mental health
We live in a society where many different people are walking their own paths of adversity and also resilience. I come across many clients who have truly struggled in their lives and are searching for the guidance and coping skills to overcome their adversities. Individuals who are searching for these skills truly exhibit something most people strive for: resilience. A recent Medium article titled, “Resilience: How to Rescue Yourself from Adversity,” discussed this very topic that I…
When feeling depressed, anxious, or struggling with your personal relationships, it can be very tricky to pick yourself up and to start to feel better. One way to move toward that goal of feeling better is initiating therapy. If you’ve made the decision to start feeling better, congratulations! You are one step closer to feeling better! Initiating this big step in your life can be stressful as is, but picking the right counselor can also be overwhelming,…
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Have you ever considered attending a support group? Many people find support groups to be helpful when they are facing a variety of issues, such as substance use, trauma, and mood regulation. These groups are usually led by volunteers and are often offered at no cost to participants. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotic Anonymous (NA) are examples of well-known support groups, but there are many more that you might not have heard…
Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner Therapy groups and support groups are often spoken of as if they’re interchangeable, but they are not the same. It’s true that they are similar. Both types of groups can be sources of valuable treatment information as well as validation, acceptance, empathy, belonging, and mentorship. But therapy groups—sometimes called group therapy—and support groups have a few distinct differences. Here’s what you should know. Group Leadership. Perhaps the most significant distinction is that…
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Engaging in romantic relationships is one of the biggest risks you can take. While they may bring you so much joy and happiness, they can also encompass pain and betrayal. As you continue to open yourself up and become vulnerable physically and emotionally with another person, the risk of getting rejected, hurt, betrayed, or abandoned grows. Experiencing such hurt can lead anyone to engage in self-sabotaging behaviors moving forward. People…
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling The idea of living in the present moment, also known as mindfulness, is a foreign concept to many. We all get so wrapped up in multi-tasking, worrying about the future, and ruminating on the past that we don’t get to appreciate what is happening right now, in this moment. Not only are you more productive when you are focusing on the present, but you are also more able to live…
Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling When you think of “self-care” you most likely think of working out and eating healthy. While physical self-care is crucial, the other five forms of self-care are just as important in achieving the level of happiness and balance you deserve. A lot of people burn themselves out from all the stress in their daily lives or simply just put themselves last on their priority list. Unfortunately, it isn’t until they…
Struggling with depression can be incredibly challenging for an individual, but it can also be very challenging for their friends or family members who can’t seem to help their loved one feel better. One of the first questions I ask a client who is struggling with depression is what kind of support system they have in place. The reason I ask is that a good support system is one way to move closer to the end goal…
Connecting with therapists who bring warmth, skill, and commitment to the work can influence a person’s entire counseling journey. Our therapists at Symmetry Counseling create a supportive space where people feel seen and understood. Let’s celebrate Laura Cox, NCC, and the meaningful work she brings to our team. Our therapists guide people through challenges with care and practical support that encourages personal growth from the first session. How Therapists Support the Counseling Experience People arrive in therapy with…
Being diagnosed with an “illness” is never a good thing. There are always complications that come after, including going to maybe see a specialist, getting medications, changing your lifestyle, etc. There are not many differences after being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Being able to see a psychiatrist can allow some clarity, but then the questions about medications and talk therapy might arise. Also telling your loved ones about this can also be challenging. In the…