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Recovery Meets Opportunity

July 2, 2026 by

Recovery is often misunderstood as simply “getting back to normal.” But in reality, recovery is not a return it’s a turning point.

When you begin to heal whether from addiction, a difficult relationship, or a painful life transition you’re not just leaving something behind. You’re creating space. Space for clarity, growth, and new direction.

That’s where opportunity lives.

In recovery, you start to see yourself differently. You begin making intentional choices instead of reactive ones. You learn how to sit with discomfort instead of avoiding it. And in doing so, you build resilience one decision at a time.

Opportunity doesn’t always look exciting at first. Sometimes it looks like setting boundaries. Saying no. Choosing peace over chaos. Showing up for yourself in ways you never have before.

But those small shifts? They change everything.

You can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails. And recovery is exactly that: learning how to move forward with purpose, even when life feels uncertain.

If you’re in a season of recovery, know this you’re not starting over. You’re stepping into something new. And that’s where real opportunity begins.

Written by Jameson DePaola

Filed Under: Anxiety, Communication, Couples/Marriage, Depression, EMDR Therapy, empower, faith, Family, family counseling, Grief, healing, honesty, Inspire, Intimacy, kindness, love, marriage, Men's Issues, Men's Mental Health, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, Self-Worth, selfless, teens, Women Empowerment

Exploring the Miracle Question

June 25, 2026 by

Do you feel like you are stuck and don’t know where to go or what to do? If so then this may help you out. People when they are stuck are asking a lot of different questions. How did I get here? What do I do now? Where should I go from here? These questions can be useful to
help you get a better understanding of what the problem is or help you understand the scope of the issue that you are facing. For some people that may be enough information to get them back on their feet and moving forward. For others these questions can help them feel stuck because there may not be clear answers to these questions. This is where Solution Focused Therapy’s Miracle Question can help you find the answers you may be looking for. “If you were to wake up tomorrow and the problem you are dealing with is now gone, what would be different?”

The Miracle Question is a technique found in Solution-Focused Therapy that invites a person to imagine their world without the issues that are bothering them. It asked a person to look for the difference between this world and the person’s current reality. Through this
exploration a person can find the things or behaviors that they need to change in order to make that imagined world a reality.

The Miracle Question is a great tool to use to help you find solutions for problems that you are currently facing. This question works well for a wide variety of issues that people face every single day. This can include issues in a relationship, anxiety, stress, issues at work,
depression and much more. So the next time you feel like you are stuck or struggling with an issue try asking yourself the Miracle Question and see where it goes. You can also reach out to a Mental Health Counselor and have them ask you the Miracle Questions. See what solutions you can come up with and see how your life can change when you start asking different questions.

Written by Nicholas Pujol

Filed Under: Anxiety, Children counseling, Couples/Marriage, Depression, empower, family counseling, Grief, healing, Intimacy, Men's Issues, Men's Mental Health, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, Self-Worth, Women Empowerment, Women's Issues

The Phenomenology of Healing

June 18, 2026 by

Healing in psychotherapy is often described in terms of insight, progress, or symptom reduction—but that language barely captures the lived experience of it. From a phenomenological perspective, healing is not just something we understand cognitively; it is something we feel, often suddenly and unmistakably, in the body.

There are moments in therapy when something clicks—what we casually call an “aha moment.” But in truth, these moments are rarely just intellectual realizations. They are shifts in perception that ripple through the entire organism. A client might arrive at a new understanding—“It wasn’t my fault,” or “I’ve been abandoning myself”—and alongside that thought comes a cascade of sensation: a deep exhale, warmth spreading through the chest, tears welling without force. The insight lands not as an abstract idea, but as something embodied, undeniable.

These are the moments when healing becomes experiential rather than conceptual.

Phenomenology invites us to pay attention to how these moments show up in lived experience. Time can feel suspended. The room may seem quieter, even if nothing has changed externally. The therapist’s presence might suddenly feel closer, more real. Clients often describe a sense of “coming home” to themselves—a reintegration of parts that once felt fragmented or exiled.

Importantly, these visceral shifts are not always dramatic. Sometimes healing is subtle:
a softening where there was once tension, the ability to stay present with a difficult emotion for a few seconds longer than before, or the quiet recognition of a need that had long gone unnamed. Even these small shifts carry a bodily quality. They are felt as micro-releases, as increased spaciousness, as a slight but meaningful reorganization of one’s internal world.

