Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch
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By: Natasha Cooke, MS Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S What is Social Anxiety? Is meeting new people your worst fear? Do you tremor or suffer from anxiety when faced with social situations? You may be suffering from social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is determined by meeting several criteria from the DSM-5 TR (one of […]
By: Natasha Cooke, MS
Supervised by Melissa Barton, LPC-S
Is meeting new people your worst fear? Do you tremor or suffer from anxiety when faced with social situations? You may be suffering from social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is determined by meeting several criteria from the DSM-5 TR (one of the main mental disorder categorization systems). Some criteria include fear or anxiety in social situations in which one is exposed to possible scrutiny or feels negatively evaluated by others. Additionally, social situations nearly always provoke fear. The person in question avoids social situations due to fear, and one or more areas of the person’s life are significantly impaired.
How will you know if you have social anxiety disorder? You will meet all the criteria for the disorder and likely be diagnosed by a mental health practitioner.
So, what’s not social anxiety disorder? Feeling a bit or moderately uncomfy when you meet new people, forgetting people’s names immediately after hearing them for the first time, or being an introvert is not cause for alarm, nor do they indicate social anxiety disorder is present. It’s natural for individuals to feel a bit nervous when they meet someone new or attempt to make a new friend. Even if you do have social anxiety, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have social anxiety disorder! So that’s the good news.
Now that we know the difference between having some occasional social anxiety and having social anxiety disorder, what’s next? Is it possible to make new friends? Absolutely. It may be a bit tough, but here are some general ideas on how you can make friends.
Mental health therapy is a wonderful tool for navigating social anxiety, whether you have a diagnosis or not. A common type of therapy that is helpful for social anxiety is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapists that use CBT with their clients help them work through irrational thoughts and gain insight into thought patterns. In addition, if your therapist uses CBT, they may use techniques such as role-playing to help guide you through social anxiety.
What is the best way to get good at something, even making friends? Practice! Role-playing in therapy is a tool or strategy that therapists use to help clients become desensitized to situations, confrontations, or even prepare for job interviews. Role-playing helps clients by practicing an “attempt at making a new friend” scenario. It might sound silly, but thankfully, therapists are not here to judge. They won’t make you feel silly or embarrassed and genuinely want you to succeed. In other words, in therapy, you will role-play likely situations in a place where you feel safe and comfortable. From there, you take steps to utilize your new skills in real life.
Maybe role-playing doesn’t feel like enough to help you navigate your anxiety through social situations. So, what else can you do? Building your confidence and self-esteem is certainly the way to go, and you can also look to therapy to help with this! One way to build confidence is to make a list of things you are good at. Be proud of the talents that you have, no matter how large or small. Utilize positive self-talk and hype yourself up about these skills as often as possible! Spend time with like-minded people that also offer positivity. Some ways to build self-esteem are being kind to yourself, learning to say “no,” becoming more assertive, building positive relationships, detaching yourself from people that tear you down, and journaling.
Overall, nearly everyone deals with some social anxiety at one point or another. If you happen to be someone who deals with it constantly or maybe even has social anxiety disorder, you are not alone. Remember that getting a formal diagnosis may be helpful for severe cases. Other helpful tools are seeking counseling, learning skills for making friends, building confidence, and increasing self-esteem. While it may seem impossible now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You can acquire the skills and tools needed to make friends and manage social anxiety. And no, you don’t have to become an extrovert either! You’ve got this!
If you are ready to feel like your best self, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By Margie Frisco, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Help Kids Calm Down Learning how to calm down can be challenging. It is not something that humans are born with. That would make life so much easier. But unfortunately, it’s not that way. Also, for children, it can be tough to calm […]
By Margie Frisco, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Learning how to calm down can be challenging. It is not something that humans are born with. That would make life so much easier. But unfortunately, it’s not that way.
Also, for children, it can be tough to calm down. Many times they do not know details about emotions. They can often act like they have big feelings but do not know how or what to tell you. And kids typically do not know how to calm down once they have noticed they are in some big feelings.
Teaching children how to calm down has two parts to it. First, kids need to learn what emotions are. And then, we can address what to do with the big feeling after.
So to help them learn what emotions are, we can label the emotion for them. For example, if your child is stomping their feet and yelling, you can say, “Hey, kiddo, I see you are mad because you are stomping your feet and yelling.”
