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3 Factors That Can Impact Your Libido

June 12, 2018

We all receive mixed and unhelpful messages about sex. Whether it’s a commercial on TV, an article in a magazine, or your friend who is especially prone to giving unsolicited advice, we all experience it. What is especially unhelpful and potentially harmful about these messages, is that it leaves many of us feeling broken, that there’s something wrong with us, or that having a sexless relationship is inevitable over time. I often hear from couples I work…

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CBT and Suicide Prevention

June 11, 2018

Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Ending one’s own life has been a frequently discussed topic in the media the past few years. Between celebrity suicides, the making of “13 Reasons Why”, and higher suicide rates in high schools around the country, we are exposed to the idea now more than ever. When we hear some of the devastating stories of those who have struggled with depression and ended their life, we often ask ourselves, “Why…

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The Blame Game

June 9, 2018

Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling A word as simple as “you” can change the dynamic of a conversation. Using “you” in a sentence such as “You never listen to me” or “You always wait until the last minute” insinuates the other person is at fault. Placing blame on another person is often used as an easy defense to avoid feeling your own pain or recognizing your own faults. When you begin to use tactics to…

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Just Relax: Relaxation Techniques For Anxiety

June 3, 2018

Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling Where do you feel your anxiety? Do you experience your heart begin to race, muscles tense, shortness of breath, stomach aches, or excessive and intrusive negative thoughts? If you have ever experienced or struggled with symptoms of anxiety, you may have been instructed by others to “calm down” or “just relax”. You also probably know that calming down and relaxing is not as simple as it sounds when you are…

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The Invalidation of “But”

May 30, 2018

When discussing things with others, have you heard phrases such as “I know that you’re upset, but I told you to do this several times” or “I’m not trying to be rude, but that shirt does not look good on you,” or “I understand what you are saying, but I do not agree with you.” If you have heard these phrases, what kind of thoughts do you have? Do you feel that the other person is hearing…

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Six Tips to Gain the Benefits of Gratitude

May 25, 2018

Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Practitioner   It’s no surprise that expressing our gratitude positively impacts others—after all, who doesn’t like to feel appreciated? But it’s also good for us. Amy Morin of Forbes reported that scientific studies have shown how gratitude improves psychological health, physical health, sleep, and self-esteem. It’s in our best interest to express gratitude. Last month, I wrote my aunt a letter expressing appreciation for all the ways she has made a positive difference…

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April Showers Bring May Flowers… And New Opportunities

May 20, 2018

Many of us grew up hearing the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers,” regarding the weather being gloomy and rainy in April with the hope that it will bring flowers in May. While this phrase pertains to the weather, it can also pertain to your life, particularly your professional life. Most people go through an adjustment period at some point in their life such as resigning from a toxic job environment or getting fired or laid off…

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Meet Our Therapists — Amanda Gregory

May 17, 2018

At Symmetry Counseling, we are proud of our staff of highly trained and experienced licensed mental health professionals. In the above video, meet Amanda Gregory, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor here at Symmetry Counseling. What made you decide to be a therapist? You know, I started in this field kind of unexpectedly. I started as a photojournalist and all of the assignments I loved always had something to do with people. I loved one-on-one portraits, and I…

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Memorial Day: Celebrating the Lives of the Loved Ones We’ve Lost

May 17, 2018

Memorial Day is just around the corner. While many of us may think of it as a three day holiday weekend, others may consider it to be a tough day if they have lost someone who was a soldier. Memorial Day might also be a trigger for people who have lost individuals in their lives that may not have been a soldier, but were simply just a close friend or family member. Everyone goes through different stages…

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Helping Children Cope with Divorce

May 17, 2018

The decision to divorce is never easy and when children are involved the situation is even more challenging to navigate. Most couples delay separation or “stick with it” longer than may be personally healthy for the sake of their children. Divorce is difficult for everyone, but with appropriate support and care, children can and will adjust with their parents. Every child will deal with this change in unique ways: Some will weather the storm with little disruption…

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