In this episode focused on Fearless Living, we dive deep into the world of fear and phobias, exploring how they can impact our lives and hinder us from living to our fullest potential. Join us as we unravel real-life stories and practical strategies to overcome these challenges and reclaim control of our lives. From understanding the difference between everyday fears and debilitating phobias to offering support to loved ones, we cover it all. Key Takeaway's Understanding Fear vs. Phobia: Fear is a natural response to perceived threats, while phobias are intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations. Phobias can significantly disrupt daily life and may require professional intervention. Recognizing the Signs: Physical symptoms, avoidance behavior, panic attacks, distress, and anticipatory anxiety are common indicators of phobias. Recognizing these signs is crucial in seeking appropriate help and support. Strategies for Overcoming Fear: Gradual exposure, mindfulness techniques, and positive self-talk can help individuals confront and manage their fears effectively. Seeking professional help, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, can facilitate long-term recovery. Supporting Loved Ones: Educate yourself about your loved one's phobia and offer empathetic support without judgment. Encourage them to seek professional help and accompany them if needed. On-the-Couch Takeaways: If fear is impacting your life, don't ignore it or shame yourself. Seek help and support. Gradually facing your fears and practicing relaxation techniques can empower you to overcome them. Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show Master Class Sign Uphttps://neelycounseling.com/bsb-masterclass/ Neely Counseling Center https://neelycounseling.com Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/usInstagram Rate, Review, & Follow-on Apple Podcasts: Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people, just like improving their mental health and living a better story Today. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.

Ever found yourself suddenly overwhelmed by emotions from the past? It's like a tidal wave crashing into your present moment. In our latest episode, "Backstory Triggers," we dive deep into the powerful impact of unresolved experiences from the past resurfacing in your life. Learn why "If it's hysterical, it's probably historical." Understand the origins of exaggerated reactions and emotions by delving into unresolved experiences from the past. Explore how past traumas or unresolved issues influence present responses, shedding light on behavioral patterns and emotional triggers. Our guest expert licensed professional counselor, Roxanne Collins, drops so many nuggets of wisdom on this episode. Join us as we explore practical strategies to handle past wounds resurfacing in your life. Your backstory shapes your present, but it doesn't have to control your future. Key Takeaways - If it's hysterical, it's probably historical. Understand the origins of exaggerated reactions and emotions by delving into unresolved experiences from the past. Explore how past traumas or unresolved issues influence present responses, shedding light on behavioral patterns and emotional triggers. - You have to ground yourself before you can elevate: Prioritize the psychological importance of grounding techniques in fostering self-awareness and emotional stability. Learn how techniques such as mindfulness and self-reflection can help slow down, center oneself, and process emotions effectively, laying the foundation for personal growth and resilience. - You can show up for your old self as your new self: Navigate the journey of self-transformation by recognizing the tug-of-war between past habits and present aspirations. Explore strategies to confront and overcome old patterns of behavior, empowering your present self to make choices aligned with growth and authenticity. Guest Bio Roxanne Collins, is a dedicated Licensed Professional, is a beacon of support and transformation. With a Master's degree in School Counseling from The University of Texas at San Antonio, she has a deep understanding of the intricacies of human development, especially during the formative years of adolescence. Roxanne's journey began as an educator, where she witnessed firsthand that every student she encountered was crafting the early chapters of their life story, which would later shape their future. Her passion lies in assisting both adolescents and adults in rediscovering and rewriting the chapters of their life narratives, both past and present. Through a therapeutic lens, she helps individuals craft the chapters of their future, instilling hope and direction.Furthermore, Roxanne is committed to strengthening family bonds by empowering the unique identities of each family member. She firmly believes that each individual is the ultimate expert of their own life. To facilitate this process, Roxanne draws from a rich tapestry of therapeutic approaches, incorporating concepts from narrative therapy, person-centered theory, and cognitive behavior therapy. With empathy and insight, she illuminates the experiences and behaviors that have led individuals to their current state while offering guidance on making meaningful shifts to align their lives with their true selves and core values. Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show Roxanne Collins roxanne_collins_lpc (Instagram) Master Class Sign Uphttps://neelycounseling.com/bsb-masterclass/ Neely Counseling Center https://neelycounseling.com Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/usInstagram Rate, Review, & Follow-on Apple Podcasts: Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people, just like improving their mental health and living a better story Today. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.

