Creative Connections Counseling

12/16/2025

We are feeling extra bright today at Creative Connections Counseling! ☀️

Our new sign is up, the sunshine is shining, and our hearts are full. There is something special about fresh beginnings, warm light, and a space created with care and connection in mind.

A special thanks to Scenic Sign Corporation for the beautiful work on our behalf.

We hope you take a moment to soak in this beautiful day! ✨

12/04/2025

The season of gratitude

Gratitude is a simple habit that can profoundly shape your child’s emotional well-being and the tone of your family life.

Research shows that expressing gratitude regularly can improve mood, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships. For kids, gratitude helps shift focus from what’s missing to what’s present — fostering contentment and resilience. It can also turn ordinary family moments into meaningful ones. Modeling gratitude as parents, whether through words or actions, teaches children to do the same.

Things to try at home to practice meaningful gratitude:
🔹Start a “thankful jar” - Each family member adds one thing they’re grateful for every day.
🔹Have children draw or write a thank-you note to someone who helps them often.
🔹Go on a “gratitude walk” and name things in nature or in the neighborhood that make you feel happy.
🔹At dinner, take turns sharing one thing that made each person smile that day.
🔹Encourage your child to notice when others show kindness — and point it out together.
🔹Create a “gratitude board” with pictures or drawings of family memories.

Gratitude grows through practice, and small moments add up. Helping children pause to notice good things — even on hard days — teaches them that joy can always be found, no matter the season.

11/24/2025

Navigating Thanksgiving while struggling with eating

Since gatherings and celebrations often focus on food, it’s important to remember that this time of year can be especially challenging for those with or recovering from eating disorders, or for those who have a complicated relationship with food. You are not alone.

A few gentle reminders:
• Your worth is not measured by what you eat, your body shape, or your holiday plate.
• Food is so much more than a caloric amount. Food is fuel. Food is community, joy, and family traditions.
• You are allowed to eat. Food is not something you have to earn.
• One “big meal” still equals just one meal. Remember to eat throughout the day.
• It's okay to set boundaries or take breaks during meals.
• Eating more or differently during the holidays is normal. Your body is not doing anything wrong.
• Your worth is not defined by what’s on your plate.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), over 28 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.

You’re not alone. Many people struggle in silent ways during this season. Support and understanding go a long way — reach out, listen, and show compassion. Awareness and empathy can make a real difference this holiday season.

11/19/2025

Our Services

At Creative Connections Counseling, we offer a range of services to support your mental health journey. From individual, couples, and family therapy to parent and child sessions, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Our providers bring extensive training in mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, trauma-related conditions, behavioral challenges, and more.

Whether you or your loved one are seeking support, skill-building, or a safe space to heal, we are here to walk beside you with understanding and expertise.

You can learn more about our services by calling our office or visiting our website.

11/10/2025

Finding light in the darkness ✨

Children often show their feelings through behavior. Shorter daylight hours can affect their sleep patterns, energy levels, and even how they handle big emotions. Encouraging routines that bring comfort and joy, such as family meals or outdoor play, can help balance these changes. Creating consistent structure and modeling positive coping strategies also reassures children when life feels different.

Here are some ways you can find light in the darkness:
• Take a short family walk after school to soak in the daylight
• Make a “cozy corner” with pillows.
• Check in daily with simple, open-ended questions.
• Normalize talking about feelings — both the good and the hard.
• Encourage healthy habits: sleep, movement, and balanced routines.
• Model reaching out for support when you need it yourself. For example, you can ask the following questions: “What was the best part of your day?” and “Did anything make you feel worried today?”
• Share your own feelings in simple ways to model openness. For example, “I’m really happy to see you after work.”

By nurturing these little moments, you help your children—and yourself—find light, even when the days feel dim. ✨

10/31/2025

Mental health isn’t spooky.

Too often, mental health challenges are seen as something to fear — but they are a normal part of being human. When we stop villainizing mental health, we make it easier for people to seek help and find hope.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, yet many hesitate to reach out because of stigma. Talking openly helps break that silence, reminds us that healing begins with understanding, and shows that mental health isn't scary.

Mental health is important, and we at Creative Connections are here to support you.

10/21/2025

Allow us to reintroduce ourselves: We are Creative Connections Counseling

And, this is our new logo!

We moved to our new location in Sauk Rapids in September 2024. Additionally, we have a location in Cold Spring where we have resided for seven years.

We are excited to welcome you into our new space and walk alongside you on your mental health journey.

We plan to use this platform as an education tool, sharing insights on mental health, and the services we offer to support your well-being, and introduce our incredible staff.

Follow us for weekly tips, resources, and updates. Let’s connect and grow together!

10/29/2024

We’re thrilled to see our new building featured in St. Cloud Live!

A huge thank you to Stephanie Dickrell and the entire team for sharing our story with the community.

We’re excited to continue growing and making a positive impact in this amazing space.

Check out the article to learn more!

The practice has locations in Sauk Rapids and Cold Spring, but also offers telehealth services.

09/30/2024

📢 Exciting News! We've Moved! 🎉

Creative Connections Counseling is now located at our new office at 620 N Benton Dr, Sauk Rapids, MN. We're thrilled to continue serving our amazing community in this fresh new space! 🌟

Feel free to stop by or contact us to schedule your next session. We look forward to seeing you soon! 😊

05/04/2023

04/24/2023

Take time for you today.

04/12/2023

Your mental health matters. Please talk to someone if needing help. Reach out we would love to help😀.