Works Counseling Center

  I’ve finally arrived at a place in my career where I am sitting across from people who are hurting, confused, or simply needing someone to really listen. This feels like a gift to me, especially as someone who has always placed tremendous value on relationships and the way they shape our emotional worlds. There is something deeply grounding about realizing that another person’s internal experience often looks far more familiar than we expect. Sitting with others is something I had long looked forward to, but the reality of it doesn’t look the way I imagined. It has required me to reevaluate what showing up truly means and to confront relational dynamics that are much harder to ignore when you are face to face with them. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that discomfort is not something to avoid. In fact, it’s often where the most growth happens. As a beginner, starting this work felt incredibly hard. There was anxiety, self-doubt, and a constant awareness of how much res...

  If you are pregnant or recently postpartum and feeling anxious, you are not alone. Many perinatal and postpartum parents experience anxious thoughts or physical tension but struggle to name what is happening. Often, parents assume anxiety means constant worry or feeling overwhelmed all the time. When their experience does not match that picture, they may minimize it or assume it is just part of becoming a parent. In reality, perinatal anxiety shows up in several different ways. For some parents,  anxiety  feels like never ending worry. Your mind may jump from one concern to another, worrying about your baby’s health, your ability to parent, finances, or relationships. This is often referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. Even when things are going well, your body may feel tense, and your thoughts may not slow down. Many parents notice irritability, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, or a constant feeling of being on edge. Because this worry can feel logical or pr...

  Real behavior change rarely comes from dramatic breakthroughs or sudden bursts of motivation — it begins with small, consistent steps that slowly reshape the patterns guiding our daily lives. Many people feel overwhelmed when they think about changing long-standing habits, whether it’s improving communication, setting healthier boundaries, reducing avoidance, or incorporating routines that support mental and emotional well-being. The truth is, our brains respond best to manageable, repeated actions rather than big, unsustainable efforts. In therapy, we help clients explore the underlying emotions, beliefs, and reinforcements that keep certain behaviors in place — like fear, exhaustion, shame, or the temporary relief of avoidance — and then collaborate on tiny, achievable shifts that support their long-term goals. These early steps might seem insignificant at first, but they build confidence, strengthen motivation, and provide evidence that change is possible. For someone struggli...

  Riddle me this- you sit down to meditate. You close your eyes and try to go ‘inward’. But instead of some kind of peace, you just find statice. Your body feels far away, or maybe  too  close. Maybe your heart pounds or your chest feels tight. Your stomach flutters and your body buzzes with something you can’t name. You try to focus, to be mindful, to feel grounded. In the end, you just feel more frustrated than anything. If this sounds familiar you aren’t failing at  mindfulness . You may be struggling with interoception- the body’s ability to sense its own internal signals. Interoception is the tool that helps us recognize things like hunger, tension, and comfort. For some though, internal connection can feel dull or confusing. Those with  trauma  histories,  chronic  stress, or even neurodiversity can struggle with this connection and find it overwhelming.  Mindfulness  asks us to notice internal sensations, but if our nervous system...

  When most  couples  describe what’s challenging their relationship, “communication” is one of the first words mentioned. It’s not that partners don’t talk; it’s that they struggle to feel heard, understood, or emotionally safe in the conversation. Effective communication isn’t about never disagreeing; it’s about creating an environment where both partners can express themselves openly while still maintaining connection. Research consistently shows that healthy communication is one of the strongest predictors of  relationship  satisfaction and stability. According to Dr. John Gottman, whose work has guided decades of relationship research, couples who manage conflict with empathy, respect, and curiosity are significantly more likely to stay together and report higher relationship satisfaction. So, what does effective communication look like, and how can couples strengthen it in everyday life? 1. Start with Emotional Awareness Communication problems often stem f...

  The holiday season can be a time of joy, connection, and reflection, especially when it comes to spending time with family. While reconnecting with loved ones can be uplifting, it can also bring stress, pressure, old tensions, and emotional overwhelm. Preparing your mental health ahead of family gatherings can make the season more manageable and meaningful. Taking intentional steps before the  holidays  begin can navigate these moments with more calm, clarity, and resilience. Tip 1: Set Realistic Expectations. The  holidays  often come with idealized images of perfect meals, harmonious family dynamics, and endless cheer. It’s common to imagine picture-perfect gatherings but in reality, families are complex, and emotions can run high. Conflicts may arise, schedules may shift, and not every moment will feel festive. Acknowledging that challenges may arise allows you to respond with patience instead of surprise. By setting realistic expectations, you reduce press...

  Due to educational requirements and payment structures, the counseling field often perpetuates classist systems that determine who gets  counseling   and who can become a  counselor . First of all, and the most obvious one is that receiving counseling can be expensive. Average rates for private pay tend to be 150–180 dollars an hour, this varies depending on counseling licensure. That is a lot of money for someone to spend, especially if they are doing weekly sessions. Some people may have to do biweekly or monthly sessions due to the rate. The impasse is that counselors also deserve to get paid fairly and make enough money to thrive. Counselors go through extensive training and work to provide their services.The work is hard and counselors deserve to get paid fairly to match how hard the work is. So how do we find the balance between counselors getting paid a fair and well deserved wage, and also making counseling accessible? Accepting insurance is a simple way to...