<![CDATA[Private Counseling - Blog]]>Sat, 04 Jan 2025 03:53:20 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[It’s so awkward!]]>Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:11:56 GMThttp://privatecounselingga.com/whatsnewblog/its-so-awkwardPicture
This universal phrase is used to express discomfort and fear. It is used by teens and adults in a variety of circumstances. While it is true that many things can have an “awkward” component to them, using this phrase creates avoidance.

Interestingly, synonyms for “awkward” rarely accurately identify the feeling an individual is trying to communicate. The synonyms for awkward include: bumbling, floundering, gawky, graceless, incompetent, unpolished, uncoordinated, or butterfingers. Using specific feelings to identify perceived or actual uncomfortable experiences is beneficial to handling that situation. 
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Meaning, yes, meeting someone new can be awkward; but more specifically, it may make you feel like you are “blundering” or “clumsy” with conversation. Okay! That’s helpful information. Now we can work on how to navigate conversations, including conversation starters, appropriate verbal and nonverbal responses, and ending a conversation. Building skills specific to the anxiety is necessary so you can effectively handle the discomfort associated with engaging in these valuable experiences. (see additional examples below)

Remember: Feelings are temporary. Humans can handle discomfort.
Avoiding discomfort means you will also miss out on something positive!

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When someone has anxiety, which is the root of the “awkward” freeze/flight reaction, it occurs to make you aware of the importance of that particular thing. Anxiety in any form (such as butterflies in your stomach, worried thoughts, sweating, headaches, racing heartbeat, shaking of arms or legs, blushing, tense muscles, loss of appetite, insomnia) are signs that something needs to be addressed. It does not mean that ‘thing’ is bad, wrong, or meant to be avoided. If you face the fear, the anxiety will decrease. If you let the fear win, the anxiety will increase and multiply. 
Strategies to responding to the freeze/flight response: self-CARE
  • Calm Self -- Pause and take a deep breath. As you exhale, focus on finding a reaction that is productive, positive, and forward-moving.
    • Repeat deep breathing until you can lower adrenaline and think clearly about the situation.
  • Awareness -- Identify the exact feeling that is creating "awkwardness" (i.e., embarrassment, scared, insecurity, fear)
  • Respond Internally -- Challenge the negative thought
    • i.e., If thinking “I can’t do this alone” reframe it to “I’m going to prove to myself that I can handle this!”
    • i.e., If thinking “Everyone will see me and I will feel so embarrassed” reframe it to “Most people aren’t watching me” and “I want to live my life for me, not hide in fear of what others may think.”
  • Execute – Choose an action that is positive and productive (i.e. say “yes” to something you might default to having said “no” to due to anxiety)
Additional “awkward” examples and Tips on cARE (Awareness, Respond, Execute):
  • flirting with a crush can be awkward –
    • or you might be doubtful and insecure that they will respond positively.
    • Thought: If you don’t try, you won’t know. Once you know, you can continue to flirt or move on.
  • giving a speech can be awkward –
    • or you might be fretful your voice will crack or be too soft.
    • Thought: practice speaking in front of a mirror, family, or friends to gain confidence and settle nerves, which builds confidence.
  • asking for a raise can be awkward –
    • or you might worry about your value in the workplace.
    • Thought: Review your skills and assets at your job. Access help building your self-esteem and processing your feelings and beliefs with a trusted professional or friend/family member. 
  • sharing your feelings can be awkward –
    • or you are aware of your vulnerability with this person when you share genuinely 
    • Thought: Being vulnerable is necessary to deepen and strengthen any relationship.
    • Cautionary Tip: Be selective with who you are vulnerable with (not everyone needs, can handle, or deserves to know your business!)
  • failing at something can be awkward –
    • or you are disappointed that something didn’t work out the way you hoped
    • Thoughts: No one is perfect. Losing/Being rejected/Making errors is a part of life that you can recover from! If you need help navigating, ask for help. 
  • perceived (or actual) judgement of your outfit can be awkward –
    • or you are personalizing actual/perceived insults
    • Thought: I like what I’m wearing. If someone stares, I will be confident in my choice, regardless of their opinion.
  • repairing relationships can be awkward –
    • or you feel scared that you might be rejected or it might be an ending
    • Thought: Ask yourself “do I care about this person?” If yes, then the distress is worth the effort to initiate a repair conversation.
  • tripping or falling can be awkward –
    • or you feel embarrassed or humiliated by your temporary coordination issue
    • Thought: Laugh at yourself! Everyone messes up sometimes and that’s okay!

