All Things New Counseling Services, LLC

11/26/2025

Yes! If you’ve been to my therapy room, you are familiar with the bowl of Jolly Ranchers that lives there!

Also, I’ve conducted an accidental social experiment over my bowl of Jolly Ranchers. It seems that most people have a preference for the cherry flavored ones. Sour apple is next favorite. Grape and watermelon and blue raspberry are kinda just hanging out as the afterthoughts.

I personally prefer blue raspberry the most and cherry the least.

What’s your favorite Jolly Rancher flavor?

Sour candy can literally help stop a panic attack.

According to mental health experts, the intense flavor acts as a grounding technique—its sharp, jarring taste pulls attention away from overwhelming thoughts and into the immediate physical sensation.

This redirection can help interrupt the cycle of spiraling anxiety, bringing individuals back to the present moment. Additionally, the act of chewing and the surge in saliva production may support the body's calming response, offering a sense of control during distress.

While not a cure or replacement for therapy, this sensory-based strategy can serve as a quick, practical tool in moments of high anxiety. As noted by experts cited by Utah State University, sour candy can be particularly helpful in grounding exercises used during panic attacks. However, they caution that frequent or intense anxiety should always be assessed by a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate long-term care.

Source: Utah State University Extension. (2023). Managing Anxiety with Grounding Techniques.

Al-Ghaili O

11/20/2025

As Dewey and I settle into our new therapeutic haven, we breathe in the peace instilled by all the things we intentionally planned for this space to help anchor nervous systems and soothe souls.

We feel the warmth of the natural light that streams through the large windows, and, because right now November thinks it’s Spring, we open up these windows and enjoy the fresh air that filters in with the songs of the birds.

The view outside reveals bright green baby blades of grass beginning to fill the yard like a soft carpet. Won’t it feel wonderful to run your toes through it next May? Grounding with the earth is one of the best ways to re-set the soul.

Our people arrive and depart one by one throughout the morning. Dewey greets each one with full body wiggles of delight - whoever is present at the moment is his most favorite human in all the world.

Our people express their love of the peaceful calm of the space. They feel soothed by soft pillows and cozy throws, the warm cup of tea cradled in their hands, or a sour Jolly Rancher that fills their senses with something safe to be fully aware of right now, in this very moment.

Hard things we speak of are made a little less hard by the safety, softness, and serenity of our surroundings.

Later, Dewey and I take our lunch break on the patio. He intermittently begs for pieces of my lunch and chases squirrels down the fence line in utter euphoria —floppy ears flying wildly about his head, galloping like a goofy puppy.

As Dewey plays, I imagine the future flower beds, bird bath and bird feeder that will bring even more natural living beauty to our outdoor space next spring. For now, leaves crinkle in the breeze and drift lazily to the earth as if not a care exists anywhere.

I linger, taking it full in, as Dewey watches me with curiosity. I solemnly reflect on the barriers we faced that threatened to destroy this dream of a healing space, and I’m simultaneously overcome with gratitude for the goodness of God that prevails as He whispers, “Do you see it? Do you see how I’m STILL making all things new?”

11/19/2025

It’s one of those weird days where it’s fall, so hot chocolate seems right, but it’s also great patio weather. So I’m doing the only thing that makes sense. I’m having lunch followed by hot chocolate for dessert all on the patio today. It’s a great space for those who would like to try “patio therapy!”

11/13/2025

I had barely placed this new rug between the offices and turned my back for a moment before turning back around to find Dewey like this—refusing to move 😂. The rugs are soft! 😊

We are loving our new building and outdoor spaces! I planted the lilac shrub in the backyard over the weekend (the blossoms are going to smell amazing one day soon!) and the grass really is starting to grow!

Be sure you are scheduled to come see us- we are confident you will love it, too! ❤️

11/06/2025

The not knowing can feel pretty horrible sometimes and sometimes when I’m anxious about something I remind myself, one step at a time. One foot in front of the other. And before you know it, you’re where you need to be. 💛

11/06/2025

My colleague, Jennifer Stidham (Sacred Path Counseling), with whom it is a blessing to share my new office building, is hosting a grief group. Check it out and pass it along!

I'm hosting a grief support group this coming Tuesday, November 11 at my new office in Nixa. This group is for anyone struggling with feeling the heaviness of grief.

Grief can show up as:
-lack of interest in doing pleasure-filled activities
-excessive sleep
-moodiness or irritability
-unexplainable sadness or crying at random times
-anger at everyone and everything

How do you know if this group is for you? Maybe you...
😓 Feel the loss of someone's presence, especially at holiday times
😥 Are not "where you wanted to be by now"
😢 Feel out of sorts in your new home or new location after a recent move
😟 Can't catch your breath as you assimilate new information about your diagnosis or your loved one's diagnosis

Grief is not always optional, but suffering alone is. You may not be able to do anything about your circumstances, but you do not have to endure them without the support of fellow travelers.

