Mental Health Therapy and Counseling | Blog | What's New in Therapy | Atlanta, GA | 30092 - Private Counseling

www.PrivateCounselingGA.com Private Counseling provides mental health therapy and counseling services to adults and adolescents in Atlanta, GA.

Care Less to Live More!

7/21/2018

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Author

Bree Winkler, Ed.S., LPC, CAMS-II is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA. She counsels adults and adolescents at her practice, Private Counseling, in Peachtree Corners, GA. Bree is currently accepting new clients. Contact Bree now to schedule your initial session!

What are Normal Emotions???

6/27/2018

Do you feel happy all the time? Or, do you think you should feel happy all the time? Is your day filled with anger? Does the thought of thinking about emotions make you anxious? Has sadness crept into your life unexpectedly? Are you scared of things in your life? Can you think of some things that bring you joy? Have you ever been hurt or disappointed by someone? Is grief something you have experienced more than you would like?

As a counselor, I believe it is my duty to share that “normal” isn’t an accurate descriptive word for mental health. Emotions – all emotions – have a purpose. Emotions tell the brain and body that a reaction is needed. If you avoid (or suppress) negative emotions – such as anger, fear, hurt, depression, vulnerability, pain, or embarrassment – then you also constrict your ability to experience positive emotions – such as excitement, joy, love, relief, happiness, pride, humor, and calmness. Both positive and negative emotions are processed in the amygdala, which is in the temporal lobe of your brain.

The emotions you feel depend on how you interpret a particular situation. Then, your brain decides which chemicals to release – Serotonin, Dopamine, Glutamate, or Norepinephrine – to help you respond to the situation. Without emotions, you might not react appropriately.

Let’s see how this works:
You have met a cute guy (or girl) and have plans for a first date. You are excited (positive) and nervous (negative). With the help of your brain, these emotions propel you to look and act your best for that first impression. This process, hopefully, will help you secure a second date!

Another example:
Spending time with your grandmother brings you such joy (positive), but her health has been failing and she is often in pain. When she dies, you are devastated (negative), even though you know she is free from pain now. Your emotions allow you to both celebrate her life and your memories, as well as grieve (including crying, getting angry, and experiencing shock). After a while, your emotions will regulate so you can function at a manageable level.

Therefore, emotions are not only “normal,” they are also necessary! Feeling is a gift; a gift to experience life – the good and the bad!

Emotions are also temporary! You are not always going to be operating at as stress level of 10 (even though it might feel like it at work some days!). You are also not always going to be ANY emotion.

Imagine a “normal” day of accepting your emotions as this:

Take home message: Accept emotions as a healthy part of your daily life. Embrace the positive and negative emotions. Live life to the fullest!

Author

If you are having difficulty managing your emotions (or other personal issues), seek professional help. Bree Winkler LPC is a licensed professional counselor in Atlanta, GA. Bree specializes in helping clients with anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. Contact Bree today for your FREE phone consultation.

Extended Office Hours

5/2/2018

Exciting news for Private Counseling!!

Beginning May 31st, I am excited to announce that I will be expanding my office hours!

Summer hours
Monday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: by request only
Thursday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM

What this means for current clients:

Flexibility in choosing afternoon or evening appointment sessions.
More options during the week to make a therapy appointment.

What this means for NEW clients:

No more wait list!
I am able to welcome you as a new client quicker.
Convenience and flexibility in choosing an afternoon or evening appointment time that fits your schedule.

Are you ready to begin your therapeutic journey with me? Contact Bree for a FREE phone consultation today!

I look forward to seeing you in my office soon! Bree :)

Happiness: Seek Balance

4/29/2018

It is not “normal” to be happy all the time, right? A normal range of emotions includes happiness, but also worry, disappointment, curiosity, love, excitement, anger, and neutrality, among hundreds of other ways to feel. Another way of thinking about the range of emotions is to focus on seeking internal balance.

What does balance look like?

Timing: You are a busy person (job, family, friends, fun, responsibilities, self-care, and more). Are you able to complete everything you need and want to each day? Do you feel comfortable balancing all the things on your plate? Is there a time and place for each important thing?
Physically: When you are emotionally balanced, your body is physically functioning optimally. This means you are able to sleep 7-9 hours per night, your digestive system works properly, your body can recover quickly from aches and pains, you eat healthy meals, and taking care of yourself is a natural part of your lifestyle.

