Reclaiming Peace: 7 Strategies to Cope with Disturbing Dreams
Cassy Schraft, MSEd, LPC, EMDR Dreams can be a nightly journey into our inner thoughts and emotions, but not all dreams are pleasant. Nightmares in particular can be deeply distressing, leaving us feeling anxious and shaken. Coping with the aftermath of a nightmare can impact the quality of our sleep and our overall functioning the […]
Simple Steps to Boost Your Mental Health
Breanna Zold, LPC-Intern Mental health struggles can impact anyone, for various reasons, and at different points in life. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a breakup, adjusting to a new career, or battling unresolved past traumas, the burden of these symptoms can feel overwhelming and even debilitating at times. It’s important to acknowledge that […]
Out of State, In the Game: Navigating Sports Fandom in Unfamiliar Territory
Calli Christiansen, MSW Why am I the sports fan that I am? Is it because I am connected with that team? Is it because everyone in my family is and I just took it on too? For some, it is a sense of pride for their state and degree of satisfaction that represents them as […]
What to Expect in Your First Counseling Session: Building Trust and Finding Healing
Karisa Koch, LPC-Intern Welcome to your first counseling session! Taking the step to seek help and talk to a professional about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns is a brave and important decision. Whether you’re seeking therapy for stress, anxiety, depression, or any other issue, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions as you prepare […]
Ethical Non-Monogamous (ENM) Relationships
Amanda Swisher, LPC-IT What is Ethical Non-Monogamy? Most of those who have grown up in the United States are usually well aware of what monogamy is. Often portrayed as the acceptable journey towards love in pop culture, it is a very familiar story; Boy meets girl (or boy meets boy, or girl meets girl), they […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder: All Year ‘Round
Jordan Westfall, LPC-IT Have you ever felt increasingly sad once the weather gets cold and it is the middle of December? Or how about when it is July and the scorching sun is out? You may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a […]
Back-to-School Sleep Schedules
Jennifer Geisler, LPC With the new school year just getting started, children, adolescents and teens in grades K-12 will be experiencing a host of changes as they continue in their developmental and academic journeys. It’s a time of excitement, learning, and maybe even some stress! This is all very normal. One of the best ways […]