Welcome to the Maycember Newsletter! Hold onto your hats because May is here, and it's bringing all the chaos of December with it – hence the term "Maycember"! It's like December decided to take a summer vacation and landed right in the middle of May. But fear not, because we've got you covered with tips and tricks to navigate this busy month with style and grace. As we gear up to bid farewell to another school year and say hello to summer break, things are heating up in more ways than one. From end-of-year exams to graduation parties, and everything in between, May is the month where calendars fill up faster than you can say "sunscreen". But amidst the hustle and bustle of wrapping up the academic year, let's not forget the most crucial person in all of this chaos – you! That's right, it's time to prioritize self-care and ensure that you're not just surviving May, but thriving through it. Warmly, Dawn Gabriel, MA, LPC CEO and Founder of Authentic Connections Counseling |
I'm Rachel! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, which just means I have special training
to work with everyone-and I do! I enjoy working with kids 8+, teens, adults, couples, and families. As a systems therapist, I believe we don't grow up in a bubble in and of ourselves. We are very much impacted by our families of origin, where we grew up, culture, religion, school, work, military, friends, etc., I like to play detective and collect the puzzle pieces from you, as the client, to get a more robust understanding of who the client is. We all play roles in our systems, so it's my job
to figure out those roles and work together on what you want to keep and what you want to let go of. Issues I like to tackle with clients include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, and infidelity. I am trained in EMDR through the Maiberger Institute out of Boulder, CO and love to incorporate emotional and somatic regulation into my work. What I love about being a therapist is having the privilege of being a part of a person's journey for growth and development. A little about me: I am a Kentucky native (Go Cats), but have been living in Colorado since 2016. I have also been a CrossFit lover since 2013, but I promise I won't talk about it....unless you ask me about it. I graduated from Regis University with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. |
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| Hiking as a Spiritual ExperienceHiking is a popular pastime enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It’s a great way to get outside, exercise, and connect with nature. But did you know
that hiking can also be a spiritual experience? For many people, hiking provides an opportunity to connect with something greater than themselves and to find peace and serenity in the midst of nature. Continue reading
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| Navigating Divorce with Kids: Compassionate Guidance from a Castle Rock TherapistDivorce is a challenging journey, and when children are involved, navigating the
process becomes even more complex. As therapists at Authentic Connections Counseling Center in Castle Rock, Colorado, we understand the unique challenges and emotions that arise when parents navigate divorce while prioritizing the well-being of their children. Drawing from our expertise in family therapy and child psychology, we offer
compassionate guidance and practical strategies for co-parenting through divorce with love, empathy, and resilience. Continue reading » |
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| Recognizing Signs of Cumulative Stress: Why You Might Need Therapy Trauma isn't always obvious. Sometimes it sneaks up on us, wearing us down little by little until we feel like we can't take it anymore. This kind of stress, called cumulative stress, can build up over time and affect how we feel, think, and act. But here's the thing: just because it's not a big, dramatic event doesn't mean it's not
serious. In fact, ignoring the signs of cumulative stress can lead to bigger problems down the road. Continue reading » |
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| Understanding the Spectrum of Trauma: From Cumulative Stress to Major EventsTrauma is a complex spectrum, encompassing a range of experiences that can deeply affect individuals' mental and emotional well-being. While some traumatic events may be immediately recognizable as significant, others may seem less impactful at first glance but can accumulate over time, leading to profound effects on one's mental health. This distinction between
"little 't' trauma" and "big 'T' trauma" is vital for understanding the diverse ways in which trauma manifests and the potential long-term consequences for survivors. Moreover, the theory of accumulative stress suggests that seemingly minor traumas can add up, eventually resulting in similar psychological outcomes to those caused by major traumatic events. Continue reading » |
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| 5 Ways to Support your Teen’s Mental Health this SummerSchools out for summer! Sound familiar? As summer has arrived, parents need to consider the importance of
mental health care for their children and teens. As carefree as summer can seem, it can also be a time of increased stress and anxiety for many young people, with changes in routines, increased social pressures, and the absence of structured activities. As a team of therapists we understand the importance of mental health year round. Continue reading » |
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| Healing from DivorceDivorce can be one of life's most challenging experiences, bringing profound grief and upheaval to individuals and families alike. As therapists at Authentic Connections Counseling Center in Castle Rock, Colorado, we understand the complex emotions and struggles that accompany the process of divorce. Drawing from our expertise in guiding clients through times of transition and loss, we offer insights and strategies for navigating divorce grief with courage, resilience, and
healing. Continue reading » |
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