Rachel Hyland, LPC MHSP

11/04/2025

The trees make letting go look effortless. 🍂

11/01/2025

Gratitude is a practice.

We can literally train our brains to recognize gratitude more easily when we *consistently* slow down to notice what we’re thankful for.

These 10 journal prompts are an invitation to slow down and reflect on where you are in life right now.

Wherever you are, I hope it’s peaceful.

If these prompts helpful to you, you can find my full 30-Day Gratitude & Self-Reflection Journal on Etsy. It’s an editable digital resource designed to support deeper awareness, gratitude, and personal growth.

https://therapytoolsbyrachel.etsy.com

10/30/2025

Self-trust begins with self-connection.�If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances, slow down, check in with yourself and ask yourself these questions.

* What am I believing about myself or this situation?
* What fear might be underneath?
* What do I need to feel more grounded and safe?
* What’s one small, doable next step I can take to meet my needs?

Be gentle with yourself. Be present.

Authenticity is born from self trust. It is a practice that blooms over time.

10/27/2025

Speaking of connection…

I’m excited to share something I’ve been working on — my new ebook, Navigating Sexual Intimacy!

This resource was created for couples who want to feel closer and more connected — whether that means finding the courage to talk openly about s*x and intimacy for the first time, or bringing more playfulness and curiosity into your relationship.

Inside you’ll find Intimacy Bingo, meaningful questions, and intention “prizes” — little ways to bring curiosity and playfulness back into your connection. It’s light, reflective, and helps you explore each other with openness and ease.
�You can find Navigating Sexual Intimacy now on Etsy! Click on the link below or you can find it on my website: rachelhylandcounseling.com/resources
Use FIRSTLOOK promo to get 20% off through Friday.

https://therapytoolsbyrachel.etsy.com?coupon=FIRSTLOOK

10/26/2025

When you start to feel “off” in your relationships, pause and turn inward.

Real connection with others begins by reconnecting with yourself. Notice what’s happening inside and get curious about what’s going on. Use a Feelings Wheel to give language to what’s happening.

Try asking yourself these questions:
✨What am I feeling?
✨What happened that made me feel this way?
✨What might this emotion be trying to protect?
✨Does this feeling remind me of something?
✨What do I need to feel more connected?

You can find a *free* copy of the feelings wheel on my website.
rachelhylandcounseling.com/resources

10/24/2025

*NEW BLOG* Feeling Disconnected in Your Relationships? Start by Reconnecting with Yourself.

Real connection doesn’t begin in our relationships. It begins within us.

When we take time to understand our emotions, patterns, and past experiences, we create the safety and awareness needed for authentic connection with others.

Click the link below.

https://www.rachelhylandcounseling.com/blog-therapy/disconnected

10/23/2025

Feeling Disconnected in Your Relationships? Start by Reconnecting with Yourself.

Real connection doesn’t begin in our relationships. It begins within us.

When we take time to understand our emotions, patterns, and past experiences, we create the safety and awareness needed for authentic connection with others.

Click the link below.

https://www.rachelhylandcounseling.com/blog-therapy/disconnected

Struggling with relationship disconnection, anxiety, or shame? Discover how reconnecting with yourself can transform the way you relate to others. By understanding your emotions, past experiences, and relational patterns, you can communicate clearly, set boundaries, and build stronger, healthier rel

10/20/2025

Therapy stories 🤍
Shame has many disguises.
Perfectionism is one of its favorites.
When you begin to let go of being “perfect,” you can create space for freedom—belonging that doesn’t have to be earned.

10/03/2025

So much of our healing begins with slowing down long enough to listen to what’s happening inside.

Journaling isn’t just about writing down your day—it’s about building self-awareness. Thoughtful prompts can help you notice patterns, name emotions, and uncover the hidden parts of yourself.

When we understand ourselves on a deeper level, we build awareness, grow, and choose differently. Self-awareness is the foundation for lasting change—and your journal can be the gentle guide that gets you there.

1. Are there parts of myself that I hide from others? What do I think will happen if I reveal those parts?
2. What would I choose to do with my life if I had the resources and wasn’t afraid of failing?
3. What emotions do I find hardest to sit with? Why are they difficult?
4. What behaviors or patterns do I keep repeating—and how do they help or hinder me?
5. What are some recurring thoughts I have about myself?
6. How do I show up in relationships with friends, family, partners?
7. How have past relationships shaped my self-image?
8. What kind of life am I working toward—and is it the life I truly want?
9. What do I believe about love? Do I have the love that I want?
10. What do I think about God? What do I believe he thinks about me?

What’s one journal prompt that’s helped you see yourself more clearly?

09/24/2025

Healing doesn’t happen just because our pain disappears.
It happens when we stop repeating the patterns that caused it.

In the face of relational pain, we often fall back on familiar patterns that once felt safe — people-pleasing, avoiding conflict, chasing love where it can’t be found…

The pain we avoid is a signal, not a flaw.
A call to notice. To shift. To choose differently.

Healing is messy. It’s slow.
But every time you break a pattern, even just a little…
That’s healing.

Keep going.