Puglisi Counseling, LLC

12/22/2025

Let’s talk about something nobody wants to admit right now: the panic of last-minute shopping mixed with money stress.

You’re not failing. You’re not irresponsible. You’re human. 🤍

Maybe your budget is tighter than you thought it would be. Maybe the kids’ lists kept growing. Maybe you’ve been so busy surviving December that you’re just now realizing how close Christmas actually is. 🌲

Here’s what you need to hear: your worth isn’t measured by what’s under the tree.

The people who matter most to you care about your presence, not your presents. They care that you show up, that you’re trying, that you haven’t given up even when things are hard.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, that’s normal. The holiday season puts impossible pressure on all of us, especially when money is tight. You’re allowed to feel stressed. You’re allowed to scale back. You’re allowed to say, “this is what I can do” and leave it at that.

Your kids will remember your attention more than the price tag. Your loved ones will remember the effort you made, not what you couldn’t afford. 💛

Take a breath. Do what you can. Let go of the rest. 🫶

You’re doing better than you think you are. ✨

12/22/2025

Supporting someone in crisis can feel overwhelming. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, doing too much, or not doing enough.

What helps most is not fixing. It is presence.

Listen without rushing to solve. Take their pain seriously. Ask what they need instead of guessing. Respect their privacy and dignity. Check in after the crisis passes, not just during the hardest moment.

And remember this too. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Supporting someone else means caring for yourself as well.

If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. Reaching out is a strength, not a failure.

📞 570 766 0772
📧 hello@puglisicounseling.com
🌐 www.puglisicounseling.com

You are not alone in this.

12/21/2025

The holidays hit different when you’re grieving.

No pressure to be festive. No fake cheer. Just real support for whatever you’re feeling right now.

At Puglisi Counseling, we help you get through it, not over it.

Scranton | Taylor | Peckville

We’re here when you need us.

📞 570-766-0772
✉️ hello@puglisicounseling.com
🌐 www.puglisicounseling.com

12/20/2025

“I have therapy in an hour and I have no idea what to talk about.”

This happens to everyone. You sit down, your therapist asks how you’ve been, and your mind goes completely blank. Suddenly everything feels fine. You feel like you’re wasting their time and your money.

Here’s the truth: This is completely normal.

Your therapist knows how to work with this.
Here’s what you can do:

💬 Just say it out loud. “I don’t know what to talk about today.” Your therapist will ask questions to help you figure it out.

📅 Talk about your week, even if it feels boring. “Work was stressful, I barely slept, I snapped at my kid over something small.” That’s plenty to work with.

🤔 Bring up something small that’s been nagging at you. “I’ve been annoyed at my partner for how they load the dishwasher.” Your therapist can help you figure out if it’s actually about the dishwasher or something deeper.

🔄 Go back to something from a previous session. You don’t always need new material. Sometimes you need to dig deeper into what you already started.

🚫 Talk about what you’re avoiding. If there’s something you keep NOT bringing up, that’s probably the thing you need to talk about.

📝 Keep a running list between sessions. When something bothers you during the week, write it down. Pull it out at the start of your session. Pick one.

⏸️ Silence is okay too. If you need a minute to think, take it. Your therapist isn’t uncomfortable with silence.
What if you really don’t have anything?

Sometimes you’re just in a good place that week.

That’s allowed. You can use the session to check in on goals, process old stuff you never fully dealt with, talk about what’s going well, or work on coping strategies.

Here’s something most people don’t realize:

The “I don’t know what to talk about” feeling is often your brain protecting you from something uncomfortable. Your therapist knows that. So when you say you don’t know what to talk about, they’re going to gently help you figure out what you might be avoiding.

That’s part of the process.

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

That’s literally what you’re paying them for.

Currently in therapy and struggling with this? Or thinking about starting but worried you won’t know what to say?

We work with you wherever you’re at.

12/19/2025

You don’t have to face this alone.

Whatever you’re dealing with right now, you don’t have to keep pushing through it by yourself.

Therapy isn’t about having all the answers or fixing everything overnight. It’s about having space to figure things out without judgment. To work through what’s weighing on you. To actually feel heard.

You deserve support. Not just when things fall apart, but right now, wherever you’re at.

We’re here when you’re ready.

Ready to start?

We have three locations across NEPA: Scranton, Taylor, and Peckville.

📞 Call: 570-766-0772
🌐 Book online: puglisicounseling.com
📧 Email: Hello@puglisicounseling.com

Let’s begin your journey today.

12/18/2025

Punishment vs. Discipline: There’s a big difference.

Punishment is about consequences for breaking rules.
It focuses on stopping behavior through fear, shame, or pain.

It asks: “How do I make this stop right now?”

Discipline is about teaching.

It focuses on guiding children toward better choices.

It asks: “What do I want my child to learn from this?”

