When Do I Need Help?

This is a great question! How do you know when you are in need of mental health care? Everyone experiences emotions such as fear, sadness, anger, guilt, grief, regret, etc. These emotions are part of the human condition. It is normal for all of us to experience these emotions at times in our lives as well as the feelings of joy, happiness, euphoria and more. It is when our emotions and the management of our emotions start to interfere with our ability to function effectively at home, work, school or social situations that there is a real call to seek assistance. When fear keeps you from being able to go out of your home or keeps you from being able to perform in the work place are good indicators you are struggling; but DON'T wait until these symptoms significantly effect your functioning. When you or family/friends start to notice that you are struggling in these areas, this is the time to get help. The sooner you get help, the quicker your recovery will be!
Contact Us if you have questions about when to seek help.

Alternatives to Traditional Mental Health, Revisited

As we all know, life seems to be getting more and more complicated and fast paced. More research is emerging validating the effectiveness of e-mail and telephone consultations. There are new words and descriptors to describe these services telemental health, telecounseling, e-counseling, e-therapy, e-chat, teletriage and telehealth. Technology is changing how we connect with each other. (Telephones, Cell phones, Email, blogging, chat, instant messaging) There are so many options and ways for people to connect these days. These advancements in technology is also making an impact on how we can seek understanding of our families. These new ways of communicating are breaking down barriers, such as busy schedules, immobilizing personal fears, transportation issues and other limitations that restrict our attainment of who we were created to be and the quality of family life we are seeking.

In response to this, Counseling Connections has embraced these new and innovative ways of connecting with families and providing quality mental health services. This alternative vehicle improves our availability, accessibility and fills a niche for those who are unable or unwilling to seek other forms of assistance.

Read more about how our e-counseling service works……

Troubled Marriage?

Is there trouble in paradise? There might be if the communication style between you and your spouse is one of avoidance, explosiveness, blaming or non-existent. Life with another person = different needs, understandings and viewpoints! How you as a couple and family communicate and resolve conflicts may determine how often you feel you are living in paradise. As much as it sounds cliche and oversimplistic, it is imperative to tell your your spouse the wonderful things about him or her and to be thankful for the little things that you do for each other, (making breakfast, coffee in the morning, driving to pick up dry cleaning - the small considerate things we do make a big difference if they are noticed). If your spouse feels like they are being taken for granted, there may be built up resentment. If you are sensing or if there are overt difficulties in the areas of money, sex or children, get help now! These are the biggest issues that break down a marriage and the longer you wait to get help the harder it is to repair the "troubled marriage". Contact Us!

Laugh It Up

Laughter is good for you and your family's mental and physical well-being.

Some mental health professionals say humor is one of the best ways to relieve stress, and research proves that laughter plays a key role in human life. A good laugh loosens muscles, lowers blood pressure, and may lower levels of hormones that create stress and weaken immunity. When you laugh, your body moves blood to your heart and lungs, boosting your energy level and making you feel better instantly. It also aids communication and creates a sense of closeness between you and the people you’re laughing with.

Until recently, researchers knew that laughing was good for us, but they didn’t really understand how. New evidence points to changes in the brain—not the imaginary funny bone—as the source for laughter. Researchers found that when people laugh, a part of the brain’s reward system is triggered. In this reward system, a person feels pleasure and wants to have the same pleasant feelings over and over again. The areas in the brain triggered by humor are the same ones that are triggered by drugs like amphetamines and cocaine.

Laughing and fun go hand-in-hand and laughing together as a family will bring you closer together, improve your mental and physical health, and may help prevent your child from using drugs. Look for laughs to stay healthy!

At times we all struggle to find joy and humor in our life; this could be a sign of a more serious mental health issue. Contact us to discuss if this is could be true for you.

Is It Raining Again?

For over a week it seems we have had these cloudy and raining days....It's depressing. Just as the Spring was waking us to the longer days, sun and milder weather we have this rain spell. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the rain! We need rain, the plants, gardens, earth needed more rain in our area. Balance between the two would feel great! But like us humans I guess mother nature struggles to find the balance of life, too. If you are looking to create more balance in your life, take the responsibility to do so. No one can do it for you. You have what it takes to create what your heart desires! Contact Us!

