Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch
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By: Margie Frisco, Life Coach Are you feeling stuck in life? Many times throughout our lifetime we can feel stuck. This can be in our job, love life, family, or just general life. It can feel like life is passing you by. There are several ways you can engage in your own life to help […]
Are you feeling stuck in life? Many times throughout our lifetime we can feel stuck. This can be in our job, love life, family, or just general life. It can feel like life is passing you by. There are several ways you can engage in your own life to help you feel more satisfied.
May times in life we can live in the past, creating us to either beat ourselves up or dwell on things we wish we could change. Or some of us worry about what may or may not happen. This thought process can hold us back from what is happening right in front of us. For example, many of us worry about money or bills. We must focus on things that we have control over us. The stress of money will be there for most of us throughout our lives. While we are worrying about what might happen or what could happen things are still moving in front of us, like our children, friends, and family. Remember to take time to enjoy those moments in front of us like laughing with our friends, the bright sunny day, or the love we have for those around us. Instead of focusing on things we cannot control, focus on things we can control like being present in everyday life. 
If you see something you want to change, make small goals to lead up to a larger goal. For example, if you are not happy in your job, set smaller goals to help you get to reach a goal of finding a new job, preparing for retirement, or learning a new trade. Make sure your goals are measurable. This means make sure you can recognize when you have reached these goals and congratulate yourself once you obtain those goals. Going forward with the job example and let’s assume you want to find a new job. Start small with making resumes that can help you find different options for employment. Once you are done with that, celebrate with an accomplishment. Then move on to the applying stage and progress on.
If you are struggling with feeling “I can’t do this,” think of what is holding you back from making changes. This can be very common to have barriers to go through first. Recognizing and finding resolution for this block will be pivotal in helping you move forward.
Make sure when you are setting goals that you can reach. Everyone has limits and that is ok. Everyone’s limit can be different. That does not make yours wrong for you. It is ok to work within what you need. Don’t get me wrong, you can challenge yourself. But expecting to become an astronaut in one week might be tricky if you are starting at the beginning. When setting goals, take into consideration where you are and realistically how to accomplish your goals.
Once you have set the goals and found what is keeping you from obtaining these goals, make the change. If we keep doing the same thing and want to see change, it can be very difficult. Action is required here. We 
must change our behaviors to see a change in our surroundings.
Once you have put in the work and made the change, celebrate it! This can be small or big, whatever you want it to be. But it is important to give yourself some credit for all of the hard work you have done!
If you are ready to improve your life, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide individual counseling as well as other services. To begin individual 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 regularly post blogs. 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 Well, it’s finally summer and for many of you that means things are slowing down. Now that life has let up some, it is a good time to check on your self-care. Lately, I have had many clients responding that when they think of self-care, they think of treating themselves […]
Well, it’s finally summer and for many of you that means things are slowing down. Now that life has let up some, it is a good time to check on your self-care. Lately, I have had many clients responding that when they think of self-care, they think of treating themselves or pampering themselves.
While it is important to treat and pamper yourself when given the opportunity, it is really important we are not forgetting the daily tasks we should be doing to make sure we are taking the best care we can of ourselves and ensuring good well-being. Oftentimes, we forget how many simple daily activities are involved in practicing good self-care. So- let’s review!
Different areas of self-care include physical, psychological, social, occupational, and spiritual.
Physical self-care is very basic and includes things like eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, having good sleep, good hygiene, and engaging in physical activities. We are told to do these things time and time again, and that is because of the tremendous positive impact it can have if you do so!
Make the time and space for these adjustments for they can lead to big changes. For instance, take a walk around the block, drink an extra glass of water, go to bed thirty minutes early, add some greens to your plate! Think of where you can improve the physical aspects of self-care in your daily life.
Psychological self-care includes tending to our mental and emotional health. Seeking therapy is a great way to do this; one can also be checking in daily with themselves, express emotions in a healthy way, self-reflect, take a break from distractions, and minimize stress wherever you can. Doing things that bring you comfort like watching your favorite movie, reading a book, taking a bath, or engaging in your hobbies is another great way to practice emotional self-care.
