The Convenient Counselor

Why do we tend to move away from things that make us uncomfortable? Do we feel we need to understand and "solve" every little discomfort? In this episode, the idea of sitting with our discomfort is introduced, as well as four pointers for knowing how to handle moments of discomfort.

Continuing on the previous episode's topic of redefining the way you describe your "strong-willed" child, this episode provides six practical tips on working with children who are naturally defiant or who prefer to be in control. Intentional parenting/caregiving is HARD WORK, but these children deserve our best efforts!

Have you or a loved one been labeled as "strong-willed?" Unfortunately this term can have a negative connotation, and while it might not be meant as that, the effects can be long lasting. Learn three questions you should ask before working with children that might present a challenge, and help shift your mindset in this first of two episodes on this topic.

Ever have those moments when you just don't feel anything...except for complete numbness?! With continual stress/expectations/things to do, sometimes we are operating in "auto-pilot" and don't even take the time to feel our feelings. This episode offers four ways to combat feeling numb, as well as normalizes this common behavior. Research referenced: https://www.health.harvard....

In what could be described as a "permission" episode, Briana explores the concept of "both/and" with conflicting emotions. Can you be both happy and sad at the same time? Do you tend to pick just one emotion at a time? Learn more about conflicting emotions in this brief episode!

Continuing on the idea of spiritual dismissal introduced in Episode 32, this episode dives into how we can often dismiss/ignore our own feelings before we give them a chance to be investigated a bit more! Have you spiritually dismissed emotions or thoughts in your own mind? Where did you learn to do that? Learn more about how to stay curious! Episodes referenced: The "GIFT" of Anger - Ep...

"Let Go and Let God"..."Too Blessed to be Stressed"...wait, what? When you share your emotions/thoughts with someone and you are met with avoidance by means of a Christian cliche or misused scripture, you may have experienced "Spiritual Dismissal," which is what this episode is all about. Listen to some real-life examples, the negative effects of invalidated emotions,...

"Marriage has NEVER brought out the worst in me," said no one ever. Times of crisis (and especially quarantine) can put an interesting pressure on your marriage, and sometimes it helps to take a step back and ask yourself the five questions presented in this episode to focus on what is important.

There is no "perfect way" to parent your children on a normal day, let alone during a crisis or global pandemic! In this episode, we dive into four questions you should be asking yourself in moments of overwhelm. We will get through this together!

Contrary to popular opinion (or memes floating around), now is not the time to be setting new, lofty goals in your life, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed. What is the "minimum viable product" needed for each day that will help you feel like you can deal with the situation you are in, yet still feel accomplished? Learn more about this tool that Briana uses with clients as well as...

We all NEED connection...and while in a unique season of quarantine and social distancing, sometimes we have to get creative in how we connect with others!

Whether it's mandated "shelter in place" or a season of life where you are "planted" where you might not want to be, you can still bloom. This episode covers three ways to bloom where you are planted, and ways to learn more about yourself, including StrengthsFinder: https://amzn.to/2UgcwyB To schedule a coaching session with Briana, you can get more information at brianale...

I KNOW. We are all exhausted from hearing about anything with the word "virus" involved. And thankfully this episode does not even mention the word Corona! :) What is something we CAN be doing (besides washing our hands/social distancing) during this unique time in our world? We are instructed in the Bible to "guard our hearts," but maybe you haven't taken much time to thi...

This podcast is titled "Grace in Progress," but this is the first time grace is discussed a bit more...finally! This episode breaks down a few of the meanings of the word grace as well as ways to show grace in our daily lives to ourselves and others. www.brianaleach.com - sign up for Briana's email list!

Usually we think that motivation is what is needed to GET STUFF DONE. That's what we're all trying to do each day, right? Motivation isn't enough. Learn more about motivation vs. momentum in this episode, as well as some practical examples of gaining momentum in your everyday life.

How do you respond when you feel STUCK? Do you know what is holding you back from making progress? This episode dives into the three areas that can hold you back, as well as provides three questions to ask in order to move forward. You were meant to live life to the full!

Learn more about the common reactions/responses to the time audit exercise, along with some ideas for the changes you may want to make!

How are you spending your most valuable resource? In this episode, the "time audit" exercise is introduced and is available here: http://www.brianaleach.com/podcast

How do you want to be remembered? While this question is usually associated with the end of someone's life, the episode encourages you to apply this question to your everyday life. 

Life happens. Sometimes you need a good reminder to focus on what is important, and this week I will be encoring an episode that talks about a tool I use with clients regularly and weekly/daily/hourly myself! I added a brief intro to explain why this week is different - thank you for understanding!

Have you or someone you know dealt with winter blues/seasonal affective disorder (SAD)? In this episode, you'll learn more about this mental health issue and practical ways to combat it during these cold winter months! Notes: Vitamin D supplement: https://amzn.to/36n3KSB National Suicide Prevention Lifelife: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) Crisis Textline: text CONNECT to 741741

I asked recently on social media, "what topics would you like covered on the podcast?" Several listeners responded "how do I know if I should see a counselor?" and "how can I find a good counselor?" This episode dives into answering both of those questions - with three "gauges" for pursuing counseling, as well as four checklist items for finding a "good...

What if you could wake up tomorrow and your biggest problem/situation/issue was resolved? What if someone could wave a magic wand and your life looked exactly like you wanted it to look like? These are part of the "Miracle Question" used often in therapy, and it can help get to the heart of what you truly want in your life. Learn more about this exercise and its benefits in Episode 17 of...

This episode encourages you to stop and ask "am I living my life in auto-pilot?" Authenticity is key to fully experiencing your life, and it is easy to slip into automation instead. Listen in how I learned this quite recently! *This will be the last episode for 2019, as Grace in Progress will be taking a holiday break - new episodes will begin again on Wednesday, January 8th, 2020!*

We all have many different types of friends (acquaintances, coworkers, neighbors, etc), but this episode dives into a special type of friend that I call a "mat carrier," based on the miracle story in Mark 2. Learn what this important friend looks like with 5 characteristics of a mat carrier, and how to recognize/apply these characteristics in your life. Bible verse: https://www.biblegate...