Coming soon to Empowered Life Counseling: Beat the Winter Blues with a Self-Compassion Support Group! Support groups foster connection and a focus on coping skills by being member-led and directed. I am currently running a survey for current or prior clients to share their interest and availability for a self-compassion support group. Many folks have shared their loathing for the end of daylight savings time; concerns about the stress of the upcoming holidays; and feelings of general discontent around this time of year. It’s time to support each other with compassion

Did you know there are several area resources for in-person and virtual groups and classes to support your mental health? Browse below to learn more! The rewards of group therapy and classes are many, including proven strategies to address the problem (of the group); accountability by showing up regularly; collective validation and normalizing your experience; and showing up for yourself in a new way. This is a time to rebuild social connection and reconnect with each other.

What negative feelings do you struggle to deal with?  Guilt, shame, sadness, fear and anger are common responses.

This skills module teaches the ability to cope with uncomfortable emotions.  These skills are used when it is difficult or impossible to change a situation. The skills help to cope and survive during a crisis and to tolerate short/long term pain (physical or emotional). The goal of distress tolerance is to distract the mind just long enough to intervene in an emotional response to a stressful situation. Sometimes I tell clients, “The goal is to just not make it worse.”