Overcomers Counseling Center, Inc.

09/09/2020

05/28/2020

Thought Repair Thursday:

Mindful Listening: Mindful listening allows us to be fully present with what we’re hearing, without trying to control it or judge it. We let go of our inner demands and assumptions, and we listen with respect to precisely what is being said. To listen mindfully to another person, cease from doing anything else, and simply listen without an agenda to what is being said. If thoughts about other things arise, gently let them go and return to the speaker’s words. As responses arise in your mind, wait until you’ve heard all that has to be said before replying. Try not to let your story overcome the speaker’s. Be curious; don’t assume that you know. Listen for feelings as well as the words.

It is also beneficial to listen to sounds. Early morning is especially good for listening to sounds. Try this: As you wake up, instead of turning on the TV, your iPhone, or your computer, be still and just listen. Listen to the birds, to traffic, to soft sounds, etc. Rest your full attention on one sound until it fades away, then let another come to you. As thoughts come into your mind, gently let them go, and return to the sound. Then, get out of bed and enjoy the sound of the water on your skin in the shower.

05/27/2020

Wise Mind Wednesday:

Reading and writing can help alter our faulty thoughts, beliefs, the way we feel, and ultimately, the way we behave.

Mindful reading: Mindful reading is a process of quiet reflection that requires mindful attentiveness, and letting go of distracting thoughts and opinions, to be fully in the moment with the text. Try reading about things that you enjoy or that brings you peace. Before reading, sit quietly for a few minutes. Bring your attention to your breath, letting go of thoughts and sensations, returning to the breath again and again. Then read. Notice if you read with more focus and appreciation. When you are done reading, sit again for a few minutes and bring your mind to your breath. At the end of your practice, notice what you have learned from the reading.

Mindful writing: Mindful writing in a journal is one of the oldest methods of self-exploration and expression. Each day, perhaps write something that you are grateful for, something you learned that day, an experience you had or are currently having, or anything else. A journal can help one cultivate the ability to live in the present, to become deeply aware, and appreciative of life.

05/26/2020

Toolbox Tuesday:

If you suspect your child has a mental health condition:
- Consult your child's doctor.
- Describe the behaviors that concern you.
- Talk to your child's teacher, close friends, relatives or other caregivers to see if they've noticed changes in your child's behavior.
- Share this information with your child's doctor.

Ways you can help your child cope with mental illness:
- Learn about the illness.
- Consider family counseling.
- Ask your child's mental health professional for advice.
- Enroll in parent training programs.
- Explore stress management techniques to help you respond calmly.
- Seek ways to relax and have fun with your child.
- Praise your child's strengths and abilities.
- Work with your child's school to secure necessary support.

05/25/2020

Mindful Mondays:

Mental health disorders in children are generally defined as delays or disruptions in developing age appropriate thinking, behaviors, social skills or regulation of emotions.
Some of the warning signs of mental illness in children include:
- Persistent sadness — two or more weeks.
- Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions.
- Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself.
- Talking about death or su***de.
- Outbursts or extreme irritability.
- Out-of-control behavior that can be harmful.
- Drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality.
- Changes in eating habits.
- Loss of weight.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Changes in academic performance.
- Avoiding or missing school.

05/22/2020

Often times we place self-care on the back-burner of our lives. While the term may just sound like doing a face mask or soaking in a bubble bath, taking care of yourself is so much more. Self-care is about making sure you have the mindset, tools, and the energy to continue on, whether that be reading your favorite book, meditating—you name it. Self-care on its most basic level is replenishing your soul.

It is extremely important to prioritize self-care. That is where our self-care bingo comes in! It makes self-care fun and part of a game. With the help of self-care bingo, you are noticing and creating these habits in yourself. The prize isn’t something tangible, but a better, more mindful you.

05/20/2020

OCC cares for you! Remember, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Overcomers Counseling Center is offering six (6) weeks of free counseling sessions with our Intern from May 1st - June 12th.

Contact us at: counseling@wocconline.org.

05/15/2020

Thought Repair Thursday:

Part 1: Here is the first mindfulness practice you can use everyday.

Mindful breathing: Mindful breathing is a very basic yet powerful mindfulness meditation practice. The idea is simply to focus your attention on your breathing—to its natural rhythm and flow and the way it feels on each inhale and exhale. ou don’t need to do anything to your breath. Not long, not short, just natural. Notice where you feel your breath in your body. It might be in your abdomen. It may be in your chest or throat or in your nostrils. It can help to set aside a designated time for this exercise, but it can also help to practice it when you’re feeling particularly stressed or anxious.