Remember that I am referring to younger children under the age of five or so. I say so because each child is different. And once your child understands the emotions and can verbally express their feelings, let them define the emotion.
For older children, feel free to ask them if they are struggling to communicate how they are feeling verbally. For instance, if your child/teen is crying, ask them, “Hey, I see you are crying. How are you feeling?” This open-ended question allows your child to fill in the blank with emotion.
The second part addresses what to do with a big emotion. After labeling the emotion, we want to create a habit of turning to a healthy coping skill to make that big feeling smaller. See the link below to another blog explaining what a healthy coping skill is.
https://cincoranchcounseling.com/what-is-a-coping-skill/
Taking into account a healthy coping skill does not take the problem away. It just makes the big feeling smaller. So, we might have to do a couple of coping skills if the feelings are really big.
The important part of teaching healthy coping skills is to model it. What I mean by modeling is physically showing children how to do that. Try something like this when it is all together. “Hey, kiddo. You look mad because you are throwing things, and your facial expression is. Let’s try blowing bubbles to help make the anger smaller.” And then blow bubbles with them.
An example for an older child or teen could look like this. “Hey, child of mine. How are you feeling?” Give the child time to respond. Maybe they start pouring their heart out, or maybe they say nothing is wrong.
If you feel the child/teen is shutting down or ignoring their feelings, ask them if you can help with a conversation or a gentle reminder about healthy coping skills (assuming you have had a conversation explaining what they are and how to use them).
Furthermore, the best way to show your child how to calm down is to do what you preach. When you have big feelings, it is ok to say how you are feeling and that you need to do something to change it. Like, if you get some bad news from work, say, “I am feeling bummed about work. I am going to read for a little bit to get my mind off of it.”
I know this can feel silly, saying what you might be thinking. But remember, your children cannot read your thoughts. They might need you to explain what is going on in your mind when you have big feelings to help them know what to do when they have big feelings.
Children are not born with the skills to help themselves calm down. They do not even have the knowledge to know what emotions are. As adults, it is our job to explain these situations and what to do.
Again, I know it can feel silly saying your feelings out loud. But If we want our children to do this, we need to be able to show them how to do it.
If you need more help with your child, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Tara Kong, MS, NCC, LPC-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Do you know how to connect with your son? Raising my two children, including my 15-year-old son and a nine-year-old daughter, brings me both a lot of joy and, at times, a lot of stress. When my son was young, I always heard […]
By: Tara Kong, MS, NCC, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Do you know how to connect with your son? Raising my two children, including my 15-year-old son and a nine-year-old daughter, brings me both a lot of joy and, at times, a lot of stress. When my son was young, I always heard parents of older children saying, “Just wait until he’s a teenager.” When we entered the teen years a few years ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect and felt some trepidation. Now that we are a few years in, I can say that parenting a teenage son is challenging, unpredictable, and can be a rewarding experience. My son likes to talk to me just before I’m about to go to sleep. He’ll come into my room and ask if I want to come out and talk to him. Even though I am usually exhausted, I get up and make the time to go out and have a conversation with my son. And yes, it is 100% worth it.
Here are some things I learned about raising a teenage son from experience and from reading teen parenting blogs.
As parents, we often feel it is our job to impart wisdom, help them make choices, and guide our children down the correct path. But sometimes they just need us to listen, really listen to them. It’s a different world than the one we grew up in, and there’s a lot we can learn from our children by simply allowing them a safe space to talk.
Teaching our children that the world does not revolve around them is important and can be hard because they are the center of our universe. When kids demand or expect more than our love, that is when it becomes a problem. You’re not doing your child any favors by teaching them it is ok to have an attitude of entitlement. Yes, we want them to fit in and feel good and happy, but the desire for instant gratification and the demand to get something simply because we want it is not teaching an attitude of gratitude.
Research has evidence that there is a direct link between low self-esteem and materialism. We often give our kids more because we think it will make us all feel better, but what it actually does is place a higher priority on stuff instead of on relationships. Kids don’t need more stuff or more freedom; they need more of you.
Help your teenage son understand it’s important to have friends of different color, sex, religion, and backgrounds. It is essential that you also follow this advice because if your kids see you only hang out with people who are just like you, they may question if you really mean what you say.
