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…
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…
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…
The Value of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Therapy in Mental Health Psychodynamic therapy, a practice evolving from the roots of Freudian psychoanalysis, offers a profound method for understanding and addressing mental health disorders. This therapeutic approach delves into the depths of the unconscious, exploring how early experiences shape our behaviors and emotional well-being. At its core, psychodynamic therapy operates on the belief that unconscious processes and past experiences significantly influence our current behavior and emotional state. It emphasizes the role of defense mechanisms and unresolved conflicts, particularly those stemming from childhood. By bringing these to the forefront of consciousness, it aims to uncover the roots of psychological distress. The therapy process is characterized by a close therapeutic relationship, where patients are encouraged to speak freely about their thoughts, feelings, dreams, and fantasies. This open dialogue helps uncover patterns and conflicts hidden within the unconscious mind, facilitating insight and resolution. Evidence suggests that psychodynamic…
Gut Health and Mental Health
How gut health impacts mental health.
Borderline Personality Disorder
There are several things that people don’t know are common symptoms associated with BPD.
Re-parenting work
What is re-parenting and how to begin.From the Holistic Psychologist.
Happiness is fleeting
Happiness vs. Satisfaction.