Social self-care involves utilizing your supports and making sure you have positive and healthy relationships. Schedule time with others when you need it; stay in contact and ask for help; remember to keep up healthy boundaries. Make sure you are spending time with those that make you feel good about yourself!
Occupational self-care involves having a good work/life balance; you can practice this by taking breaks, setting limits with colleagues and responsibilities, delegating tasks, or asking for help, keeping a comfortable work space, and negotiating for your needs.
Spiritual Self-CareLastly, spiritual self-care includes making time for reflection, spending time in nature, finding hope, being open, meditating, praying, and practicing gratitude.
How did you do? If you are noticing that a lot of these areas are lacking, or you found that you don’t do many of these tasks, it may be time for you to increase your self-care. Periodically, I feel this happens to all of us. We get busy and forget to do the little things that promote positive well-being.
Get Focused on Yourself Today!Give some of these ideas a try and test how it affects your overall contentment. If you need help determining more things you can do to work on your self-care, or perhaps reasons why self-care may be lacking, come see me for therapy! It is important to consider reasons why one may not be making themselves a priority. I hope this has given you something to think about. Remember, small changes can make a big impact. Be kind to yourself and do what you can now to treat yourself well!
If you are ready to find ways to promote your self-care, the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide therapy to people of all ages. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer treatment services for adults, teens, kids, couples and families. Our counseling services include: trauma counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, depression treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with 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!
How social media affects your mental health is a question we should all be asking ourselves. Checking my social media has become as important as checking my emails. It’s a daily thing, and it is useful. But is there a point where social media is unhelpful, or even harmful? Increasingly, research is saying that there […]
How social media affects your mental health is a question we should all be asking ourselves. Checking my social media has become as important as checking my emails. It’s a daily thing, and it is useful. But is there a point where social media is unhelpful, or even harmful? Increasingly, research is saying that there is a destructive side to social media use that can impact our mental health.
Our mood and style of thinking work together. Sometimes for our benefit, and sometimes against us. One key hallmark of depression is hopelessness. There is no point, even to things that once made us happy. This style of thinking is thought to be influenced by neurobiological states that are commonly observed in depressed individuals. For instance, when thoughts are heavily biased towards negative, hopeless themes, people report feeling less able to work, engage in healthy relationships and take care of their physical needs.
Social media encourages comparison. However, not always healthy, realistic comparisons. All we see are people looking happy, doing great stuff or seeming very successful. It can feel like this is reality. That everyone is happy and finding success easily.
What we don’t see are the hidden truths. The photoshop edits, the failures, the crippling self doubt. But what if we did? People may experience less depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts. A 2015 study found that 67% of young people questioned felt worse about their lives because of social media. Read more on the study here https://www.healio.com/news/psychiatry/20201005/social-media-use-may-play-important-role-in-youth-suicide-expert-says
In anxiety, the thought patterns activate the threat centers of our brain. This threat kicks off a chain reaction of physical and psychological events that we experience as anxiety or panic. Anxiety is often linked to the idea that something bad will happen. The feelings it creates in our bodies are the same kinds of feelings we would get if we were being chased by a tiger in the jungle. Only now there is no tiger. Instead, the threat is that we are not enough, we are not liked, we might fail, we might be rejected.
Moreover, social media provides a ready source for lots of things to worry about. As well as a trigger for the kinds of perfectionistic tendencies that regularly mess with our mental health. Read more about perfectionism here https://cincoranchcounseling.com/the-price-of-perfectionism-and-4-ways-to-set-yourself-free/ Social media is also a way to escape, avoid and numb feelings. Getting drawn into endless scrolling can be a way to temporarily calm the anxiety. Unfortunately, this escape strategy only makes the anxiety worse in the long run (see the last section of this blog for more on this topic).
Eating Disorders and Body ImageSocial media is a prime platform for diet culture to infiltrate your mind. From being sold quick fixes like diet teas, detox plans and supplements to workout routines from so-called professionals that promise the impossible. It is very challenging to remember while scrolling that much of what we see is contrived with lighting and angles, digital perfected, filtered or even flat-out fake. It’s no surprise that people struggling with an eating disorder are likely to be negatively affected by the information flowing to them through their feed. Read more on how social media influences eating disorders here https://clementineprograms.com/social-media-trigger-eating-disorder/
However, our friends with eating disorders are not the only ones suffering. A study by FHE Health found that 87% of women and 65% of men compare their bodies to the bodies they see on social media. And of those, 50% of women and 36% of men rated their bodies less favorably than the social media bodies. Read more on this study here https://fherehab.com/news/bodypositive/
All this comparison is unhealthy. It is unfair to what our bodies really are and how real bodies look. Many people are drawn into the diet culture and compare. The result? Often poor eating habits, mood problems, unhealthy relationships with food and weight gain.