Punishment might get immediate compliance. But it doesn’t teach kids how to think through their choices, manage their emotions, or understand why something matters.

Discipline takes longer. It’s harder. But it actually builds the skills kids need to make better decisions when you’re not around.

If you grew up with punishment, shifting to discipline can feel uncomfortable. Like you’re being “too soft” or letting things slide.

You’re not.

You’re teaching instead of controlling. And that’s what actually sticks.

Need support navigating parenting challenges?

We work with parents and families at our three NEPA locations: Scranton, Taylor, and Peckville.

📞 Call: 570-766-0772
🌐 Book online: puglisicounseling.com
📧 Email: Hello@puglisicounseling.com

Parenting is hard enough. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

12/18/2025

“How do I explain therapy to my kid?”

This comes up a lot. Whether you’re going to therapy yourself or your child is starting, you want to explain it without scaring them or making it seem like something’s wrong.

Here’s how to talk about it at different ages.

For young kids (ages 3-7):

Keep it simple and concrete.

“We’re going to talk to someone who helps families figure out big feelings.”

“Sometimes when we’re sad or angry a lot, we need someone to teach us what to do with those feelings.”

“It’s like going to the doctor, but for feelings instead of your body.”

Avoid words like “problems” or “fix.” Kids hear that as “something’s broken.”

For elementary age (ages 8-12):

They can handle more detail, but still keep it practical.

“We’re going to meet with someone called a therapist. Their job is to help people when they’re going through hard stuff.”

“Therapy is where you learn skills to handle stress, worry, or tough situations.”

“Lots of kids go to therapy. It’s pretty normal. It just means we’re working on something together.”

If they ask “Am I crazy?” say “No. Therapy isn’t for people who are crazy. It’s for people who want help with something hard.”

For teens (ages 13+):

Be honest. They can smell BS a mile away.

“Things have been rough lately, and I think it would help to talk to someone outside the family.”

“Therapy is a place where you can say whatever you’re thinking without being judged.”

“I’m not trying to fix you. I’m trying to give you support.”

If they resist, don’t force the conversation. Just say “Think about it. The option’s there if you want it.”

If YOU’RE the one going to therapy:

Young kids: “I’m going to talk to someone who helps me feel better when I’m stressed.”

Older kids: “I’ve been dealing with some stuff, and I’m seeing a therapist to work through it.”

Teens: “I’m going to therapy because I want to be a better parent / handle my stress better / work on some things.”

What NOT to say:

“We’re going to fix you.”

“You need help because you’re not acting right.”

“If you don’t go, things are going to get worse.”

“The therapist is going to make you stop [behavior].”

All of that makes therapy sound like punishment.

What TO say:

“This person’s job is to listen and help.”

“Lots of people go to therapy. It’s actually pretty common.”

“We’re doing this because I care about you.”

“It’s okay to feel nervous. That’s normal.”

And if they ask hard questions:

“Will you be in the room with me?”

For young kids, yes at first. For older kids and teens, maybe the first session, then they meet alone.

“Will they tell you what I say?”

“Only if you’re in danger or someone’s hurting you.
Otherwise, it’s private.”

“What if I don’t like them?”

“Then we’ll find someone else. You have to feel comfortable.”

The goal is to make therapy feel normal, not scary.

If your kid picks up on your anxiety about it, they’ll be anxious too. So even if you’re worried, try to talk about it like it’s no big deal. Because honestly? It shouldn’t be.

Need help explaining therapy to your child, or finding the right therapist for them?

We work with kids, teens, and families at our three NEPA locations: Scranton, Taylor, and Peckville.

📞 Call: 570-766-0772
🌐 Visit: puglisicounseling.com
📧 Email: Hello@puglisicounseling.com

We’ll help you figure out the right approach for your family.

Puglisi Counseling provides mental health therapy services throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. Online and In-Person Counseling with Licensed Therapists in NEPA.

12/18/2025

“I messed up. I’m back where I started. Therapy isn’t working.”

Hold on. Let’s talk about the difference between a setback and a failure.

A setback is:

You had a panic attack after three months of feeling better.

You yelled at your kids even though you’ve been working on staying calm.

You went back to someone you said you were done with.

You fell back into old patterns when things got stressful.

You skipped therapy for a few weeks because life got overwhelming.

A setback is NOT failure.

It’s proof you’re human. It’s what happens when you’re learning something new. It’s your brain defaulting to what it knows under pressure.

Here’s what actually matters:

You noticed it happened. That’s growth.

You’re bothered by it. That means your values are shifting.

You know what triggered it. That’s self-awareness you didn’t have before.

You’re thinking about what to do differently next time. That’s progress.

Failure would be:

Giving up entirely.

Deciding therapy doesn’t work because you’re not “fixed” yet.

Going back to pretending everything’s fine.

Stopping just because it got hard.

The difference between where you are now and where you were before therapy?

