Paul Russell LPC

12/19/2025

reminder this holiday season - Light the lamp not the Rat!

12/18/2025

A short blog on being calm when facing negativity!

Therapy, counseling, psychology, mental health

12/10/2025

3 holiday tips to be more content!

https://everythinginbalance.blogspot.com/2025/12/3-tips-to-avoid-holiday-depression.html

12/08/2025

3 tips for less stress this holiday season!

The holiday season, while filled with celebration and connection, often brings a surprising amount of pressure. Between family expectations, financial demands, and the rush to “make everything perfect,” stress can build quickly. Fortunately, there are simple and intentional ways to reclaim calm during this busy time.

One powerful strategy is setting boundaries. Holidays tend to blur personal limits—saying yes to every event, every request, and every responsibility. Choosing what truly matters and letting go of the rest can create space to breathe. Whether that means declining an invitation, limiting spending, or carving out quiet time, boundaries help protect both energy and emotional well-being.

Another way to destress is by embracing small rituals of self-care. These don’t need to be elaborate: a warm cup of tea before bed, a morning walk in cold air, a few minutes of journaling, or playing a favorite holiday playlist. Consistent micro-moments signal the body to slow down and reset. When stress rises, grounding yourself in simple comforts can bring surprising relief.

Finally, focusing on meaningful connection can ease holiday tension. It’s easy to get caught in logistics and lose sight of what the season is supposed to celebrate—community, generosity, and togetherness. Reaching out to someone supportive, sharing a heartfelt conversation, or even just laughing with a friend can shift the entire emotional tone of the season.

In the midst of holiday noise, peace doesn’t come from doing more, but from choosing wisely. By honoring boundaries, nurturing small personal rituals, and reconnecting with what truly matters, the holidays can become not a source of stress, but an opportunity for renewal.

Photo by Octavian Iordache on Unsplash

12/05/2025

Healing from trauma isn’t about forgetting what happened — it’s about reclaiming your life, piece by piece, with courage you already have. Every small step you take, even the ones that feel shaky, is proof that you’re moving forward. You’re learning to breathe again, trust again, and rebuild a sense of safety that was always your right. Recovery isn’t linear, and it doesn’t need to be perfect; what matters is that you keep choosing yourself, even on the hard days. You are stronger than you realize, deserving of peace, and absolutely capable of creating a future that feels lighter, safer, and truly your own.

11/20/2025

11/17/2025

FOCUS ON JOY or you will not FIND IT!

We all need JOY here are some Simple Joys to enjoy and to Share -

A Good Laugh 😂 - Sharing a funny meme or joke that made you smile.

Morning Coffee ☕ - The first sip of coffee or tea in the morning.

Nature Walks 🌳 - Discovering a beautiful park or trail nearby.

Sunsets 🌅 - Taking a moment to watch the sunset and appreciate the colors.

Kindness of a Stranger 💖 - Sharing a moment where someone did something nice for you.

Home-Cooked Meals 🍽️ - The joy of cooking or enjoying a favorite dish.

Pet Cuddles 🐾 - Spending time with furry friends and their unconditional love.

Listening to Music 🎶 - Finding a song that lifts your spirits or brings back memories.

Completing a Puzzle 🧩 - The satisfaction of finishing a challenging puzzle.

Warm Blankets 🛌 - Snuggling up with a cozy blanket on a cold day.

Gardening 🌼 - Watching plants grow and bloom in your garden.

Quality Time with Loved Ones 💕 - Cherishing moments spent with family and friends.

Learning Something New 📖 - The excitement of discovering a new hobby or skill.

Gratitude Journaling ✍️ - Reflecting on the little things you’re thankful for each day.

11/14/2025

I did my MA thesis on the growing emotional symbiotic relationships of online vs real social processes. That was in 2009 i have followed this trend sicne then.

I continue to delve into the psychological impact of, now, AI relations and the changes in social processes. See the attached article for an example.

I have dealt with several emotionally depressed and traumatic impacts of online relationships that "failed" not to mention the repeated feeling of being in isolation from others due to living online!

These algorithms (not AI) are designed to be user-centered and will support anything the user states. They do not give counter-feedback to help process their ideas against other possibilities.. Emotional unhealthy thought have been supported to the point of su***de!

Just sharing this for your information, as we are all hoping to develop our skills to support both those lost in AI relationships and those hurt by partners choosing AI over a person. I've already had to deal with this with boomers and Gen X in the last year!

Be glad to consult on this if anyone needs support. It is a rapidly changing process that we need to grow with!

AI Relationships Are on the Rise. A Divorce Boom Could Be Next

11/14/2025

I have already seen this in action with boomers! Sad...

AI Relationships Are on the Rise. A Divorce Boom Could Be Next

11/12/2025

Good morning time to start the day with a LAUGH 😃

11/12/2025

We only control how we respond to what life presents us - choose wisely!