What makes these moments so powerful is that they bypass mere intellectualization. Many clients come into therapy already knowing, on some level, why they feel the way they do. But knowing is not the same as experiencing differently. Healing occurs when insight is integrated into the body—when the nervous system begins to register safety where there was once threat, or worth where there was once shame.

In this way, psychotherapy becomes less about “fixing” and more about facilitating conditions where these moments can emerge. The therapist offers attunement, presence, and curiosity, creating a relational space where the client can safely encounter themselves. Within that space, something organic unfolds. Healing is not imposed; it arises.

And when it does, it is often unmistakable.

Clients may leave a session saying, “Something shifted,” even if they can’t fully articulate what. But they feel it—in their breath, in their posture, in the way they move through the world afterward. These are the moments that accumulate over time, gradually reshaping
identity and experience.

Phenomenologically, healing is not a single breakthrough but a series of lived moments—some big, some small—where the self is  encountered differently. It is in these moments, felt deeply and viscerally, that therapy becomes transformative.

Written by Sophie Gengler

Filed Under: Anxiety, Intimacy, Men's Issues, Men's Mental Health, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, Women Empowerment, Women's Issues

Systemic Couples Therapy for Family Planning 

June 11, 2026 by

Systemic therapy is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes a person’s relationships and broader social environment, rather than focusing only on their internal, individual concerns. 

Starting a new family is often accompanied by significant anxiety, stress, and expectations, which may not be equally shared or understood within a couple. Differences in personal histories, values, and assumptions about parenting can surface during this transitional period. Engaging in couples therapy prior to bringing a child into the family can provide a structured space to explore and align these perspectives.

Reasons to consider couples therapy before parenthood include:

  • Addressing existing relational dynamics: Identifying and working through unresolved conflicts or patterns that may be amplified by the demands of parenting.
  • Clarifying roles and responsibilities: Developing a shared understanding of caregiving, household labor, and professional commitments to reduce ambiguity and resentment.
  • Exploring individual anxieties: Processing personal fears or concerns related to pregnancy, childbirth, identity shifts, or parenting competence.
  • Assessing social support systems: Evaluating available familial, community, and institutional supports, and establishing realistic expectations about external assistance.
  • Clarifying core parenting values: Discussing fundamental beliefs and priorities, such as approaches to discipline, education, religion, cultural identity, and responses to diverse gender and sexual identities.
  • Considering financial preparedness: Openly reviewing financial expectations, budgeting, parental leave, and long-term planning to promote stability and shared accountability.
  • Discussing schedules and sleep arrangements: Developing realistic plans for nighttime care, division of responsibilities, and daily routines in anticipation of disrupted sleep patterns.
  • Planning for periods of exhaustion: Identifying strategies for mutual support, conflict prevention, and self-regulation during times of significant fatigue and stress.

Proactively engaging in these conversations can strengthen relational resilience and foster a collaborative foundation for the transition to parenthood.

Written by Justine Bumpers

Filed Under: Anxiety, Children, Children counseling, Communication, Couples/Marriage, Depression, empower, family counseling, healing, honesty, Inspire, Intimacy, kindness, love, marriage, Men's Issues, Men's Mental Health, Mental Health, Psychotherapy, Self-Worth, teens, Women Empowerment, Women's Issues

What to Expect on your First Therapy Session

January 16, 2026 by

For some people the idea of going to therapy and talking to a therapist can be quite the daunting and uncomfortable proposition. The idea of paying a stranger to sit with you and talk about some of the most vulnerable, embarrassing or traumatic parts of your life can be scary or
challenging. Even for me, as a therapist, meeting with a therapist for the first time can be quite the nerve wracking experience. Sometimes the neutrality and objectivity of talking to someone you don’t know can help you move forward and make the changes you want in your life. Here I plan to tell you what you should expect from your first therapy session.

The first thing that you want to keep in mind when it comes to the first session is that you do not have to say everything about you or everything you have experienced in this session. Feel free to take things slow and to share only what you feel comfortable sharing. In a therapist’s mind this is only the start of your therapy journey so feel free to start with what you are comfortable talking about and building a relationship with your therapist. The therapist wants to build a relationship of trust with you in order to make having those difficult conversations easier. Also feel free to ask questions to your therapist about your concerns about the therapy or the journey that you are about to embark on. Remember the therapist wants to get to know you better and he/she will use various different methods to do that. Some of these can be through assessments, surveys or forms that he/she may have you complete prior to the first session. One of the most important things is that you are in control of what is discussed during this session so make the session about what you want to talk about.