Ask and discuss with your children how they think others may be feeling in different situations. It can be real-life situations or fictional ones. For example, if you watch a movie or television show, ask your child who she or he relates to most and why. Be sure to model empathy in your own life and discuss it with your children. Tell about a time you noticed a friend or family member who was hurting and what you did to try and comfort them or support them.
Take accountability for the successes as well as the failures in your life. If you are unhappy with something in life, don’t place the blame on someone else. Make a change and work hard to fix what you don’t like. Don’t wait for someone else to change or circumstances to be perfect before doing what you can to help the situation.
It is important for children to know that they will not be liked by everyone they come across. On the other hand, they may not like everyone they come across. No matter what you do, there will still be people who don’t like you for one reason or another. When my son had a teacher he didn’t like, we used it as a learning experience that sometimes in life, you have to work with people who you don’t like. Be kind and respectful, and move on.
Help your children understand that no means no. It does not mean trying harder. It is important for teenage boys and girls to understand consent and what it fully means. It is also important to teach them they have the right to say no or change their minds.
The Marshmallow Experiment of 1972 showed that delayed gratification has many benefits. The experiment involved giving a marshmallow to a young child with the promise of giving a second marshmallow if the child could wait 15 minutes. Follow-up studies over the next 40 years showed that the children who were able to wait to get the second marshmallow grew up to have better social skills, higher test scores, and a lower incidence of substance abuse. They were in better physical shape and handled stress better than those who did not wait.
The times when it seems like they are more independent and need you less are actually the times they need their parents more. Research shows we need to spend more time with them during the teenage years. Find something they enjoy and engage with them. It can be playing a video game, playing a sport, or even talking about a subject they find interesting. These years are important and matter. Make the most of the time you have with your kids.
If you are ready to start connecting better with your teenage son, one of the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Carey Robey, MS, LPC, NCC Take a Break: Here’s Why and How Are you taking enough breaks? If the answer is “yes,”- great! Keep reading to make sure you are using those breaks wisely. If the answer is “no,”- read on to remind yourself why you deserve and may need time to recharge. Taking […]
By: Carey Robey, MS, LPC, NCC
Are you taking enough breaks? If the answer is “yes,”- great! Keep reading to make sure you are using those breaks wisely. If the answer is “no,”- read on to remind yourself why you deserve and may need time to recharge. Taking breaks is an essential part of mental health. Breaks allow our body and mind to keep going; the recharge we get from taking a step back lowers our stress and increases our overall health.
Life can be demanding, and the more we stay on the grind and don’t take the necessary time for rest, the more opportunity we create for increased stress and burnout. Not only does this affect our productivity, but it negatively impacts our self-care and mental and physical health. The need for breaks varies from person to person, and the type of break can change based on your needs. Sometimes we might be considering taking more little breaks throughout our day; other times, the need for longer breaks may be necessary. Maybe we need a mental health day, or maybe we need to take a few days off, or maybe just an hour here or there. Taking breaks can be a reset; they can increase our understanding of ourselves, allowing us to have a greater awareness of where and when we need to take breaks and what kind of break we really need.
Utilizing breaks to do things that bring comfort or relaxation is a great place to start. Try to avoid getting into another monotonous task and allow yourself space and time to recharge. Sometimes though, we are able to simply switch tasks, and that allows us enough room to feel less stressed. Changing your surroundings can also be a great way to take a break, sit outside or go somewhere new for something different. You may want to engage in an activity you enjoy or simply read or take a nap. On a nice day, maybe you want to sit outside, close your eyes, and think happy thoughts. Think of engaging in meditation or some light physical activity. The options are endless. The point is to listen to your body and mind, check in with yourself daily, and see what you may need for that day or week.
You are the only one who needs to give yourself permission to take a break. Remember that even a few minutes can do a lot to refresh and reboot our bodies and minds. If you feel that you need more time, plan ahead to make that a reality. Clear your schedule so that you only have to really be accountable to yourself, but don’t wait to give yourself a little break in the meantime. Taking breaks allows us to clear our minds, increase positive and healthy habits, promote wellness and relaxation, and reduce stress. If you need more reasons why you deserve a break, come see me for therapy! I would love to assist you in prioritizing your self-care needs and guiding you to a place of peace and happiness.