Stress

If we had a way to measure our stress, then perhaps we could not only monitor it but identify more specifically what situations and factors contribute to it. The word “stress” seems to be a catch-all word we use when life’s pressures and our coping with them is out of balance. “I am stressed out” or “I can’t deal with all this stress” or “This is stressful”. In other words, the internal or external demands, pressures, or expectations are exceeding our ability to handle these factors in an effective or healthy manner. Our capacity to manage stress is very individual and person to our own personality, tolerance levels and learned coping skills. Stress can come and go or at times seem longer-lasting.

To obtain a measure of your stress and learn more about the effects of stress, link to this interactive stress screening at Stress and click on “find out your stress level”. This tool may offer some initial information on your current stress level and areas that could be responsible for it.

With our help as well, you can learn effective ways to handle the stress in your life. We cannot eliminate stress in our lives; but we can be prepared to respond to it in ways that can make it less overwhelming. Contact us!

Trust

I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

-Kenn

Thanks Kenn for your words of wisdom...Trust is powerful yet vunerable. If you are attempting to rebuild trust in relationships maybe we can help. Check out some tips to help with your relationship or Contact Us.

Vanity Sizing, Self-Esteem and Body Image

What is vanity sizing? Over the past couple of decades women's sizing has changed. For example if you used to wear a size 10 and you are the same weight and size but now when you are shopping for new slacks suddenly a size 10 is way too big!!!! Manufacturers realize of course that women would rather say they are a size 5 than 10, so they are sizing clothing differently to supposedly make women feel better. For women or teens who has a low self-esteem or distorted body image this maybe a trigger for increased obsessive thoughts about their weight and size. Striving to be that size 0! How can anyone be a "size 0"? If you think about what it means 0 means nothing....a size nothing??

Seek help if you notice you are obsessing about your weight or you have a daughter you are concerned about.

What Holds You Back

At times in all our lives we struggle with emotional turmoil brought about by relationship stress and/or other internal conflicts. As human beings, with our connection to other human beings, it is inherent in our species that tensions, frustrations, and personality conflicts will occur. Some of us have developed coping strategies or have dispositions that allow us to self-manage most of these stressors. But, we all, every one of us, have a point at which our ability to self-manage is overwhelmed by the shear number or intensity of stressors in our lives. It is a those times, hopefully, we reach out to others that can help us through.

Ironic, in a way, our connectedness to others often results in our distress, just as that same connection to others can aid us in relief from those challenges. Knowing what holds you back from seeking that help from others is key to preparing for you to get it. Some of us turn to our church, our family, or our friends for support during trying times. This connecting can effectively provide us with those needs of feeling loved, important, and valued. That can help us get back on track. Sometimes we think a more neutral, non-judgmental, unbiased professional influence is what is best. Either way, it’s the knowing when we need to reach out and what is holding us back that effects the next step of getting help.

If you need a more unbiased, professional input. Contact us. We can help.

Confidence

Who has self-confidence will lead the rest. --HORACE, Epistles

Words of encouragement, affirmation, positive feedback, kudos and other self-esteem improving dynamics often make the difference between self-doubt and self-confidence. It is an outside-inside process whereby we develop self-confidence through the growth process of taking risks within the world around us, making mistakes, assessing our trials and hopefully throughout it all we receive encouragement from someone about our strengths and abilities.

For those who feel they have never achieved self-confidence in all or certain areas of their life, it’s time to move ahead. We can help with the “outside” affirming and guiding part of that learning process. Contact us if that is your goal.

Take Action - Make It Happen!

Ideas are meaningless
without action,
Don't procrastinate
be a person of action!

Intertwined

In relationships there is this intermingling that occurs. A giving and taking a joining in pain, sorrow and happiness. Are you feeling controled in your relationship?

This artwork by Tim Sabados. Check out his website for more of his art.

Contact Us if your relationships have become so tangled that you need some help to smooth out the rough spots.

6 Tips on what it takes to have a healthy relationship?

Research indicates that many of us think that being with someone is better than being alone. Relationships are a very important part of our lives; we are social creatures and enjoy the company of others. Relationships provide us with are much joy and at times, pain. It is when people struggle in relationships that they seek understanding.

