Katy Leech Counseling

08/31/2023

Listen to your needs. Your mental health matters!

Who needed this today?! I certainly needed to be reminded of this.

Rest is not a reward. It’s a requirement.

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08/20/2023

So true! What are some expectations you’ve had about counseling?

Expectations vs. Reality. Would you add anything else to the list?

08/10/2023

Mental health requires action. Need help taking action? I’m here to support you. You’ve got this—one step at a time.

08/07/2023

I work with a lot of clients with anxiety. The article below [link in comments] does a great job describing anxiety and giving some thoughts on solutions! Healing for anxiety exists. You don’t have to do it alone — let me know if I can help.

07/31/2023

Tips to help develop positive mental health in our kids! Because “…how we respond to our children’s feelings has a huge impact on how they process and understand life.”

The key to raising smart and mentally strong kids all comes down to communication, says neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf. The mother of four shares the phrases she never says to her kids.

07/19/2023

I am always so proud and in awe of the resilience I get to see in my clients. ❤️ [Link below]

06/22/2023

Looking for a free form of therapy? What helps your body will help your mental health. Period.

06/20/2023

Counseling can help you step into more of who you are. I’m here to help!

05/29/2023

Some excellent tips listed below in the text! Which could you incorporate more of in your life?

In our busy age of “Do more and be more,” it’s easy to feel like we just aren’t enough, or that time for ourselves is selfish, but self-love is a critical piece of our wellbeing that can throw everything else off when it’s not supported.

Cultivating greater self-love can improve everything from depression to addiction, anxiety, discontent, or numerous other unbeneficial feelings or states of disease.

We just have to open ourselves up to the tools that are out there and be willing to dig deeper.

Tapping into creativity and passion is one key component; another is slowing down and taking the time to meditate, reflect, and practice self-care. Music is another valuable resource that speaks to a unique part of us, and music therapy has even been shown to be more effective for depression when combined with psychotherapy than therapy alone.

Then there is the practice of gratitude journaling, which can lower stress and improve a sense of calm. When we look at all the good things we have to be grateful for in our lives, it’s a lot easier to put the frustrating things into perspective. It also allows us to practice self-love, feel happier, and become more resilient.

So many of these resources are at our disposal, any time of day, any day of the week—but we have to realize their potential and prioritize their practice before the magic can happen.

05/15/2023

Every moment you choose to grow, or simply exist, is valuable, valid, and precious. Keep choosing to stay. We want and need you here.

Your simple act of existence will never be a waste of time. Your breath matters always, no matter if it’s running a marathon or supporting you through a long sleep. You’re alive, and that is anything but a waste.

05/08/2023

“Sometimes we're so busy looking for big changes that we overlook the small ones that remind us growth is happening. Don’t forget to celebrate the little things.” -To Write Love On Her Arms.

05/05/2023

Total health approaches to mental health can make a huge difference. If you need support finding the lifestyle practices that work for your mental health, I’m here for you!

It’s time we stop thinking of the way we eat as relevant to only one piece of our health, it dramatically influences the entire body.

These six strategies can help shift your mental health:

Eat whole, real food. Feed your brain and body with a nutrient-dense, whole, fresh, plant-based diet that includes plenty of protein and healthy fats. Your brain is about 60 percent fat, so it makes sense eating plenty of healthy fats (and including anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids) and protein can help heal your brain.

Cut out sugar. If you’ve ever eaten something sugary, “crashed” a little later, and felt absolutely miserable, you know how sugar can contribute to depression. Studies confirm sugar consumption can contribute to depression. Become a detective and find and avoid hidden sources of sugar, which are more prevalent than you think.

Exercise regularly. Studies show exercise is as good as, and even better than anti-depressants.

Get enough sleep. Terrible sleep will only contribute to and exacerbate depression, so you want to aim for eight hours’ solid, uninterrupted sleep every night.

Control stress levels. Constantly feeling stressed out becomes a surefire way to become depressed or stoke the fires of depression. Find what calms you and practice it regularly.

Take the right nutrients. Many nutrients can alleviate depression and support optimal brain health, including omega-3 fatty acids and 5-HTP. I suggest working with an integrative practitioner to customize a nutrient program that works for you.

Additionally, I recommend testing for nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, blood sugar imblances, and inflammation.