Lionhearted Counseling LLC

12/23/2025

Taking care of yourself can start with a simple pause to notice how you feel. The Rose, Bud & Thorn check-in gives you a moment to do just that. 🌹

Take stock of your…

✶ Rose – anything that supported or strengthened you today.

✶ Thorn – a challenge or stressor that weighed on you.

✶ Bud – something meaningful you’re looking toward.

✶ Seed – the personal growth you’re nurturing.

✶ Gardener – the person who helped you feel seen or supported.

This is a gentle way to get to know your inner world and reconnect with yourself.

12/22/2025

Food scarcity can strongly affect how a person thinks about eating.

If someone does not know when they will have enough food, it can be hard to trust hunger signals, and eating may start to feel stressful or bring up feelings of guilt.

Studies have found that food insecurity plays an important role in both the development and continuation of eating disorders.

Learn more:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/eating-disorder-recovery/202511/the-link-between-food-scarcity-and-eating-disorders

Food insecurity does more than limit access. It can alter hunger, safety, and trust in the body in ways that can increase eating disorder risk.

12/18/2025

Families usually look out for each other, but relationships can still be complicated.

You may feel loved but also overwhelmed, or close to someone but not completely understood. 🫥

It’s also common to fall back into old roles, like being the caretaker, taking on others’ stress, or feeling responsible for everyone’s comfort.

These habits are strong and can influence your reactions before you even notice.

The good news? You don’t have to deal with these mixed feelings by yourself.

Getting support from people outside your family can help you talk about what feels confusing, understand why some situations affect you deeply, and look at the roles you’ve had for a long time.

It will make your experiences clearer and help you handle them with more confidence. 🦁💙If you’re ready for a supportive space to land, we’re here for you.

12/17/2025

💙 GOOD READ OF THE MONTH 💙

Finding inner peace often starts when we move beyond survival mode and become more present in our lives.

In “It’s All the Same to Me,” Moshe Gersht shares a spiritual guide based on Torah, Kabbalah, and Chassidus.

He helps readers find a steadier way of living, and through the powerful Kabalistic idea of Hishtavus, explains how ego release can lead to more clarity, joy, and a stronger sense of self.

If you want to feel calmer inside or handle life with less stress, this book offers gentle and helpful guidance.

Gersht explains deep spiritual ideas in a way that is easy to understand. 📘

12/16/2025

FOMO is often your nervous system’s way of trying to protect you. 🧠
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If your brain thinks you might be left out, it can react as though there’s a real danger.
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Your dopamine levels drop, you start comparing yourself to others, and you might feel a sudden urge to do something.

Sometimes, it even feels uncomfortable to slow down or take a break.
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These feelings are often very physical.
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You might notice your chest feels tight, you scroll restlessly, feel pressured to say “yes,” or worry about missing out on something that could help you feel connected or valued. 😟
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This doesn’t mean you’re “too sensitive.” It just means you’re human, and your nervous system is trying to protect you from these feelings.
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So, what do you do? Most of the time, doing more isn’t the answer.
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Instead, try grounding yourself, slow down, and remind your body that you’re already safe.

12/15/2025

Holiday moments can bring up emotions you didn’t expect. A tense comment, a familiar criticism, or even a song can trigger you more than you realize.

Research shows that identifying your triggers and using grounding techniques can lower emotional intensity and make holiday stress easier to navigate.

Learn more:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conquering-codependency/202511/managing-emotional-triggers-during-the-holidays

Feeling tense about the upcoming holidays? Learn how to spot and manage holiday triggers so you can protect your peace and stay grounded.

12/11/2025

Sometimes, saying no is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.

A simple "Thank you for thinking of me, but I need to rest" or "I appreciate the invite, but I’m going to have to pass this time" shows gratitude while honoring your own needs.

Setting boundaries is a powerful form of self-care, and expressing appreciation, even in decline, keeps the connection warm and respectful.

Save these kind scripts for when you need support in saying no.

12/10/2025

Stress can often distract you from recognizing what your body truly needs.

When your mind and body are constantly in overdrive, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming.

A good question to ask yourself is… “Am I failing, or am I just exhausted?”

In reality, fatigue is a signal to slow down, not a reflection of your efforts or discipline.

It’s important to take a step back and remember:

◇ Pause and take a moment to center yourself.

◇ Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them feel less overwhelming.

◇ Give yourself permission to rest and recharge.

Taking the time to care for yourself and honor your needs is a powerful investment for your growth and mental well-being. 💙

12/09/2025

When someone is grieving, sometimes the best support you can offer is simply being present. 💙

During this time, they may feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure of what comes next.

Thoughtful gestures like shared silence, a warm embrace, or showing up consistently can provide more comfort than words ever could. It reminds your loved one that they are not alone.

Offering comfort in any way you can helps them feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate their healing journey.

12/08/2025

When holiday conversations become tense, it’s essential to pause and consider, “Does this moment call for a response or for restraint?”

This simple Stoic approach can help you stay grounded, shift the tone, and guide the conversation toward a more positive direction.

Read more: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-stoic-heart-the-human-whole/202511/the-stoics-rule-for-hard-holiday-conversations

Holiday gatherings can trigger emotional reflexes. This Stoic strategy helps you stay calm, read the room, and negotiate tense moments with clarity and compassion.

12/04/2025

💭 When too many voices and emotions happen all at once, meaningful moments can become overstimulating. In those situations, the nervous system can feel pulled in different directions without warning.

Micro-regulation offers gentle ways to steady yourself so connection feels more present and less intense.

Here are a few techniques you can practice anywhere:

🔹 Doorway Breath: Take a slow 4-count inhale and a 4-count exhale as you enter a room.

🔹 Label One Thing: Choose a single object in your surroundings and name it quietly in your mind.

🔹 Cold Touch Reset: Hold a cold drink or run cool water over your hands to help settle your nerves.

By giving yourself the space to pause, these simple practices can help calm the mind over time and nurture your overall mental well-being. 🫂✨

12/03/2025

Managing your holiday budget can feel overwhelming, but what if your nervous system influences how you handle spending?

Every financial decision triggers your body to respond in three key states:

💭 Fight/Flight – Stress can lead to impulsive spending as a way to escape discomfort or avoid dealing with financial decisions.

💭 Freeze – When feeling overwhelmed, you may struggle to make decisions or avoid finances altogether.

💭 Regulated – In a balanced state, you can approach your money with clarity and make thoughtful choices.

Before managing your finances, it’s important to take a moment to reset. Practice deep breathing, a short walk, or gentle stretches to calm your body and release tension.

It’s a simple way to build your skills to help approach decisions with a clearer, calmer mindset.

Whenever you feel ready to take the next step in regulating your nervous system, our team is here to walk with you.