Seek professional help from a therapist if you need support managing your anxiety in order for you to enjoy living your life to the fullest! 

Author

Bree Winkler is a licensed professional counselor in Atlanta, GA. She specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. 

]]><![CDATA[(FAQ): For Beginning Your Therapeutic Journey]]>Thu, 30 Dec 2021 15:22:20 GMThttp://privatecounselingga.com/whatsnewblog/faq-for-beginning-your-therapeutic-journey
It’s almost 2022 – Is it time to embrace a new beginning? New Year’s is a time to reflect on the previous year and decide how you want to approach the next year. New Year’s resolutions give you an opportunity to hold yourself accountable to trying to fulfill your goals and reach your dreams. An individual must embrace both the reflection and the planning in order to make meaningful personal changes.
However, change is hard. Making changes takes time, determination, perseverance, willpower, and a bit of grit (aka motivation + confidence). Often, it is also beneficial to have support, encouragement, and validation in order to follow through and reach your goals. 
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photo credit: valentineperez.com
Therapy is a resource that can help you.

Luckily, the stereotype is shifting from “counseling must be a secret” to “counseling is helpful.”

People attend therapy for many reasons. Each reason is unique and important to that individual.

Let’s explore some Frequently Asked Questions to help make the beginning of therapy a positive experience for you… so you can choose to embrace 2022... with the support you need:
Q: I don’t feel depressed or anxious; How can therapy help me?
A: Feelings of sadness and anxiety are parts of a range of normal emotions. Even though your feelings might not meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis, sometimes people need help managing these emotions. The therapist helps by understanding how you are feeling, what you are thinking, and supporting you in making necessary changes to fix any current issues (such as relationship problems, building confidence, managing priorities, and understanding your reaction to triggers, as well as processing your triggers).
 
Q: What types of problems can I get help with in counseling?
A: Therapy helps with a variety of issues, from non-clinical issues (i.e. personal growth, goal setting, motivation, building self-esteem, stress management, relationship issues, grief) to treating clinical diagnoses (i.e. major depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, adjustment disorder, substance abuse, and many others).
 
Q: What types of people go to therapy?
A: Anyone can attend therapy: kids/teens/adults, individuals/couples, singles/married/parents/divorced or separated/widowed, any race or nationality, any religion, any financial status, any gender, any political affiliation, anyone in need of help that is willing to accept help.
 
Q: What does it feel like to be client?
A: Everyone has different experiences. It will probably be a bit awkward during the initial session because you are simultaneously sharing personal information with a new person and also assessing the therapist’s ability to try to understand you and care for you. It can be a weird experience to be the center of attention and have the session be all about you. It can, and should, also be supportive. That support should leave you feeling validated, where you experience the therapist’s kindness and empathy.  
Q: How do I find a therapist that is a good fit for me?
A: Great, important question! Research shows that 75-90% of therapeutic effectiveness is due to the connection and therapeutic relationship between client and counselor. The goal is to believe you can trust the process to reaching your therapeutic goals with the therapist you choose.  Finding the counselor that is best for you includes a combination of: 1) research – gather the information available about the therapist and their counseling approach (website, articles, reviews, word of mouth). 2) communication – ask questions that are important for you to know; listen to how the therapist sounds/responds. 3) trust your instinct – defining how or why a person “clicks” with you is a feeling more than a formula. 
I hope this blog has been helpful for you to gain new information and to help motivate you to find the support you need (and deserve) as you enter a new year and work towards embracing an improved you! 

Author

Bree Winkler is a licensed professional counselor in Atlanta, GA. Bree helps clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. 

