Clarity Counseling Center Blog
Tips for Managing Anxiety as Life Returns to “Normal”
by Hillary Stevens If the thought of being in a large crowd, a holiday gathering at your grandma’s, or even a trip to the grocery store without a mask on is causing you anxiety, you’re not alone. Almost 50% of Americans have reported feeling nervous or anxious about returning to in-person and maskless events in…
When the Past is Present: An Introduction to EMDR Therapy
by Becca Young Trauma is recognized as an individual’s response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event, which may overwhelm his or her ability to cope, cause feelings of helplessness, and diminish sense of self and the ability to feel a full range of emotions. Research shows that approximately 70% of people in the US…
Self-Care during Holidays
by Katie O’Hara Have you ever experienced increased stress or worry around the holiday season? This could be any holiday, or a vacation that includes spending time with family. Do you dread family get-togethers, certain they will devolve into a fight over politics or differing views? Does the cost of traveling or hosting a house…
Sometimes Even a Couple’s Therapist Needs Couple’s Therapy
by Emily Steel There is a common misconception that therapists have it all together. Guess what? We don’t. A couple is made up of two unique individuals, and both of these individuals bring with them their own love language, attachment style, communication style, needs, desires, history, and perspective. Everyone has their own idea of how…
Navigating Post-Pandemic Anxiety
by Shaina Frank You watch/listen to/read the news. You’ve been reinvited to social events, outings, and weddings. You, your friends, and your family members may have received the vaccine. Many mask mandates have been lifted. Finally, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel: normal reality is returning. So why do you…
Being an Adolescent Through the Pandemic
The pandemic has affected the emotional, social, and mental well-being of adolescents. Constantly changing safety concerns and challenges can be isolating and difficult to understand, creating both short- and long-term consequences. Research shows adolescents thrive when they have structure and routine, which makes the ever-changing regulations even tougher. Mental health struggles, such as anxiety and…
Boundaries: Why They Matter and How to Set Them
by Emily Rowe “‘No’ is a complete sentence.” – Anne Lamott We are social creatures. Connecting with friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers is a crucial element of what it means to live “the human experience.” However, given our natural tendency to foster ongoing connections with other people, we are bound to find ourselves in…
Tips for the Stressed and Overwhelmed
Is it just me, or after more than a year of COVID craziness and not doing much of anything, does everyone feel just as overwhelmed and busy as ever? No matter what you do to get ahead, there just never seems to be enough time in the day, and your anxiety level never seems to…
Grounding: How to Stay in the Present Moment
by Katie O’Hara Have you ever been in a situation where you are wrapped up in your thoughts, the “what ifs,” or pretty much anything besides that current moment? Does this bring up strong emotions or distract you from being productive? If you said yes to any of this, you are not alone! This is…
Tips for Supporting Your Partner through the Therapy Process
by Hillary Stevens If your significant other recently began seeing a therapist, a lot of questions and unknowns may accompany this new journey. Although starting therapy is a positive step in an individual’s life, it can also bring about changes in a couple’s interactions, communication, and experiences together. This often leads to the partner second-guessing…