DON’T WAIT – Research indicates that people wait way too long before seeking help. Don’t put it off! The longer you wait the increased possibility of continued damage to the relationship. (Gottman, 1999)
BE GENTLE - Treat your partner with love, acceptance and respect. Be gentle in your tone, facial expressions and verbal speech.
VALIDATE – Put yourself in your partner’s shoes. Express your genuine thankfulness for the relationship and affirm your strengths as individuals and as a couple.
TAKE IT EASY – Don’t take things so seriously. If the garbage wasn’t taken out for the 3rd week in a row, discuss it but choose to do it with ease and a light heart instead of blaming and using words like “always and never”. These are irrational and damaging to a relationship.
EDIT YOURSELF – As couples become more comfortable with each other they have a tendency to say the first things that come to their mind. Think about what you are going to say before you say it and how it might be perceived by your partner. (Gottman, 1999)
SEX – Have sex on a regular basis. Make it a priority in your life and relationship. Research indicates couples who have sex frequently and arguments infrequently are happier.


It seems that relationships are what create the most happiness in our lives as well as most struggles. We can give you the tools you need to get through these difficult times. Get help now don’t wait until it’s too late. Your persistence, determination and motivation can make the difference. Contact Us!

Legitimate, Licensed Mental Health Professionals

With so much written today about online predators, scams, identity theft, etc, it’s no wonder people are wary of purchasing anything or contacting anyone over the internet. When we developed our idea, Counseling Connections, to offer and provide online telemental health services, we were mindful that folks may not trust who they were getting involved with and in particular whether we were legitimate professionals.

In an effort to allow people to verify our professional licenses for themselves, we have provided this direct link to the Michigan Department of Community Health - Psychology license verification system. Just enter our License # and our profession as “Psychology” and this will link you directly to our individual license information.

Craig - # 6301009345
Kathlene - # 6301008741

http://www.cis.state.mi.us/free/default.asp

Let us know how we can help.

Shyness

Are you shy? Is your shyness interfering with your dreams, your day-to-day functioning, your relationships? Check out some facts about shyness and get ready to change this trait to improve your future.

In Dr. Steven Bressert’s article on, Facts About Shyness, he states, “Many people don’t know the basics about shyness. Some people think it’s just something people will grow out of with time. For most people, shyness is learned. But for some, shyness starts in infancy, with about 10 to 15% of newborns born “inhibited” (about as many are born “bold”), but for most shy people shyness is learned at some later time in life with as many as 40 to 60% of adults report being currently shy people.” For more about shyness, go to Facts About Shyness.

When you are ready, give us a call. We can help you overcome your shyness so that it no longer controls your life.

Living in Fear

Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.
YODA, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

We all experience fear; it is a natural human emotion. Fear responses aid us in protecting us from external real or perceived threats to our well-being. Differentiating between real and imagined fear is very difficult; it is subjective to the individual. How is it some people are able to remain calm in the face of real threats and danger, i.e. home intruder, life threatening accident, imminent death? And how is it that others become extremely fearful to the point of being functionally incapacitated when confronted with public speaking, going outside their home, driving, etc?

For those who experience this level of suffering and dysfunction, we can help. Our online counseling service is provided by licensed and experienced mental health professionals; we have been helping others with fear-related situations for over 20 years. Contact us today. Why continue to suffer?

Real

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, REALLY loves you, then you become Real. It doesn't happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

From The Velveteen Rabbit
Margery Williams

At times we struggle with feelings of worthlessness or feeling unloved. We wonder if we are unloveable, seemingly unimportant to others. We seek affirmation and validation and through others we define just how loveable we really are. If you are struggling with these feelings, we can help. Contact Us today.

Stressed Out - 7 Ways to Relieve It!

Is it that the car breaks down, the kids arguing, the school calling, the husband coming home late, multiple sporting events to get to, the 9-5 or a combination of all of these? With living brings pressures and stress. Each of us cope with these feelings in different ways. Some people might feel overwhelmed if their car breaks down while others it might take the car, the kids and the husband. As humans, we all have limits! (I know this might come as a surprise to some of you that you do not have an infinite capacity to do and care for others.) Stress is a nonspecific response of the body and emotions to any demand made upon it. At some point our usual coping skills may become overloaded.

