The Authenticity Center

04/23/2026

Sometimes healing starts with finally being able to say,
“That wasn’t okay.”

This work is deeply personal.
Not just something learned—but lived.

Because when you’ve been in it, you know what it feels like to question your reality… to lose your voice...to slowly disconnect from yourself while trying to hold everything together.

And what begins to change things?
Being seen. Being heard. Being in a space where your story is met with understanding.

That’s what this group is.

A trauma-informed space for women ready to:
• Make sense of what they’ve been through
• Feel validated instead of confused
• Reconnect with themselves—their voice, their emotions, their truth
• Begin setting boundaries without guilt
• Remember who they were before the pain; and start becoming her again

🗓 Mondays, 6:00–7:30 PM (starting April 6)
👩 Women only
💲 $40 drop-in or $120/month

You’re not crazy.
You’re not alone.
And you matter.

You don’t have to sort through this alone.

Join us here:
https://embraceyourbrave.org/reclaiming-you-therapy-group

04/20/2026

This is a very insightful article explaining the challenges of making mental healthcare accessible to everyone. She mentions a startling statistic… Six out of our eight parishes in Acadiana are considered healthcare professional shortage areas, and even fewer clinicians who offer trauma care.

We here, and the counselors in our community, are working hard to make mental healthcare accessible to community, while making a living for ourselves as well. We work to get on insurance panels, offer sliding scale, or reduced fees if you are willing to see a counseling intern. Considering participating in government programs becomes a challenge with the requirements, oversight, and we are one of the lowest paid rates in the nation.

I don’t know all the answers, but I appreciate people who keep the conversation alive, and who advocate the legislation that will bring mental health services to more people. Thank you for the article Sheryl and The Current

Hanging in my office is an art print that reads, “I’m tired of making lemonade!”

As a mental health professional with a focus on trauma recovery, I have a few clients who fail to notice and appreciate the sentiment. My days are filled with stories of strength; individuals managing to forge a path for themselves despite the obstacles in their way. I also know that, if given the opportunity, a respite from the hard work of healing would be welcome. They want to stop receiving the lemons that require the making of lemonade.

This is true for hundreds of thousands of people across the state. We are exhausted from working to survive broken systems, and the negative impacts are adding up.
In a culture steeped in a long history of marginalization, displacement, disaster recovery, economic instability and political turmoil, it’s no wonder generations of people in Acadiana are struggling with mental health issues at higher rates than the national average (LaVEX Mental Health Brief). Politicians and state leaders publicly praise us for being resilient and strong, while passing laws and enacting policies that increase barriers and reduce access to much-needed care. Our friends, family, and neighbors are tired; our communities are struggling.

When does the resilience we’re so proud of become trauma we’re tired of carrying?

Read more at thecurrentla.com/2026/we-are-tired-of-making-lemonade-resilience-in-acadiana-has-its-limits/

04/20/2026

Expanding access to mental healthcare across state lines! 

🚨 Let the Good Times Roll! The Counseling Compact has officially gone live in Louisiana, marking another significant milestone in expanding access to mental health care! Louisiana is the fourth state to grant privileges, joining Arizona, Minnesota and Ohio.

Across the country, 34 additional states and the District of Columbia are actively completing the steps needed to begin issuing and receiving privileges under the Counseling Compact.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4u2GhBm
Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/3ORgdtN

04/20/2026

Creativity isn’t about being “artistic.”
It’s about connection.

Our counselor, Becca Bowers, often says experimenting and practicing creativity will always lead us to deeper connections within ourselves and to others.

Because here's what I've discovered, Creativity helps your mind and body reconnect—with less pressure and less need for structure.

Sometimes healing looks like letting yourself play again.

Where could you invite a little creativity into your life this week?

So grab your crayons or markers and let yourself reconnect through creativity!

04/16/2026

April is Stress Awareness Month.

And honestly...most people I talk to are already very AWARE of their stress.

The real question is: now what?

One of the most overlooked skills in mental health is emotional awareness: being able to name what you’re actually feeling.

Not just: “I’m stressed.”

But:
“I’m overwhelmed because I’ve taken on too much and haven’t asked for help.”

Getting to that level of clarity changes things.

Emotions aren’t the actual problems to fix. They’re signals.

The goal isn’t control. It’s curiosity.

Name it...so you can navigate it.

04/13/2026

The “weeds” in my front yard caught my attention today. 🌸

My husband cuts around them because he knows how much I love them.

Weeds? Maybe.
Unkept? Sure.
But also...something that brings me joy.

It's a simple reminder that joy doesn’t have to be big or impressive to matter.

Sometimes it’s right there in the ordinary.

"Joydinary"

What’s one small thing you’re noticing today?

04/11/2026

Our team of counselors spent the day “sharpening the saw”, as Steven Covey would say. helped us own our strengths. We identified our core values at the Authenticity Center (more on that later). And taught us how to develop a healthy culture in our organization. We learned more about each other, which really is the thing that build trust and connected relationships. Wrapped up with some matcha and coffee at and smell good fun at . always learning and growing to serve.

04/10/2026

Question Five: What does it mean if I cry during my session?

04/09/2026

Question Four: What if I don’t know what to talk about in therapy?

04/08/2026

Let’s pause for a moment.

What emotion have you been feeling the most lately?

Just one word.
No overthinking. No explaining.
Name it.

04/03/2026

Question Three: What if I cry the whole therapy session?