Many teens are struggling with high levels of anxiety without anyone knowing. You might wonder how this is possible. Teens are experts in hiding their true thoughts and feelings. Additionally, anxiety can be difficult to notice as there is no “one shoe fits all” definition. Anxiety does not discriminate.

We have officially entered what some might call the most dreadful time of year. Valentine’s Day, also commonly known as Single Awareness Day, is upon us. We cannot escape it. The grocery stores remind us of our relationship status. When we try to purchase produce, we are greeted at the front entrance with fluffy stuffed animals staring back at us, floating ‘XO’ balloons, and overpriced red roses that will not last a week. 

What we think affects how we feel.   The information we input has impacts on what we output. In this day and age of a pandemic, racial tension, an upcoming election, and even hurricane news, we are overwhelmed with information from the media.  In counseling, I am hearing clients say more and more that they are […]

Whether or not you have children or work as a teacher, without a doubt you are privy to the current struggles and challenges related to the rapidly approaching school year. As the mother of four young children, my husband and I have spent a lot of time lately considering our options, attempting to arrive at […]

Understanding the 5 stages of change How do you respond to change?  Do you embrace it with all that you have or do you avoid it at all costs?  Can I be honest with you?  Change is inevitable.  And no matter how good you might think you are at avoiding it or ignoring it, we […]

When you think of being in “survival mode,” what comes to mind? Surviving on scraps, you find in the wilderness? Jumping at every sudden noise with a knife in hand?  While these dystopian images may seem not far fetched for some, being in survival mode may encompass far more than just these extremes. It refers […]

Life is full of stress.  Some of the stress on us comes in the form of the positive (eustress) and some in the form of the negative (distress), however regardless of the type of stress we are constantly navigating stressors in our lives.   In order to endure and triumph over stress, we naturally utilize […]

I have been a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor for 13 years. I have treated hundreds of men, women, teens, and couples. I have seen many people have great success in therapy, often with life changing results. And yet one of the statements that I frequently hear is “I don’t think it’s so bad that I need counseling”.

I love Jesus. And I also struggle. I am no stranger to fear and worry and anxiety. For years I was told things like “just trust God more” and “worry is a sin” and “you should pray more”.  And yet despite a love for the Lord that resonates to the core of who I am, […]