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…
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…
As we approach a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the past and consider how we can make positive changes moving forward. As a mental health counselor and owner of Mountain Valley Counseling, I want to offer a few thoughts on how we can prioritize our mental well-being in the coming year. First, it’s important to recognize that mental health is just as crucial as physical health. In fact, the two are deeply intertwined. Just as we schedule regular check-ups for our bodies, it’s vital to regularly check in on our emotional and psychological well-being. This can mean anything from seeking therapy, to setting healthy boundaries, to practicing self-care routines that help us manage stress and emotions. The start of a new year can feel like a fresh start, but it’s important to remember that true growth takes time and patience. If you’ve struggled in the past, be gentle…
The Difference Between Complex PTSD and PTSD By Misty Newman, CMHC, Owner of Mountain Valley Counseling Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-known mental health condition that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. However, not all trauma experiences lead to PTSD, and in some cases, trauma can result in a more complex form of the disorder known as Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). While both conditions involve symptoms of trauma, they differ in their causes, symptoms, and impact on a person’s life. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) PTSD typically results from a single traumatic event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, physical assault, or combat exposure. It can also occur after witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD often include: Intrusive memories: Flashbacks or vivid, distressing memories of the event. Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the trauma, such…
C-PTSD and PTSD. Similarities and differences
Understanding the nuances between C-PTSD, PTSD, and Trauma As a mental health professional and the owner of Mountain Valley Counseling, I often encounter individuals who struggle with the effects of trauma in various forms. Two terms that frequently arise in my practice are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). While both conditions stem from experiences of trauma, they manifest differently and can lead to various emotional and relational difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Understanding these differences and similarities is crucial for effective treatment and healing. PTSD is typically caused by a single, traumatic event, while C-PTSD is usually caused by long-term or repeated trauma. C-PTSD can develop from childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing a kidnapping. It can also be caused by other types of trauma, such as living through war, being a prisoner of war, or experiencing chronic intimate partner violence. Often people…
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.
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…
Psychodynamic Therapy is evidenced based and can have more lasting benefits than other models
Insight-Oriented Therapy: Understanding Its Effectiveness Through Research Introduction Insight-oriented therapy, often referred to as psychodynamic therapy, is a therapeutic approach that focuses on uncovering and understanding unconscious processes and early life experiences that influence current behavior. By gaining insight into these underlying issues, individuals can achieve greater self-awareness and resolve internal conflicts. This article delves into how insight-oriented therapy works, its theoretical foundations, and the research demonstrating its effectiveness. Theoretical Foundations Insight-oriented therapy is rooted in psychodynamic theory, which originated with Sigmund Freud and has evolved over time. The core premise is that unconscious thoughts and feelings, often stemming from early life experiences, shape our behavior and mental states. Insight-oriented therapy aims to bring these unconscious elements into conscious awareness, allowing individuals to understand and address them. Key components of this therapy include: Exploration of Unconscious Processes: Patients explore their unconscious thoughts and feelings, often through techniques such as free…