Career: You spend a lot of time at work during the week. Balance is achieved when you have boundaries. Meaning: you leave work at an appropriate time and you leave work behind when you leave! In addition, while you are at work, you embrace this time with passion and enjoyment.

Relationships: Other people are important aspects of your personal balance. No one lives in a bubble. Humans are social creatures; we need each other. If you have time (and desire) to talk openly and honestly to the special people in your life, your connection to others strengthens.
Mental Health: How you interpret your experiences affects your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Do you balance joy/pleasure with relaxation/self-care? Are you able to love yourself and to love others? Are you open to what is to come (instead of focusing negatively on what has been)?
Emotional: A balanced person is not exhausted all the time. Contentment, peace, and (hopefully) happiness are felt the majority of the time. Your love tank is full!

Take a moment to evaluate yourself on each of these elements:

Think of a moment when you have felt truly happy recently.
How did balance play a role in that happiness?
What did your personal balance look and feel like? Be descriptive.
How can you achieve this balance more frequently?
What is preventing you from seeking, achieving, and maintaining balance each day of your life?

Bell Rock in Sedona, AZ

My hope and desire for you (my client, my audience, my friends) and myself is internal balance. For me, that includes calmness, quality time with special people, daily purpose, exercise, laughter, positive thoughts, and fresh air with sunshine. Just saying this aloud makes my heart feel open and warm. How can I help you reach your inner balance, your peace, your happiness?

Contact Bree today to schedule your initial mental health session so you can achieve balance for yourself.

Author

Bree Winkler is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Bree’s specialties include helping clients with depression, anxiety, anger, and relationship issues. Her practice, Private Counseling LLC, is located in Peachtree Corners, GA.

Wellness Newsletter -- Anxiety

4/17/2018

Bree Winkler is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Private Counseling LLC in Peachtree Corners, GA. Contact Bree for a FREE phone consultation.

Change - Are You Ready?!?

3/10/2018

By Bree Winkler LPC

Change is often viewed as scary, uncomfortable, and/or anxiety-provoking. Those are not happy words! Why do so many people (you included?) believe change = bad?

Some of the definitions of “change” in Webster’s Dictionary include:

to replace with another
to make a shift from one to another
to undergo a modification of
to become different
to undergo transformation or transition

These definitions are not something to fear. Instead, they give me feelings of hope, determination, excitement, eagerness, and anticipation. So, does this mean change = good?

Whoa! Mind shift!

Doing something new is entering into the unknown. When a person can’t control the outcome, negative feelings and fears surface. I’ve experienced this as well (too many times in my life!). However, when I am honest with myself, nothing new (and better!) has occurred without change.

First day of school: Every year, from Kindergarten to post-graduate classes to working in a school as a counselor, is a new start. There is hope each year for the possibilities of what will occur. There is also worry: “will I have classes with my friends?” “will I be liked?” “is my teacher going to be nice and helpful?” “is my outfit okay?” Whew – that is a lot of worry about the unknown. Then, the day starts and you smile at a friend and feel confident. You learn throughout the year and feel proud. You forget about those worries and enjoy the newness of this year. Change = Good!
Moving: Whether you are renting or buying; choosing to live with roommates, a partner, or alone; moving down the street or across the country; moving towards something or away from something; moving is exhausting, overwhelming, and can be complicated. However, those aren’t really reasons to stay. You move to grow. If you didn’t accept that this type of change was needed, you will still be living in your childhood bedroom! Change = Good!
Dating: Most people don’t want to be alone. People usually like to be around others; to be accepted by others. However, dating means opening yourself up for rejection. No thank you! But, then you are lonely. So, that isn’t good. In order to find your soulmate, you have to meet people. You only need one date to be “the one.” Therefore, change occurs over and over in this category while you look for your Prince (or Princess). Is it always fun? Not for me! But, it is necessary to achieve your personal relationship goals. Don’t give up on yourself or your happiness. Change = Good!
Professionally: Staying in the same job, same location, same everything is a rare trait in professionals today. People need to feel purposefully. People need to evolve. Often, this desire for change and fulfillment creates an internal conflict; do I stay or do I go-go? If staying means you feel unmotivated, unhappy, unfulfilled, and unnecessary, then a change is needed. Embrace the newness; embrace the unknown for the possibility of professional fulfillment! Change = Good!

