OUR BLOGKnowledge to Empower You

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Navigating Grief Through the Holiday Season

Around the world, from October to February, millions of people celebrate important cultural holidays.  For many of us, imagery such as twinkling lights, gatherings with family and friends, cultural food, and heartwarming traditions come to mind. However, for those struggling with grief, this time of year can feel particularly heavy. When dealing with grief, something like an empty chair, a missing holiday dish, or silence where laughter used to ring out can bring about a wave of emotions that can feel overwhelming.

Care for the Caregiver

Did you know that November is National Family Caregivers Month? What an important time to remember and show gratitude for those who provide care for others. Being a caregiver is a challenging job and comes with many roles and responsibilities. Whether a stay-at-home parent, an in-home aide for a sick loved one, a compassionate friend of a person with mental health challenges, or providing care for an aging parent, being a caregiver comes in many forms and is an invaluable support. 

Hidden Benefits of Working with a Counseling Intern

Therapy can be a scary process for anyone, especially those who have never done therapy before. One of the hardest things when starting the process is figuring out what counselor fits best with what you are wanting to achieve. Who will you enjoy sharing things with every week while trusting them with the best treatment they can provide? While all counselors care for each client the second they walk into the room, they also want the client to be with a counselor they feel comfortable with and can help them reach their goals. You may be wondering about starting services with a counseling intern, so I'm here to tell you some hidden and overlooked benefits of working with a counseling intern.

Mental Health & Suicide in Rural Communities

When you think of Fall in Northwest Missouri, many think of football games and cooler weather, but if you grew up in a rural community, Harvest season is what first comes to mind. I grew up in a town of less than 300, which heavily relies on our farming community. ...I know the toll harvest season takes on farming families and the farmers who work all day and night to get the job done. I know the risks they take with safety and financial security. I know their mental health struggles that are often hidden, silent, and go unnoticed. 

Therapy – How To Get Started

Starting therapy can be a scary process for many people. Some may feel hesitant or confused about the process or how to get started. Also, for some, the idea of being vulnerable with a complete stranger can feel intimidating. Often in life, though, if you want something different to happen, you have to DO something different, even if it seems scary or unfamiliar.

National Intern Appreciation Day

Hello! My name is Julia Gardner. I am a counseling intern here at Embark Counseling Services. July 25th honors National Intern Appreciation Day, so I wanted to share what I have gained from my experience. My goal for this post is twofold: one, to provide upcoming interns with some perspective on being successful in their internship, and two, to help people understand the wonderful benefits of working with a counseling intern. 

Self-Care Practice From a Holistic Perspective

International Self-Care Day is celebrated on July 24th, an occasion that promotes self-care as a component of healthy daily living. More recently, I’ve observed how self-care is often confused with “little treat culture.” I like to encourage clients to think of self-care as a holistic means of wellness, something more robust than purchasing their favorite iced coffee.

Engaging in Intentional Self-Care

We’ve all been there. We get home for the evening and start debating whether we should relax and unwind or catch up on some chores. It’s an internal battle everyone faces, which can lead to negative thinking, feelings of shame, and overwhelm. However, engaging in intentional self-care and purposely setting aside time for yourself is vital to not only to your mental health but your overall health and wellness.