The original concept of “codependent” came from wives of the alcoholics who started Alcoholic Anonymous, Bill Wilson and “Dr. Bob.” The men would have AA meetings in people’s houses and the wives would sit in the kitchen and talk over coffee and dessert. As they exchanged stories about their experiences, they realized they all had done similar things in an effort to protect their husband from consequences of their alcoholism.
Read MoreNothing frustrates me more than a broken or glitchy GPS system. Often they take us in the wrong direction, prolong our destination, and lead us into heavier traffic and traffic lights. The worst part of it all is that it produces massive anxiety in the process. At the time, using the GPS FEELS like the right thing to do but sometimes it is ACTUALLY an inconvenience. Maybe using a GPS has benefited us more often than not, therefore it’s just a natural and comfortable habit of going places. Self-sabotaging behaviors are very similar to broken GPS systems in a sense that often we don’t realize there’s anything wrong until we are further or distant from our goals and/or destination.
Read MoreHave you spent days where nothing seems to go right? You find yourself thinking negatively even though there are still positive aspects of your life? There’s a reason for that! They are errors in our thinking that are called Cognitive Distortions or Mental Mistakes and they’re designed to put you in a negative headspace without you even recognizing it. People who experience anxiety or depression often face these negative thoughts. These mistakes in our thinking often occur as a way of coping with negative life events and the longer these negative events occur, there is an increased likelihood that one or more of these mental mistakes will develop. It seems easier to accept these negative thoughts than work through them, however there are different ways to identify and combat them. My hope is to help you understand what these mistakes are and how you can decrease them!
Read MoreIf I got a dollar every time I heard a client say, “I don’t like conflict and I avoid it at all costs,” I would be a wealthy woman! Conflicts (aka disagreements) are everywhere – at work, at home, at your favorite restaurant, and within your own head (or is that just in my head?). If you think you can walk through life avoiding it, pretending it doesn’t exist, and still live a fulfilling life, you are just wrong. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you really are wrong. Here’s why.
Read MoreOnce again, one of my favorite months of the year is upon us - Black History Month! I take pride being a Black man and I love learning about the rich history of Black inventors, doctors, activists, and leaders that have come before me. Reflecting on those who have paved the way for me to be the professional that I am today always brings me joy. This time of year also causes me to reflect on the struggles myself and my fellow Black and/or African Americans have experienced in the past, as well as the current and daily stressors we must navigate.
Read MoreOffering mental health counseling for adolescents and adults near Lancaster, PA
The Counseling Collective LLC
1987 State Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520 and 210 West Grant Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
CALL or TEXT US: (717) 723-8040 FAX: (717) 900-9660
A diverse team of mental health experts who collaborate with you to overcome the challenges in life
