The Convenient Counselor

Boundaries are essential to protecting your mental health - so how can we respect the boundaries of others and protect their health as well? This episode focuses on three ways to respect the boundaries of those around us, especially during the holidays! Book referenced: https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310247454

What are the questions I ask most as a therapist? Many people think counselors/therapists only give advice, but in reality the majority of our job is asking questions! The three questions presented in this episode are the most common questions that I ask - and you can start applying them to your situation/daily life today!

Do you often find yourself racing against the clock to get things done, go to the activities you signed up for, and wondering why it all goes so quickly? Or maybe time moves more slowly for you in this season, and you're not sure how to be more intentional about the way you use your time? This episode unpacks the myth that you and Beyonce have the same amount of time each day, and gives pract...

It's not a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when" - this is typical for most of us who deal with winter blues, the all-too-common emotional and physical reaction to shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures (in many parts of the world). If it's not totally unavoidable, how can we be preventative in caring for ourselves BEFORE we are struggling? Find out fou...

This episode continues the process we started last week - after you have listed all the mental clutter you carry on a daily basis, and thrown it on your metaphorical bed/table/sorting location, it's time to sort through it! Learn three questions to use as a filter for decluttering, as well as determining your "why" for this entire process.

Most of us aim to "declutter" our homes/closets/garages on a regular basis, but have you ever taken the time to declutter your mind? Listen to Part 1 of this two part series on getting rid of excess clutter in the most important part of yourself, and start to take inventory of what you are carrying around every day.

Hmmm...I wonder why I feel that way? Why might she be yelling rather than talking to me at a normal volume?! :) Staying curious is a powerful mindset tool - learn more about how to implement it in your daily life in this episode!

Pumpkin patches. Hayrides. Trunk-or-Treat. Costume contests. Apple picking. You MUST DO THEM ALL. Ummm, no. In this episode, listen to how Briana describes being the "MVP of Fall" by choosing the Minimum Viable Product for yourself and your family, and being intentional about how you spend your time. Episodes references: 29: MVP of Any Situation - https://www.buzzsprout.com/275153/episod...

Back for more Q&A time! This week's questions include: - How do I deal with family that is unsupportive of my effort to improve my mental health? - How do I parent alongside someone with a very different background than my own? Hear Briana's personal and professional input on these questions in this episode.

Seasons of life come and go...but sometimes it's easy to feel stuck in one. This episode gives quick tips to help you identify and appreciate the season you are in, and dives into a bit more of what appreciation really means.

What should we talk about before we have a baby? How can we be better prepared for this huge transition in our lives? Learn more about one of the services that Briana provides, Newborn Family Coaching, in this episode - and even start some of the conversations in your own home today!

Minute-by-minute news updates...constant stories of heartbreak, disaster, trauma from around the world...and we wonder why we feel overwhelmed? Listen in on Briana's advice for dealing with the stress we were NOT made to process, including Bible-based encouragement!

Are you familiar with the power of "yet?" Learn more about how this small word can make a huge impact on your mindset!

Are there other activities/things you can do to replace therapy? Hear Briana's thoughts on this topic as well as insights into why we try to replace the hard with the easy sometimes.

After a summer break, I'm excited to be back to recording new episodes! This episode deals with what I am currently living - keeping your mind healthy during transitions...which can be a challenge! Learn 4 steps to keeping yourself mentally healthy during a season of change in Episode 74.

What are the boundaries you currently have in your life? Or do you have any that you can clearly communicate? This episodes covers the basics of boundaries - your mindset, approach, and communication of these necessary mental health protectors in your life!

Does the summertime bring any unexpected pressure for you? Maybe the extra daylight and nice weather creates unspoken expectations in your family? This episode is a quick pep talk for summertime pressure, and can give some framework for dealing with that feeling!

Have you ever thought of the emotion anger as an advocate for yourself? This episode unpacks the idea that anger isn't a bad emotion at all...it actually looks out for you! Episode 6: The GIFT of Anger https://www.buzzsprout.com/275153/1806037

When is the last time you REALLY cried? Like the type of cry where you can feel the relief afterwards? This episode explains the importance of crying and how it helps us regulate our emotions and physical health. Grab a tissue and listen!

"I just ended a toxic relationship...now what?" This can be a daunting question to those who have just been through the emotional journey of ending a toxic relationship. In this episode, learn about 5 R's to apply to the season after moving away from that relationship: Run, Rest, Reset, Recite, and Revise. 

Do you know what the term "gaslighting" means? Have you experienced it before on any level? Learn more about this type of manipulative behavior and a few ways to spot it in your life, if it's happening.

If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed and stuck, this is the episode for you! Learn 3 quick "reset buttons" that can help you at least take a baby step forward mentally, physically, and spiritually.

This episode covers two more listener-submitted questions: - How do I lovingly support a spouse dealing with depression? - How do I let my kids know that I need space from them without hurting their feelings? Listen in and hear Briana's response to both of these great questions!

Pairing for Productivity - it's a simple concept, and one that I recommend to almost every counseling client! Learn more about this idea of partnering something you like with something you might not like (in order to get it done) in this episode.

If you like to be "prepared," this episode is for you! From both a counselor's perspective as well as being the client, Briana presents four things you can do before a counseling session to make the most of your time. Everything from trusting the process to using the restroom before a session - it all matters!