If you are ready to start taking breaks for your well-being, one of the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By Alexia Cabreras, MS, Life Coach Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Taylor Swift To Cope With a Breakup? Duh! This blog has been a long time coming…you may or may not have your own opinions about Taylor Swift…and we may not agree, but hear me out! This blog isn’t about her only because I’m […]
By Alexia Cabreras, MS, Life Coach
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
This blog has been a long time coming…you may or may not have your own opinions about Taylor Swift…and we may not agree, but hear me out! This blog isn’t about her only because I’m a giant Swiftie myself, but if there’s anyone who can write a masterpiece about heartbreak, relationships, and valuing yourself, it is no other than Taylor Swift herself!
After all, the reason this matters is straightforward, as humans, we are all bound to experience heartbreak in our life. It may come from relationships not working out, it may stem from infidelity, broken promises, lies, and maybe just not being compatible. Throughout all of it, something shared amongst all reasons is the pain one feels when having to let go of someone who was significant in your life.
As I mentioned, relationship issues are common. Even the famous experience them firsthand. The thing about Taylor herself is she has no shame in relationships that have failed her. I think we can all agree this makes her that much more genuine. In order to cope with her feelings, she writes about it and makes it a form of entertainment for the world to experience. We live through her experiences and in the process reflect on our own pain, but it’s not all bad. We get to grow from the shared experiences as women facing relationship issues throughout our lives.
If you ask me, every lyric is a work of art (wink, wink!) but truly, think of it as quotes. Lyrics speak for themselves and can be a representation of thoughts and feelings we may be going through. Here are some of the most empowering lyrics from Taylor Swift herself, but don’t blame me if you go down the rabbit hole looking for more!
onna play, play, play, play, play / And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate / Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake / I shake it off, I shake it off”It matters because you should never allow a relationship that didn’t work out define you as a person and make you feel any less than. You still matter. You are still someone who deserves to be valued and respected when moving on, healing, and trying it all over again. That’s part of life. It may take a few tries before you find your person, and if you don’t right away, that’s okay. You’re not on your own, kid!
Relationships aren’t perfect, no matter how close to “perfect” your partner may feel. The point of all of this is ultimately knowing your worth! Sometimes, we have this thing where we get older but just never wiser, and in therapy we see women struggling to find themselves again after a difficult relationship, feeling worthless and hopeless. I am here to encourage you to gain your power again and gain control of your life even if it’s through music (Taylor Swift) to be exact! If she can publicly get through all her breakups and write songs about them, use her songs to cope with your pain and be the bada** woman you are and are meant to be!
If you are ready to start working on getting back to your normal self after a heartbreak, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Ally Hoffman, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Safe House: an Aid for Intimacy and Boundaries In thinking about intimacy and boundaries, it becomes more apparent throughout time that privacy is very sincerely a privilege these days! So much of our information is available to the public through social media, and […]
By: Ally Hoffman, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
In thinking about intimacy and boundaries, it becomes more apparent throughout time that privacy is very sincerely a privilege these days! So much of our information is available to the public through social media, and much of our lives are spent exchanging information digitally or otherwise. As a result, the lines between appropriate conversation, boundaries, and information sharing have been blurred. As a means to draw better distinctions and encourage more control over your environment, I typically encourage clients to follow along with the Safe House tool. It is a visual aid for developing boundaries and understanding intimacy.
When first mentioning the safe house, clients often think I am talking about the physical dwelling where we sleep at night. Oddly enough, we are speaking about something even closer to you – your physical, mental, and spiritual body (or home). While there are a few requirements for how the house may look, a couple of things are necessary to have in and around your house for the metaphor to work! For instance, on the interior of your home, you must have two floors, your bedroom must be upstairs, and a dresser (with drawers) must be in your bedroom. As for the home’s exterior, I advise that clients must have a front porch, a fence encompassing the entire property, a sidewalk outside of that fence, and a street for those passing by.
