Keys to Managing Holiday Stress: Self-Compassion and Self-Care
Keys to Managing Holiday Stress: Self-Compassion and Self-Care Created by Lori Kaniewski, LCPC, NCC, Clinical SupervisorHolidays can trigger various stressors: financial pressures (the burden of gift-giving, travel, and holiday expenses), navigating family dynamics...
Navigating Different Political Views Within Families During a Presidential Election
Navigating Different Political Views Within Families During a Presidential Election Created by Lori Kaniewski, LCPC, NCC, Clinical SupervisorPresidential elections can be a double-edged sword. While they provide an opportunity for civic engagement and discussion, they...
Ending the Cycle: Identifying, Advocating, and Moving Forward from Domestic Violence
Ending the Cycle: Identifying, Advocating, and Moving Forward from Domestic Violence By: Savannah Walker, Master Level Clinical Intern Domestic violence affects millions of people across the world. It can take many forms with no two domestic violence incidents...
ADHD/Depression/OCD Awareness Month – October
ADHD/Depression/OCD Awareness Month - October Kevin Lahey, Master Level Clinical Intern As we wave goodbye to the summer months, we turn our attention towards fall. The nights are getting longer, the weather is getting cooler, and we find ourselves inside a bit...
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day October 10th, 2024 Hannah Garratt, LPC On October 10th we celebrate World Mental Health Day! This is an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, promote mental well-being and advocate for mental health...
National Suicide Prevention Month: How to Help Someone Thinking About Dying By Suicide
National Suicide Prevention Month: How to Help Someone Thinking About Dying By Suicide By Elizabeth Young, Master Level Clinical Intern 09/13/2024 September is National Suicide Prevention Month and a great time to find out how you can help have the conversation with...
Suicide Prevention Week: How You Can Get Involved to Prevent Suicide
By: Elizabeth Young, Masters Level Clinical Intern 09/08/2024 Suicide Prevention Week: How You Can Get Involved to Prevent Suicide Suicide is now a leading cause of death in the U.S. but it can be challenging to know how to get involved or make a difference. September...
Back to School Tips for Parents
By: Maggie Perion, Master Level Graduate, NCC Pending Back to School Tips for Parents Back to school can be an exciting but stressful time for families! Between adjusting to a new routine, managing your child’s emotions about starting the new year, and figuring out...
Back to School Tips for Students
Back to School Tips for Students By: Maggie Perion, Master Level Graduate, NCC Pending Hey students! Back to school can be an overwhelming time filled with a lot of different emotions! Many students feel excited, but it’s also normal to be nervous or anxious...
The Hidden Power of Boundaries: Transforming People-Pleasing into Self-Empowerment
By: Jacob Wallin, Masters Level Clinical Intern The Hidden Power of Boundaries: Transforming People-Pleasing into Self-Empowerment Being a people pleaser isn’t inherently bad. It often stems from qualities like empathy, kindness, and a genuine desire to make others...
Keeping Mental Health Afloat During Summer
Keeping Mental Health Afloat During Summer By Hannah Garratt, MA, NCE Pending Summer break! The time we have all been waiting for. It can be a fun time, but with routines changing it can also cause stress, loneliness and isolation. Here are six practical ideas to “put...
Unmasking PTSD: Understanding, Recognizing, and Addressing PTSD
Unmasking PTSD: Understanding, Recognizing, and Addressing PTSD By Krista Mueller, LPC June is PTSD Awareness Month, a month dedicated to spreading knowledge about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing...
Pride Month
Pride Month By: Kim Cecil, LCSW Happy Pride! June is the month of rainbows and parades, and a season of joy for many and confusing for others. A loving person once asked me, “why do you have to broadcast that, when it’s not the most important thing about you?”...
How to Survive the Last Weeks of School
How to Survive the Last Weeks of School By Hannah Garratt, MA, NCE Pending The time you’ve desperately been waiting for is almost here - SUMMER! But you still have a few days left. Here are a couple things you can do to not just survive, but thrive in those last...
Choosing the Path of Healing: Exploring some Personal Journeys Behind Mental Health Advocacy
Choosing the Path of Healing: Exploring some Personal Journeys Behind Mental Health Advocacy By Jacob Wallin, Elizabeth Young, and Maggie Perion, Master Level Clinical Interns With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Owens Counseling newest two interns were asked...
Unveiling Your Relationship Needs: A Guide to Understanding Yourself and Your Partner
Unveiling Your Relationship Needs: A Guide to Understanding Yourself and Your Partner Shannon Olson, Clinical Director In the intricate dance of love and companionship, understanding and meeting each other's needs is paramount. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of...
