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Monday 9am - 6pm Tuesday 9am - 6pm Wednesday 9am - 6pm Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday 9am - 6pm

Puglisi Counseling, LLC, 201 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, PA (2026)

02/05/2026

I know you have reasons for not calling.

They all feel real and valid.

But here’s the truth: You don’t have to keep carrying this alone.

You don’t have to be in crisis to deserve help. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to take the first step.

We’re here when you’re ready.

Puglisi Counseling | Scranton, Taylor, Peckville

(570) 766-0772 | PuglisiCounseling.com

02/04/2026

Burnout doesn’t always look like falling apart. Sometimes it looks like you “handling it.”

A lot of people think burnout means a complete breakdown.

Like you’re crying every day, unable to function, or everything in your life is visibly falling apart.

But honestly, that’s not what burnout looks like most of the time. Most of the time, burnout is quiet. You’re still getting up. Still going to work. Still taking care of everyone else. Still doing what needs to be done.

But inside? You’re drained. And you’ve been running on empty for longer than you want to admit.

Here are some signs I see often that people overlook:

You’re canceling plans and not even feeling guilty about it.

You used to enjoy things, but now you’re just going through the motions.

You’re tired all the time, and sleep doesn’t fix it.

Small things are getting to you in ways they never used to.

And you’re basically living on autopilot, just trying to make it through the day.

If any of that feels familiar, I want you to hear this:

You’re not lazy. You’re not weak. You’re not broken.
You’re exhausted. And burnout is what happens when you’ve been carrying too much for too long without enough support.

So what can you do about it?

Start small. You don’t have to change your whole life overnight. Healing doesn’t happen through pressure. It happens through consistent, realistic steps.

Pause before you react.
When something small sets you off, take a breath and ask yourself, “What’s really going on underneath this?” Most of the time it isn’t the situation, it’s the buildup.

Protect your energy.
It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to take space. And you don’t owe anyone an explanation for taking care of yourself.

Do one thing that genuinely fills you back up.
Not something you should do. Something that actually helps you feel grounded again. Even if it’s small. Even if it’s just sitting outside for ten minutes with no noise.

Talk to someone.
A friend. A family member. A therapist. Because keeping it all inside doesn’t make it go away, it only makes it heavier.

Burnout doesn’t have to run your life.
But it won’t get better if you keep ignoring it.

When you’re ready, you don’t have to do this alone.
At Puglisi Counseling, we provide a safe space to slow down, process what you’re carrying, and start rebuilding.

📞 Call/Text: 570-766-0772

We are here when you’re ready 🩷

02/03/2026

Most of the time when people see you upset, they assume you’re angry. And honestly, it’s easier to let them think that.

Anger feels powerful. It feels like control. It gives you something solid to hold onto when everything inside feels messy. But the truth is, a lot of the time what’s really happening underneath all of that is hurt.
And hurt is a completely different thing.

Hurt is vulnerable. It makes you feel exposed. It means something or someone got close enough to actually affect you. And admitting that out loud? That takes a level of honesty most of us aren’t even comfortable with.

So instead… we get angry.

We shut down. We push people away. We snap. We go cold.

We say things like, “I don’t care,” when the reality is we care way too much.

Because it’s easier to be mad than it is to sit in the pain of being hurt.

But here’s the problem: when you never allow yourself to acknowledge the hurt, it doesn’t go away. It just stays there, quietly building, until it starts spilling into everything else.

Your relationships.

Your sleep.

Your confidence.

The way you see yourself.

You don’t need perfect words to express what you’re feeling. You don’t have to explain everything all at once. Sometimes healing starts with one simple sentence:

“I’m not angry. I’m hurt.”

That’s it. That’s the first step.

And if you’ve been carrying that hurt for a while, whether it’s from something recent or something that happened years ago, please know this: it’s never too late to talk about it.

You deserved to be heard then.
And you still deserve to be heard now.

It’s okay to be hurt. It’s okay to say so. And it’s okay to ask for help working through it.

02/03/2026

We get asked these questions all the time… so here are some honest answers. 💛

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, confusing, or even overwhelming. Most people have questions before they ever reach out, and honestly, that’s completely normal.

So we put together some of the most common questions we hear at Puglisi Counseling (and the answers people usually need to hear). 👇

⸻

Getting Started

Q: How do I know if therapy is right for me?

A: If something in your life feels off, or you’ve been carrying something that won’t go away, therapy is worth exploring. You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. If it’s on your mind, that’s reason enough.

Q: How do I know which therapist is the right fit?

A: The right match matters. If it doesn’t feel like a good fit after your first session, that’s okay. We want you to feel safe and supported, and we’re happy to help you find the right clinician for your needs.

⸻

What to Expect

Q: What do we actually talk about in a session?

A: Whatever you need. Some people come in with something specific. Others just need a space to talk through what’s been weighing on them. There’s no “wrong way” to do therapy.

Q: Is it going to be uncomfortable?

A: Sometimes, yes. But discomfort in therapy often means growth is happening. We go at a pace that feels safe for you, and you’ll never be forced to talk about something before you’re ready.

Q: Do I have to talk about everything right away?