]]><![CDATA[Resuming life activities mid-/post-COVID]]>Tue, 20 Apr 2021 23:37:08 GMThttp://privatecounselingga.com/whatsnewblog/resuming-life-activities-mid-post-covidPicture
We are officially into year #2 of COVID-19. Remember when the USA shut it's boarders and told Americans we would [only] be in quarantine for 2 weeks? That was March 12, 2020. Life unfolded both quickly and slowly after that declaration. The “rules” and guidelines changed often. The goal was individual and communal safety. Many lives were saved due to masks, social distancing, quarantine, and caution; however, many lives perished despite these precautions and vigilant medical interventions.
It has been a trying 13 months: emotionally, mentally, financially, physically, personally. 
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In December 2020, Americans began receiving the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. We all heard rumors of work/school resuming to “normal.” We all had hope for a mask-free, hug-abundant life! The reality is… this process has been disjointed, disagreed on, and slower than hoped. ☹
 
As of today, the CDC reports 40.1% of US adults have received one dose of an FDA approved vaccine and 26% of US adults are fully vaccinated. What does this mean for daily life and travel?  
As a therapist, I’m acutely aware of the negative impact of isolation (including quarantine), lack of physical contact (especially hugs), and neglected intimacy (especially meaningful communication) has on an individual’s mental health. Physical safety must be the first priority, BUT emotional needs must be addressed as soon as safety is established. 

Each of us MUST find ways to LIVE through this pandemic.

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Even though the pandemic is still happening, each person has a decision to make:
  1. Live extremely safe in isolation (or in a very tight pod)
  2. Live cautiously but courageously to begin to resume “normal” activities
There’s no “right” or “wrong” decision. Each person must make a personal, informed, careful decision to best support their overall health (physical and emotional). This is not an easy or simple decision. However, a decision must be made each day to take care of an individual’s overall health. Please choose well to protect both your mental health and medical safety!
Available Resources
CDC
NAMI
Psychology Today
American Counseling Association

Author

Bree Winkler is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA. She specialized in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. 

]]><![CDATA[Reflecting on 2020, Self-Awareness, and Self-Care]]>Sun, 13 Dec 2020 02:33:29 GMThttp://privatecounselingga.com/whatsnewblog/reflecting-on-2020-self-awareness-and-self-careI rang in New Years 2020 quietly, intentionally. I was filled with hope, purpose, and excitement for what 2020 would bring to me personally, to my business and my clients professionally, and to my friends and family. I was ready for continued change: growth, exploration, positivity, happiness, and productivity. I ended 2019 confidently and felt grateful professionally. 

My birthday is in January.
​I had a blast celebrating with a group of sweet, funny gals!

​In February, I set off for my longest solo trip (to Spain), and was grateful to spend time with friends along the way!

​In March, COVID official hit the USA and shut down… everything! 

As the year progressed, lots of anxiety and pain occurred (for me, for my clients, for the world). However, there were also moments of joy (creative connectiveness, learning new ways to work and play, experiencing nature, remembering to be grateful, embracing life in the present, enjoying love, and so much more)! 
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Book Club - 11 years strong!
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Lovely parents trying to figure out Zoom
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UM Girls - part of my heart since 1996!
It is also important to empathize with the heartbreak and challenges. Some people have experienced devastating loss this year. Some people feel like they are barely holding on and making it to the next day.

We are good friends and citizens when think about and care about other people’s individual needs. 
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We also need to appreciate and accept any good that has happened this year. Be humble and appreciative of any good fortune you have been lucky to receive. Life is unpredictable. Change is inevitable. Balance is necessary to have hope for the future. We have to believe something good will come out of something bad, otherwise, we might give up.
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Hiking/Biking Maroon Bells in Aspen
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Sunset in Highlands, NC
We CANNOT give up. There is so much more to experience in life! Every day, every moment, is a new opportunity. Take care of yourself (and your loved ones) in order to experience the next new possibility.  (If you need help with depression or anxiety, seek professional mental health help)
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The new year brings opportunity for pause and reflection, as well as setting goals and planning for the future. Here are some of questions to consider:

2020 - reflection

  • What is the most important lesson you learned this year?
  • What is the best thing that happened?
  • What challenges did you endure?
  • What challenges did you overcome?
  • Who supported/encouraged you?
  • How did your relationships (family, friends, work) evolve?
  • How are you different than a year ago?
  • What did you do for your physical and mental health?
  • How kind were you to yourself?
  • What are you thankful for this year?
  • How do you describe this year in 3 to 5 keywords?
2021 - preparation
  • What is your intention/purpose for next year?
  • What is a mantra or word do you want to focus on this year?
  • What are you going to continue doing?
  • What do you want to change?
  • What will you do to step out of your comfort zone?
  • How will you help others?
  • Who will you ask for help and support from?
  • How will you take care of yourself mentally and physically?
  • What will you say “no” to?
  • What are your personal goals?
  • What are your professional goals?
How will you share this information?
Journal... talk to loved one... tell your counselor... podcast... other option?

