Luna Counseling Solutions, LLC

12/05/2025

The holiday season can be a beautiful time, but it can also be a deeply painful time for those who have lost a loved one. If you're missing a loved one this season and need extra support, I'd love to invite you to my free holiday grief support gathering.

Please reach out for additional details or to RSVP!

10/07/2025

Excited to be a vendor for The Evening Buzz event this Friday!

Come say hi at my booth and snag some goodies!!

I can’t wait to connect with other amazing local businesses and the community!

**FREE entry for all who wish to stop by! See you there!

08/18/2025

03/04/2025

A Breath of Fresh Air for Your Mental Health!

It's that time of year again! Now accepting new clients for Walk and Talk therapy sessions.

If you're looking for a new way to take care of yourself, reach out via phone or email to learn more! Sometimes a change of scenery can help.

12/23/2024

“Even in the loneliest moments, we are never truly alone.” Somewhere out there, someone is feeling the same way you are. You are never completely alone.

Recovery can bring warmth and a smile to a cold day. You are not alone on your recovery journey! If you are struggling with the use of substances use, including alcohol, and need some extra support this season, SAMHSA has resources to help: samhsa.gov/find-help

12/11/2024

😶"I don't care either way, whatever you prefer"
😶"I don't like to make decisions"
😶"I'm okay with whatever you think is best"
😶"I don't want to cause any trouble, so I will just do what everyone else does"

Do any of these phrases sound familiar? These are examples of passive statements. You may be thinking, "but I really don't mind letting others take control!" I get that, I really do. But what we don't realize is that letting others take control over time is what leads to inner turmoil, resentments, anxiety, stress, and depression.

What happens is that we start to become out of touch with our own emotions, wants, needs, values, etc. We start to lose our identity a little bit and maybe even become codependent on others. Passive statements here and there do not necessarily cause this, but if you're saying statements like this over a lifetime and you are not consciously checking in to see if you really do have an opinion, then it can become a problem.

Where I suggest starting is figuring out your own values. This is a great worksheet to get started:

https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/values-clarification

Once you start to identify your values, then you can start making decisions with more confidence and ease. For example:

⚡️Your friend asks you, "Do you want to go out on Friday night for some dinner and drinks?" Someone who values "Calmness" and "Free Time" - and who has identified this - might say "I've actually had a busy week and I could really use some down time. Would you like to join me for dinner at my house, instead?"

⚡️Your family member asks if you would like to go to the movies or for a hike this Saturday. You are someone who has recognized "Nature" is an important value in your life. After reflecting on being inside all week, you may say "I would really love to go for a hike. Being outside makes me happy and takes my stress away. Can you meet at 10:00 AM?"

Once you have identified some of your top values, feel free to share below!!

11/18/2024

⚡️Assertiveness & Control ⚡️

Aggressive energy = "I'm trying to control you"
Passive energy = "You can control me"
Assertive energy = "We both deserve to feel heard and respected"

An aggressive communicator gives off the energy that they are trying to control you. This could look like:

⚡️"I'm taking your car to do errands today. You don't need it as much as I do!"

A passive communicator gives off the energy that they can be controlled or taken advantage of. This could look like:

⚡️"Sure, you can take my car whenever you need it. I had some errands to do, but I don't really need my car that bad anyway."

An assertive communicator gives off the energy that two people are of equal value and both deserve to have their wants and needs met. This could look like:

⚡️"I have some errands I need to do today, could I please borrow your car? I will make sure to add some gas to the car."

⚡️ "I was actually planning on doing some errands myself today. You can absolutely borrow my car another time, though. If your stops are near mine, maybe we could go together?"

Remember, just because something FEELS a certain way, it doesn't mean it's true. So, just because it FEELS mean to be assertive and tell someone no, that doesn't mean that it IS mean.

Share below - do you ever *feel* mean when you are being assertive with others? Start to examine your feelings in these moments and ask yourself, "am I being mean or am I just honoring my own wants and needs, as well as theirs?"

11/15/2024

🌟 Embrace Your Assertiveness! 🌟

Being assertive isn’t the same as being mean or aggressive; it's about standing up for yourself with respect and confidence. It's expressing your thoughts, needs, and feelings clearly and directly—without fear or apology.

✨ Why Assertiveness Matters:

-Boosts self-confidence
-Enhances communication
-Reduces stress, frustration, and resentment
-Fosters healthy relationships

💡 Tip: Start small! Practice speaking up with the smaller things, such as what restaurant you'd like to eat at or what time you prefer to schedule an appointment.

This is a hard time of year if you are someone who is more passive. Family members may be pushing their holiday agendas on you and before you know it, you have committed to plans or activities that are not best for your immediate family. Please reach out if you need help with assertiveness skills. Remember, "keeping the peace" in your environment is not peaceful for your soul.

info@lunacounselingva.com
703-493-0487