A: Absolutely not. Trust takes time. You share what you’re ready to share, when you’re ready.

⸻

Practical Questions

Q: Do you take insurance?

A: Yes. We work with a variety of insurance plans, and we verify benefits and review costs with you before your first session, so there are no surprises.

Q: Where are your offices located?

A: We have locations in Scranton, Taylor, and Peckville. We also offer telehealth if that works better for your schedule or comfort.

Q: How often do I need to come in?

A: Many people start with weekly sessions. From there, we adjust based on your needs, goals, and progress.

⸻

For Those Who Feel Hesitant

Q: What if I don’t think my problems are “big enough” for therapy?

A: There is no minimum level of struggle required. If it affects your life, your mood, your relationships, or your ability to function… it matters. Full stop.

Q: What if I tried therapy before and it didn’t help?

A: This happens more often than people realize. Most of the time it comes down to the wrong fit or the wrong approach. That doesn’t mean therapy can’t work for you, it just means we haven’t found the right match yet.

Q: Will my therapist judge me?

A: No. That’s the purpose of this space. Whatever you bring into therapy, you’ll be met with professionalism, compassion, and support.

⸻

For Families

Q: Can I bring my kids to therapy?

A: Yes. We work with children and teens. If your child is struggling and you’re not sure how to help, you’re in the right place.

Q: Do you do couples counseling?

A: Yes. Whether you’re navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, improving communication, or strengthening your relationship, couples counseling can help.

Q: What if my family member doesn’t want to come?

A: That’s their choice, but you can still come for yourself. Working on your own healing often impacts your relationships in powerful ways.

⸻

Reaching out is the hardest part. Everything after that, we handle together. 💛

If you have questions that aren’t answered here, don’t wait. Reach out. No pressure. No commitment. Just a conversation to help you get started.

Puglisi Counseling
Scranton | Taylor | Peckville

📞 Call/Text: 570-766-0772
🌐 Visit our website www.Puglisicounseling.com to learn more and get connected

02/02/2026

“I’m fine” is often the biggest lie we tell to protect everyone else.

We’ve all done it. Someone asks how you’re doing and you automatically say, “I’m fine.” Maybe you even smile. Maybe no one questions it.

But the truth is… you weren’t fine. Not even close.

So why do we do that?

A big part of it comes from not wanting to feel like a burden. Somewhere along the way, many of us learned that our struggles are “too much,” that we should keep it together, stay strong, and not inconvenience anyone. So we push it down, keep moving, and hope it passes.

It might feel easier in the moment, but over time… it gets heavier. Sometimes, it’s also because we genuinely don’t know how to explain what we’re feeling. When you can’t even put it into words for yourself, it feels impossible to say it out loud. So “I’m fine” becomes the default. It feels safe. It doesn’t require anything from anyone.

But here’s the hard truth: saying “I’m fine” when you’re not can become one of the most isolating habits. It creates distance between you and the people who would actually want to support you. And it keeps you stuck carrying everything alone.

You don’t have to have it all figured out before you reach out.

You don’t need perfect words.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can say is simply: “I’m not okay.”

That’s not weakness. That’s courage.

If you’re not fine right now, it’s okay to admit that. And if you’re not ready to say it out loud yet, that’s okay too. But please don’t convince yourself you have to carry it alone. You don’t.

Puglisi Counseling is here if you need us. No judgment. No pressure. Just real support.

Because you deserve more than just “fine.”

02/02/2026

Feeling angry but don’t want to take it out on someone?

Try this: write it down. All of it. No filter. No holding back.

Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s not “nice.” Even if it doesn’t make perfect sense.

Sometimes scribbling aggressively on paper is exactly what your nervous system needs. It gives your brain a safe outlet to release the buildup without consequences, without regret, and without hurting anyone.

It’s not about being dramatic. It’s about giving the emotion somewhere to go. 📝

So the next time you feel the anger building up, grab a notebook and let it out on the page. Then rip it up, throw it away, or keep it private, whatever feels right.

You might be surprised how much lighter you feel afterward. 💛

01/31/2026

If you feel guilty for needing space, read this.

You can love your kids and still need a few quiet minutes.

You can love your partner and still want time alone.

You can love your family and still let a call go to voicemail.

You can love your friends and still cancel plans when your energy is gone.

Needing space does not mean you love anyone less. It means you are human. Your emotional energy has limits, and that is normal.

Space is not rejection. It is a pause to reset and recharge. It is the difference between needing distance from someone and needing time with yourself.

You cannot show up well for others when you are running on empty. Taking space is not selfish. It is how you protect your relationships and yourself.

You can care deeply and still need a break. Both things can be true.

01/30/2026

Did you know EMDR can help process trauma without talking about it in detail?

One of the biggest reasons people avoid trauma therapy is fear of having to relive it. Sitting in a room and recounting every painful detail over and over can feel overwhelming. And honestly, it should not have to be that way.

This is where EMDR is different.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, helps your brain process traumatic memories without requiring you to describe every graphic detail. You do not have to go through it blow by blow. You do not have to relive it. You allow your brain to do what it is designed to do, which is heal.

