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…
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…
Alcohol and the holidays
To drink or not to drink around the holidays?
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…
Creating joy around the holidays for yourself
Making the holidays enjoyable for yourself is all about being intentional with how you spend your time, energy, and resources, and not feeling pressured by external expectations. While it’s easy to get swept up in the busy, social, and often overwhelming nature of the season, you have the power to create a holiday experience that truly nourishes you. Here are some ideas for making the holidays more enjoyable and fulfilling for you:  Focus on What Brings You Joy The holidays don’t have to look like a Hallmark movie or the picture-perfect social media posts you see online. Instead, think about what truly brings you happiness and peace. Is it cozying up with a good book? Spending time outdoors? Cooking your favorite comfort food? Find small, simple pleasures that make the season feel meaningful to you, rather than trying to meet others’ expectations. Tip: Make a list of things you enjoy…
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…
Suicide Awareness Month
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month 2024: Supporting Others and Self-Care September is recognized as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a crucial time to shine a light on mental health challenges and the importance of providing support to those in need. This year, Mountain Valley Counseling wants to focus not only on how to support those struggling but also on the necessity of self-care for caregivers. Understanding the Context In recent years, suicide rates have tragically increased, highlighting a growing mental health crisis. Factors contributing to this rise include: Social Isolation: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness. Many individuals are still grappling with the emotional aftermath, which can lead to increased suicidal ideation. Economic Stress: Financial instability, job loss, and the rising cost of living can overwhelm individuals, creating a sense of hopelessness. Access to Mental Health Resources: Despite growing awareness, access to mental health care remains limited…