When guiding clients through this exercise, I have them close their eyes and visualize what the house looks like. To begin, we start upstairs. There you will find your bedroom with a dresser somewhere inside. Inside that dresser are all your intimates – experiences, thoughts, and feelings we keep closest to our chest. From there, we exit the bedroom and head out to the rest of the upstairs, where you can find other bedrooms, a game room, or whatever else you see fit. Now, we head downstairs, where you can find your kitchen, living room, and whatever else you’d like. Exiting through the front door, you will find a front porch and front yard encased by a picket fence. Outside that picket fence, you will find a sidewalk and your traditional street for driving.
Moving from the outermost to the innermost part of the house, we have opportunities for boundaries at each entry point or doorway. At each of these metaphorical physical boundaries, clients can start being more specific with qualities and characteristics that others must possess to get further into their safe house. In other words, the closer they get to your underwear drawer, the more requirements they must meet. For example, it is unlikely that you would let someone off the sidewalk straight into your bedroom. Let alone have them take a peek at your underwear drawer! Right? By the same token, we do not often share the most intimate parts of ourselves with strangers right off the street. This tool gives us a more tangible understanding of how close people are to us and the varying degrees of information we share with these individuals within our support system.
Looking to learn more about intimacy and boundaries? One of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Setting Boundaries With Kids Setting boundaries with kids can be tricky. It can be difficult to think of what you want the boundary to look like. And it can be even worse to actually implement them. What is a Boundary With Kids? First, […]
By: Margie Frisco, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Setting boundaries with kids can be tricky. It can be difficult to think of what you want the boundary to look like. And it can be even worse to actually implement them.
First, let’s start with defining a boundary. A boundary is telling someone where to stop. This can be something logistical or emotional. For example, “Do not call someone a name” or “Do not touch a fire.”
Furthermore, boundaries can help children learn social skills. This can be a tool you have as a parent to help your child navigate what to do in social settings. It teaches kids how to listen/respect others and how to tell others how they would prefer for others to act around them.
How often have you told your children to do something, and they do not listen? I know; this has happened to me too! There can be a second part of the boundary. The second part is something you can control.
For instance, “Please do not snatch this toy from your sibling. If you do this again, there will be a consequence.” I will say before you communicate your boundary, make sure to check your emotions first. Children learn from what they see and hear. If we communicate with anger/frustration in our voice, children can pick that up. And they might even speak in the same manner.
What I mean by consequence is something that you choose, is age-appropriate, and is effective for your child. It is important to have a consequence you have control over. For example, say the consequence is not going to play with friends. But then they go to daycare and play with friends. That was not something you could control.
Another part of the consequences needs to be something that is age appropriate. If you use time out, pick a practical time for your child. For instance, if a five-year-old hits another child, several hours of time out will be ineffective. It will probably torcher you and the child. Instead, make the time something smaller, closer to their age.
Lastly, it is essential to note that not all consequences work for every child. That is ok. I recommend finding what deters your child. Some children do not like limited screen time, extra chores, or even time away from others. There could be a plethora of options. The point of a consequence is to keep your child from doing something.
Children can be difficult sometimes. Don’t get me wrong. We love our children and think the world of them. But sometimes, they can challenge parents.
Remember, depending on age and reason, children are typically expected to push the boundaries. Of course, there can be other reasons why a child is resisting. But for the most part, children are learning.
I do not say this to give your child a pass. You still have to help your child learn. However, this can be helpful to remember that they were not born with these tools. It can help you have compassion not only for your child but for yourself too.
Fair warning, when you begin using boundaries with your child, they might have some initial pushback. Children are egocentric. This is just a fancy way of saying they have a hard time thinking of others and others’ perspectives. Kids are born this way.
Have a realistic expectation that children will resist the new way of doing things. That is understandable. If you persist and stay consistent, children will learn.
