Tag Archives: counseling

Now Providing EMDR

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It has been awhile since I’ve updated this blog! I’ve so enjoyed opening my practice full time in 2020. This year has brought about may unexpected changes with COVID-19, protests, fires, and political strife. Many of my client have moved to teletherapy and we’ve all worked hard to digest this new way of living for now.

This past weekend I completed by basic training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. I’m very excited about being able to utilize this approach which is a very different style from the more common talk therapies. This will allow me to work with people who are wanting to do some deep healing of past traumas and negative self beliefs. It is most commonly used for those challenged by PTSD but also it can be very helpful in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. I welcome questions about this new approach. Here is a short video that introduces EMDR.

While my practice is currently full right now, I do have a short waiting list that generally is about a month wait. With the holidays that may mean a little longer wait.

Please keep taking care of yourselves, and thank you to all who have entrusted me as your counselor.

Happy New Year

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As I reflect on 2017 I’m looking forward to what 2018 will bring.  I’m beyond honored to have welcomed new clients as well as continue to support some who have been with me since the start (September 2013 to be exact).  What I’ve noticed this year is a deeper understanding of the complexities of grief.  Grief has been one of my specialties – one of those topics I’ve always been comfortable thinking about and in my adult years have pursued looking at how to talk about when my own personal grief shook the very ground I was walking on.  I find the research on healing and trauma fascinating and continue to learn about the neuroscience behind this work (which I fell in love with as I completed my last stent in school).

This last year I put on my first Young Women’s Empowerment Class where I introduced gratitude jars, vision boards, and journaling as ways to pay attention to hopes and dreams, as well as barriers and challenges that get in the way of those very same hopes and dreams.  In February 2018 I’m putting on my first Young Women’s Retreat which will incorporate some of those same ideas however in a different setting~ at the coast in a cozy house where I find healing comes more naturally with the ocean air, the sound of the waves, the quiet, music, creations, and a whole lot of laughing.

So thank you, to everyone walking alongside me as we journey through this thing called life.

With Deep Gratitude,
Jasmine

 

If you can make the world a little better, then you have accomplished a great deal.

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Summer is in full swing and things at Ignite are going well.  The Young Women’s Empowerment Class completed last month and they liked it so much we are going to continue monthly check ins!  I’m hoping there will be more interest in this class to start a new one this fall.  Here are our final vision boards: 18556764_973500899419846_3954842052511610983_o

I’ve welcomed some new clients recently who are looking for support as they transition out of unhealthy relationships, as well as some couples who are trying to find healthier ways to communicate.  Stress can impact our relationships, how we communicate, as well as how we make progress towards our goals.  Self-care is a must as we manage day to day responsibilities as well as find ways to address the grief and loss in our lives.

One of my favorite subjects is gratitude.  Finding ways to pay attention to what we have rather than what is missing can really make a difference in our frame of mind.  Gratitude jars were a hit in my class as well as many of my clients are tracking gratitude in their journals.   Right now I have a couple more spots open for new clients; I hope that if you or someone you know could benefit from counseling or a life coach that you will contact me!  17635441_925114810925122_5231406512144647996_o

Taking Care of Yourself After a Break Up

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A few clients and some friends have been going through some tough break ups recently. Break ups can be very difficult when tensions are high, emotions are raw, and they can be complicated more when couples have been living together as well. It is important to be patient with yourself as well as to utilize supports.
Here are some things to consider doing for yourself as you go through this transition:
1. Journal: Write down your feelings, experiences, and don’t hold back.
2. Listen to music- find music that speaks to your heart!
3. Lean on your friends and family; tell them what will be helpful in supporting you.
4. Stay active- staying in may feel easier and
5. Separate yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally from the person. Disconnect from them on social media.
6. Take time for yourself.  A quiet book, a soak in the bath tub, a walk in the park?  Taking time to reflect can be very beneficial.
7. Pet therapy – animals can be a great way to receive physical affection and can help keep you in the moment.
8. See a counselor- find someone to talk this out with. The benefits of using a third party is that you can get perspective from someone not attached to your ex. This person can also help you grieve your relationship, set new goals, and provide a safe environment to share what is on your heart and mind.
9. Try something new. This can help you focus on something exciting and challenging in your life.

Pay attention to your body and give yourself time to heal.  Know that you are processing a loss which can impact your life in numerous ways and staying in tune with this can help as you rediscover this new chapter in  your life.

How Saying No is Saying Yes

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I was meeting with a client this week talking about the struggle of saying no.  So many of us, wanting to be people pleasers worry about the repercussions of saying no.  I challenged my client to think about how saying no might actually be saying yes.  Here are some thoughts about how this might be the case:
  • It can free up time to allow for self-care.
  • It may allow us to spend more time doing other things that take priority or that have been hanging over our head.
  • It can allow us to be more present in our lives for the things we have already said yes to.
  • Maybe by you saying no this allows someone else an opportunity to say yes?
  • Perhaps saying no to one opportunity actually allows for time to commit to something else. 
Recently I’ve reminded myself to take pause before saying yes/no.  This allows me time to be thorough and thoughtful in my decision making. If you find yourself still struggling with how to proceed, you might consider what the three most important values/priorities in your life right now.  If this new opportunity does not somehow feed into one of those perhaps it is not the time to take this on.  If it does align with one of those values then maybe there is something else that you are involved in that you can let go of so that you can more easily say yes? 
It is so important to pay attention to what we are involved in from day to day so that we do not become stressed, overwhelmed, resentful, and unhappy in our lives.  Please feel free to share with me how saying no is saying yes in your life right now!Yes

Celebrating 2 Year Anniversary

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Today marks 2 years since my private practice opened.  I’ve taken time over the last month to reflect on this powerful journey.  It has been such an honor and privilege to work with so many individuals and families who have walked in the door and opened their hearts and minds.  Tough questions have been asked, painful circumstances have been shared, accomplishments celebrated, and I’ve watched as my clients have courageously challenged themselves to keep growing and healing.  I feel very fortunate and deep gratitude for everyone I have had the opportunity to work with.

I would also like to acknowledge some of those people who have made this endeavor possible.  Thank you Michelle Brown, LPC for sharing your office space and creating a warm, welcoming, and safe environment; I so appreciate your assistance and support.  Thank you to my supervisors at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Riverbend for listening, guiding, and supporting me as I continue to works towards my LCSW; this also includes my stellar colleagues there!  There are so many individuals who have cheered me on including numerous friends and family both near and far.  A special thank you to my professors and classmates at the University of Southern California as well as Chatham University.  Last but not least I thank Jeremy for supporting my dreams with unquestionable belief that I can accomplish what I set out to do.

My Very Best,

Jasmine

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”  ~Melody Beattie