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. đź’™ 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…
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…
Ketamine Therapy Group coming to MVC in March.
Exploring Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy at Mountain Valley Counseling: A New Group Therapy Experience Starting in March 2025 Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain often feel overwhelming, and despite treatment, many individuals find it difficult to experience lasting relief. Traditional therapies and medications may not always provide the results that individuals seek, leaving many in search of alternative options that offer deeper, more profound healing. That’s where ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) comes in. At Mountain Valley Counseling, we are excited to announce the launch of our new KAP group therapy sessions, beginning in March. This innovative treatment combines the healing properties of ketamine with the power of psychotherapy, providing a unique opportunity for personal growth and emotional healing. What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy? Ketamine has long been recognized as an effective anesthetic, but in recent years, it has gained recognition as a promising treatment for mental health…
Great book recommendations to start out 2025 from Misty Newman, CMHC
As we begin 2025, there’s no better way to reflect, heal, and grow than through reading. For anyone interested in personal development, mental health, and emotional well-being, these books are exceptional starting points. They provide powerful insights and practical tools to navigate life’s complexities. Here’s a brief look at each one: “The Drama of the Gifted Child” by Alice Miller Alice Miller’s classic work explores how early emotional neglect can shape the lives of gifted children, often leading to internal struggles in adulthood. This book is essential for understanding how unresolved childhood trauma—often masked by outward success—can manifest in adulthood, making it an eye-opening read for those interested in understanding their emotional patterns and healing from past wounds. “What My Bones Know” by Stephanie Foo A profound memoir and exploration of complex PTSD, this book reveals Stephanie Foo’s journey through trauma and healing. It’s a personal and powerful narrative that…
The correlation between PTSD and ADHD.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are two distinct psychiatric conditions, but they can intersect in complex ways. Both disorders impact attention, behavior, and emotional regulation, and their interplay can complicate diagnosis and treatment. This relationship is especially pertinent when considering how untreated trauma might contribute to or exacerbate ADHD symptoms. ADHD and PTSD: An Overview ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). PTSD, on the other hand, arises from exposure to traumatic events and includes symptoms such as intrusive memories, hypervigilance, and avoidance (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). The Overlap Between ADHD and PTSD Research shows that both ADHD and PTSD involve disruptions in attention and executive functioning. For instance, individuals with ADHD often struggle with sustaining attention and managing tasks, while those with PTSD may experience difficulties with concentration due to intrusive thoughts…
How new age therapies re-brand psychoanalytic concepts that have been around since Freud
How Freud’s ideas show up in new age contemporary therapy modalities Sigmund Freud, often regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, is a figure whose contributions to psychology and psychotherapy have been both revolutionary and controversial. While Freud’s theories have faced significant criticism, it’s essential to recognize that many modern therapeutic approaches and psychological theories have built upon, adapted, or even rediscovered concepts originally proposed by Freud. This essay explores why Freud doesn’t deserve the bad reputation he sometimes gets and argues that many contemporary psychological practices are deeply rooted in Freudian ideas, albeit under different names. Freud’s Legacy and Modern Adaptations Sigmund Freud’s work laid the foundation for much of modern psychology, particularly in the realm of understanding the unconscious mind and the therapeutic process. Freud’s theories, such as the role of the unconscious, defense mechanisms, and the significance of early childhood experiences, have profoundly influenced the field. Over…
Back to School
Are your kids struggling with back to school anxiety? Here are some great tips to help.
Healing Trauma from and honoring all of your parts
The IFS treatment model is becoming quite popular. It is particularly helpful with trauma.
Why having a secure attachment to your therapist matters.
The Impact of Secure Attachment on Therapy Outcomes: A Review of Research Secure attachment in therapeutic relationships is a significant predictor of improved therapy outcomes. This concept, rooted in attachment theory, underscores the importance of the bond between therapist and client in fostering effective treatment. Secure attachment, characterized by trust, safety, and mutual respect, plays a crucial role in enhancing therapeutic processes and outcomes. This review explores research evidence that demonstrates how secure attachment in therapy contributes to better mental health results. Theoretical Background Attachment theory, first developed by John Bowlby and further expanded by Mary Ainsworth, posits that early relationships with caregivers shape individuals’ expectations of relationships throughout life. Secure attachment, formed when caregivers are responsive and supportive, provides a foundation for healthy interpersonal relationships. In therapy, a secure attachment between therapist and client can mirror these early relational experiences, facilitating a more effective therapeutic process. Research Evidence on…