Have you ever questioned your role in this dance of love, or observed your partner sending mixed signals? In this episode, we will delve into the intriguing dynamic of the "runner-chaser" phenomenon that many individuals find themselves in. The chaser typically takes on the role of initiator, pushing for the relationship and yearning for love and acknowledgment, while the runner adopts a more distant, commitment-phobic stance, alternating between hot and cold behaviors, often sending mixed signals. Our goal is to explore both perspectives, understanding how past experiences might contribute to these patterns of behavior. Key Takeaways: Know Your Attachment Style: - Unearth the origins of your behavior by understanding attachment styles like anxious and insecure, rooted in childhood. - Explore how these attachment styles shape your role as either a chaser or a runner in relationships. Pay Attention to Defense Mechanisms: - Spot the signs of defense mechanisms, including deflecting, constant blaming, or hot-and-cold behavior. - Decode these red flags to gain insights into whether your partner is currently in a chaser or runner phase, fostering a healthier connection. Healthy Doesn't Mean Perfect: - Embrace the dance of a balanced relationship, where both partners take turns chasing and running. - Acknowledge that imperfections are a natural part of the journey and commit to working through ups and downs for a resilient and lasting connection. Guest Bio- Erika Chavez Pena M.ED., LPC Erika Chavez Pena dedicated 21 years to the public education system, serving as a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing and as a high school counselor. Transitioning to the role of a Licensed Professional Counselor, she has been actively engaged in the counseling profession for the past 6 years. During her early career as an educator, Erika cultivated a passion for public speaking, delivering presentations for students, parents, and community members. More recently, she expanded her expertise by providing training for Neely Counseling Center's Employee Assistance Program. Her presentations focus on the psychological and emotional well-being of individuals, emphasizing the importance of balancing emotional, cognitive, social, and physical aspects. Currently, Erika provides counseling services to adolescents, adults, and couples at Neely Counseling Center. Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show Need Counseling neelycounseling.com Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/drkirleen/?hl=en Rate, Review, & Follow-on Apple Podcasts: Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people, just like improving their mental health and living a better story today. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast.

🎙️ Ready to Crush Success Blocks? Join us in the latest episode of "Crushing Success Blocks" on the Drop the BS podcast, where we unpack strategies to overcome emotional hurdles and pave the way for triumph. From challenging emotional avoidance to detoxing catastrophizing, discover how to master your mindset for success. Key Takeaways: Emotional Intelligence Unleashed: - - Challenge emotional avoidance by asking yourself, "PQ – What am I feeling?" - Name and acknowledge emotions like worry, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and doubt. - Foster emotional awareness and resilience for personal growth. Catastrophizing Detox: - - Combat catastrophizing by seeking a balanced perspective. - Shift from jumping to conclusions to asking, "What is a more balanced way to look at this situation?" - Break the habit of letting worst-case scenarios dominate your thoughts. Opinions: Yours vs. Others: - - Examine whose opinion carries more weight – yours or others. - Break the cycle of constant self-comparison, leading to feelings of inadequacy. - Embrace your accomplishments without undermining them in comparison to others. Listener Challenge:Challenge yourself this week to implement one strategy discussed in the episode to overcome emotional hurdles. Share your experiences using #CrushingSuccessBlocks. Episode at a Glance [2:16] A real story from the couch about breaking through success blocks [14:00] Couch Time Takeaway's Rate, Review, & Follow-on Apple Podcasts: Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people, just like improving their mental health and living a better story today. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show Need Counseling? Try Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/usInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/drkirleen/?hl=en

Welcome to season six on Drop the BS podcast, where we dive deep into the delicate threads of family dynamics. In today's episode, we unravel the powerful narrative of forgiveness and healing, especially when family wounds cast a shadow over the joyous holiday season. Here's the episode at a glance: [2:35] Stroy from the Couch [08:16] On the Couch Takeaway 🎄 Episode Highlights: Case Study: A Holiday Dilemma - We explore a poignant case where a wife grappled with the decision to visit her mother-in-law, given years of rudeness and disrespect. Join us as we delve into the complexities of this emotional journey. Resolving Family Tensions - Discover how our featured couple navigated through their challenges, ultimately finding a path to resolution. Real and relatable, their story serves as a guiding light for those facing similar family struggles during the holidays. Counselor's Couch Takeaways - Drawing from professional insights, we share actionable tips on how listeners can initiate healing conversations and work towards forgiveness. From setting boundaries to fostering open communication, these takeaways aim to empower you on your own journey. 🌈 Key Takeaways: - Setting Boundaries: Learn the art of setting healthy boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. - Open Communication: Explore the importance of transparent and empathetic communication, especially in the context of family dynamics. - Forgiveness: Understand the transformative power of forgiveness and how it can pave the way for healing, even in the most challenging family relationships. Similar Episodes: 88: The First Holiday After a Loss Rate, Review, & Follow-on Apple Podcasts: Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like to improve their mental health and live a better today story. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show: Neely Counseling https://www.neelycounseling.com Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us Drop The BS Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/dropthebspodcast/