Sexual Assault & Prevention Awareness Month
Sexual Assault and Prevention Awareness Month First Tuesday of April is the Day of Action Ashlyn Staves, LPC, CADC, CCTP Have you ever heard of sexual assault awareness month? Or SAAM? Now you have! Every April SAAM aims to raise awareness and prevention of...
Breaking the Silence on Self-Injury for Awareness Day: Understanding the Signs, Risks, and the Path to Harm Reduction
Breaking the Silence on Self-Injury for Awareness Day: Understanding the Signs, Risks, and the Path to Harm Reduction March 1st, 2024. Lori Kaniewski, LCPC, NCC, Clinical Supervisor Introduction: Self-Injury Awareness Day is a solemn occasion that encourages...
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week February 26-March 3, 2024. Elizabeth Young, M.S., Pharm.D., CHWC Clinical Intern The National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) is from February 26 through March 3 this year...
Self-Love
Self-Love Creator: Alexandria Viegas 02/09/2024Happy Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is a holiday often associated with showing love to the people around us. We celebrate love with the exchange of flowers, gifts and kind words towards others. Here at Owens, we...
Book Recommendations for Improving Wellbeing
Book Recommendations for Your Wellbeing From the Team 01/29/2023From Lori: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death by Irvin D. Yalom Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD. The...
January – Mental Wellness Month
January Mental Wellness By: Ashlyn Cadle, LPC, CADC, CCTP Tips and tricks for taking care of yourself this year: Winter can be a tough time to motivate yourself in the wellness department. Between less sunlight, cold temperatures, and less...
Managing Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season
Managing Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season By: Krista Mueller, LPC, NCC 12/11/2023 As much hype as there is around the holidays, not everyone is able to enjoy them so easily. Holidays can stress the importance of cheerfulness, love, joy, peace, and...
Practicing Gratitude
Practicing Gratitude 11/20/2023 Growing up, your parents or caregivers at some point probably told you to “be grateful.” What they most likely did not always tell you was how. Now, you’re left with that question. How does one be grateful? Lucky for you, the answer is...
Self-Care Ideas for Stress
Self-Care Ideas for Stress Our Teams Methods for Stress 11/01/2023 National Stress Awareness Day is the first Wednesday of every November, which comes at a great time knowing that the holiday season is upon us. It offers us a moment to prepare and plan for whatever...
Navigating the Darkness: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts with Compassion and Support
Navigating the Darkness: Addressing Suicidal Thoughts with Compassion and Support Created by Lori Kaniewski, LCPC, NCC, Clinical SupervisorI am a firm believer that thoughts don’t kill people, behaviors do. Let’s talk about those thoughts more openly, together. Life's...
Weekend Warriors Group
Weekend Warriors Group Details
Stronger Together Group
Stronger Together Group Details
Call of the Void
Have you ever stood on the edge of a cliff or a tall building, and for a moment, felt an inexplicable urge to jump? Or while driving on a highway, felt a fleeting impulse to swerve into oncoming traffic? This mysterious and unsettling phenomenon is known as the “Call of the Void,” or in French, “L’appel du vide.” It’s a peculiar and enigmatic aspect of the human experience that has intrigued and puzzled many.
Social Wellness
What is Social Wellness Month? Well, I’ll tell you! Social Wellness Month is celebrated in the Month of July each year and promotes social well-being
Psychotherapy Day
It should come as no surprise that all of us at Owens & Associates Counseling & Therapy Center write about the stigma surrounding mental health and reaching out for help regularly in these blog posts.
Positive Thinking
“We’re our own worst critic”.
Women Touched by Addiction
July 23rd is National Women Touched by Addiction Day. This day is aimed to raise awareness on the issue of women suffering from addiction.
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our mental health affects how we think, feel, act, and handle stressors.
Simplicity Day
National Simplicity Day is in honor of writer Henry David Thoreau, who once wrote: “As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.” He’s right!
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of therapy that integrates visual media such as drawing and painting into the therapeutic process.
The Transformative Power of Yoga
In our fast-paced and demanding world, finding effective ways to support our mental health and well-being has become increasingly important.
Starting the Conversation
When we think about mental health and mental health problems, the first thoughts that come to mind are often of outwardly expressed symptoms.
Let It Go
When you hear the words “let it go”, I think a majority of us can think of a song that goes along with those words.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
I want to talk to you about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, better known as PTSD. While some people have heard about this disorder, many misconceptions exist about PTSD.
Narcissistic Abuse
We hear the word “narcissist” with increasing frequency, particularly for specific behaviors. Narcissism is a term commonly used to describe those who seem more concerned with themselves than with others.
Self-Care for Men
With Father’s Day on the horizon, all of us at Owens & Associates Counseling and Therapy Center wanted to take some time to talk about self-care, and specifically, self-care for men.