Bree Winkler LPC

Bree Winkler is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA. Bree specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. 

]]><![CDATA[Telemental Health (Virtual) Counseling Sessions]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2020 21:54:04 GMThttp://privatecounselingga.com/whatsnewblog/telemental-health-virtual-counseling-sessionsProud to announce:
Private Counseling and Bree Winkler continue to offer virtual, HIPAA-compliant counseling sessions for your convenience! Here's a brief introduction -- 

Author

Bree Winkler is a licensed professional counselor in Atlanta, GA. Bree specializes in helping clients (virtually or in-person) manage depression, anxiety, anger, and relationship issues. 

]]><![CDATA[Telemental Health Benefits]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2020 11:50:43 GMThttp://privatecounselingga.com/whatsnewblog/telemental-health-benefits
april_2020_newsletter.pdf
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File Type: pdf
Download File

Author

Bree Winkler is a licensed professional counselor in Atlanta, GA. Bree helps clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. Contact today for more information and virtual support! 

]]><![CDATA[Coronavirus -- Safety First]]>Fri, 13 Mar 2020 19:43:20 GMThttp://privatecounselingga.com/whatsnewblog/coronavirus-safety-first
​On March 12, 2020, coronavirus (COVID-19) officially changed the way American’s live their lives. This is the day that local and state governments made significant changes to how individuals interact due to this pandemic. The trickle-down effect was quick and significant. Schools were closed for an undetermined period; churches suspended in-person services for several Sundays; corporate offices told employees to work from home for the foreseeable future; stores ran out of cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, soap, and toilet paper, in addition to running low on food and alcohol; major companies sent “calming” emails to share how they are helping to mitigate the spread of this disease; college and professional sports were canceled; and fun activities, like concerts, Broadway shows, and amusement parks are closed for at least a month. Hopefully, these are temporary changes. We are now in an unchartered territory.
What is most important now is for people to remain calm and to be diligent in keeping themselves safe. Currently, the CDC recommends the following safety precautions:
  • Wash hands often and thoroughly
  • Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose
  • Cover your face when coughing or sneezing
  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals
  • Stay home if you are sick
From a mental health perspective, individuals may experience a wide variety of emotions with these changes.
  • Fear: “What if I get sick?” “The world is coming to an end!” “Do I have enough food and supplies?”
  • Overwhelmed: “What’s the best way to solve this?” “What should I be doing now?”
  • Lonely: “I’m in isolation to stay healthy but so alone!” “When can I socialize again?”
  • Confusion: “How did this pandemic happen?” “Who is to blame?”
  • Frustration: “Why is there no hand sanitizer?” “Everyone acting so crazy!”
Emotions are normal and temporary. Allow yourself to experience all the emotions you are feeling. Here are some tips to help you manage the intense emotions occurring during this unprecedented time:
  • Talk to people you trust
  • Participate in hobbies (solo or keeping a safe distance from others)
  • Laugh – find joy each day
  • Schedule a (video) therapy session
  • Exercise
  • Eat healthy – take care of your body
  • Journal your feelings and thoughts
  • Meditate
  • Pray
  • Get outside and breathe fresh air
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
National Institute for Mental Health

Author

Bree Winkler is a licensed professional counselor in Atlanta, GA specializing in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. 

]]><![CDATA[Managing Anxiety]]>Wed, 12 Feb 2020 21:15:28 GMThttp://privatecounselingga.com/whatsnewblog/managing-anxiety
Racing thoughts...
Sleepless nights...
Worry...
Irrational fears...
Assumptions...
Stress…
Frustration… Concern… Self-doubt…
​When will it STOP?!?
Anxiety is experienced by everyone at some point (and that is normal!). However, anxiety disorders are present in approximately 30% of the US population. That means every 3rd person is experiencing symptoms of anxiety in their daily life. Sometimes these symptoms are debilitating (like panic attacks or avoidance due to social phobia). Often, the symptoms are intrusive (thoughts and fears) and create uncomfortable physical symptoms (sweating, headaches, stomachaches, shaking, crying).