Most of the time, knowing you are not alone on your journey is just the right amount of support needed to take the next step. 🥾

In addition, I am a professional counselor and will provide some psychoeducation about grief so you can better recognize it when it presents itself. 🧠

Whatever your grief journey looks like, I'm ready to walk it with you. See you at group.

11/02/2025

…and here are some pics of my new therapy room, yes- those are my feet on the ottoman! Trying out the fireplace and giving you a client perspective. Can’t wait for you to come see me and Dewey and experience some healing for your soul! ❤️

11/02/2025

When you’ve been working until 1am every night for the past two weeks trying to get all the things in place and you wake up unable to move your body bc of getting up and down the ladder a thousand times to stain porches and posts, shoveling a ton of rock, digging holes through rocky soil to plant shrubbery (you know how much rock is in this good old Missouri “soil”), moving furniture and so many more things…and you are looking forward to that hot shower for your aching muscles to get going for one more day of final touches, but the water heater decided to go out this morning…😭

But I’m back at it getting the final FINAL finishing touches in place and getting pictures posted that I promised. And at least I can tell you all that coming to this beautiful haven is healing for the body, mind and soul! I’m hanging in the lobby with a window open getting some fresh air and listening to the birds chirping outside. Here are some pics of my new signage and the lobby.

11/02/2025

Been burning the candle at both ends for weeks as we prepare for opening on Monday! Haven’t even had time to post this picture taken several days ago of the curbside view of the new All Things New healing haven and our new happy little Autumn Blaze maple before it started to lose its gorgeous red leaves.

Privacy fence is finally in the process of going up, and I’m told that all that straw covered soil really will produce grass.

Been working so much on all the things to finish this project that there hasn’t even been time for taking or posting pictures. Hopefully tomorrow. (I’ve learned that when you’re wrapped up in a project like this, you find yourself saying, “Hopefully tomorrow” a lot! 😂)

10/27/2025

There has been a LOT going on behind the scenes over the past 19 months with All Things New Counseling. We’ve been “hush” because all the ups and downs over all these months have been a LOT! You may notice some updates happening with the All Things New Logo, and this comes with a move to a new location in Nixa. We’ve been building a new healing haven from the ground up while you weren’t looking! The healing at All Things New will be featuring our in-person services that about 2,000 ish clients have known us for over the past 17 years—but with a BIG upgrade! (Don’t worry if you’re a telehealth client. We will continue to offer our excellent telehealth services to anyone in the state of Missouri as well.) Our in-person services will feature our departure from strip-mall existence, and will offer some fabulous outdoor space to enjoy- whether just enjoying the view through the windows or enjoying your session on our new outdoor patio or putting your toes in the grass. Yes, it’s fall and winter is around the corner, but spring will come again and then our outdoor spaces will continue to grow and blossom like a breath of fresh air! There’s a lot of finishing touches still going on—we have your comfort in mind as we create a delightfully peaceful setting for your therapeutic experience—but we plan to begin seeing clients in our new facility at 110 N Fort Street in Nixa 11/3/2025 (That’s next Monday! Eeeeeeeek!) Stay tuned for pictures and updates as we settle into our new haven! ...and don’t forget to schedule your appointment with Kristin and Dewey, because we can’t wait to see you there!

10/27/2025

There has been a LOT going on behind the scenes over the past 19 months with All Things New Counseling. We've been "hush" because all the ups and downs over all these months have been a LOT! You may notice some updates happening with the All Things New Logo, and this comes with a move to a new location in Nixa. We've been building a new healing haven from the ground up while you weren't looking! The healing at All Things New will be featuring our in-person services that about 2,000 ish clients have known us for over the past 17 years--but with a BIG upgrade! (Don't worry if you're a telehealth client. We will continue to offer our excellent telehealth services to anyone in the state of Missouri as well.) Our in-person services will feature our departure from strip-mall existence, and will offer some fabulous outdoor space to enjoy- whether just enjoying the view through the windows or enjoying your session on our new outdoor patio or putting your toes in the grass. Yes, it's fall and winter is around the corner, but spring will come again and then our outdoor spaces will continue to grow and blossom like a breath of fresh air! There's a lot of finishing touches still going on--we have your comfort in mind as we create a delightfully peaceful setting for your therapeutic experience--but we plan to begin seeing clients in our new facility at 110 N Fort Street in Nixa 11/3/2025 (That's next Monday! Eeeeeeeek!) Stay tuned for pictures and updates as we settle into our new haven! ...and don't forget to schedule your appointment with Kristin and Dewey, because we can't wait to see you there!

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