Here is how it works. While you briefly focus on a memory, your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This activates both sides of the brain and helps the memory get reprocessed so it no longer carries the same emotional intensity. The memory does not disappear, but it stops controlling your present.

Many people come in feeling like the trauma is still happening every time they think about it. After EMDR, it feels more like something that happened in the past. The grip loosens.

EMDR can be helpful for:

✔ Childhood trauma
✔ PTSD
✔ Anxiety linked to specific events
✔ Grief and loss
✔ Panic attacks
✔ Experiences you cannot seem to move past

If you have been avoiding trauma work because you cannot face talking through it again, EMDR may be a good fit for you.

You do not have to keep carrying this alone. Support is available.

📞 570-766-0772
🌐 puglisicounseling.com
Scranton | Taylor | Peckville

01/29/2026

Someone just said something that hit you wrong. Your chest tightens. Your face gets hot. You can feel the response forming in your mouth, and it is not going to be pretty.

You have about 30 seconds before you either say something you will regret or shut down completely. Here is what to do in that tiny window.

Pause. Just pause.
You do not owe an immediate response. Saying, “Let me think about that for a second,” buys you time and sounds a lot better than whatever was about to come out. Even one slow breath before speaking can change the entire moment.

Feel your feet on the ground.
It sounds simple, maybe even silly, but it works. Press your feet into the floor. Notice the chair under you. This pulls you out of fight or flight and back into your body. You cannot think clearly when your nervous system thinks you are under attack.

Name what you are feeling in your head.
“I’m angry.” “I’m hurt.” “I feel disrespected.” Naming it gives you information. You are no longer just reacting. You are aware. And awareness gives you options.

Ask yourself what you are about to do.
Snap back. Shut down. Walk away. Cry. Start a fight. Whatever it is, picture it for a second and ask yourself if this will make things better or worse. Sometimes worse feels tempting, but make it a choice, not a reflex.

Decide what you actually want here.
Do you want to be heard? Do you want the conversation to stop? Do you want to repair things? Do you just need space? Knowing what you want helps you respond instead of react.

Choose a response that buys you safety.
“I need a minute before we keep talking about this.”

“That hurt, and I’m not sure how to respond right now.”

“I’m going to step outside for a second.”

“Can we come back to this later when I’m calmer?”

Or sometimes the best option is saying nothing, removing yourself, and processing it later.

The goal is not to never get triggered. The goal is to not let 30 seconds turn into 30 minutes of damage or 30 days of regret.

What you do in that short window decides whether you are responding from your thinking brain or your fight or flight brain. And your thinking brain makes much better decisions.

What is your go to move when someone triggers you? Drop it in the comments. ⬇️

01/29/2026

Self forgiveness is not letting yourself off the hook. It is letting yourself move forward.

Self forgiveness is not pretending what happened did not matter. It is not excusing your behavior or minimizing the impact. It is choosing to believe that you are still worthy of growth, healing, and care even after you have made mistakes.

We all carry things. Something you said. A choice you regret. Someone you hurt. An opportunity you missed. A version of yourself you wish you could erase. And many people punish themselves endlessly, hoping that guilt will somehow fix it. It does not. It only keeps you stuck.

If you are tired of carrying that weight, here are three steps that can help you begin forgiving yourself.

1️⃣ Acknowledge what happened without shame.
You are human. You made a mistake. That does not make you a bad person. Be honest about what happened without minimizing it and without attacking yourself. Truth without shame is where healing starts.

2️⃣ Notice what you have learned.
You are not the same person you were then. What do you understand now that you did not before? How have you grown? What would you do differently today? That growth matters. It means something changed.

3️⃣ Choose to release it.
Holding onto this forever does not undo the past. It only keeps you trapped in it. You are allowed to set it down. You can honor the lesson without continuing the punishment.

Self forgiveness is hard. It often feels undeserved or uncomfortable. But staying stuck in self blame does not help you or anyone else. Healing happens when you allow yourself to move forward.

If you are struggling to forgive yourself, support can help you untangle what you are carrying and find a way forward.

📞 570-766-0772
🌐 puglisicounseling.com

Scranton | Taylor | Peckville

You are not defined by your worst moment. You are defined by what you do next.

01/28/2026

Gratitude does not mean you are not allowed to struggle.

You can be grateful and still struggle. Both things can be true. 🤍

We hear this all the time:
“I know I should be grateful. Other people have it worse. I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and people who love me. So why do I still feel like this?”

Then the guilt creeps in. That voice telling you that you do not have the right to struggle because your life looks okay from the outside.

Let’s clear this up. Gratitude does not cancel out pain. Having good things in your life does not mean you are immune to hard days, anxiety, depression, or stress that feels overwhelming.

You can love your kids and still feel touched out and exhausted.

You can be thankful for your job and still dread Mondays.

You can appreciate your family and still need space from them.

You can have a lot going right and still feel like something is off.

Your feelings do not need to make logical sense to be valid. You are not ungrateful. You are human. 💛

If you are struggling, you are struggling. No comparisons. No justifications. You deserve support exactly as you are.

Puglisi Counseling, LLC

02/05/2026

02/04/2026

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Monday	9am - 6pm
Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
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