What Are the Stages of Change? Part 1
Jessica Pontis, LCSW As a provider one thing that I see that can significantly impact a client’s ability to meet their goals is ambivalence. It’s not uncommon for someone to question whether or not changing certain behaviors is really necessary to hit certain goals, and this type of thinking can be a normal process during…
Read MoreTrauma: Little t or Big T?
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC When it comes to psychotherapy, trauma is a popular word. Within treatment, I often refer to trauma and the event experienced as a trauma with a little t or a capital t, depending on the gravity of the event. Little t traumas are highly distressing events that affect the…
Read More10 Ideas For In-home Winter Date Nights
Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified Date nights are opportunities for partners to affirm, strengthen, and renew their connection to one another. Some partners will schedule date nights weekly or monthly. In the winter, however, date nights can be difficult due to inclement weather. But since date nights are fun and beneficial, it’s a shame…
Read MoreThe Power of Group Therapy
By: Zana Van Der Smissen Firstly, I have to disclose that I have always been a fan of group therapy. It has always been so interesting to watch people from all kinds of backgrounds come together to share their story in the hopes that others can relate. Group therapy has been an effective tool for…
Read MoreIs Setting Boundaries Important In Relationships?
Erin Ameri, LPC One of the main sources of anxiety I find clients struggling with is about setting boundaries in their relationships. Many of us tend to fall on the “people pleasing” scale and often feel guilty or selfish when we put our needs first. The problem with this is it leads to feelings of…
Read MoreRaising Great Kids: What Does the Research Say? Part III
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC It’s important to recognize that not all kids are raised by two parents, or by their biological parents at all. These children are not at a disadvantage. This blog series has articulated a large body of research within and across genders that highlight the needs that mothers and fathers…
Read MoreRaising Great Kids: What Does the Research Say? Part II
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC If you read part one to this three-part blog series, you learned about what sons need from their Dads and what daughters need from their Moms. As you can imagine, both of these needs are different, and both Mom and Dad must work together to cover their bases in…
Read MoreRaising Great Kids: What Does the Research Say? Part I
By: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC For those of you that know me, you might be thinking “What is she doing writing about parenting, she just became one!” Well, I don’t blame you. Yes, I am new to this, constantly learning and researching to be the best parent that I can be to my new…
Read MoreWhat is Cognitive Processing Therapy?
Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, NCC, LPC Trauma can influence thoughts, emotions, and daily choices long after an event has passed. Cognitive Processing Therapy offers a structured and evidence-based approach to addressing trauma. It also focuses on the beliefs that often develop in response to those experiences. As a multi-state counseling and psychotherapy practice, Symmetry Counseling works with…
Read MoreHow You Can Get Involved In Mental Health Awareness Month
Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, NCC, LPC The month of October is often known for the beginning of fall, Halloween decor, and pumpkin spice everything; however, it is also known for increasing public awareness of mental health disorders, reducing stigma and prejudice towards individuals living with mental illnesses, and promoting community wellness. The month of October is used for…
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