professional Counselor

This is a list of books and workbooks for mental health professionals. I put them into categories: meaning; relationships; Christian; habits; mindful eating; anxiety; trauma; happiness. I've used most of these when working with clients, they are informative and really help facilitate the process. Some of the worksheets in the books, I've had my clients … Continue reading My Favorite Books and Resources as a Professional Counselor

Struggling to Remain Strong for too Long?

Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are signs that you should ask for help It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of depression, anxiety and panic in ourselves. When we experience these symptoms frequently, for longer than a few weeks, it is time to ask for help. Take action. We tend to go … Continue reading Struggling to Remain Strong for too Long?