Matthews Counseling, LLC

12/03/2025

In moments of intense anxiety or panic, the mind can feel trapped in a loop of racing thoughts and overwhelming fear. But research and mental health experts are discovering that something as simple as sour candy may offer surprising relief, through the power of sensory distraction.

During a panic attack, the brain’s threat system goes into overdrive. Your heart races, breathing quickens, and you may feel out of control. Sour candy can help interrupt this cycle by shocking the senses. Its intense taste and sharp flavor instantly capture your attention and redirect it away from anxious thoughts.

This technique is rooted in grounding, a method used in cognitive behavioral therapy. Grounding helps people stay present by focusing on strong external stimuli. Sour candy works quickly because it activates both taste and salivary reflexes, forcing the brain to process something new and immediate instead of the fear-based signals it was stuck on.

Therapists often suggest keeping sour candies, like lemon drops or sour gummies, on hand for those who deal with panic attacks or high anxiety. While it’s not a cure, it can provide fast, effective support in the middle of an episode, helping to calm the nervous system and slow the spiral.

It’s a reminder that small tools can make a big difference. Managing mental health often comes down to having the right strategies ready in the moment.

So next time anxiety strikes, a tiny burst of sour might just bring you back to center.

10/29/2025

Signs of anxiety attacks, and the difference between anxiety and panic attacks

Signs of anxiety attacks can look very different for everyone. But you may experience common symptoms, such as heightened fear or increased heart rate.

10/08/2025

In 2025 a lot of psychological language is miused or overused, but many of these behaviors are in fact abusive. There is no “might” about it. And if you are on the receiving end, you are being abused. One problem in abusive relationships is that no one wants to admit that abuse is happening. Excuses get made, hollow promises are made, people wish for change, and the cycle continues.

If you recognize any of these behaviors in your relationship, call it what it is. Be specific, set boundaries, and ask your partner to change their behavior. Also consider if you are behaving in these ways. If your partner cares or has not considered their behavior to be abusive, they will be willing to go to therapy, as a couple or on their own. Whether or not they go, therapy coukd also benefit you.

If your partner doesn’t change or won’t go to therapy, you should reconsider being in the relationship. No one deserves abuse and everyone deserves respect, love, and to feel safe in a relationship.

*If you are in a physically abusive relationship or fear for your safety, you may need to skip these steps. You should talk to someone you trust and seek out resources like a local domestic abuse center*

https://www.elitedaily.com/p/9-signs-your-partner-is-verbally-abusive-according-to-experts-so-be-careful-11455306?utm_campaign=fbproliqed&utm_medium=pro&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=6NIMTM3&lsid=qaomte2ndgw&fbclid=IwdGRjcANTJ3VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHiMrsIYYhG82JPHu50sCeMK9ZT5Zx1IpP5eyow2Q-OB1i3ra3MLvhnckY6cQ_aem_fuoO_zKm63v52yR9af0qLA

When I was a teenager, I was addicted to Lifetime movies. We had really limited cable, so I ended up watching a ton of what my friends jokingly referred to as the "woman in peril" channel. Honestly, it earned the name. It seemed like every movie was…

09/30/2025

We are excited to announce that we now offer couples therapy! We have a new therapist joining us this week who works with couples and individuals. She is now scheduling new clients. More details coming soon!

For inquiries, you can email: info@matthewscounselingllc.com

09/25/2025

The American Psychological Association is deeply concerned about the Administration’s recent announcement on autism.

Promoting unsupported scientific theories risks fueling stigma, undermines public trust and distracts from real scientific progress.

09/15/2025

This is a great graphic. No type of self-care alone will be enough to protect you from being overstressed, but having multiple types will. ✌

08/20/2025

A husband who refused to speak to his wife for 40 years. A father who continued to ignore his daughter on his deathbed. Far from a mere cold shoulder, the silent treatment can be a source of severe harm, Daryl Austin wrote in 2021: https://theatln.tc/zPU8d1Iu

🎨: Getty / Adam Maida / The Atlantic

08/20/2025

Feeling anxious is natural. In fact, it's healthy to feel anxious about some things- it shows that you care or that things matter to you. But how much anxiety is too much?

We all feel anxious sometimes. But when does typical anxiousness become an anxiety disorder?