Technology AddictionThe world can be a tough and confusing place. Our phones and social media provide an escape. When we feel anxious, our bodies will drive us to things that help numb, distract and escape. For example, some might escape through alcohol, food or shopping. Things that give a quick hit of nice feelings. We want to feel better, but without dealing with the anxiety itself, we become hooked on the quick hit of nice feelings.
Furthermore, social media, technology and smartphones can work in this same way. Rather than talk to others, be alone with our thoughts or deal with a difficult issue we’re facing we can scroll away, get drawn into the pictures, sounds and excitement of someone else, something else. In the long run, the quick hit of nice feelings becomes a problem in itself to overcome.
Is social media not the fun thing it use to be? Try these 3 approaches to rebalance your relationship with it:
Firstly, is seeing the stranger you follow with the impossibly thin waist and perfect round glutes making you feel better or worse? It’s not inspiration if it doesn’t leave you feeling hopeful, alive and worthy. Be brave enough to mute or unfollow. Good news is that not every page or influencer is about shaming and unrealistic standards. So, seek out the pages of people who are giving healthy messages. Not the quick fixes, body shame or starvation.
Secondly, take some time to be in the world, without a screen between you and everything. Leave the phone in your bag, pocket or even at home sometimes. It’s usually a healthy step to limit the amount of time spent on social media, particularly if your mood is struggling. Set yourself time limits. Use your phone’s timer to introduce balance.
Finally, ask yourself why! Understanding why you scroll is a valuable skill and a great step to a healthier relationship with social media. Are you bored? Procrastinating? Lonely? Is there something you’re looking for? Are you feeling relaxed or tense? Be more in tune with your motivations for scrolling. This will help you set new intentions leading to better mental health and wellness.
Are you ready to feel like your best self? The therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide counseling for kids, adults, couples, and groups. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services 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 regularly post blogs. 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: Julie, Sekachev, M. Ed, LPC Associate Do you struggle with perfectionism? Do you find yourself chasing impossible standards? Striving for that “perfect” body, that Pinterest dream house, exceptional grades, a promotion at work, etc. You almost feel like success is just around the corner, that if you only get that next big thing you […]
Do you struggle with perfectionism? Do you find yourself chasing impossible standards? Striving for that “perfect” body, that Pinterest dream house, exceptional grades, a promotion at work, etc. You almost feel like success is just around the corner, that if you only get that next big thing you can relax, but it seems like that “it” is something outside of yourself that you never quite reach. Sometimes the expectations you put on yourself and others are so high that you often find yourself procrastinating out of fear of failure. If you constantly find yourself criticizing yourself or others, read on to discover ways to break free.
What is perfectionism?Perfectionism is the need to be or appear perfect. Perfectionism can happen when we place pressure on ourselves or others to live up to impossible standards we create. Striving for perfectionism can be stressful and can lead to burnout, lack of motivation, anxiety, fatigue, and procrastination.
There is nothing wrong with setting goals and expectations, but when we are highly self-critical or negative, even after our goals are met, we can run into problems.
Setting impossible standards can lead to hopelessness because we cannot accomplish what we expect of ourselves because perfection does not exist.
Perfection can also lead to negative self-talk. You may begin to think “What is wrong with me?” Or “Why can’t I keep up” but the reality is that even if perfection was achieved at a certain point, standards for what is perfect may change over time.
When we chase impossible standards, we may begin to avoid challenges all together, or do things we already know we are good at, which can stop our creativity.
Expecting perfection of others can cause us to appear judgmental and not accepting of other’s flaws which make them truly unique. Our relationships with others can also be affected because we are not being genuine, but just appearing to others how we think they want us to look or be.
