BalanZen Holistic Counseling

01/25/2026

How to manage our emotions, especially the difficult ones that come on suddenly, fast, or feeling out of control. The emotions that arise in us that feel overwhelming. They can be feelings of anger, sadness, fear, anxiety, loss, or grief.
Emotional regulation is the ability to respond and effectively manage an emotional experience. Being able to understand, maintain balance and respond appropriately to challenges. The ability to influence which emotions we feel, when to feel them, and how we express or experience the emotions in healthy appropriate ways.
There's various things we can do to regulate our emotions. Identify and name the emotion. Intentional breathing, calm breathing. Grounding ourself to the present moment. Calming ourself before thinking, saying, or doing. Connect with someone safe and supportive. Take a break. Identify action steps you can take to problem solve the challenge.
The 4 R's: Recognize (identify emotion), Respond (choose action), Reappraise (reframe), and Reflect.
Emotional regulation is a way for us to take care of ouselves and maintain overall health.

08/01/2024

Stuff... our personal belongings, things that belong to us!
We've heard someone say, I have stuff going on. They don't say what it is. We have an idea that they may be experiencing stressful events, anxiety, or other events that's impacting their life.
We all have stuff. The question is what are you going to do about it? We may think when I do this, finish that, have time, or believe someone else is the cause of what's going on in our life.
We're responsible for how we handle our stuff and our life. No one else. t's very difficult. Where do I start, it's too hard, don't have time to deal with it, it won't work out, it won't change. You're absolutely correct, the stuff won't change. We however, can change our stuff. We can make the difference in our life. How important is it to have change occur in your life? The first step is the most difficult. It's challenging to look within ourself and think about ways to change the way we do things, our perspective, our habits, or how we deal with what's going on. WE have to remember change doesn't occur overnight. It's a mindshift and creating new habits to get different results.
Start today to have what you want and need for yourself!

03/07/2024

Is the Baggage Holding you down??
Emotional baggage is the unresolved, tucked away, under the rug, hiddened in boxes or dark corners, or bandages we carry with us in our daily lives. It's the stressors, the anxiety, the worries, past relationships, resentment, anger, fear, guilt, unresolved grief, unresolved emotional difficulties, or past traumas. These take up space in our mind, zap our energy and impact us on a daily basis.
Emotional baggage can weigh us down or hold us back. It can effect our mental health, what we want for our future, and who we want to be.
What do you do about the emotional baggage? First you can acknowledge the baggage. What is it that's weighing you down, holding you back, or not allowing you to be your true authentic self? You can practice self-care. You can give yourself grace or forgive yourself. You can learn and utilize healthy coping strategies. You can seek support from people you trust. You can seek counseling support. The biggest thing you can do is realize the past can not be changed. We can't undo what was done or not done. The future isn't here yet. We can enjoy the present moment. The baggage didn't occur over night. For many people the baggage is an accumalation of years of stuff. The unpacking will take time and it will be difficult to get through it. With time, patience, and possibly some shedding of tears the baggage will be lessened or less burdensome to carry. You are worth it.

08/17/2023

ENERGY flows to where we focus our attention and intentions...
Where do you want your energy to flow?
If you tend to focus on negative things or thoughts, you'll get more negativity in your life and thoughts. If I think I'm not good enough, not smart enough, lack self-esteem, feel others are nicer looking, happier, more content than I am, that's what our reality will be.
Your life gets controlled by what you focus on or put your energy to.
Think, what do I want in life, what is my purpose, what direction do I want my life to go to? When you do that, focus your attention on those inttentions and the energy will flow into those areas and begin to flourish. This will take some time, as humans tend to be comfortable with the ways we've done things or the things we've thought.
It's okay to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Exploring new territories. Enjoy the new paths and the journey you take.

08/10/2023

More Balance in your Life...
Just say NO!!!
The power of a two letter word, No.
This little word provides so much to enhancing our mental health. It provides power to ourselves and balance that we're all looking for. Saying no allows us the opportunity to where we put our time, energy, purpose, and the direction for our life.
How difficult it is for people to say that little word. It's okay to say no, thank you. I want or need to spend time with my family, take care of myself, spend time on taking care of my home, spend time on a hobby, or to sit at home chiiling.
“When you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself.” (Paulo Coelho)

07/14/2023

MONDAY MOTIVATION...
You're not lost. You don't need to find yourself. You have always been you. Open up your heart and you'll see who you are without all the noise!!

07/14/2023

Being PRESENT......
It's being fully conscious of the present moment. It's enjoying the moment free of distractions or the internal noise within us. It's paying attention to the present, the here and now experiences.
NO ONE is guaranteed another sunset or sunrise. How prescious time is when we're doing something we enjoy. What is it you enjoy?? Listening to your favorite music, spending time with your loved ones, spending time with your friends, listening to the sound of the waves at the beach, listening to the birds singing, enjoying the sun and the warmth, reading a book, going for a walk. Or is it watching the sunrise or the sunset?
Being present helps to reduce stress and anxiety, improve relationships with others, improve our ability to focus, savor the experience, it reminds us to not take people or life for granted and most importantly it improves our relationship with ourselves.
Try it...enjoy being present with your activities, with others, and within yourself!!!

06/26/2023

What does HOLISTIC mean?
What is HOLISTIC THERAPY?
Holistic means to be whole. All aspects of ourselves are interconnected. Viewing the person as a whole person.
Holistic therapy or counseling is a type of treatment that addresses all aspects of the person. Integrating the physical, emotional, spiitual and mental well being. It assist the therapist and the individual seeking treatment to understand the whole person, all aspects of thermselves. The work centers on how aspects in one part of your life manifest as concerns in other areas of your self. It is a specialized type of therapy which uses a variety of treatment modalities and techniques. One type of treatment doesn't work best for everyone. It's addressing what symptoms are affecting you and how they are impacting you, your body and your life. It's utilizing treatments which will work for you. Holistic therapy commonly utilizes mindfulness and bodywork.
Holistic therapy benefits are reduction in stress or anxiety, decrease in trauma responses and symptoms, increase in coping skills, and better overall health.
Holistic therapy assist one in connecting their mind, body and soul to acheive balance for themselves and their lives.

06/18/2023

FATHER's Day...
Are you a Father or a Dad??
A father is present when the child is created.
A dad is present throughout the child's life. For the small little things, to the major things in the childs life. Most importantly for all the things that occur in between the small and major events. A dad holds their child's hand from the beginning of the relationship and until the end of it.
To all the Father's and the Dad's today... you know which one you are!!!
Make the difference in the life of a child, no matter their age!!!

05/27/2023

MEMORIAL DAY...
This day was originally called Decoration Day. The day was observed at the end of May so flowers would be in bloom to honor the graves of those who died during the Civil War with flowers. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday of rememberance for those who fought and died for our country.

12/27/2022

A movie for anyone who has been through a difficult time or presently are.
I hope you enjoy the movie. The movie pass is for today or tomorrow (December 27th and 28th). You reserve the time.
Thank you to my friend who passed this on to me.

Watch this life-changing movie that everyone is talking about!

12/07/2022

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY...

Welcome December!!
This time of year can be hectic, busy, and overwhelming.
It's important that we not overbook our calendars, overextend ourselves, and get enough rest.
Most importantly, take care of yourself.