If you would like more help setting boundaries with kids, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By: Tara Kong, MS, NCC, LPC-Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S When someone is seeking counseling and calls our practice, they have the option of having a student, LPC-Associate, or an LPC. Many people do not know what an LPC- Associate is. I know I didn’t before I started my counseling program. So first, […]
By: Tara Kong, MS, NCC, LPC-Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
When someone is seeking counseling and calls our practice, they have the option of having a student, LPC-Associate, or an LPC. Many people do not know what an LPC- Associate is. I know I didn’t before I started my counseling program. So first, what is an LPC-Associate? LPC stands for a licensed professional counselor. An LPC-Associate is someone who has been highly trained and completed two years of a rigorous master’s degree program where they had to complete 700 hours of direct counseling experience before graduation. During their training, they received education on many different counseling techniques, assessments, diagnostic skills, ethics, and other courses related to the field of counseling. After graduation, LPC-Associates take the national licensing exam, which gives them their license to practice in their state. LPC- Associates complete an additional 3,000 hours of counseling work before receiving their unsupervised license. During the 3,000 hours, they are under supervision and meet for group and individual consultation with their supervisor. Here are five reasons to choose an LPC-Associate:
LPC-Associates charge lower fees than an LPC. This can help those people who do not have insurance to cover the cost of sessions. Receiving sessions at a lower cost makes counseling more accessible to those who otherwise could not afford it. LPC-Associates are currently $115 per session.
Due to LPC-Associates being under supervision means the client gets to also work indirectly with the supervisor. Cases are discussed in weekly supervision sessions so the client gets the benefit of two counselors for one price. The supervisor’s job is to make sure the client is getting the best care possible. Also, if the therapist needs some direction or guidance for a particular issue, they have the chance to talk it over with their supervisor. Clients get an opportunity to have their therapist and a more seasoned therapist at their service.
LPC- Associates also meet in groups for consultation. This is a chance for the therapist to gain different perspectives, resources, and information from their peers. If you are concerned about your information being shared, there is no need to be alarmed. LPC-Associates and their supervisors are bound by confidentiality and will not share any names or identifiable information. Associates give need-to-know information while never using real or full names.
Many of the LPC-Associates are second-career professionals. They have experience in other various fields, which contributes to their knowledge as a counselor. LPC- Associates have graduated with a Master’s degree, completed about 700 hours of field experience, passed a licensing exam, and come to the therapy room with years of life experience. They have faced their own adversities, successes, and overcome obstacles which leads to experience that is valuable.
A therapist who is more experienced does not always make a better therapist. The counseling world is constantly changing to better meet the needs of clients, and an LPC-Associate has likely been exposed to modern techniques and up-to-date interventions. LPC-Associates are able to bring fresh ideas and viewpoints to their sessions. LPC-Associates are excited and eager to help their clients and to learn all they can about the field of counseling. That’s not to say LPCs are behind on techniques. They also stay current with continuing education and consultation.
These are just a few of the many reasons why choosing an LPC-Associate may be the right choice for you!
If you are ready to start counseling with an LPC-Associate, one of the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC Virtual counseling sessions are available for college students while away from home. Starting college and moving away from home is a difficult transition for students. College students are faced with new challenges and issues every day. These new challenges include less accountability from adults and teachers, larger classroom sizes […]
By Rachel Fowler, MS, LPC, NCC
Virtual counseling sessions are available for college students while away from home. Starting college and moving away from home is a difficult transition for students. College students are faced with new challenges and issues every day. These new challenges include less accountability from adults and teachers, larger classroom sizes compared to high school, and full responsibility for their schedule. In addition to the academic pressures in college, there are also new peer and social issues for students. It can be overwhelming for college students trying to navigate the new challenges they are faced with while away from home. Here are four ways virtual counseling can help set your college student up for success.
Many college students become overwhelmed with changes to their lifestyle and increasing academic pressures. Finding a balance between personal and academic growth can have college students experience increased anxiety levels. When individuals are constantly anxious, it is difficult to stay focused on their goals. A therapist can assist college students in consistently evaluating their short-term goals to help them stay accountable. The long-term goal is to graduate from college, but a therapist will assist the student in staying accountable for all the short-term goals needed to make the long-term goal possible.
While a student is away at college, they may not always feel comfortable calling home or telling their parent or guardian about all of their issues. In those situations, a therapist can step in and help the student evaluate the concern. I like to think of the therapist as a safety net, another safe and trusted adult in their life. As the parent or guardian, you will have peace of mind that the therapist will always keep the student’s well-being and safety a priority while assisting the student in navigating any concern that arises during sessions.
When talking to a therapist, part of the process is the freedom and safe space for the student to speak about any issues they are having. Through this process, the student gains insight into their needs, feelings, and emotions. Through this understanding, they naturally increase their ability to communicate and understand those around them.
