Men’s Health Month….Mental health matters too
Title: Breaking the Silence: Men’s Mental Health Matters at Mountain Valley Counseling When we think of health, we often picture physical strength, stamina, and endurance. For men, the cultural narrative tends to focus on fitness, toughness, and self-reliance. But what happens when mental health is left out of that equation? At Mountain Valley Counseling, we believe true strength includes emotional well-being—and it’s time to break the silence surrounding men’s mental health. The Hidden Struggle Statistics consistently show that men are less likely to seek help for mental health concerns than women. Yet they are more likely to die by suicide and suffer in silence. According to the CDC, men account for nearly 80% of suicide deaths in the U.S. annually. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders are just as prevalent in men as in women—but societal expectations often prevent men from reaching out. Phrases like “man up,” “be tough,”…
Orthorexia is on the rise.
When Healthy Eating Becomes Harmful: Understanding Orthorexia At Mountain Valley Counseling, we often see clients who come to us not because they want to give up their healthy habits—but because those habits have started to take control of their lives. One lesser-known but increasingly common issue is Orthorexia Nervosa, an unhealthy obsession with eating only foods that are perceived as healthy, pure, or clean. What Is Orthorexia? Orthorexia is not officially recognized as a distinct eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), but many clinicians acknowledge its serious impact. The term was coined in 1997 by Dr. Steven Bratman to describe an extreme fixation on healthy eating. Unlike other eating disorders that focus on quantity (like anorexia or binge eating), orthorexia focuses on quality. It’s not just about avoiding sugar or processed foods—it’s about a rigid mindset that labels entire food groups as “bad,” leads…
Are Utahns lonely?
Exploring Utah’s Loneliness Epidemic According to a recent survey, 42.5% of Utahns report feeling lonely at least sometimes, a rate that surpasses the national average of 40.3%. While loneliness is often overlooked, it’s a powerful factor influencing mental health, and one that deserves urgent attention—especially in a state known for its strong community values. Why Are So Many Utahns Feeling Lonely? Despite Utah’s reputation for family-centered culture and community engagement, several unique challenges may be contributing to this growing isolation: Population Growth and Transience: Utah is one of the fastest-growing states in the nation. With many new residents relocating for work or education, it can be difficult to build meaningful social ties. Rural Communities: For those living in more isolated, rural parts of the state, physical distance can translate into emotional distance. Stigma Around Vulnerability: Some Utahns may feel pressure to maintain a façade of strength or perfection, making it…
Nice weather doesn’t mean therapy isn’t necessary.
Why Therapy in the Summer Months is Just as Important as Ever As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, many people naturally associate summer with a time for relaxation, vacations, and socializing. But for some, the shift in seasons can also bring challenges—whether it’s the pressure to feel more energetic, the rise in expectations for social interactions, or even a sense of unease that summer might amplify. No matter what time of year it is, your mental health remains just as important, and therapy can be a crucial tool to help maintain emotional well-being during the summer months. Here’s why therapy in the summer can be just as beneficial as in any other season: The Pressure to “Be Happy” in the Summer Summer is often marketed as a time of carefree fun, but for some, it can bring feelings of loneliness or isolation. Social media, with its…
No wait! We have new team members!
Exciting New Beginnings at Mountain Valley Counseling! At Mountain Valley Counseling, we’re thrilled to announce a fresh new chapter in our journey of helping individuals heal and grow. This May, we’re welcoming three graduate students to our team, and in June, we’ll be adding two associate therapists—all of whom come with extensive experience in addressing complex trauma and a wide range of other mental health concerns. Here is a bit about Taylor. Here is a bit about Sarah. Here is a bit about Emily. Here is a bit about Erin. Here is a bit about Laurie. Our new team members bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and a commitment to supporting our clients through their healing journeys. Whether you’re navigating the effects of past trauma, managing anxiety, or just seeking a safe space to talk, our expanded team is here to support you every step of the way. We’re excited…
May is mental health awareness month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Take Action Today Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to prioritize your emotional well-being. Whether you’ve been feeling the pressures of the season or simply want to maintain a healthy mental state, therapy can make a significant difference. If you’ve been considering therapy or seeking support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Mountain Valley Counseling is here to help you navigate life’s ups and downs with compassion and understanding. Give us a call today to get started on your journey toward better mental health and emotional balance. You deserve support, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Call Tess at 435-565-1305. Or email her at tess@mvccutah.com. Conclusion: Summer and Mental Health—A Balanced Approach As we welcome the summer season, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new adventures and sunny days, but…
April is Counseling and Stress Awareness Month
🌿 April is About Awareness — and Support At Mountain Valley Counseling, we’re proud to honor Counseling Awareness Month and Stress Awareness Month. This month, we celebrate the life-changing impact of mental health counseling and raise awareness about the effects of stress on our well-being. We believe that everyone deserves support, not just during difficult times, but as part of everyday self-care and growth. 💙 Counseling Awareness Month We recognize the dedication, compassion, and expertise of counselors everywhere — and right here at Mountain Valley. Our team is committed to creating a space where healing and personal transformation can happen, one conversation at a time. Whether you’re facing anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, or just feeling stuck — counseling is a powerful tool for clarity, healing, and resilience. There is not shame in pursuing counseling, in fact, it’s really proactive and brave. 🧠 Stress Awareness Month Stress affects us all…
Understanding ADHD: Is Everyone Really Getting Diagnosed with It? In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and it’s easy to wonder: Does everyone really have it? Or is it simply being diagnosed more often than before? Let’s explore this question, dive into the symptoms of ADHD, and understand why the diagnosis rate seems to be rising. What is ADHD? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It’s primarily characterized by difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While these traits are a normal part of human behavior, in people with ADHD, they are more intense, persistent, and disruptive to daily life. Why Are More People Being Diagnosed with ADHD? It may seem like ADHD is more prevalent today than ever before, but there are a few key reasons why more people are being diagnosed: Better…
Bad Therapy does exist, but trained professionals should be the judge of that.
The problem with blanket statements from the untrained eye. By Misty Newman, CMHC and Owner of MVC As a Certified Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) and owner of Mental Vitality Counseling (MVC), I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that mental health therapy can have on individuals’ lives. Therapy is a vital tool for many people who are struggling with mental health challenges, offering support, coping strategies, and a space for healing. So, when people with a large platform or following who aren’t trained in the field, publicly criticize therapy and the mental health profession, it’s not only concerning—it’s potentially dangerous. There have been some people making sweeping claims about the mental health field, particularly in relation to the adolescent population in America. While I wholeheartedly agree that every aspect of mental health, particularly in children and adolescents, must be approached with sensitivity, care, and rigorous research. Making broad generalizations about…
Why History Repeats Itself: Understanding the Psychology Behind Our Collective Amnesia and the Rise of Cult-like Mentalities in Modern SocietyMountain Valley Counseling History has a way of repeating itself. We see it in the political cycles, in cultural conflicts, and even in the psychological patterns that shape society. But why does this happen? And more importantly, why do we forget the lessons of history, often making the same mistakes over and over again? This blog aims to explore the psychological mechanisms behind these patterns, focusing on the collective amnesia in modern society, the rise of cult-like mentalities, and the role social media algorithms play in promoting divisiveness and blurring the lines between truth and falsehood. The Repetition of History: Psychological Underpinnings History’s repetitive nature can be understood through the lens of cognitive psychology. One key concept that helps explain this phenomenon is cognitive biases—mental shortcuts our brains use to process…