First sessions with a therapist can be terrifying to some people and that is totally fine and normal. I hope this has helped ease some of your fears or concerns about the first session. If you still have questions, concerns or feel ready to take the next step and schedule your first session
then feel free to reach out!

Written by Nicholas Pujol, Registered Mental Health Intern #27522

Filed Under: Anxiety, Children counseling, Couples/Marriage, Depression, EMDR Therapy, empower, family counseling, Men's Issues, Men's Mental Health, Mental Health, Narrative Therapy, Psychotherapy, Women's Issues

Men’s Mental Health: More Than a Mustache

November 7, 2025 by
Every November, Movember invites men to grow mustaches—not for style, but for survival. It’s a visible reminder that men’s health matters, especially their mental and emotional well-being. Beneath the humor lies a sobering reality: too many men are fighting silent battles, smiling through exhaustion, loneliness, and pain that runs far deeper than words can reach.

Research continues to confirm what counselors see daily: men are far less likely to seek mental health support, yet they are far more likely to die by suicide (World Health Organization, 2021). Cultural norms that define masculinity as stoic, unemotional, and self-sufficient often prevent men from reaching out before it’s too late (Mahalik, Burns, & Syzdek, 2007; Seidler, Dawes, Rice, Oliffe, & Dhillon, 2016). That “be tough” script may look strong on the surface, but over time it becomes a cage—trapping emotions men were never meant to carry alone.

As a Christian counselor and pastor, I’ve learned that the enemy’s greatest tactic isn’t always destruction—it’s disconnection. When a man loses his voice, he begins to lose himself. Scripture reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Healing begins when men stop isolating and start connecting—with God, with others, and with their own emotions. In my practice, I work from an integrative model rooted in Adlerian, Gestalt, CBT, and Person-Centered approaches to name a few (Corey, 2024; Sperry & Sperry, 2020), blended with biblical integration (Tan, 2011; McMinn, 2017). This framework—what I call a Psychopnuemasomatic lens—addresses the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Healing isn’t just emotional adjustment; it’s spiritual transformation. A man doesn’t just learn to manage stress; he learns to rediscover purpose, reclaim identity, and realign with God’s design for his life.

Movember isn’t just about growing mustaches—it’s about growing awareness, courage, and brotherhood. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, shame, or anger, you don’t have to carry it alone. True strength isn’t silence—it’s the courage to speak, to seek help, and to start healing.

If you’re ready to talk, I’m here to listen. You can reach me directly at 941-667-7455, by email at tmluster@seu.edu, or through my counseling page: fortmyerstherapist.com.

Your story matters. Your healing matters. And it’s never too late to reclaim the man God designed you to be.
References
– Corey, G. (2024). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
– Mahalik, J. R., Burns, S. M., & Syzdek, M. (2007). Masculinity and perceived normative health behaviors as predictors of men’s health behaviors. Social Science & Medicine, 64(11), 2201–2209.
– McMinn, M. R. (2017). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling (2nd ed.). Tyndale House.
– Seidler, Z. E., Dawes, A. J., Rice, S. M., Oliffe, J. L., & Dhillon, H. M. (2016). The role of masculinity in men’s help-seeking for depression: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 49, 106–118.
– Sperry, L., & Sperry, J. (2020). Case conceptualization: Mastering this competency with ease and confidence (3rd ed.). Routledge.
– Tan, S.-Y. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: A Christian perspective. Baker Academic.
– World Health Organization. (2021). Suicide worldwide in 2019: Global health estimates. World Health Organization.
Filed Under: Anxiety, Men's Issues, Men's Mental Health, Mental Health, Psychotherapy