Daring to be Imperfect: Tips to Break FreeWhat will it mean to you when you reach the perfect job, weight, etc. what does that say about you? Focusing on your inner needs can help you understand what you are truly after. Make a list and explore what your values are, what are you trying to avoid, what are the consequences of perfectionism, what are you losing (time with friends, sleep, well-being, etc.). Evaluate the costs of chasing perfection and think of some benefits of modifying your expectations.
Pick an activity that you enjoy and be mindful of staying in the present moment. Let go of the need to share your results with others. For example, if you enjoy drawing, try to draw just for the way it makes you feel, not for the validation others may give your finished drawing. Allowing for imperfect time can also help you connect with others. When you share your vulnerabilities, you give others permission to do the same allowing room for connection. 
Make a list of your good qualities, are you a kind person? Helpful to others? Do you take risks? Are you courageous? Focusing on these qualities can help you realize that you are already good enough, and you don’t need to chase things outside of yourself to complete you.
Notice moments when you are being hard on yourself. Look for “should statements” in your expectations of yourself and others. Statements like “I should have done better” or “I should always be my best” can cause low self-esteem and depression. Instead of these rigid statements try to look at yourself as a dynamic person, always evolving and growing. Changing the way we look at mistakes and setbacks can help fuel our motivation for progress, not perfection.
If you are ready to feel like your best self, the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide counseling for men and women, as well as group counseling. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Other Therapy Services We Offer
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services 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 regularly post blogs with 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 What is self-compassion? While we regularly feel compassion for other people, we often lack it for ourselves. In giving other people compassion, we recognize their suffering and empathize with them, feel for them, and have a desire to reduce their pain. It is a kindness that we need to engage […]
What is self-compassion? While we regularly feel compassion for other people, we often lack it for ourselves. In giving other people compassion, we recognize their suffering and empathize with them, feel for them, and have a desire to reduce their pain.
It is a kindness that we need to engage in by being compassionate toward ourselves. Self-compassion allows you to have a space to be nonjudgmental. To respond to personal suffering, disappointments, and failures with kindness and caring. Instead of ignoring our pain, we seek to find comfort and understanding.
How Do We Practice Self-CompassionWorking on engaging in self-compassion involves one increasing kindness instead of judgement, noticing that suffering is part of the shared human experience, and engaging in mindfulness. We need to remember to be understanding towards ourselves when we experience suffering or a sense of failure rather than engaging in self-criticism.
It is important to recognize that is okay and normal to be imperfect and experience difficulties in life. When we allow ourselves to accept these things, we avoid the chance of increased frustration and stress. We also need to remember that not having things go the way that we want is normal and a part of being human. Many times, it seems that when we go through a tough period, we go it alone; we feel that we are the only one suffering. Recognizing that suffering is something that we all go through takes away some of those feelings of isolation and frustration.
Lastly, increasing mindfulness by taking a more balanced approach to our negative feelings can alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression. Observe your negative thoughts in a nonjudgmental manner without trying to suppress or deny them. Think of them like clouds passing in the sky; try to not be swept up in them.
When going through a tough time, be kind to yourself. Think of what you would tell your best friend if they were suffering and tell that to yourself. Listen to meditations on self-compassion and tell yourself positive affirmations. Engage in deep breathing and always make time for self-care. Give yourself the comfort you need in the moment. If you need more help managing life’s difficulties, seek counseling. It is always helpful to have someone remind you that you are not alone and help you in finding peace and healing.
Begin Self-Compassion Counseling in Katy, TXIf you are ready to learn how to love yourself, the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide therapy to people of all ages. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer treatment for depression and anxiety for adults, teens, and kids. We also offer counseling services in other areas including trauma counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, depression treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with 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 Have holiday stress this season? It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but no matter what you’re celebrating, holidays can be hectic! This year especially, it is important to be mindful of our stress levels so that we can enjoy all that this wonderful time has to […]
Have holiday stress this season? It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but no matter what you’re celebrating, holidays can be hectic! This year especially, it is important to be mindful of our stress levels so that we can enjoy all that this wonderful time has to offer.
Though things will be different this year, we can still find ways to have fun, spend time with family, and relax. Thankfully, because we know that the holidays are coming, we can plan ahead on how to manage any challenges that may come along so we can reduce any negative impact.