Have I convinced you that you can handle change? I know I have convinced myself 😊

I am excited (nervous, but determined) to announce:

I will be expanding my Counseling Session hours beginning Summer 2018!
Stay tuned for the new hours!

I also want to THANK my current clients for trusting me and continuing on this journey for self-improvement and healthy CHANGE! Change = Good!

Bree Winkler is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA. Her company is Private Counseling LLC. New clients are currently being accepted. Contact Bree today for more information.

Likeable? Accepting Yourself in an Unkind World.

2/25/2018

Silly Bree! No yawning before the video begins :)

Transcript of Video Blog:

Hi guys! Bree Winkler here. I’m a licensed professional counselor near Atlanta, GA, specifically located in Peachtree Corners, GA.

Something very important has come to my attention and I want to share it with all of you.

Here is what I have learned to accept recently:
Not everyone is going to like me.

Ouch - right?!? I mean, I’m likeable. I’m funny (sometimes!). I’m smart. I’m kind to others. But, I also have qualities that might not be appreciated by others, such as a sarcasm or Type-A personality qualities.

Regardless, just because I am not loved or liked by everyone, doesn’t mean I am not loveable or likeable! This is a fact we have to teach ourselves and remind ourselves regularly!

To reinforce this concept, I believe MANTRAS are helpful. Mantras are short phrases to repeat to yourself. Can you add this mantra to your daily routine?

“I am entirely myself, not the sum of what other people think of me.”

How does it feel to say this phrase aloud?
Can you look at yourself in the mirror while repeating this?
Do you believe it?

Changing your beliefs takes time. Keep repeating this mantra several times a day until you can believe that you ARE likeable and loveable, especially in an unkind world!

Bree Winkler is a Licensed Professional Counselor near Atlanta, GA. Contact Bree for mental health therapy.

Benefits of Counseling -- Tips and Encouragement to Begin Therapy

2/8/2018

By Bree Winkler LPC @ Private Counseling
Located in Peachtree Corners, GA

* Please pardon my 'frozen' face before the video starts. I am proud to show you all my flaws! *

Not able to view the video?
Below is the transcript of the content.

Hello and thanks for visiting Private Counseling’s Blog “What’s New in Therapy”! I am Bree Winkler and I’m a licensed professional counselor. You are watching this video because you think you could benefit from some therapeutic help. BUT, you are also nervous and unsure about the process. You don’t want to waste your time or money. You aren’t sure if your issues are big enough for professional help. Does this sound like you? Of course, it does! We all wrestle with the unknown. Therapy is a new experience, either because it is your first time ever talking to a counselor for help or it is just a new therapist to talk to. Here are a couple of tips to help you navigate this process.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, needs help. You are not ‘crazy’ when you go to therapy. Instead, you are choosing to take care of yourself. Help is available.
You might be thinking, ‘I have friends and family I can talk to,’ which is probably true. But, what if you need to talk about your relationships with them? Or, what if they just don’t know how to really listen to you to understand you completely? Or, what if you don’t know how to express yourself to them? This is why counseling is beneficial.
Another reason for counseling is breaking poor habits. Habits are difficult to change. Why? Because it takes work and because change is uncomfortable. A good counselor can help you make a plan to change an unhealthy or unhelpful habit, as well as support and encourage you through the process.
People want to know what type of reasons someone would attend therapy? Clients go to counseling for a variety of topics. I specialize in helping clients cope with the normal events of life: relationships, anxiety, mood changes including depression, anger management, handling unexpected events such as grief, job loss, moving, and also helping build communication skills for all aspects of a client’s life.
People also ask how long they would have to attend therapy? Well, that also depends on the person. Some clients attend counseling for a few sessions to resolve a specific issue or reach a particular goal; other clients attend therapy for many sessions, depending on their personal needs.
The final tip I have today is about the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client. This relationship is the MOST important aspect of effective counseling. Trust your gut during your initial phone consultation with a prospective therapist. If you are going to share your deepest secrets and fears with the counselor, then you need to feel comfortable trusting that counselor.

I hope these tips were helpful for you in making a decision about counseling. If you are watching this, I would be honored to be your therapist. My office is located in Peachtree Corners. If you live in GA, also offer Skype sessions for clients who cannot easily make it to my office. I hope to hear from you soon! But, most importantly, I hope you find the right counselor for you to get the help you need. Have a good day!

Self-Doubt: Is this happening to you?

