Burn Bright, Not Out! Let's Celebrate National Counseling Awareness Month
With the increase of mental health concerns since the beginning of the pandemic, April has been named National Counseling Awareness Month. Let us share with you what this means to us!
National Counseling Awareness Month
The American Counseling Association (ACA) selected "Burn Bright, Not Out" as the theme for this year's National Counseling Awareness Month. This makes so much sense as the world enters its third year of Covid related constrictions and health concerns that we shine the light on self care for all of us.
"These past two years with the pandemic have been especially stressful for everyone. The amount of anxiety and depression have increased dramatically even among people who were very stable beforehand. Hopefully, one good thing that came out of Covid was normalizing how okay it is for people to ask for support from a counselor." - Cindy Gourley, SoulSpring Counselor
Finding a Qualified Counselor
The American Counseling Association states that there are as many as 665,500 counselors around the United States working in a variety of settings from hospitals to schools and other agencies. Every counselor wants their clients to burn bright knowing they are more than any problem or situation in your life.
"Counseling is for those who want it, although all of us at some point in life will need it. Since none of us is born knowing all the answers, there is no shame in seeking help for...whatever. Just say NO to stigma and get back on the good foot." - Wynne Stallings, Owner of SoulSpring Counseling
"Seeking out counseling doesn't mean there is something "wrong" or "bad" about us. As humans, we are continuing to grow and change; having an unbiased professional to help empower us and process these transitions is priceless." - Jeni Mose, SoulSpring Counseling
Focus on Our Self Care
Now is the time for each of us to take the time to look at what we are doing on a daily basis to care for ourselves.
Taking the time for a couple of hours a day when you are not on any media.
To take a moment to connect with a loved one that is isolated and might be cheered by a phone call.
To take a moment to go outside and walk a bit and feel the weather whatever it may be.
To take a moment to drink a glass of water because we all need more water in our bodies.
To take a moment and reflect on what makes you burn bright.
When was the last time you did that for yourself? To take a moment and check in with yourself and see if you are burnt out? What can you do to shift that feeling?
"Counseling is not for "crazy folk." Actually, what can be crazy is the feeling that we are expected to resolve problems ourselves. Sharing a load makes it lighter." - Marie Labranche, SoulSpring Counseling
"Counseling isn't only for dealing with traumatic experiences. It can be a powerful first step in acknowledging to ourselves that we are ready for some type of change and ready to commit to our self-improvement and wellbeing." - Mary Rivas, SoulSpring Counseling
This month it is time to thank all the counselors that have worked so hard during the pandemic and to surprise ourselves by burning a little brighter every time we see them.
If you would like to work with a #teamsoulspring counselor, please contact us to schedule your complimentary 15 minute consultation!
Thank you so much to #teamsoulspring counselor Grace Childs, LCSW for her contribution to the content of this article.
