As counselors and counselors in training, we often discuss difficult subjects with our clients and support our clients through the experience of the emotions that are connected to these subjects throughout the session. As the session comes to an end, it is part of our goal as counselors to end the session on a positive,... Continue Reading →
For Counselors in Training….Listen to Your Client Tapes
If you are a counselor in training, it is likely you will soon have to or already have had to, with permission, record sessions with your clients to submit for review from a professor or supervisor. For some, this can seem like a daunting task. It certainly was for me at first. As a... Continue Reading →
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety. A dreaded word. Everyone experiences anxiety of various degrees at different points in their life. Where does anxiety come from and what purpose does it serve? Anxiety is a direct result of one’s flight or fight response. The flight or fight response is a physiological reaction in our bodies that occurs in response to... Continue Reading →
The Transformative Power of Asking Questions
Throughout my life, I have come to realize the incredible value of asking questions. Whether it's seeking knowledge, solving problems, or building relationships, asking questions has become an indispensable tool for personal growth and development. In this blog, I will share my personal journey and the profound benefits I have experienced by embracing the art... Continue Reading →
BIPOC
BIPOC. Have you seen this acronym appear more often recently? I know I have, even though the acronym has been around since 2013. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The People of Color portion is intended to include Latino/a/x, Asian, and other ethnic and racial groups as well. The creation of the... Continue Reading →
What is a DSM?
If you have ever been in counseling, you may have heard your counselor refer to the “DSM” during a session. Or, even better, perhaps they have pulled out the DSM during session and have gone through specific material with you. DSM is the acronym for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It is... Continue Reading →
When Holiday Plans Don’t Go According to Plan
It was December of 2020. The first Christmas we would all experience during the Covid-19 pandemic was approaching. My best friend of twenty-five years, Kelly, had moved in with me earlier in the year. She had been teaching art in Quito, Ecuador for the past 3 years, but was forced to make a final decision... Continue Reading →
Gratitude Rocks!
The Olive Branch Community would like to encourage its members to appreciate just how much gratitude rocks! With the holiday season upon us and a new year approaching, it is the perfect time of year to focus on how much every one of us has to be grateful for. This year, we have witnessed from... Continue Reading →
What to Do When a Friend Becomes Intoxicated
Let me set the scene. You are out with your friends for happy hour on a Friday night. Everyone has worked hard and is eager to relax and let loose. One of your friends, on top of having a rough work week, has also recently experienced some personal stress. Perhaps they went through a breakup... Continue Reading →