Here are 7 Ways to Relieve Stress:

1. EXERCISE – Get out, go for a walk or a run. Soak up some Vitamin D from the sun. Go to the gym. Get moving. Carve out space at least 3 times a week to take care of your physical body.
2. PRIORITIZE – Make a list and tackle the most important responsibilities first.
3. LET GO! - Decide that what things you might be able to let go of. Maybe you don’t have to see your son practice every night and a friend can bring him back from practice.
4. BREATHE – Don’t forget to breathe. When we are feeling stressed our bodies natural reaction is to tense up and hold our breath which reduces the oxygen to the brain that provides us with our rational thinking power.
5. RELAX – Take a break. Take warm shower or bath. This can decrease the stress chemicals and relax your system.
6. ACCEPT – Acceptance of what is in the moment.
7. IDENTIFY TRIGGERS – We all have behaviors, emotions, situations, thoughts that trigger irrational or maladaptive responses. Identify what these are. For example, someone starts to blame you for something you did not do. If this triggers extreme emotions that causes stress, make note of this and what you can do differently in the future.

If you are still struggling with managing your stress and need someone to help you figure out how to maximize your potential. Contact Us! We look forward to hearing from you and partnering with you to find the balance you are seeking in your life.

Counseling Connections Guidelines

Kathlene B. LaCour MA, Ltd Licensed Psychologist

State of Michigan Masters Psychologist License # 6301008741

Craig S. Judd MA, Ltd Licensed Psychologist

State of Michigan Masters Psychologist License # 6301009345

9429 Marsh RoadPlainwell, Michigan 49080 Or 151 E. Emmett StreetBattle Creek, Michigan 49017

(269)929-1292

http://www.counselingconnections.blogspot.com/

Email: Interface_consultation@comcast.net

More and more reports and research (International Society for Mental Health Online http://www.ismho.org/ for research and data on online mental health services) have been validating the effectiveness of phone counseling, email consultations and ways, other than traditional psychotherapy, of connecting with people in a therapeutic manner. Studies have found that telemental health services break down treatment barriers , such as the stigma of seeing a mental health professional, immobilizing personal fears, transportation issues and other limitations that restrict consumer's attainment of traditional psychotherapy services.As a society evolves, advances in technology capability are making mental health services available to a larger, historically isolated population of consumers. These options have not been available to these individuals in the past. As our society and mental health services evolve, We choose to embrace the opportunities to provide online and telecounseling services. We are excited about our ability to offer increased flexibility while maintaining quality counseling services.This guide is intended to give you a roadmap about us and how to access our services as well as answer some frequently asked questions.

Is Online Services Right for You?

Online e-counseling and telecounseling are helpful for:
· People with busy schedules - It can be convenient and easy to access services.
· People who have physical disabilities.· Consumers that may lack access to regular transportation.
· Clients who are embarrassed to go to traditional psychotherapy.
· People who struggle with anxiety disorders and have difficulty going to an office.

Our E-counseling and telecounseling are provided by licensed psychotherapists and although it is not the same as traditional face-to-face psychotherapy, it is therapeutic! Research indicates that e-counseling and telecounseling works.These services are not meant to replace traditional face-to-face services. If the e-counselor determines that more traditional services would be beneficial, a referral may be recommended.

Prepare Yourself

· Verify our licensures: http://www.cis.state.mi.us/free/default.asp or call (517) 241-9427. Please make sure you have both first and last name, Psychology Department and license #.
· Kathlene B. LaCour Psychology License # 6301008741
· Craig S. Judd Psychology License # 6301009345

· When getting started with us, know what you are asking for.
. Do you need support and guidance with a one specific issue or several issues?
· Organize your thoughts and be clear about what you need.
· Would you prefer a male or female?· Have an idea about what you are hoping to achieve, what your expectations are, and how your life will be different after using these services.
· The internet can be a wonderful source of information.

Use it to prepare yourself but realize that not all the information on the web is based in sound research. Be careful of sources. National Institute for Mental Health is wonderfully informative http://www.nimh.nih.gov

· Free Online Counseling is available, complete a search for these services. This may be all that you need! There are many online services out there, again be careful. Check for competency, licensure and credentialing by the state that the therapist lives in.

Ethical Considerations

If you are already in traditional psychotherapy continue with your current treatment provider. If you are currently in treatment, we will refer you back to your treatment provider. Don’t ask us to give a second opinion over the internet.
If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance please contact your local community mental health center. They will talk with you and see that you get the help that you need. If you are having thoughts of suicide, take yourself seriously and get the help that you need. Get off the computer and call 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-8255.

