Assessing Alternatives Counseling

Source: iStock In heated moments, language shapes safety. Words that soften shame build connection—even when boundaries are firm. Instead of “Stop crying,”  try “I’m right here—take your time.” Scripts aren’t meant to control children; they’re tools that protect emotional space. A few examples: “Your feelings are not too much for me.” “Let’s take a breath before we decide what to do.” “I see this is hard—how can I support you right now?” Scripts help parents stay regulated, t

Source: Parent Map Many children appear regulated all day in structured environments—school, childcare, activities—and fall apart the moment they get home. This pattern is not disrespect or manipulation; it’s release. Home is where safety allows feelings to come out. Throughout the day, kids manage expectations, transitions, and sensory input. They work hard to meet what’s asked of them. By the time they walk through the door, their nervous system has reached capacity. Tears,

Source: Power of Positivity When someone we love is in pain, our instinct is to make it stop. But emotional validation is not rescuing—it’s acknowledgment. Validation sounds like: “This really hurts, and I’m here with you.”  Rescuing sounds like: “Don’t feel that way, look on the bright side.”  One welcomes emotion; the other dismisses it unintentionally. Validation supports emotional regulation because it communicates “you make sense.”  When a child or adult feels understood

Source: Today's Mama Children often experience emotions long before they have the language to describe what’s happening inside. Naming feelings gives kids a sense of control and safety—it makes the internal world feel less overwhelming. A curious, calm adult who slows down to notice and describe emotions becomes a powerful guide for emotional literacy. Instead of jumping to “It’s okay,” consider reflecting what you see: “Your face looks tight and your shoulders are high—are y

Introducing our intern therapist, Michelle Moon!!

Source: MCLD Mental health is often framed as individual work, but communities also play a vital role in healing. Why Collective Healing Matters Trauma often affects groups—families, neighborhoods, entire cultures. Isolation fuels suffering, while connection fosters resilience. Shared rituals and spaces reduce stigma and create belonging. Examples of Collective Healing Support groups and peer-led spaces. Community events that honor grief and resilience. Grassroots movements a

Source: Deseret News Faith and spirituality can be powerful sources of strength, though they sometimes clash with traditional mental health care. Positive Intersections Provide meaning and hope during hardship. Offer supportive communities. Encourage practices like prayer or meditation that promote calm. Potential Challenges Beliefs that discourage seeking professional help. Feelings of guilt when faith practices don’t “fix” suffering. Integrating Both Seek therapists open to

Source: iStock Many families pass down not only genes but also silence around mental health. Breaking this cycle requires courage and honesty. How Silence Persists Stigma or shame keeps issues hidden. Past generations lacked access to resources. Cultural or religious beliefs discourage open discussion. Steps Toward Change Start conversations in small, respectful ways. Share personal experiences without judgment. Normalize therapy and mental health check-ins for all ages. Take

Source: Henrietta Psychiatric NP Care Mental health care must consider culture. Without it, treatment risks misunderstanding or alienating those it aims to help. What Cultural Competence Means Awareness of how culture shapes beliefs and behaviors. Respect for traditions, languages, and values. Adaptation of therapy methods to fit cultural contexts. Why It Matters Increases trust between client and provider. Reduces stigma in communities where mental health is taboo. Improves

Introducing our therapist, Sam Shoenhair, LPC!

Source: Divided We Fall Social media can connect us, but it can also harm well-being if used without awareness. Benefits Maintains connections across distance. Provides spaces for support and community. Can raise awareness and normalize conversations about mental health. Risks Comparison trap : Curated feeds lead to feelings of inadequacy. Addiction : Endless scrolling hijacks attention and sleep. Misinformation : Unverified health content can mislead. Healthier Use Curate fe

Source: Self Care Specialists Self-care is more than bubble baths—it’s a tailored plan for maintaining balance. Elements of a Toolkit Physical care : Sleep, movement, nourishing meals. Emotional care : Therapy, journaling, or safe friendships. Spiritual care : Practices like meditation, prayer, or reflection. Practical care : Time management, financial planning, or decluttering. How to Create Yours Identify what replenishes you, not what works for others. Keep a list of go-to

Source: Ordnance Survey Time outdoors is more than a pleasant break—it’s restorative medicine. Benefits of Nature Stress reduction : Green spaces lower cortisol. Improved focus : Time in nature helps reset attention. Connection : Being outdoors fosters a sense of belonging to something larger. Practical Ways to Connect Walk in a park during lunch breaks. Tend to houseplants or a small garden. Practice mindfulness by noticing sounds, textures, and scents outside. Takeaway Natu

Source: The Daily Tar Heel Creativity is a powerful antidote to stress and stagnation. You don’t need to be an artist to benefit—just willing to experiment. Why Creativity Helps Channels emotions into safe expression. Provides flow states, where worries fade into focus. Boosts problem-solving and flexibility. Ways to Explore Creativity Painting, writing, or music. Gardening, cooking, or crafts. Storytelling or improvisation games. Takeaway Creativity is less about talent and

Introducing our therapist, Dannie Knutt, MSW!

Source: American Psychological Association Exercise isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s medicine for the mind. Mental Health Benefits Mood boost : Exercise increases serotonin and endorphins. Stress relief : Movement reduces cortisol levels. Improved sleep : Regular activity deepens rest. Confidence : Physical strength often translates into emotional resilience. Finding What Works Choose activities you enjoy: dancing, hiking, team sports, yoga. Start small: even 10 minutes

Source: Verywell Mind Journaling is more than keeping a diary. It’s a powerful tool for processing emotions, clarifying thoughts, and tracking personal growth. Benefits of Journaling Emotional release : Writing reduces rumination and helps release pent-up feelings. Problem-solving : Seeing thoughts on paper creates space for new perspectives. Self-awareness : Patterns in mood and behavior become easier to spot. How to Start Write for 5–10 minutes daily without worrying about

Source: Karen Miller Trauma shapes how people see the world, trust others, and respond to stress. Trauma-informed care recognizes these realities and avoids re-traumatization. Principles of Trauma-Informed Care Safety : Create environments where people feel secure. Trust : Be transparent and consistent. Choice : Empower individuals with options. Collaboration : Work together, not in a hierarchy. Empowerment : Focus on strengths, not deficits. Why It Matters Many people seekin

Source: Zencare Grief is not a problem to solve but a process to move through. Everyone experiences it differently, and there is no timeline. The Many Faces of Grief Sadness and tears. Anger, guilt, or regret. Relief, especially after long illness. Numbness or shock. What Helps Rituals : Memorials, journaling, or creating keepsakes. Support networks : Friends, family, or grief groups. Self-care : Eating well, sleeping, and moving your body—even when it feels hard. Therapy : G

Introducing our intern therapist, Naomi Rodriguez!!