Anne Sansone, MS NCC

11/23/2025

Let’s face it: the holidays are mentally EXHAUSTING! Amidst all the holly-jolly merrymaking, we are often faced with difficult situations and pressures to “do it all” while keeping an upbeat attitude.
Over the next 6 (give or take) weeks, be mindful of what you’re taking on, and how you’re coping with it all. Acknowledge your own needs, say “no” and take a break if need-be!

11/22/2025

Borrowed and adapted from American Counseling Association acacounselors

Starting July 1, 2026, as part of provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the U.S. Department of Education (ED) could begin making significant changes to federal student loan limits. Under these guidelines, non-doctorate counseling programs are considered graduate programs, and therefore capping student borrowing power to $20,500 a year in federal student loans. {These changes will SIGNIFICANTLY impact the number of students enrolling in graduate counseling programs, and in turn, the number of counselors available to serve the population in the future (when we already have a provider shortage). This is especially true for individuals in less “privileged” groups, who rely on loan assistance.}

ED is required to consider public comments—generally open for at least a 30-day period—before issuing a final rule. ACA will submit formal comments to the Department of Education during the comment period and will be engaging with federal legislators to address this alarming policy shift.

We strongly encourage counselors to advocate for the reversal of these provisions by also submitting comments to the Department of Education once the comment period opens.

Act now: https://bit.ly/3KdfSzn

11/21/2025

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

reminder for the upcoming where food is oftentimes at the center of the celebrations.

11/19/2025

There is a variety of reasons to not engage in an argument or discussion.
* It may not be the appropriate time or place
* The tone of the conversation may be leading to an escalation- and not a resolution- of conflict
* The other person may not be open to hearing and considering other viewpoints
* You may need more time to gather information and develop your thoughts

Whatever the reason, remember you have every right to walk away and come back (if you so choose) once you’ve reflected and are able to respond instead of react.

11/18/2025

There’s a kind of grief that begins long before the funeral.
It starts in hospitals and medical offices—sitting through appointments, hearing the words you wish you hadn’t.
It begins quietly, when you start noticing the fatigue in their eyes, the way they’re too tired to hide how bad it’s getting.

You start grieving while you’re still holding their hand.
You learn to smile while breaking inside.
You help them eat, get comfortable, take their medicine—doing every small thing that keeps them okay for another day.

You pretend to be strong because you don’t want them to see your fear.
You nod when doctors talk, take notes you’ll never want to read again.
You’re running on coffee and nerves and whatever keeps you upright.
You watch the clock but never want time to move.
You stay beside them, doing what needs to be done, because you can’t imagine being anywhere else.

You’re exhausted in every way a person can be, but you keep going.
You brush their hair back, hold their hand, make sure they’re comfortable, whisper you love them.
You keep showing up with whatever you have left, because this is it—
the last stretch of loving them here.
You hold on tight while the world starts to let go.
And you pour every ounce of love you have into the space between now and goodbye.

11/17/2025

11/17/2025

The ability to make a heartfelt and thoughtful apology is a skill we all must learn in order to have healthy relationships. Sure, everyone makes mistakes and can unintentionally harm others; however, how we take accountability for our actions and follow through on making repairs is still important.
Apologies do NOT include excuses, explanations or rationalizations. (These are conversations to have another times)
They are best delivered voluntarily (not forced).
Forgiveness may not automatically follow (and is unfair to be expected as such).

11/16/2025

Remember to celebrate your wins, big or small!!
Got out of bed today? That’s a win. Answered one hard email? Win. Took your meds on time? Big win. Healing doesn’t always look like milestones. Sometimes it’s choosing to keep showing up, even in tiny ways. Celebrate those moments.

11/14/2025

11/13/2025

Today is 🫶🏻
Here are some ideas for how you can show kindness (or recognize it in others):
*Hold the door or elevator
*Give a smile or compliment
*Send a note of gratitude to a friend who helps you out
*Leave a positive online review for a local restaurant or service provider
*Check in on a friend who has been caring for a sick loved one
*Bring snacks into work to share with your co-workers
*Share the social media post for a small business
*Let someone cut in front of you at the coffee shop or in traffic
*Practice compassion, grace and understanding