Craving Closeness & Connections

July 4, 2025 by

As humans, we crave the closeness and connections that come with having someone around, whether it is a friend or romantic partner. Have you ever wondered why some people seem naturally secure in relationships, while others struggle with trust, intimacy, or independence? The answer may lie in attachment styles, a concept rooted in psychology that explains how we relate to others, especially in close relationships. Attachment styles are the foundation of our human connections and our capacity to be there for one another. This creates meaningful attachments and memories with others and our lives. However, with closeness and letting our guards down comes the fear of making connections with others and being vulnerable. Whether that is due to past experiences or our insecurities coming out and influencing us, it can be hard. Understanding your attachment style can help you gain insight into yourself and foster meaningful, deep relationships. You might be thinking to yourself, “Well, how do I start?”. The first step in combating an unhealthy attachment style is to learn about the attachment style you have. As many people say, knowing is half the battle. The 4 attachment styles are anxious, fearful-avoidant, avoidant, and secure. You can take this quiz to see which style you have (Attachment Style Quiz: Free & Fast Attachment Style Test). Now that you know which attachment style you have, it is time for step 2, which will happen without you having to try too hard. It is being aware of how our own experiences are influencing our behaviors now. Then it comes down to making changes to positively influence your life based on those observations. I know what you are thinking, “How do I make that change?”. Don’t worry, it can seem daunting, but once you start seeing it, the change has already started. Trust in your intuition and have faith that you will become the best version of yourself as long as you continue to challenge your ways of thinking.

Written by Tiya Delson, Master’s Level Graduate Student in Mental Health

Ainsworth, M.D.S., Blehar, M.C., Waters, E. & Wall, S. (1978) Patterns of Attachment. A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation. Hillsdale, NJ: LEA.

Levy, M. B., & Davis, K. E. (1988). Lovestyles and attachment styles compared: Their relations to each other and to various relationship characteristics. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 5(4), 439–471. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407588054004 

Filed Under: Anxiety, Couples/Marriage, empower, Intimacy, love, marriage, Men's Issues, Mental Health, Self-Worth, Women Empowerment, Women's Issues

Navigating Mental Health in Unmargined Populations

December 20, 2024 by

Mental health is a universal concern that transcends societal boundaries, yet certain populations remain unseen, unheard, and unmargined in conversations surrounding mental well-being. In this blog post, we delve into the often-overlooked realm of mental health within unmargined populations, exploring the unique challenges they face and shedding light on the importance of inclusivity in mental health
discourse.

Defining Unmargined Populations:
Unmargined populations encompass individuals and communities that, due to various factors such as cultural background, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other marginalized attributes, may face additional barriers to accessing mental health resources and support.

Unique Challenges:
1. Stigma and Cultural Barriers: Unmargined populations often encounter stigma associated with mental health within their own communities. Cultural norms and beliefs may contribute to the perception of mental health issues as a taboo subject, hindering open discussions and the seeking of help.

2. Intersectionality: Many individuals belong to multiple marginalized groups, experiencing what is known as intersectionality. The intersection of different identities can compound the challenges faced, leading to increased vulnerability to mental health issues.

3. Limited Access to Resources: Socioeconomic disparities and systemic inequalities may result in limited access to mental health resources, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric services. Unmargined populations may face financial constraints or live in areas with fewer
mental health facilities.

4. Microaggressions and Discrimination: Daily encounters with microaggressions, discrimination, and prejudice can take a toll on mental well-being. Individuals from unmargined populations may grapple with the cumulative impact of societal biases on their mental health.

Strategies for Support and Inclusivity:
1. Culturally Competent Mental Health Services: Mental health services must be culturally competent, understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds. This involves training mental health professionals to be aware of and sensitive to the unique needs of different
populations.

2. Community Outreach and Education: Initiatives that promote mental health awareness and education within unmargined communities are crucial. This can involve workshops, support groups, and informational campaigns tailored to address specific cultural contexts.

3. Inclusive Policies and Practices: Governments, institutions, and organizations need to implement policies and practices that are inclusive and considerate of the diverse needs of unmargined populations. This includes workplace accommodations, accessible healthcare, and anti-discrimination measures.

4. Peer Support Networks: Establishing peer support networks within unmargined communities can foster a sense of belonging and understanding. Shared experiences create a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear of judgment.

5. Advocacy and Amplification: Advocacy efforts are crucial for bringing attention to the mental health challenges faced by unmargined populations. Amplifying the voices of individuals within these communities helps challenge stereotypes and dismantle barriers to mental health support.

Conclusion:
Addressing mental health in unmargined populations requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the unique challenges these communities face. By fostering inclusivity, advocating for change, and prioritizing culturally competent care, we can work towards creating a mental health landscape that embraces and supports everyone, regardless of their background or identity. The journey towards mental well-being is a shared one, and it is imperative that no one is left behind.