Introducing Kevin Lahey, Clinical Intern
Hi everyone! My name is Kevin Lahey, and I’m a new Clinical Intern at Owens & Associates Counseling and Therapy Center!
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. It is a degenerative brain disease that occurs due to cell damage.
Celebration and Fears Experienced by Graduates
Graduation, whether that is from middle school, high school or college can be an exciting and
celebratory time!
Mental Health Awareness Month
It is once again Mental Health Awareness month! During this month people try to bring to the forefront psychological issues that, many times, are shoved into the background and ignored.
Self Care for Women
Self-care is defined as the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.
Filling a Void with Food
Picture this: It’s the weekend. You recently just finished another tough week of work or school. You’re exhausted & feeling drained. To reward yourself for surviving through the week, you go to the pantry & grab your favorite snack or dessert. You sit down with your favorite snack or dessert while you’re watching your favorite show & before you know it, the entire snack is gone.
Counseling Myths Debunked
Everyone has their own thoughts & opinions about therapy, as everyone’s experience is unique!
Secrets
Secrets can be kept in many ways. What is a secret? A secret is something that is told or kept confidential from another person/group/or thing.
Person of Worth
Worth, in accordance with the definition of Merriam Webster, can be defined as “the relative usefulness or importance of something as judged by specific qualities.”
Importance of Sleep
Sleep is essential in how we function, physically and mentally. A bad night of sleep can drastically affect our mood and ability to regulate emotions. It can also affect our physical state by inhibiting our ability to fight diseases, decreasing our immunity, effecting our metabolism and increasing risk of chronic disease.
Developmental Disabilities
Developmental disabilities refer to a group of conditions that can affect an individual’s ability to learn, communicate, and interact with others. These disabilities often appear during childhood and can have a profound impact on an individual’s daily life, making it challenging for them to live independently or function normally in society.
Problem Solving Techniques
Problems are a natural part of life, and learning how to solve them effectively can be beneficial to an individual’s overall well-being. However, the process of resolving problems can also be incredibly stressful, which can have a negative impact on an individual’s mental and physical health.
Resolutions and Eating Habits
We are well into the new year now which is typically a time where we see friends, family, and maybe even ourselves start to become more relaxed with our new year resolutions. Common resolutions I see are to eat right, work out more, get in shape, or to improve physical appearance. What we don’t always recognize is the danger, physically and mentally, we introduce to our routine when these are the goals set in place as they can lead to disordered eating patterns.
Staying Safe on the Internet
The internet can be super helpful when you are trying to figure out how many inches are in a foot
or how to cook a turkey at Thanksgiving! Although it can be a useful place, it can also be unsafe
without the proper precautions.
The Importance of Reaching Out
Experiencing mental health disturbances can cause for significant feelings of isolation, worthlessness, and confusion. It may feel like your brain is working against you, and since you are the only one with your brain, this can be extremely lonely.
Self Renewal
While February 2nd is most known as Ground Hogs Day, it is also known as self-renewal day!
Celebration Of Life
What is celebration of life? Celebration of life is a gathering for a grieving family and friends to honor a loved one who has passed.
Blue Monday
January can be an exceptionally tough month because the holiday excitement has died down and
reality has set in. This sudden shift from the holiday mode can feel like a huge letdown.
Meditation
“Meditation is not about stopping thoughts but recognizing that we are more than our thoughts and feelings” Arianna Huffington.
Seasonal Depression
The last few months of the year are filled with a myriad of joyous events: holidays, family gatherings, breaks from school and/or work, and many more.
What Rights Do You Have?
Honor you as the client, and be treated with dignity and respect. As clinicians, we strive to not only honor your rights, but make you aware of those rights from the very beginning!
Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a common time to “give thanks” and reflect on what we are grateful for from the year. Research shows that making this a more consistent habit not only shifts our mindsets, but the way we treat others.
Transgender Equality
This November, between the 13th and 19th, marks transgender awareness week! This week is a time for people to uplift members of the transgender community by sharing positive stories while also surrounding them with love and support.
UnFriend Day
Does your friend from grade school who you haven’t spoken to in years really need to be your Facebook friend?
Kindness
“Just because an animal is large, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo” Winnie the Pooh.
Veteran’s Day
If not for you and your brave sacrifices, we as a nation could not enjoy today’s freedom and security!
Stress
Do you tend to feel anxious? Restless? A million different things on your mind racing around to be the first thought you have when you wake up in the morning? Let’s consider what we can do to help with that.
ADHD in Women and Girls
ADHD—we often think of an overactive child, running around, unable to pay attention. While this is very much classic for ADHD, it does not commonly show up this way in women (or girls). That can make diagnosis at a young age for girls more difficult, leading to a childhood and young adulthood that is challenging and confusing.
Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner, it a time for fun and celebration. While getting in the Halloween spirit, it’s important to be cognizant of the different situation’s others might be in. There are many aspects of the holiday that can be difficult for individuals.
National Coming Out Day
This annual celebration began back in 1988, commemorating the anniversary of a march in Washington in 1987 where half a million people marched for lesbian and gay rights. By 1990, all 50 states were observing October 11th as National Coming Out Day.
Bullying
National Bullying Prevention is this month, and the idea of bullying can sometimes seem like it can relate back to the child beating up the kid for their lunch money. But what if I told you it can go far much deeper than that.
Depression Screening
Depression is a word that is tossed around often, which can often create a misunderstanding of its severity.
Psychotherapy
Have you ever experienced feelings of distress and hopelessness? Do you ever feel unhappy and overwhelmed about what is happening in your life? Do you have unresolved painful feelings and issues you do not want to face alone? If so, it could be a good time to seek psychotherapy.
Memories and Emotions
For those of you who may not know Alzheimer’s is one of the leading causes of dementia.
Positive Thinking
It can feel almost impossible to think positively when you’re overwhelmed and struggling. This is because our minds can get stuck in a loop where negative thoughts repeat over and over.
Suicide Prevention
If you have a good memory for the early 2000s, you may remember the saying that “suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”
Addiction
I’m Mike, a therapist at Owens & Associates, and we are entering my favorite time of year…autumn! Not only do I love the cooler weather (Hoodies!), but it begins with a month dedicated to addiction awareness and recovery; a topic very near and dear to me.
Women’s Equality
Equality, it’s a concept you hear a lot about. Equal rights, equal opportunities, but when it comes to trying to see equality in action, you sometimes need to take a step back.
Back to School
Oh the excitement the new school year can bring! Fresh school supplies, new classes, social bonding with peers, and maybe being able to reach goals athletically or with clubs or activities this year!
Tea and Well-Being Part 4: Mindfulness
Mindfulness is simply the practice of being aware: aware of our inner experience, aware of our external self, and aware of our environment.
Happiness
While there is so much research and information floating in the world, something that is so precious is wisdom gleaned from time and experience.
Feeling Like a Burden
Feeling as though you are getting in the way of something, imposing on someone, or souring situations can take a significant toll on your physical and mental health.
Tea and Well-Being: Alert and Calm
A large benefit of tea is an increase in alertness and energy. Often clients experiencing symptoms of depression may have reduced energy or experience an increase in fatigue.
You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Friendships are hard work, especially when we are first starting that new relationship – it can feel like we are putting in so much effort with little reward.
Self care
We talk to our clients a lot about the importance of balance in our lives in order for us as individuals to be happy and function effectively.
Our Brains and Bellies
Our Brains & Bellies by Nichole Dabrowski, Counseling Intern Could you ever imagine that your gut activity was related to the activity in your brain? Or that your mood, depression, or anxiety is related to what is going on in your intestines? Our gastrointestinal...
School Stress Part 1
School can be a stressful time for students, no matter what age or grade they’re in.
Forgiveness part 3
Is it possible to not forgive someone?
How to work with your teen with their triggers, challenges, & feelings
Anxiety—it feels and looks different for everyone.
Forgiveness part 2
Does forgiveness remove the consequence of the aggressor’s actions? I hope your response is a resounding NO!
Forgiveness Part 1
It’s a nice sentiment, but why is this so difficult to put into practice? I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “oh, it’s over–just forgive and forget!”
Tea and Well-Being
Tea has been a hobby for mine for many years now – not just a hobby, but also a tool that I use to help in a variety of area in my life.
Why Therapy is Like Climbing a Mountain Part 2
Along the way there will be progress made up the metaphorical mountain. Sometimes progress will be slow, other times it can be fast the important thing to acknowledge is that progress is progress.
Tea and Well-Being part 2
A large body of research demonstrates a connection between mood and the ability to recall information, including recall of skills to aid in reduction of distress and emotion regulation.
When a Pandemic Erased Faces, Social Media Helped Us Connect
Just before the start of the pandemic, I used to walk down the halls of my high school and I would be familiar with most of the faces that I saw.
Addictions and Women
Historically, women have faced demands and poor resources in their path to recovery.
Understanding Disability
Disability has been defined differently throughout the ages, across cultures, and through different disciplines.
Boundaries
Boundaries are protective barriers that people set to protect themselves from harm. Those boundaries can be physical boundaries, emotional boundaries and time boundaries to name a few. Boundaries are important for an individual’s mental health and wellbeing.
Contact Us
Administrative Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: 8am-3pm
Appointment Hours
Availability 7 days a week!
(Each clinicians hours vary)