08/17/2025

Sleep-away camp isn’t just for kids anymore. 🔗 https://on.wsj.com/3UtgAdq

Overnight camp has long been a way for kids to disconnect, play and make the kind of friends that stick with you for life. Grown-up sleep-away camps prove that adults are looking for the same experience.

08/15/2025

Over the years you may have seen your primary care provider's office get bought by a larger practice or a hospital system. It has happened at least twice with my doctor's office. In fact, there seem to be few independent primary care practices around these days, which is a reflection of small business going away and corporations taking their place.

The same thing is happening with therapy practices, with groups being bought by larger groups, and even private equity, venture capital, or insurance companies. One group practice I know of was bought by a large regional group and then sold to an insurance company in about a year's time.

Matthews Counseling is a family-owned small business and we plan to keep it that way. We will hire more therapists and may introduce a second location at some point. And my wife and I will certainly sell the practice when we retire, but we will NEVER sell to private equity, venture capital, or an insurance company. We value small businesses and want to see as many stay around as possible.

- Jesse Matthews

08/14/2025

Let’s go GEYA! So cool to see the boys from our area representing the Mid Atlantic.

⚾️✨ The Glenmoore Eagle Little League team is headed to the Little League World Series in Williamsport! 🏆🙌

We’re so proud of our DASD students on the team:
⚾️ Grayson Barrett (DMS)
⚾️ Macallen Chervenka (DMS)
⚾️ Gabe Mackiewicz (DMS)
⚾️ Aiden Mercer (LMS)
⚾️ Heath Podvia (LMS)
⚾️ Justin Shaw (DMS)

📺 Watch them in action: Thursday, August 14 at 7:00 PM
🔗 https://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=ab2e7877-34c8-438c-99e9-63955d8a7f28

Photo credit 📸: Little League
Downingtown Middle School Lionville Middle School

08/11/2025

You may have heard about "AI therapy" tools that have been coming out. Maybe you have even used AI yourself to ask about important things.

Most therapists are not against AI or using AI for support. We just want to see it used responsibly and ethically, and some companies are not doing that. One important way is by calling it "therapy", when it is merely a form of support. AI is not therapy, just as talking to your mother or your best friend, though helpful, is not therapy. Illinois just passed legislation to regulate those calling AI therapy, and other states are sure to follow suit.

AI support can be very helpful, but there are some key differences between AI support and real therapy. Here is a list of some of those differences, ironically from ChatGPT:

"Here’s a clear breakdown of why AI support is not the same as psychotherapy:

1. No Therapeutic Relationship
Psychotherapy relies on a real, mutual human connection between client and therapist, including empathy, nonverbal cues, and trust built over time.

AI can simulate supportive language but cannot truly feel empathy or form a therapeutic alliance.

2. No Formal Diagnosis or Treatment
Licensed therapists can assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders according to clinical guidelines.

AI cannot provide a formal diagnosis, prescribe treatment, or be held to the same professional or legal standards.

3. No Accountability or Licensing
Therapists are bound by ethical codes, licensing boards, and laws (e.g., HIPAA in the U.S.).

AI has no license, oversight, or legal accountability for the impact of its responses.

4. Limited Understanding of Context
Human therapists can integrate history, body language, tone, and emotional nuance into treatment.

AI relies solely on text (or limited input) and can miss subtle cues or deeper emotional layers.

5. No Crisis Intervention Capacity
A therapist can intervene directly in a crisis, call emergency services, or create a safety plan.

AI cannot physically intervene or ensure safety in real-time emergencies.

6. No Personalized Treatment Planning
Therapy involves a tailored approach with goals, techniques, and progress monitoring.

AI can offer general coping strategies but not structured, evolving treatment plans grounded in clinical judgment.

7. Lack of Confidential Legal Protection
Conversations with licensed therapists are legally protected as confidential.

AI interactions are not protected by therapist–client privilege or the same privacy laws.

8. Emotional Depth & Repair
In therapy, ruptures in trust or misunderstandings can be addressed and repaired, strengthening the relationship.

AI cannot genuinely experience relational repair or growth."

If you're feeling introspective or need support, AI can be helpful. But if you believe you could be dealing with a mental health disorder, are going through a hard time, or you may be in crisis, please reach out to a real, licensed mental health practitioner.