Written by Sherline Herard, MH24002, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression, EMDR Therapy, empower, Family, Men's Issues, Mental Health

Unlocking Deep Change

December 6, 2024 by

How Working with Your Subconscious Mind Can Transform Your Therapy Journey

When it comes to achieving lasting change in therapy, working on a subconscious level is essential. Our subconscious mind is where deeply rooted beliefs, memories, and patterns reside, often influencing our thoughts, emotions, and actions without us even realizing it. While the conscious mind is responsible for logical reasoning and decision-making, the subconscious mind is like a powerful filing system, storing all our past experiences, fears, and core beliefs. Often, these stored beliefs are the very things that hold us back from reaching our goals.

Imagine setting a conscious goal to build self-confidence, but somewhere in your subconscious lies a belief, perhaps from childhood, that you’re “not good enough.” No matter how hard you work on building confidence consciously, this underlying belief may sabotage your progress, leading you back to self-doubt. By working directly with the subconscious, we can identify and reframe these limiting beliefs, allowing you to align your entire mindset with your goals.

Therapies like Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) make use of a relaxed, alpha brainwave state to help clients access their subconscious mind. In this state, we can revisit and process experiences that shaped current self-beliefs, seeing them through the wiser lens of adulthood. Updating these beliefs is like decluttering a storage room, creating space for new, empowering perspectives that support your goals.

Working on a subconscious level not only removes mental barriers but also speeds up the therapeutic process. It allows for deep, foundational shifts that reach far beyond surface-level thinking. When subconscious beliefs are in harmony with conscious goals, your path to growth becomes clearer, allowing you to experience greater resilience, self-trust, and authentic change. Embracing this level of inner work means you’re not just reaching your goals—you’re transforming from within, creating a foundation for lasting success and well-being.

Ready to break free from old patterns and unlock true, lasting change? Book a session today and let’s work together to align your subconscious mind with your goals for a more empowered future.

Written by Kellie Hatch, Registered Mental Health Intern #26644

 

Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression, empower, Inspire, kindness, love, Men's Issues, Mental Health, Self-Worth, Women Empowerment, Women's Issues

Healing Minds: Exploring the Power of EMDR Therapy

November 15, 2024 by

 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a psychotherapy approach that is primarily used to help individuals process and resolve traumatic experiences. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since gained recognition as an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Here are the key elements and principles of EMDR therapy:

1. Bilateral Stimulation:

One of the distinctive features of EMDR therapy is the use of bilateral stimulation, which can involve either side-to-side eye movements, taps or tones (using handheld devices), or other forms of alternating sensory input (such as hand tapping or auditory tones). This bilateral stimulation is believed to mimic the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase, during which emotional processing occurs naturally.

2. Eight Phases:

EMDR therapy is structured into eight distinct phases:

– History Taking: Gathering information about the client's history and identifying targets for treatment.

– Educating the client about EMDR therapy and developing coping skills to manage distress.

– Assessment: Identifying specific memories or experiences to target during EMDR sessions.

– Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories and associated negative emotions.

– Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs and adaptive coping mechanisms.

– Body Scan: Assessing for any residual physical tension related to the targeted memory.

– Closure: Ensuring the client feels stable and grounded at the end of each session.

– Reevaluation: Reviewing progress and identifying any additional targets for future sessions.

3. Adaptive Information Processing Model:

EMDR therapy is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which posits that many psychological problems are due to unprocessed memories that are stored in a maladaptive way. EMDR aims to facilitate the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate these memories, resulting in reduced emotional distress and improved cognitive functioning.

4. EMDR therapy is primarily used to treat PTSD and trauma-related disorders, but it has also been adapted for use with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and more. It is considered an evidence-based practice and is endorsed by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of PTSD.

Overall, EMDR therapy is designed to help individuals reprocess traumatic memories and associated negative beliefs, allowing them to move towards a state of psychological healing and adaptive functioning. It is typically conducted by trained therapists who have completed specific EMDR training programs.

Written by Jennifer Freel, Registered Mental Health Intern IMH26129

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*Coming soon, Jennifer Freel will be offering EMDR Therapy to further support her clients’ healing journeys.

Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression, EMDR Therapy, empower, Intimacy, marriage, Men's Issues, Mental Health, Women's Issues