College is a time when students are faced with difficult decisions around every corner. A therapist can provide a safe, non-judgmental space for the student to open up about their experiences in college. This allows the therapist to address problematic behaviors in an open-minded and safe environment.
Is Virtual Counseling Appropriate For My College Student?Virtual counseling has many advantages. The main one is that it is flexible and easily fits into a busy schedule. If you, as the parent or guardian, or your college student is feeling anxious or worried about these new changes, give us a call. Here at The Center at Cinco Ranch, one of our goals is to help minimize the stigma surrounding counseling to help explain the many benefits counseling can have. Counseling can be a safe space for your student while they are going through this new transition in their life and learning more about themselves and the world around them.
If you feel your teen could benefit from virtual counseling to help ease their transition to college, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling virtually, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!
By Natasha Cooke, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S 3 Signs Your Teen Needs Group Therapy Are you considering group therapy for your teen? Maybe you’re wondering, “What if I already take my teenager to individual therapy? Shouldn’t that be enough?” The truth is there are many added benefits that group therapy […]
By Natasha Cooke, MS, LPC Associate
Supervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
Are you considering group therapy for your teen? Maybe you’re wondering, “What if I already take my teenager to individual therapy? Shouldn’t that be enough?” The truth is there are many added benefits that group therapy can offer adolescents. For example, a group provides community and peers to validate your teen’s experience. In the following sections, we’ll talk about signs indicating that a teen may need therapy or need a supplement to individual therapy.
Group therapy, also sometimes called group counseling, is a type of psychotherapy in which people benefit from discussing and processing issues and emotions together and is facilitated by one or more licensed therapists. Groups can be centered around a general topic or be formed by characteristics of members such as gender or age. Although there is much variation, they typically last between 60-90 minutes, meet either weekly, biweekly, or monthly, and have anywhere from 4-12 members. Also, groups are either open or closed. Open groups allow members to join at any time and are likely ongoing, while closed groups have a limited number of sessions and do not allow new members to join mid-way through the group process. Structured groups have more instruction and psychoeducation, whereas unstructured groups have session topics decided collectively by members.
While groups are diverse in their make-up and purpose, many have similar benefits. These include acquiring a feeling of belonging, encouragement from others going through similar issues, and learning how to recognize and regulate emotions with healthy coping skills. In addition, group therapy offers support from a mental health professional and is cost-effective.
What is special about teen group therapy? For starters, adolescence is a challenging and confusing time for many. Often, it’s difficult to navigate roaring emotions, mood swings, new interpersonal challenges, and other teenage-related problems. Adolescents are impressionable, and the teen years are a critical time for learning to manage life’s stressors and understanding the importance of mental health. Group therapy is advantageous for teens who are already struggling or for those simply wanting to acquire new skills and knowledge.
Have you noticed that your teen is withdrawing, feeling down frequently, or is more irritable than usual? If this is the case, it could be a sign that they are struggling with their mental health. Perhaps your teen has told you they are having a tough time at school, such as feeling pressure to keep grades up or perform well in sports. Maybe you notice that your teen is unwilling to share information with you about their mental health. If so, it may be a good time to start group therapy and give them the space they need to discuss any problems they may be facing.
Naturally, adolescence is a time for making new friends. It’s common for teenagers to form social groups centered around interests such as sports, anime, or art. If you notice that your teen struggles to make friends at school or outside of school or suffers from moderate to severe social anxiety, it may be time to intervene. Joining group therapy will give your teen the opportunity for added social interaction and the ability to bond with others going through similar difficulties.
Puberty is a time in which hormones run rampant, and emotions are seemingly impossible to control. If your teen is often having outbursts of anger, bouts of sadness, or a sense of feeling lost, they may need new tools for coping with such emotions. Group therapy teaches teens healthy coping skills such as grounding techniques, changes in mindset, how to ask for help, recognizing and attending to strong feelings, and much more.
After participating in group therapy, your teen can expect to feel an increased sense of confidence, self-esteem, and interpersonal skills. They will have more efficient methods of managing tough circumstances and day-to-day stressors. For teens looking to learn more about mental health in general, look for a group that utilizes psychoeducation and offers a variety of topics to discuss.
To read more about the groups we offer for teens, follow this link! https://cincoranchcounseling.com/group-counseling/
If you are ready to begin group therapy, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!