Stage of Life Transitions

          People are always in motion. Whether it is aging, changing jobs, starting or ending relationships, or relocating, life is in a constant state of evolving. This is very evident at milestones across the life span. Beginning at birth, a newborn rapidly develops into a toddler, and a toddler quickly grows into a child. I... Continue Reading →

Termination

No matter how long a client has come in for therapy, an attachment forms between client and counselor.  The therapeutic alliance is full of meaning.  Creating a safe space for clients to share their pain, shame, disappointments, and milestones, a secure relationship is experienced.  Sometimes, a counselor has to leave the relationship for a variety... Continue Reading →

Guilt: Is It Necessary?

People tend to carry guilt around with them like a two-ton boulder.  Something happened when they were younger that they grew to regret.  Maybe a relationship ended, a poor decision was made, or reckless behavior was penalized.  Possibly, words were left unspoken, a chance wasn’t taken, or the love of one’s life has gotten away. ... Continue Reading →

How to Build Resilience

First of all, what is resilience and why is it something that we need? Most simply put, resilience is what helps us to bounce back from adversity. Resilience is the process of adapting effectively in situations such as trauma, tragedy, or significant stressors such as loss of a job or the death of a loved... Continue Reading →

Digging Deep

Have you ever been at a place in your life where you think, “I don’t know if I can make it”?  The journey is long, it has been exhausting, and mental fatigue has set in.  Sounds a little like what life in general can become.  Maybe it’s a medical condition that is chronic, offering glimmers... Continue Reading →

Get to know the counselors (Cara Nicholson)

My name is Cara Nicholson. I earned my Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Governors State University. Within the program, I chose the Marriage and Family sequence which allowed me to study counseling with individuals, couples, family, children, and adolescents. I am passionate about instilling self-empowerment and hope in my clients, whether I am... Continue Reading →

Eating Disorders

Sometimes it is easy to form an unhealthy relationship with the food we consume and choose not to consume. If you have been feeling as though you may be suffering from an eating disorder, please take a look at the criteria that falls under anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating (provided by the Diagnostic... Continue Reading →

A Day in the Life of an Olive Branch Intern

A counselor’s job isn’t always easy. This week, I had the opportunity to really think about my own self care while working with my clients. Counselors experience hearing painful as well as exciting events that transpired throughout someone’s life journey. “The counselor” is an important tool in the therapeutic progress and if a counselor isn’t... Continue Reading →

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