Fear and Excitement: The same Reaction
Our minds are powerful tools that we often allow to hide meekly behind our reactionary feelings which can often bully for control. I want to remind you and encourage you that even though you may not be able to control your body, you are ALWAYS able to control what you think and how you act. When you use your brain to help you, you will find that your body response follows more what you think to be true. I know this has been my practice as I wrap up my time with New Hope. I will miss this place and this community, however, “I know that I can be present in very hard situations, and I am excited to be there for struggling parents and their children.”
Feeling Insignificant?
Have you ever been in conversation with someone and the message you received was “you are not enough?” Or maybe you hear this in your own mind, a self-narrative that shouts “I messed up,” or “I have nothing to offer,” or possibly “I don’t matter.” The results of these messages, especially coming from our interpersonal relationships, can truly affect how we feel and act.
Adult Involvement in Child Therapy
Discover why involving adults in child therapy is crucial for success. Learn how to introduce counseling to children, commit to the process, and support your child's emotional growth. New Hope counselors provide expert guidance.
The Myths About Mental Health
May is Mental Awareness Month. Our goal at New Hope Counseling Center is to take the mystery out of therapy and to be a vehicle to provide hope and restoration. Read our Blog to learn more about the most common myths of mental health.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
“If only she wouldn’t take my boundaries so personally. I have them so I CAN spend time with everyone over the holidays and manage my own kids’ schedules too.” My client was close to tears as we sat and discussed how she is planning to navigate the upcoming holidays with extended family.
The Story of a Wedding Gown…
A wedding gown is designed and created to be worn on a day that is full of love and happiness. Some gowns are lovingly saved by families and used by generations of brides. But sometimes, marriages fall apart. Or someone decides they no longer want their wedding dress. Sometimes they sell the dress. Sometimes they donate the dress. The Community Closet Thrift Store has had many wedding dresses donated to them over the years. I want to share the story of one of those dresses.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words….
it is fascinating to me why so many of us desire connections with past generations and wish to identify our place in the web of life. During the last decade or so there has been a growing interest in families seeking information about their ancestors. Widespread attention to such services as ancestory.com and 23andMe attests to the fact that there is increasing popularity among people in creating their own family tree. With computer access to records, more and more individuals find it possible to research their forbearers.
Curl Up With a Good Book, Part 2
In the second of this two-part post, find more book selections and ideas from the New Hope Staff.
Curl Up With a Book…Suggestions from the New Hope Staff
Maybe there has been an issue you and your family have struggled with for some time, or an area of interest that you wish to increase your understanding. Over the next two months the staff at New Hope has decided to provide a list of books that we have found helpful and that some of our clients have used and recommended.
Family Gymnastics: Navigating Those Difficult Conversations at Family Gatherings
There are often a mix of experiences at family holiday gatherings that bring excitement, joy, frustration, stress, and sometimes downright fear. We are all learning that we cannot control others’ words or actions and that we can only make our own choices to determine how we engage and respond.
Finding Motivation to Exercise During the Cold Winter Months
Do you want to stay motivated to workout, eat healthily and stay on top of your fitness goals even during the dark, cold holiday months? Consistent exercise has been proven to be beneficial in decreasing symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders. In addition, with seasonal depression in full effect during Winter’s short days and limited sunlight, continuing to be active can be one way to focus on taking care of your mental health.
Making Choices
I could only pick one piece of candy, so I HAD to make sure I chose the RIGHT piece. I probably spent 10 minutes trying to make a selection. The decision had me frozen. Years later I remember the pressure I felt choosing a piece of candy, yet I cannot recall what piece of candy I picked.
