Beacon Counseling LLC

10/30/2024

Why does it seem like more people have anxiety today, than even just 10 years ago? Is anxiety actually more prevalent today? Yes and no.

While anxiety is not "new", many people have observed a significant increase in anxiety levels among all ages. Our recent blog post explores some of the factors that contribute to this.

Take a look!

Why does anxiety feel more common today? Increased awareness, social media, and online bullying contribute to rising anxiety levels across all ages.

10/23/2024

In the last few weeks, how often have you seen someone use the term "gaslight" on social media? How often has someone called themselves "OCD" because they like things neat and tidy? This is pop psychology.

The psychological terms and facts (pop psychology) that you learn on social media can be very different when compared to actual psychological terms and facts. Often times, pop psychology generalizes, oversimplifies, and misinterprets the actual principles that they are based on.

Check out our blog post about pop psychology vs. actual psychology, and the harm that can come from misusing and misunderstanding these concepts.

Uncover the differences between pop psychology and real psychology. Learn how misusing terms like 'gaslighting' and 'narcissism' can lead to misunderstandings.

10/15/2024

One of the biggest challenges to therapy is finding a therapist that is a good fit for you. The therapeutic relationship is incredibly important, because it supports healthy communication, honesty, security, and vulnerability. All of which are essential for having success in therapy.

Take a look at our blog post to learn more about how to find, and math, with the best therapist for you!

Finding the right therapist goes beyond a simple search. Get practical advice for selecting a therapist who can effectively support your mental health journey.

07/24/2024

Do you feel comfortable talking about mental health? Although nearly one in five adults in the United States have experienced symptoms of a mental illness, it still highly stigmatized.

So how do we destigmatize discussion of mental health? Well, you've probably heard that the best way to stop the stigma, is to just start talking about it. Of course, this is way easier said than done, and it will probably feel pretty uncomfortable at first.

Read our blog post to get some tips on how to feel more confident with talking about mental health!

Learn practical tips and strategies to confidently discuss mental health, break the stigma, and support yourself and others in meaningful conversations.

07/02/2024

There has recently been a huge increase in the term “narcissist” or "narcissism" floating around the internet, particularly on social media platforms.

The good news is that narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) isn’t nearly as common as the media makes it out to be. The bad news is that people don’t have to have a diagnosis in order to be bad people.

If you'd like to learn more about NPD and personality disorders in general, check out our blog post!

"Narcissist" is trending on social media! Let's clear up what a personality disorder truly is and isn't, focusing on the real Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

06/18/2024

Happy Pride Month!!

Beacon Counseling provides the gender-affirming care that our LGBTQIA+ community deserves. We wish you a happy and safe Pride 🎉🥳

05/15/2024

Check out this live demonstration of a technique that you can use to immediately reduce your anxiety. :)

05/14/2024

Many people have a preconceived notion about what therapy is. Some of these thoughts are true, and some aren't! Read our latest blog post about the 5 most common misconceptions about mental health therapy...

If you have any other questions or comments related to therapy- comment below! We are happy to help! :)

Everyone could benefit from seeing a therapist! You don’t have to have a diagnosed problem; you don’t even have to have a specific concern!

05/09/2024

What comes to mind when you hear the word "experiential"? Was your first thought that it kind of sounds like the word "experience"? If so, then great job! Today we're talking about experiential therapy, which really does focus on experiences.

Broadly speaking, experiential therapy is about engaging in the present moment while completing some sort of activity that engages your mind and body. Art therapy, music therapy, and play therapy are the most common examples of this therapeutic approach.

Check out our latest blog post to learn more about why we love experiential therapy and how it could be a good fit for you!

Experiential therapy believes that meanings are acquired through experiences, which are more powerful than conceptualizing thoughts.

05/01/2024

Let's talk about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This therapeutic approach shares some similarities with DBT but focuses less on changing behavior and more on accepting our behavior without judgment.

ACT (pronounced "act") teaches us that it is okay to experience whatever we are experiencing. Our feelings are not bad and should not be avoided! Sure, some emotions are more uncomfortable to feel, but there is no such thing as a "bad" emotion.

To learn more, check out our blog post!

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on building skills of openness and acceptance of uncomfortable feelings.

04/19/2024

This is the second part of our DBT deep dive! So what are the main components that make up Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance are the key elements that form this therapeutic approach. All of these skills help reduce the distress that comes along with extreme emotions.

Check out our blog post to explore these DBT concepts in more detail!

There are three main components that make up Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These components are mindfulness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. Mindfulness describes intentionally living with awareness in the present moment. This involves focusing on the here-and-now and paying atte...

04/10/2024

In our last post, we talked about CBT. This week, we're covering another acronym that you might have seen before: DBT.

DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. DBT is both similar and quite different to CBT. With DBT, there is a greater emphasis on the individual and their environmental contexts (their culture, memories, life experiences, etc.).

DBT is unique with the set of skills and techniques that are used during therapy. If you want to learn more about DBT basics, check out our blog post! Next week, we will dive even deeper into specific DBT activities so stay tuned!

Last week, we talked about Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and how this approach to therapy focuses on changing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This week we will be discussing Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT. Similarly to CBT, DBT also focuses on cognitive behavioral approaches. Dialec...