We are professional psychotherapists who follow ethical best practice for our clients. We will be responsible in our interaction and care we provide you. We are committed to ethical and legal standards of our profession and we will uphold the same standards in e-counseling and telecounseling. We are members of the International Society of Mental Health Online.

National Board of Certified Counselors Practice Guidelines: http://www.nbcc.org/webethics2

Getting Started With US!

The initial e-consultation or telemental health consultation is FREE!

What to expect:
· We will ask you to review this document.
· We want to know more about you and your reason for contacting us.
Usually there are areas of expertise for therapist. If we do not feel we have enough training and expertise in the area, we will let you know.
· A “good match”. We will discuss what your expectations are and what you are seeking in a therapist. We may talk about personality and treatment style. It is very important to us that we are able to be helpful to you or if we are not a “good match” that we refer you to someone who might be.
· We will make every effort to determine if a patient is a minor and contact the legal guardian for consent.
· We will discuss our availability and how to contact us. Every effort will be made to respond to emails within no more than 48 hrs. If there are technology issues contact us by phone (269)929-1292.
· Confidentiality will be addressed and risks to confidentiality. Encrytion software is available. The biggest risk to confidentiality, in our experience, is the home. Take care to protect your own privacy in your home. Get separate and free email account to use for you e-counseling sessions or make sure your email is password protected.
WE will discuss how and how long session data is being preserved.
· Discuss what forms of e-therapy communication are available through Counseling Connections and what form would work best for You!

Services We Offer and Fees

Email Consultation – This is the most popular form of Online Counseling. You may purchase a Single or group of consultations for Adults.
One Consultation - $39.95
Group of Three Consultations - $ 107.95 (10% savings)

Online Chat – Real time interactive conversation and communication through a text message window on your computer. We offer this service for adults. These need to be scheduled after the initial consultation, being aware of time zones.

Online Chat – 20 minutes $24.95
Online Chat – 40 minutes $49.90
Online Chat – 60 minutes $69.95

Telephone Consultation - Scheduled time blocks for adults, again being aware of time zones.
Telephone Consultation - 20 minutes $24.95
Telephone Consultation - 40 minutes $49.90
Telephone Consultation - 60 minutes $69.95
Group of Three – 60 minutes $ 199.95

Initial Consultation with Us is FREE!
Email interface_consultation@comcast.net
Blogsite: www.counselingconnections.blogspot.com
Phone: (269) 929-1292

Payment Options

PayPal Secured Site Payment
Use MasterCard or Visa or a Debit Card with MasterCard or Visa Logo.This is the quickest, easiest and most secure way to start services with us. Services must be prepaid. You can find Payment Buttons on our site www.counselingconnections.blogspot.com

If you are anxious about fraud the best way to pay for services is to use a credit card. Anything over $50.00 in fraud charges you are not responsible for. Read the fine print on your credit card agreement or call your Credit Card Company.

Writing a CheckSend to our business addresses:

Counseling Connections
9429 Marsh Rd Plainwell, Mi 49080
151 Emmett St. Battle Creek, Mi 49017

Let us know how to contact you when your check clears so that we can help you get back on track. Of course this process will take longer but we are willing to work with you if this is the option that you choose.

Reimbursement:

Some insurance companies are reimbursing for these services but most are not at thiss time.

Flexible Spending Account:

Check with your account administrator you may be able to set aside money tax- free for the medical expense.You can turn in receipts to these programs for medical expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance such as over the counter medication, vision or dental treatments not covered and dependent care expenses.

Welcome to Counseling Connections!
We look forward to working with you.
We are so glad that you have decided to take the first step to make the changes that you are seeking in your life.
Don’t hesitate to call or email us!
We are caring and compassionate professionals who want to see you on your way to a happier and healthier YOU.

What are you waiting for?

Your income tax return? Are you waiting until your children get out of school? Are you waiting until your husband or wife gets home? Are you waiting until you pay off your home mortgage? Until you retire? Until your vacation?

The time is now to follow your dreams. Today is the Day to seek who you truly are. Get motivated! No one can do it for you, but we can help. Need someone to get you motivated, give you that little nudge to seek your potential - Contact Us for a FREE consultation.