When anxiety is managed correctly, it is a beneficial tool in helping an individual with motivation, avoiding a dangerous situation, or making decisions. Unfortunately, many people (including children and teens) have not learned how to manage their anxiety. When we don’t know how to fix a problem, a person is often scared of the problem. Typically, people try to avoid things they are scared of. Therefore, individuals suffering from anxiety are actually trying to avoid or ignore their own feelings! You might try to “stuff something down,” but it doesn’t go away. It MUST be addressed in order to be fixed (or at least managed effectively). 
Tips on How to Manage Your Anxiety
  • Challenge Negative Thoughts: Your thoughts control your feelings and actions. If you think badly about something, you will feel and act poorly too! For example, if you think “I am stupid and my boss is going to fire me” you will feel discouraged. Challenge the negative thought by stating the opposite, positive thought (i.e. “I have strengths and weaknesses. Some of my strengths in this job are ____. I can work my deficits by asking for help/attending training/research. I will put in positive effort every day to do my best and be successful at this job!”)
  • Mindfulness: A nonjudgmental awareness of what is happening in the present moment (instead of focusing on past regret or future worry). Ask yourself “what are the things I see, hear, smell, feel, and taste right now?” Focus on those tangible elements. Stop your mind from wandering to other thoughts (usually negative or worrisome). Breathe slowly and focus on your senses.
  • Meditation: Sit in a comfortable place and focus on breathing in slowly (count to 4) and breathing out slowly (count to 4). Repeat. Relax your muscles consciously. Calm your brain (your thoughts) with slow, calming breaths. You can incorporate music or prayer, as necessary. 
  • Make an Affirmation List: List all of your wonderful qualities and accomplishments (i.e. “I am kind,” “I am smart,” “I try my best.” Review this list often. You have to (re)train your brain to think positively and prevent your brain from defaulting your negative traits.
  • Positive Self-Talk: Tell yourself you are strong and you can handle this scary situation. Remind yourself that the worry will pass and that you will be okay. Counteract the negative thought with an opposite, but truthful, positive statement. For example, instead of saying to yourself “I’m not worthy of love,” shift to positive self-talk and say “I am a lovable person and I have proof of this because my family and friends care about me.”
  • Talk to someone: Your friends, family, and others (including your therapist) all want you to have a good day and feel safe. If you are struggling, ask for help. Sharing how you feel with compassionate people is cathartic. It also gives you an opportunity to experience your thoughts from a different perspective. 
  • Exercise: It reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins (chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators). Sweat is also good for controlling your body temperature. And, then muscle tension from anxiety will be relieved!
  • Get Outside: Fresh air and sunshine are nature’s way of showing you some love. Embrace it!
  • Smile: Enjoy the moment. [Do it now] Did your body and mind shift? I bet it did 😊
  • Laughing: Humor is a great way to diffuse anxiety. Laugh the worry away!
  • Hobbies: Participating in your favorite hobby is a healthy way to distract yourself from unnecessary worries. You can draw, dance, sing, paint, listen to music, read, write a story or poem, play a sport, take pictures, or any other positive activity you enjoy!

If you need more support managing your anxiety, contact Bree today!

Author

Bree Winkler is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA. Bree specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. 

]]><![CDATA[This is… 2020 – The Year of Perfect Vision]]>Fri, 10 Jan 2020 21:49:58 GMThttp://privatecounselingga.com/whatsnewblog/this-is-2020-the-year-of-perfect-vision
This is… 2020 – The Year of Perfect Vision

A new year is often thought of as a fresh start, a new beginning. This year, we are not only beginning a new year, but we are embarking on a new decade. Starting a new chapter with extra symbolism (seeing “clearly”), is an even bigger opportunity to embrace the year/decade with positivity, goals, striving for dreams, and making amazing memories!
One way I like to “focus” on this new path is with a word map. I’m a visual learner, so that means I retain and process information better when I can see it. (“See” it --- 20/20 vision – get it?!? Ok, I’ll stop with the puns!) Word maps are easy to make. You start with a central idea/goal. Next, you add topics/plans to reach the main goal. You will also need to add additional details off the subsets to clarify and strengthen your plan.