11/3/2017

Synonyms: uncertainty, hesitation, disbelief, reservation; skepticism, distrust, suspicion, questioning

Have you ever experienced self-doubt? Have you questioned your ability to do something well or “right”? Have you ever believed that others seem to think you are not capable or smart (or helpful or funny or kind or millions of other worries)? I know I have. Self-doubt is the worst! How can I feel good about myself, confident in my abilities, or happy and secure if I am doubting myself?

Self-doubt is a stressor that needs to be managed. Managing means decreasing the belief that the self-doubt is real. When you manage the stressor, you are managing your anxiety.

Here is a tip to help you cope with this stressor:

First, write down your worry (the stressor).

Next, write an affirmation (a positive statement) that is opposite of the worry.

For example: If your worry is “I am not sure if I am able to do this;” your affirmation can be “I can try my best to accomplish this.”

Finally, repeat and rewrite the affirmation 5-10 times. Restate this each time you have the worry.

With practice, you will minimize your worries and self-doubt so you feel better overall!

** Now, you try it. Ask yourself “what is bothering me right now?” Write it down. Follow the steps above.

Here is how it works for me:

Me: I am not valued at work.

Affirmation: I do my best and I cannot be expected to please everyone.

Repeat: I do my best and I cannot be expected to please everyone. (breathe/exhale) I do my best and I cannot be expected to please everyone. (breathe/exhale/relax muscles) I do my best and I cannot be expected to please everyone. (breathe/exhale/relax muscles/smile) I do my best and I cannot be expected to please everyone! (breathe/exhale/relax muscles/smile/let go of the self-doubt)

Afterwards: I feel calmer (and more confident). I needed this time to reframe my negative, self-doubting thoughts, so I could be ready to experience something new and better than my previous thoughts.

This process is not easy. Managing anxiety is not easy. Sometimes, it will feel like a full-time job. It is exhausting. The good news is that relief will occur; you WILL feel better with practice. Don’t give up on yourself!

If you need help navigating this process, Contact Bree Winkler LPC today to schedule an initial counseling session.

Do Something Different

10/1/2017

If you want something you’ve never had, You have to do something you’ve never done.

Whoa! Simple, right? Wrong! It is human nature to want our wants to be easy. Of course, it would be great if Prince Charming (or Cinderella) showed up at your door and professed undying love. Or, if your dream job paid you more than you could ever expect. Or, if all relationships (romantic, familial, friendships, colleagues, acquaintances) were without conflict or concern. YOU is the operative word: You have to change.

I often notice people are shocked to learn they have break bad habits or change routines or get out of their comfort zones so they can experience something new. It is common sense; however, it is difficult to make changes. Even changes you really, REALLY want.

I struggle with this concept as well. The most recent example for me was deciding between opening my own mental health therapy office or continuing to see my clients in their homes. I could see pros and cons to both aspects, but I knew I needed to secure a quality office space for my business to grow. This is what I really, REALLY wanted… but, I was scared. I wanted something new, but I was afraid to do something different. Can you relate?

Why does change = fear?

Fear is defined as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.”

So, an individual’s belief about something causes the feeling. Once you feel fearful, you act paralyzed (immobile, unmotivated, stuck).

I’ve shared this before: our Thoughts/Beliefs cause our Feelings
which cause our Actions.

Therefore, if you change your Thoughts/Beliefs, you are able to feel something different, which means you will Respond/Act differently as well. This is the key to getting what you want.

Shifting your Thoughts shows that changes ≠ fear.

How does this formula help me? I stopped telling myself “I might fail and lose money by renting an office” and changed my Thought to “An office is the best option for me at this time.” That simple shift stopped me from feeling fear and replaced it with feelings of motivation and excitement. That was liberating! Actions quickly followed with research and planning. I couldn’t be happier that I stopped being afraid and started embracing this next step on my professional journey.

Can you imagine how this can work for you?

Do you want to let go of fear?

Are you ready to Do Something You’ve Never Done?

You don’t have to do it alone. I am here to help you. I want to support you and guide you to achieve your goals, desires, and dreams. I want to help you get out of your own way (your own doubt, concerns, fears). Change is wonderful! Let me show you how.

Visit www.PrivateCounselingGA.com to contact me about your initial therapeutic session. My office is conveniently located in Peachtree Corners, GA. I look forward to meeting you soon!

www.PrivateCounselingGA.com Private Counseling provides mental health therapy and counseling services to adults and adolescents in Atlanta, GA.