Lily Pad Counseling

08/12/2025

This is the time of year when I send my "baby birds" off into the world. I will genuinely miss my time spent with my now college-aged clients, going to the East Coast, West Coast and the South. It has been the greatest honor and pleasure to see them onto this next chapter. They are so ready!

Remember this: The kindness and compassion you extend to others, will reverberate back to you. Journal, exercise, breathe and hold that ice cube!

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07/06/2025

My heart goes out to those that have lost family members and those that have experienced unspeakable trauma, during this difficult time.

With the most recent devastation that has hit Texas, I am offering free therapy sessions to our youngest community members impacted. I have a few sessions I am able to offer weekly at no charge, over the next few weeks. In-person in Lakeway, TX or virtually.

Please do not hesitate to reach out at:

Counseling in Lakeway, TX offering in person and Telehealth appointments. Paperwork can be filled out online. Schedule an appointment today. Contact us at (512) 256-3367.

05/22/2025

Another beautiful ATX moment! But what I have been really thinking about lately is a conversation that I had with one of my teen clients. She has had a difficult year and we talked about finding meaning in it. Such as having compassion, understanding and connection with those that are also going through a difficult time. And, be still my heart that they want to continue a path towards a career in mental health.

03/21/2025

Grounding exercises are techniques designed to help individuals feel more present and connected to their surroundings. They can be helpful in reducing anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. Whether it’s grass, sand, carpet or wood floor, focus on the sensations in your feet. Combined with deep breathing exercises, this will help you through your struggles. (My feet grounding in Hilton Head Island).

02/15/2025

Recently I was faced with medical testing for a rare genetic disorder that runs in my family. I had a 50% chance of having this. Six weeks for the results and honestly, my anxiety was seriously off the charts. The effects of this were evident within two weeks with a hoarse voice from severe acid reflux. I also had a huge cold sore that would not go away for 2-3 weeks. In the end, I can safely share that my results were negative but it did make me think about effects of long-term anxiety on the body. It is real, my friends.

Chronic anxiety can interfere with your quality of life and can also have serious consequences on your physical health. Read on to learn more about the major effects anxiety has on your body.

12/17/2024

Happy Holidays from Lily Pad Counseling! What a tremendous honor it has been to walk alongside young people and their families this past year. Looking forward to continued growth in the year to come.

10/19/2024

I am a terrible wrapper but when The Magnolia School asked for a donation for their annual gala, I gave it a go! Here are some favorites from my younger clients. A Little Spot of Emotions, Grumpy Monkey, Liquid Sensory Toys, Nee Doh, Puzzle Ball, Thinking Putty, and the all time favorite - Sensory Rings.

09/16/2024

When you live in a place like Austin, there is no better “chicken soup for the soul” than the access to nature we have been gifted. It’s abundant and access is mostly free. From the young to the old, I always try to impress the impact of Vitamin D on improving mood. Get outside, it’s a gorgeous day!

08/09/2024

I was raised by a mother who truly embraced everyone. We would always joke that she made friends in the supermarket because she had no problems striking up conversations with anyone!

No matter the differences, people think and feel and it’s truly amazing to learn from one another.

So as your children head off to school, please talk to them about patience and tolerance. While there are visible disabilities, there are invisible ones as well. Kids that are struggling because their home lives are not what it seems to be. And one never knows when their own lives can take a turn.

Happy School Year 24/25! If you are in need of advice, I am always happy to be a resource for the community.

07/18/2024

When I woke this morning, feeding a bottle of milk to this two month old baby mini cow was not on my agenda! How fun and therapeutic! Networking at the new sensory gym Therapy Xploriment. It opens on 8/2 and is a wonderful space for ages 3-12. Plus you can meet this little guy!

07/16/2024

Our FREE "Yes, I Can!" community events are back!

Reach for the Stars ATX is excited to host a special back-to-school "Yes, I Can!" story time celebrating the power of positivity and perseverance. This event is perfect for children starting school for the first time or transitioning to a new school.

Join us at two area libraries: Laura Bush Community Library (Laura's Library) on July 27th and Lake Travis Community Library on August 10th.

To help kids manage typical back-to-school nerves, we are thrilled to welcome special guest Michelle Monahan of Lily Pad Counseling. Michelle is a mental health professional with over 20 years of experience working with school children and has positively impacted many young lives, including my own children, as an elementary school counselor within Lake Travis ISD as well as the New York City Department of Education.

This event is free and open to children of all ages and abilities and their families. In addition to invaluable tips and advice from Michelle, there will be book readings and hands-on crafts and activities designed to encourage a "Yes, I Can!" attitude as children start the new school year.

For proper planning, we encourage an RSVP through reachforthestarsATX.com

For more information on Michelle Monahan and Lily Pad Counseling, visit https://www.lilypadcounseling.com/