The first step is to reflect on what you want to accomplish this year. <Pause> Take a few moments (before you continue reading) to write out all the things you want to pursue, tackle, achieve, purge, and/or change this year and beyond.

The second step is to review everything you wrote down. Which things are long-term goals (3+ years in the future)? Which items are short-term goals (now to 1+ years)?

The third step is to deciding where to start. Choose one goal. (You can create a word map for each goal, but start with the most important and immediate first!)

Finally, you will create your word map so you have a visual reference to refer to until the goal is accomplished. Remember: life is hectic and it can be easy to get distracted from what is most important to you. This process and final picture will give you a place to return, to (re)center yourself, and to continue to move forward in accomplishing each goal!

As a counselor and always evolving human, a big goal for me is Self-Care. We’ll use this sample goal to illustrate how you can create your own Word Map. 
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Now, you are ready to brainstorm and create your own word map to showcase and focus on your “perfect vision” for this year! I hope 2020 is your BEST year yet!!

Author

Bree Winkler is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA, specializing in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. If you are seeking professional therapy, contact Bree today!

]]><![CDATA[The Holidays are Just Around the Corner]]>Tue, 10 Dec 2019 23:45:56 GMThttp://privatecounselingga.com/whatsnewblog/the-holidays-are-just-around-the-corner
               Whoa!! –
Christmas is only 15 days away!
And, Hanukkah starts 3 days prior to that!
Are you feeling the holiday CHEER...
or are you feeling the holiday FEAR?!? 
The holidays can be “the most wonderful time of the year” for some people. However, many others seem to be sucked into the stress that comes with the holidays – traffic, money, selfishness, time constraints, work schedules, gifts, parties, family obligations, vacations… just to name a few. Yes, some of these things are real issues to deal with, but some of them are perceptions and assumptions that we put on ourselves to add to our stress.
For example: Real stress: financial budget. Perceived stress: belief in how much money you must spend on gifts and holiday activities. 

Tips to Manage Holiday Stress

  • Time Management: Look at all of your obligations and extra events. Decide where/when to complete each activity. Say “no” to other invites or requests. Stick to your plan (so you don’t resent the person or the event for “making” you do something else).
  • Self-Care: Ask yourself, what makes ME happy? Then, do that nice thing for yourself daily. Ideas include – bubble bath, watching favorite show/movie, listening/dancing/singing to music, enjoying fresh air, read, talk to a friend.
  • Exercise: Work out that tension out with sweat. Your mood improves after cardiovascular exercise. Your body gets stronger and healthier. You feel better about your efforts, your health, and your appearance. You make better choices.
  • Thought Shifts: Have you noticed you are focused more on perceived “have to” and “should do”? That’s a pressure you put on yourself. You don’t “have to” wrap gifts perfectly. Only you believe you “should” buy gifts for every single person you come into contact with. Instead, shift your thoughts to “want to” and “capable of.” If you like your mail carrier and have time and resources to give them a gift, go for it. If you don’t, that’s fine too! Remove the self-inflicted, negative pressure you are putting on yourself.
  • Communication: Sometimes it is tough to interact with family, coworkers, and friends. Decide, this year, to either 1) say how you feel and what you need from them OR 2) let it go and just live your life without it. Staying in limbo is so exhausting!
  • Fun! Choose joy! Embrace gratitude daily, especially in the little things. Cut out the nonessentials to make space in your day (and in your mind) for random things that make you smile and laugh.
  • Ask for Help: Need a supportive, empathetic person to talk to? Everybody does!! Having a safe and loving support system is very important. If you need to add professional help to your support system, contact Bree Winkler or research other therapists.
​I hope you have a wonderful, and peaceful, holiday season! May your days be filled with love, purpose, and laughter. Implementing these strategies can start today AND can continue into (and beyond) 2020!

Author

Bree Winkler is a licensed professional counselor in Atlanta, GA. Bree specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. 

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