Private Counseling

Private Counseling in Alpharetta is a hidden gem in the world of marriage counselors. With their professional and playful approach, they make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk through the door. The counselors are skilled in their craft and provide personalized solutions that truly make a difference in strengthening relationships. To sum it up, Private Counseling is top-notch for couples seeking guidance and improvement in their marriage.

Written By: Michael Reynolds
Posted: 2/22/25
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When you hear the term “coping skills,” what do you think of first?

Often, we know people (perhaps even ourselves?) that utilize coping skills in an unhealthy manner. This includes self-medicating with alcohol or drugs; justifying poor choices, such as spending over your budget; yelling at someone because “they made me mad,” to name a few examples.

The GOALS are to:

1.     Learn types of Healthy coping skills
2.     Practice Healthy coping skills often
3.     Implementing Healthy coping skills when triggered

So… what are Healthy Coping Skills?
They are things that you choose to do to help you feel better in a stressful situation; things that make the situation better, not ignoring the issue or causing more personal distress.

1.     Learning there are different types of Coping Skills needed to help with various types of triggers. (Triggers are things that cause a negative emotional reaction) Use a variety of the skills from the categories below to build your Health Coping Skills List.
 
Categories include:
a.     Calming Skills: Deep Breathing with Mantra; Taking a Mindful Walk; Yoga; Visualizing your Favorite Place
b.     Distraction Skills: Read; Crossword Puzzles; Play Videogames; Baking/Cooking
c.      Physical Skills: Squeeze a Stress Ball; Exercise; Use a Sand Tray; Build Something
d.     Processing Skills: Journal; Draw; Talk to Someone You Trust; Use “I Statements”
 
2.     Practice is key!! When you learn (or relearn) something new, you need to create a new neural pathway to make a strong connection between “trigger” and “healthy coping skill.” This takes consistency and time.
Pro Tip: Make a list of your favorite coping skills and post them in an obvious spot (such as your bathroom mirror). Looking at the healthy options daily will reinforce the decision to utilize them in the future.
 
3.     Implementing Healthy Coping Skills is a choice.  It takes effort to Pause and Choose to react positively and/or differently than you have in the past. You might have setbacks, but you can overcome them with practice and mindful effort.
 
For more information, Contact Bree 
 
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