Before you get too overwhelmed, set your priorities and make sure you are doing the things most meaningful to you. For example, pick a few of your favorite activities and consider how to enjoy them in a way that is safe and as stress-free as possible. If you are having a hard time choosing between things, try including activities on a smaller scale and don’t forget you can ask for help!
The holidays are a time we usually spend with others, and while that may be limited this year, think of other ways you can practice togetherness. For example, try video calling over dinner or desserts, bake together over Zoom, send out holiday cards, or do a festive drive-by to see decorations! Be realistic in your expectations. We can still have a great time, but remember to not let the stress of doing too much or having unreasonably high goals interfere with your joy!
When times get a little crazy, remember to breathe. Be sure to schedule in some “me time” to practice self-care. For instance, maybe take a walk in nature, read a book, watch a holiday movie, or practice a meditation.
There may be moments during this season when things aren’t quite ideal, and it’s in those moments one should practice gratitude. Times can be challenging, but try and remember the positives. Think about what is going right in your life and things you are grateful for.
Sometimes we forget simple coping skills, but remember- it is okay to take ten minutes to yourself to release emotion and reduce any of that negative stress. Although the holiday season is often busy, don’t forget to also make time for therapy. Give yourself the space to process any stress or difficult emotions that may come up. The holidays are a wonderful time to focus on others, but don’t forget to make time for you! Take care of yourself. I wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season!
If you are ready to find relief from stress due to the holiday season, the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide therapy to people of all ages. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer treatment for depression and anxiety for adults, teens, and kids. We also offer counseling services in other areas including anxiety treatment, trauma counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, depression treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, and family therapy. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with 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: Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, known as CBT, is becoming more widely used by counselors. Moreover, psychiatrists recommend it for a variety of mental health issues. These issues range from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, phobias, and substance use. CBT can also be helpful to people of most ages. Therapists can cater the treatment […]
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, known as CBT, is becoming more widely used by counselors. Moreover, psychiatrists recommend it for a variety of mental health issues. These issues range from anxiety, depression, eating disorders, phobias, and substance use. CBT can also be helpful to people of most ages. Therapists can cater the treatment to children, adults, and teens. So, if it can be used to assist with different issues and different populations, what exactly is CBT?
Helps identify negative thoughts and irrational ways of thinking. Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. For example, a student may experience increased anxiety if they have the thought, “I am going to fail this test,” right before an exam. This can lead to trouble focusing or being overly distracted during the exam. This possibly may lead to poor performance. Negative thoughts can pop up at any time. We may be unaware of when it is happening until after the fact. However, we can learn to become aware of our thoughts.
In CBT, a trained counselor can assist individuals in becoming aware of negative thoughts. Next, the therapist can help the client challenge those thoughts and add in healthier ways of looking at certain situations. For example, “ I studied and prepared for this test, and am capable of doing well” is a new way of thinking about the exam from above.
Oftentimes, we rely on what we know or what we are used to cope. We may respond to our feelings and thoughts in ways that are not helpful. These unhealthy coping strategies may include:
In counseling, a therapist can help individuals recognize unhealthy behaviors. Unhealthy behaviors are ineffective and can possibly be harmful. CBT techniques can help people identify healthy coping skills. For example, individuals can learn and achieve healthy ways of dealing with feelings, negative thoughts, and stressful situations. Some healthy coping skills can include:
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy works as effectively, or more effectively, as other forms of therapy and psychiatric medications (https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral).
Furthermore, CBT can be used to treat many mental health issues. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of CBT for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship issues, self-harm, and substance abuse.
For instance, an individual can learn to identify negative ways of thinking and behaving. Then, can replace those patterns with new, healthier, and more positive thoughts and actions. This can help boost mood and decrease stress. CBT can be structured and short term, and useful for teens, adults, and children.
If you or a loved one are struggling, there is hope. The counselors at the Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We can help individuals and families dealing with stress and struggles. If you are ready to seek help, follow these steps:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer counseling services for people of all ages including: depression treatment, women’s issues, couples and marriage counseling, eating disorder treatment, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, men’s issues, trauma counseling, anxiety therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with 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!