True North Counseling, LLC

04/01/2026

02/19/2026

I often talk to clients about emotion “stuffing” and “sticking”. You are stuffing if you choose not to experience your emotion and you stuff it down in hopes that ignoring it long enough it might actually make it go away. You are sticking if you have an emotion and you choose to hold on to it and keep experiencing it. (I’m angry about that thing and I am going to stay angry.) Neither of these tactics are healthy and both ultimately lead to suffering.

“Feel Your Feelings” is the middle ground between stuffing and sticking. When you Feel Your Feelings, you notice your feelings without holding on to them. In other words, you feel emotions and then let them go when they are ready to go. This gives the body a chance to recalibrate, to get back into a parasympathetic state. Recenter, reground, relax…

Questions? Drop them in comments. ❤️❤️❤️

01/27/2026

Avoidance often looks like symptom relief, but it quietly strengthens anxiety over time. Each avoided situation reinforces the belief that danger was escaped, rather than disproven.

When we avoid, anxiety may quiet for a moment, but avoidance steals confidence and keeps fear alive. The way forward is to face what scares you. That's where you truly gain strength and shrink worry.

Happy Tuesday, Friends. Do something that scares you a little bit today.

And just for fun....which sledding hill would you do?⬇️⬇️

01/23/2026

Amen.

12/30/2025

Here’s to my last day in the office in 2025. May your heart be light as you reflect on your year and may hope be present in your aspirations for the new year to come.

Thank you to each and every one of you who allowed me to be a part of your 2025 journey. My heart is so full because of you and this community.

11/14/2025

Speak life into the person you want them to become. ❤️❤️❤️

10/31/2025

Happy Halloweeen!!! Raise your hand if you would fit in with this group? 🙋🏼‍♀️

10/09/2025

Busting myths about the Catholic faith. “Until death do us part” does not include staying in an abusive relationship.

Ok?

09/27/2025

“In an age where the average consumer manages nearly all aspects of life online, it’s a no-brainer that healthcare should be just as convenient, accessible and safe as online banking.” -Jonathan Linkous, CEO of the American Telemedicine Association

If you’ve been considering therapy and struggle to find the time in your schedule, telemedicine is a wonderful option. 💻🤳🏻While I don’t recommend it for kids, for adults it can be as effective as in-person care. I offer it in my suite of options and I have immediate openings for Kansas 🌻 residents! What are you waiting for? I’m ready when you are.

Schedule here ➡️ https://truenorthcounseling.clientsecure.me

09/18/2025

🌸 Dear Mom,
If you’re craving a change—big or small—it’s not selfish. It’s brave.

Starting over, setting new boundaries, or pursuing a dream doesn’t mean you’re walking away from what you've worked years to build. It means you’re modeling resilience, courage, and self-worth. 💪 You can do this.

P.S. This was me ⬇️⬇️⬇️ right at the cusp of making a big career move. The ME in this picture was scared to death about realigning her entire career to match her new identity as a mother. I see this picture now and think, "Dang, I was so scared and so brave at the same time."

If this is you, let's talk. 🥰My DM's are open! Or comment "TALK" and I'll reach out to you!

09/10/2025

Rep’ing in my 9-8-8 ; shirt today for su***de prevention month. So, what exactly is 9️⃣8️⃣8️⃣ for? It’s similar to 9️⃣1️⃣1️⃣ as someone always answers the call….

BUT it’s different because
❣️this line is for folks experiencing a mental health crisis or for ANYONE supporting or concerned about someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis
❣️ rarely will 988 responders send an ambulance. 🚑
❣️ the folks who answer the call are usually local to the area you are in when you call
❣️ the call is anonymous

Who out there would like to hop on a 🆓 1 hour zoom to educate yourself on su***de prevention? I’ve got a couple already scheduled for schools! 🫶🏻🙋🏼‍♀️! Drop me a DM or comment if you’d be interested! ⬇️

09/09/2025

Hey parents of school age kids.... it is September 8th. ARE YOU IN THE THICK OF IT YET?! The Stilwell's are !!!!!! If I'm being honest, the kids' schedules are more demanding than mine and my husband's. One little thing will set anyone off at this point! Long days of school, straight to evening activities, homework, etc. If you don't make a plan, you truly do plan to fail. It's time to get intentional!

If your calendar feels overwhelming this school season 📅, try the “3 P’s” method:
✅ Prioritize (what truly matters)
✅ Plan (realistic schedules, not perfect ones) - AND MEALS, so you don't have another thing to feel like you failed at
✅ Pause (give yourself permission to rest)

Your kids learn balance by watching you. 💙

Breathe deep, my friends (and tell your kids to do the same). Take it one day at a time, and try to keep everything in perspective. In 20 years, will this "thing" really matter?

Photo of my "work" location while I attend to my mom duties and squeeze in some catch up work. 🥰