We are halfway through the month of February, often synonymous with love and affection, it's an opportune time to reflect on the various dimensions of love in our lives. While Valentine's Day traditionally highlights romantic love, let's broaden our perspective to encompass all forms of love - self-love, platonic friendships, familial bonds, and acts of kindness towards strangers. In our counseling journey, we recognize that love is not just a feeling but also a practice, requiring patience, understanding, and compassion. Let this month serve as a reminder to cherish the love that surrounds us, and may it inspire us to cultivate more love and empathy in our hearts and communities.

Our team of therapists recently reflected upon the ushering in of the new year. We noticed that as we sat with clients and even friends, we heard about unexpected challenges resembling a proverbial wrecking ball for many. Did you also experience any of this? The unforeseen chaos has touched even our own team with some unexpected changes, leading us to recalibrate and pivot in response. Despite the turbulence, there is a silver lining in the form of an opportunity for growth and resilience. We hold strongly to this belief.

So therefore, in the midst of navigating this unpredictability, our team took a moment to reflect on our purpose. We seized the chance to redefine our mission and values, resulting in a rejuvenated mission statement for the counseling center. Moreover, recognizing the importance of strong leadership during this time, we dug in with our dedicated leadership team as they came up with their own mission statement for the team of clinicians they serve. This deliberate refocusing and adjustment mark a significant step forward for us, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on our community. Stay tuned!

If you find yourself seeking support amid the prevailing chaos or disruptions, we extend an invitation to schedule a meeting with one of our trained professional therapists. They stand ready to help you navigate a personalized plan to move forward. Remember, you don't have to face these challenges alone.

Additionally, if you know someone who could benefit from the insights shared in this newsletter, please consider forwarding it to them. Explore our thoughtfully curated blogs below for further inspiration and guidance on your journey ahead.  And if this newsletter is not for you, feel free to unsubscribe. No hard feelings!
 

Warm Regards,

Dawn Gabriel, MA, LPC

CEO and Founder of Authentic Connections Counseling

Creating Healthy Connections: The Power of Boundaries in Relationships

Boundaries are the invisible lines we draw around ourselves, defining the space we need to protect our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In the intricate dance of relationships, these lines become the foundation for healthy and fulfilling connections. This blog delves into the significance of boundaries in relationships, exploring why they are crucial and providing insights on establishing and maintaining them.

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Navigating the Counseling Landscape: Understanding LPC, LCSW, and LMFT

In the world of counseling, it’s like having a team of superheroes ready to tackle life’s challenges with you. At our counseling center, we have a diverse team with three special licenses: LPC, LCSW, and LMFT. Think of it like having different superheroes with unique powers, all working together to help you on your journey.

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A therapist in Castle Rock, CO elaborates on why authentic connections between a therapist and client are important

In the historic town of Castle Rock, CO, individuals seeking support and healing find solace in the hands of dedicated therapists. As a therapist in Castle Rock, I’ve grown to recognize the profound influence that authentic connections can have over the therapeutic process. My own personal journey has been enriched by those who lived with authenticity and candor, serving as mentors and teachers in my life. Having navigated three different high schools and experienced 20 moves in 15 years, I intrinsically comprehend the art of networking and establishing meaningful connections. I intimately understand the significance of creating a secure space where one can simply be seen, be genuine, be heard, and be comprehended. In this contemplative space, I invite you to explore the pivotal reasons why cultivating genuine bonds between therapist and client is central to the transformative journey of therapy. Over eight years ago, when contemplating the founding of a counseling center in Castle Rock, CO, I found inspiration to name it Authentic Connections Counseling Center, drawing from the impactful insights of Brené Brown. Her wisdom will echo throughout this narrative. 

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