counselor
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling We are told that “actively listening” to our significant others will help us connect and communicate with them more effectively. You may think you are a great listener, but the truth is most of us don’t listen as well as we could to those we care about. But what does it mean to “actively listen” to someone? Active listening is a model that includes building rapport and trust with another…
By now, I am sure that you have heard of the importance of coping skills and taking part in regular self-care routines. Generally, when we plan self-care routines, we focus on one or two activities that help us feel better, such as going for a run, or getting our nails done. Too often, I see people utilizing coping skills and not seeing results. It takes time and self-awareness to learn what helps you, what does not, and…
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Empathy is one of the most powerful ways we can connect with others. Alfred Adler, founder of the school of individual psychology, wrote, “Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.” The experience of stepping into someone else’s shoes without judgment and letting ourselves feel what they’re feeling is vital to experiencing intimacy in our relationships. But often it…
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Have you considered participating in group therapy? It’s worth thinking about. Many people have found group therapy to be helpful in addressing a variety of issues, from interpersonal skills to self-esteem. Group therapy involves meeting with a therapist and a group of individuals who have similar goals with the intention of working on these goals together. Some people participate in group therapy exclusively, while others engage in individual, family, or couples therapy…
One of the most common reasons individuals and couples attend therapy is to heal from infidelity and decide if trust can be regained in the relationship. Statistics tell us that the majority of people will experience infidelity at some point in their relationships, and yet, it still remains a very taboo topic loaded with a whole lot of shame and secrecy. While every couple is different and infidelity can come in many different forms, there are some…
Walking into therapy for the first time can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. You may not know what to expect, how much to share, or even where to start. Therapy is often portrayed as a space where the therapist does most of the guiding. The reality is that the strongest outcomes come when clients actively participate. Knowing how to communicate with your therapist gives you the know-how to shape your own experience. Your words, thoughts, and…
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Intimate relationships can bring so much light and happiness into our lives, but when they are unhealthy or come to an end, you may feel alone and empty. A quick fix that comes to mind when the relationship causes you to feel this way may be to invest a new love interest. Although going from one relationship to the next may bring you temporary love, excitement, and happiness, is it actually…
Maintaining a happy and healthy relationship requires work and can be a challenge in even the most successful couples. Over time, playfulness, love notes, and cuddling might become replaced with button-pushing, sarcasm, and a lack of appreciation. While every couple is unique in their strengths and challenges, there are things any couple can to do breathe new life into your relationship. Try to: Talk it out. It is easy to recognize when a relationship is having trouble,…
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Communicating with your doctor, whether they be a psychiatrist, a primary care physician, or a specialist, can be difficult in this fast-paced health care climate. Nirmal Joshi, chief medical officer of PinnacleHealth, reported that patients’ chances of having their doctor’s undivided attention have decreased due to increased documentation requirements. Doctors are now expected to record and keep track of more information than ever before, and they are rarely given additional time to…
It’s that time of the weekend again. It’s early Sunday evening and all of the sudden you realize the weekend with your friends flew by, and tomorrow is already Monday morning and back to work! You had so much fun meeting up with friends and catching up on your favorite Netflix series, but the dread of knowing you will be back to check all the unanswered emails starts to cause you some nervousness and anxiety. You’re having…