Enlighten Counseling Center, LLC

02/27/2026

Strengths Highlight: Prudence

Prudence means to use wisdom practically. To be mindful, thoughtful and careful about one's choices. Individuals with this strength plan ahead, have a vision for the future and act in ways to accomplish long term goals. It can also relate to having clear short term goals and making wise decisions.

Some tips to practice the strength of Prudence:
- Envision the future you want to have. Do one action towards that goal
- Write out a S.M.A.R.T. goal and steps you can take to accomplish it
- Wait.... When you want to make a decision take some time to wait on it, ask more questions and get other's opinions

Want to work more on your prudence to live a happier, healthier life? Give us a call! Want to find out what your strengths are? Take the VIA Institute on Character quiz now: https://www.viacharacter.org/surveys/takesurvey

02/26/2026

Strength Highlight: Self-Regulation

Self-Regulation is a strength underneath the virtue of temperance. Most of us think of the temperance movement, where alcohol was outlawed (that didn't work did it?). What does temperance mean exactly?

Merriam-Webster defines temperance as "moderation in action, thought or feeling". The Cambridge dictionary defines it as "control of your own behavior".

Self-Regulation means being able to manage your thoughts, emotions, behaviors. Another common word used in our society for this is Self-Control, or Willpower. Remember that regulating yourself or using your will takes energy, and a helpful metaphor is to think of this strength like a muscle, or a battery that needs recharged and strengthened over time.

Want some tips to improve this strength?

- Say no to one small desire you have today (maybe that after lunch cookie?)
- Decide to wait before responding to that email
- Take a 5 minute break, breath and think of a few things you are grateful for

Want some help from a professional improving this? Give us a call! Want to learn more about this strength? Check out the VIA Institute on Characters link below:

https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/self-regulation

02/25/2026

Strengths Highlight - Wednesday - Perseverance

It's Wednesday, and maybe just maybe you wish it was already Friday. Just to give you that little boost we figured we can focus on Perseverance....because you can make it and Friday is just a few days away!

Perseverance falls under the virtue of Courage. Courage means being able to make your own choices in the face of fear, discomfort or difficulty. Perseverance is having grit, not giving up, continuing when things are difficult and completing tasks. Often we overlook some other common activities we need to do to persevere, like:

- Scheduling breaks
- Managing our time
- Celebrating the small wins
- Giving ourselves small rewards along the way

Take some time today to manage your time, celebrate progress and look ahead to the goal you are striving for.

Want to learn more about the 24 character strengths from the VIA Institute on Character? Check out their definition of our strength for today at the link below. Want some professional help growing and persevering though life? Give us a call!

https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/perseverance

02/24/2026

It's Taco Tuesday! Who wants to live without tacos, and especially queso. Of course, as a therapy practice we don't get to talk about amazing food much, but our strength highlight today reminds us of enjoying life.

Zest is living life to the fullest, with excitement, anticipation and wholeheartedly. It's about pursuing your passions, trying new things (yes that could be tacos) and having adventure in life. Zest is something that protects people against burnout, and all increasing phenomenon in our society.

Want to improve your excitement in life? Try some of these tips:

- Notice the positive
- Set a good intention
- Practice being kind
- Savor things (yes like tacos) but also experiences, moments and things that bring you joy.

Want to learn more about Zest and how you can practice it in your life? Check out the VIA Institute on Characters link below. If you aren't feeling Zesty, and want some help. Give us a call!

https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/zest

02/23/2026

Today we are highlighting the strength of: Spirituality. Spirituality means different things, to different people and often we shy away from this sensitive but deep topic. Spirituality is often connected with the sacred, meaning, purpose and something greater than oneself. It is underneath the virtue of transcendence. It can be associated with religion, but not always.

Today we would like to share a framework on spirituality that almost everyone can relate to: The 3 Cs of Spirituality

1. Connection: Spirituality always consists of connection to something, someone etc. For example connection to a higher power. Or at times increased connection to yourself, or your inner being.

2. Compassion: Spirituality often means compassion. Compassion towards others through words and actions. Or compassion to yourself. Giving yourself grace, allowing yourself to not be perfect or practicing forgiveness.

3. Contribution: Spirituality involves action. Contributing to society, to something greater than yourself. This drives purpose which is a cornerstone of a happy live, and a life of recovery.

Want to find out your top strengths? Take the VIA Institute on Character's free quiz at this link: https://www.viacharacter.org/account/register

02/22/2026

Struggling with those winter blues? Bummed that it got warm and then snowed again? Take some time to transcend your normal patterns of thinking and practice the strength of: Appreciating Beauty & Excellence.

Appreciating Beauty and Excellence falls underneath the virtue of transcendence. Transcending means to rise above, to go beyond the limits or to overcome limits and negative aspects. Appreciating Beauty and Excellence could mean taking 5 minutes to look outside and enjoy the pure white of the snow, or gazing at a beautiful piece of art. What emotions and thoughts do you feel when appreciating this beauty that is all around you? Can't get on board with appreciating the snow? No worries, this strength also means appreciating excellence. Watching a talented athlete, or reflecting on your skills highlights this strength.

! Remember, we all have strengths, and focusing on these are just as important as working on our weaknesses. !

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight virtues, and character strengths from the VIA Institute on Character

Want to know your top strengths? Take their free quiz now: https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/appreciation-of-beauty-and-excellence

01/31/2026

Proud to join the UToledo Family Business Center!

Join us in welcoming new Center member, Enlighten Counseling Center, LLC!

Enlighten Counseling Center, located in Perrysburg, Ohio, provides individualized mental health counseling services for adults, children, couples, and families. Their team offers a range of therapy options—including individual therapy, couples counseling, adolescent support, and telehealth appointments—tailored to help clients navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resilience.

To learn more, visit: https://www.enlightencc.com/

12/15/2025

We are thrilled to announce that Lisa will be joining our amazing team of therapists in the New Year!

She brings with her 14 years of experience and specializes in grief and trauma, including EMDR.

Call or email the office to get scheduled: 419-491-4662, office@enlightencc.com

12/10/2025

If you've suffered from traumatic experiences, have struggled with substance abuse, behavioral addictions, or need help coping with life's difficult situations, Branden would love to help.

Call or email our office to get started:

office@enlightencc.com
419-491-4662

12/06/2025

GAP vs. GAIN

Book Recommendations (Gap and the Gain)

One of the most powerful reminders from The Gap and the Gain is this:

“Happiness isn’t about what you’re still reaching for… it’s about how far you’ve already come.”

So many of us measure our lives by the gap—the distance between where we are and where we think we “should” be.
But real growth shows up in the gains—the progress, healing, courage, and strength that often go unnoticed.

As we near the end of 2025, We invite you to pause and look backward for a moment.
Notice what you’ve survived.
What you’ve learned.
What you’ve built within yourself.
Your gains matter.

💛 We’d love to hear from you:
What is ONE thing you’ve gained so far in 2025?
Big or small, personal or professional—your wins deserve to be seen.

Let’s lift each other up. 💬👇

12/06/2025

We are expanding! Stay tuned for more updates on the new space and new therapists joining the team in 2026!

10/30/2025

It's getting really real!

"Operation Expansion" is well under way and we are so excited to know that these spaces will be a resource for our clients.

Whether trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, difficulty coping, or the many other mental and emotional tolls that life can bring, our caring therapists want to help.