Breaking up with a best friend can feel just as painful as https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a26040141/should-i-get-a-divorce/. And while everyone acknowledges the trauma of romantic breakups, people don’t really talk about the fallout of a platonic separation. But the truth is a breakup is a breakup. When you share intimacy, and trust, in a friendship making the decision to dissolve the relationship can be very difficult. So on today show I’ve brought on one of my besties Frank Baly to dish on this topic we’ve both had our ups and downs in friendship and I hope our perspectives helps you navigate the choppy water of breaking up with a bestie. Similar Episodes: 87: Feeling Unheard and Unseen in Relationships? Rate, Review, & Follow-on Apple Podcasts: Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like to improve their mental health and live a better today story. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show Frank Balyhttps://www.frankabaly.com Neely Counseling https://www.neelycounseling.com Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us Drop The BS Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/dropthebspodcast/

In Episode 99, Pt. 2, we continue to unravel the Love Language Paradox: I dive into the dos and don'ts of how to effectively use love languages. You will leave this episode ready to love and live from a new perspective. Similar Episodes 79: Should You Consider Couples Counseling? w/Dr. Kimberly VanBuren 57: Heal Relationship Disconnects w/Third Layer Conversations Rate, Review, & Follow-on Apple Podcasts: Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like to improve their mental health and live a better today story. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show Love Language Test:https://5lovelanguages.com/ Neely Counseling https://www.neelycounseling.com Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us Drop The BS Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/dropthebspodcast/

Odds are, you've heard of the five love five languages by now, and you may even have proclaimed out loud that your love language is physical touch, quality time, or one of the five. But in my work as a therapist, I find that people are missing the real magic behind what makes love languages a powerful concept and maybe misunderstand the original intent. Three decades ago, Gary Chapman, a 50-year-old Southern Baptist pastor with a doctorate in adult education, introduced the concept to the world with his seminal book, "The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts." In our two-part series, we are going to break down how to effectively utilize the five love languages to give and receive the love you deserve. Similar Episodes 79: Should You Consider Couples Counseling? w/Dr. Kimberly VanBuren 57: Heal Relationship Disconnects w/Third Layer Conversations Rate, Review, & Follow-on Apple Podcasts: Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like to improve their mental health and live a better today story. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show Love Language Test:https://5lovelanguages.com/ Neely Counseling https://www.neelycounseling.com Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us Drop The BS Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/dropthebspodcast/

If you know me, then you know that I am seriously a big fan of therapy. I might be a little biased as a therapist, but the truth is I am a big fan because I have seen firsthand the ability therapy has to transform lives. I have seen marriages saved, depression lifted, and teens get back on track with their life. However, I do understand that there may be a period in time when going to therapy is just not possible. Whether it is because of finances, time, or maybe you simply aren’t ready. So, on today’s show, I am going to share some simple self-help tools you can use in between therapy sessions. Here's a glance at this episode: [3:35] Disclaimer [4:16] Tip #1: Journaling [7:56] Prompt examples [17:30] Tip #2: Work on disrupting your thoughts. [19:10] Put your thoughts on trial. [25:33] Toolbox Takeaway Similar Episodes: Episode 55: Dump the Inner Critic Episode Episode 51: Are you considering therapy? Rate, Review, & Follow-on Apple Podcasts: Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like to improve their mental health and live a better today story. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show Neely Counseling https://www.neelycounseling.com Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us Drop The BS Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/dropthebspodcast/

It's challenging to help a loved one struggling with any type of addiction. Sometimes direct, heart-to-heart conversation can lead to arguments, lies, and denial. Family and friends are often unsure of whether what they are dealing with is really an addiction or just misuse. The bottom line is seeing someone you love spiral into what you think is addiction is scary and can have emotional and psychological ramifications for everyone. In Episode 96, to help me explore this topic I’ve brough in Aaron Ballesteros, Licensed Professional Counselor. He has a passion for substance abuse work and shares some nuggets of wisdom on this episode. Substance abuse and substance misuse are often thought to be the same, but they have different meanings. Someone who delas with substance abuse means that they are intentionally using the drug in an unhealthy and illegal way. Whereas substance misuse is using or taking medicine in a way it was not intended to do so. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), 21.4% of people who are 12 and over have used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the last year. However, it was also discovered that the drug use among people aged 12 and over is down 0.4% year-over-year. Similar Episodes: Episode 83: Should You Use Medication to Manage Your Mental Health? w/ Dr. Kim Episode 77: Stress Management 101 Rate, Review, & Follow-on Apple Podcasts: Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like to improve their mental health and live a better today story. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. Resources/Things Mentioned During The Show Aaron Ballesteros https://www.instagram.com/counseloraaron/?hl=en Aaron Ballestersohttps://www.tiktok.com/@counseloraaron?lang=en Neely Counseling https://www.neelycounseling.com Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us Drop The BS Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/dropthebspodcast/