Before, you didn’t notice the pattern. Now you do.

Before, you thought this was just who you are. Now you know you can change it.

Before, you went weeks or months stuck in the same cycle. Now you catch it faster.

Before, you had no tools. Now you have some, even if you forgot to use them this time.

That’s not failure. That’s you learning.

Progress isn’t a straight line.

It’s messy. It’s two steps forward, one step back.

Sometimes it’s one step forward, three steps back. But you’re still moving.

And the fact that you’re frustrated with yourself?

That’s actually a good sign. It means you expect more from yourself now. Your standards changed. That happened in therapy.

Setbacks are part of the process, not proof it’s not working.

If you’re struggling with this right now, bring it to your next session. Your therapist isn’t going to be disappointed in you. They’re going to help you figure out what happened and what to do next.

That’s literally what therapy is for.

12/17/2025

“Is telehealth therapy as effective as in-person?”
Short answer: Yes, for most people.

Longer answer: It depends on what you need and what works for your brain.

Here’s what research shows:

Telehealth therapy works just as well as in-person for things like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship issues. You’re getting the same therapist, the same treatment, the same skills. Just through a screen instead of across a room.

Where telehealth actually works better:

You don’t have to drive 30 minutes each way in NEPA traffic.

You can do therapy from your car on your lunch break.
No waiting room anxiety.

No running into someone you know in the parking lot.
Easier to fit into your schedule when you’re juggling work, kids, and everything else.

Some people actually open up more when they’re in their own space.

Where in-person might be better:

If you’re easily distracted at home, it’s harder to focus on a screen.

If your living situation isn’t private, you can’t talk freely.

Some people need the physical separation between “therapy space” and “home space.”

If you’re working through really intense trauma, being in the same room can feel safer.

Kids and teens sometimes do better with in-person because screens = school and they’re already sick of Zoom.

The truth?

Try both if you can. Some people do telehealth most of the time and come in-person when they need it. Some start telehealth because it’s less intimidating, then switch to in-person later.

There’s no wrong answer. Whatever gets you to actually show up and do the work is the right choice.

We offer both at Puglisi Counseling.

Telehealth sessions from wherever you are, or in-person at our three NEPA locations: Scranton, Taylor, and Peckville.

📞 Call: 570-766-0772
🌐 Visit: puglisicounseling.com
📧 Email: Hello@puglisicounseling.com

You pick what works for you.

12/17/2025

Q: “I’m not in crisis. Am I taking a spot from someone who needs it more?”

A: No. You deserve support even when things aren’t falling apart.

Therapy isn’t just for emergencies. You don’t have to wait until you’re barely holding it together to ask for help.

If you’re struggling, you’re struggling. That’s enough.

Getting support early can actually keep things from getting worse. It’s not selfish to work on yourself before you hit a breaking point. That’s just smart.

You wouldn’t wait until your car completely dies to get an oil change. Mental health works the same way.

If you’re wondering whether you “deserve” therapy, that question itself is usually a sign you could benefit from it.

You don’t need to earn the right to feel better.
Ready to start?

We have locations across NEPA: Scranton, Taylor, and Peckville.

📞 Call: 570-766-0772
🌐 Book online: puglisicounseling.com
📧 Email: hello@puglisicounseling.com

We’ll help you figure out what works for you. No judgment. No pressure. Just support.

12/16/2025

“Wait, what’s the difference between a therapist, psychiatrist, and counselor?”

Good question. It’s confusing, and honestly, people use these terms interchangeably all the time.

Here’s the breakdown:

Therapist is the umbrella term. It just means someone who provides therapy. Could be a counselor, psychologist, social worker, or marriage and family therapist. If they’re licensed and doing talk therapy, “therapist” fits.

Counselor (like an LPC or Licensed Professional Counselor) has a master’s degree in counseling. They do talk therapy, help you work through problems, teach coping skills, and treat mental health conditions. Most therapists you’ll see fall into this category or are social workers (like an LCSW).

Psychiatrist is a medical doctor. They went to medical school, can diagnose mental health conditions, and can prescribe medication. Some do therapy, but most focus on medication management. If you need meds, you’ll probably see a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

So which one do you need?

If you want to talk through what’s going on and learn skills to manage it, you need a therapist or counselor.
If you think medication might help (or someone’s already suggested it), you need a psychiatrist or prescriber.

A lot of people see both. A therapist for weekly sessions and a psychiatrist for medication check-ins.
Still not sure where to start?

Call us. We’ll help you figure out what makes sense for what you’re dealing with.

📞 Call: 570-766-0772
🌐 Visit: www.puglisicounseling.com
📧 Email: Hello@puglisicounseling.com

We have three locations across NEPA: Scranton, Taylor, and Peckville.

Puglisi Counseling provides mental health therapy services throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. Online and In-Person Counseling with Licensed Therapists in NEPA.