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Empowering Your Loved Ones: 5 Meaningful Ways to Support Someone Doing EMDR Therapy 

If you know someone who is engaging in EMDR therapy, you have the power to be a source of inspiration and hope for them. Your empathy and support can help them overcome their trauma and PTSD. Here are some meaningful ways you can inspire and support someone who is doing EMDR therapy:

1. Listen without judgment: Creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for your loved one to express their emotions and experiences is crucial. You’re giving them the gift of validation by listening to them with an open heart without interrupting or trying to offer solutions.

2. Offer practical support: EMDR therapy can be emotionally draining, but simple gestures like cooking meals or running errands for your loved one can make a big difference. By providing practical support, you show them they are not alone.

3. Be patient: Healing is a journey that takes time, and EMDR therapy can take time, too. Progress may not be linear, but by being patient with your loved one and continuing to offer your support, you’re helping them stay motivated and focused on their journey.

4. Educate yourself: Researching EMDR therapy can help you better understand what your loved one is going through. This can also help you provide more informed support. By empathizing with their struggles, you can inspire them to keep going.

5. Encourage self-care: Self-care is crucial for anyone participating in therapy, especially those engaging in EMDR therapy. Encouraging loved ones to care for themselves by doing things they enjoy and practicing ongoing self-care can help them stay inspired and motivated.

Remember, your empathy, love, and support can make a world of difference to someone engaging in EMDR therapy. You’re helping them make strides in their journey by inspiring them to keep going.

-Kristina MSW, LSW

09/29/23

As a teenager, you may feel overwhelmed with school, extracurricular activities, and social life demands. It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself amidst all the chaos. However, therapy can offer a safe and supportive space where you can work through your challenges.

Understandably, many teenagers may hesitate to seek mental health treatment due to the stigma surrounding it. However, it’s essential to know there is no shame in asking for help. In fact, seeking therapy can be a sign of strength and self-awareness. By talking to a therapist, you can learn coping skills, manage stress, and improve your overall well-being.

It’s important to recognize that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different types of therapy may work better for different people and their unique needs. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy may be effective for some, while others may find art or music therapy more helpful.

If you’re considering therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Many therapists offer virtual sessions, which can be more convenient for those with busy schedules. Remember that finding the right therapist may take time, but the benefits of therapy can be life-changing. You are not alone, and there is always someone available to support you. Don’t let the stigma hold you back from taking care of yourself.

-Kristina Jeanty LSW MSW

09/08/2023

Nurturing Growth and Commitment to Clients through a Holistic Approach to Therapy

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a balanced life can be a daunting task. We often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, leaving little time for self-care and personal growth. For therapists, maintaining this equilibrium is especially vital, as they not only guide others towards a harmonious life but also need to cultivate their own well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of balance, focusing on the therapist’s commitment to clients’ growth and the holistic approach to therapy.

The Commitment to Client Growth

As therapists, our foremost responsibility is to help our clients navigate their personal challenges and facilitate their growth. This commitment goes beyond the office walls; it extends into our personal and professional lives. Here are some ways to uphold this commitment:

1. Continual Learning and Self-Improvement

To guide clients effectively, our therapists must stay updated on the latest therapeutic techniques and theories. Engaging in continuous education ensures that we can provide the best possible support and facilitate our clients’ growth.

2. Empathy and Compassion

A deep sense of empathy and compassion is essential to connect with clients on an emotional level. By genuinely understanding their experiences, we can create a safe space for them to explore their emotions and grow.

3. Tailored Treatment Plans

Each client is unique, and their therapeutic needs vary. It’s crucial to customize treatment plans based on individual circumstances, preferences, and goals. This approach ensures that clients receive the most effective guidance towards personal growth.

The Holistic Approach to Therapy

A holistic approach to therapy is centered on the belief that individuals are complex beings, consisting of interconnected physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual facets. To counsel clients holistically, therapists should consider these aspects:

1. Physical Well-Being

Physical health plays a significant role in overall well-being. Encourage clients to adopt a healthy lifestyle by emphasizing the importance of exercise, nutrition, sleep, and self-care routines.

2. Emotional Wellness

We want to help clients understand and manage their emotions effectively. Teach them emotional intelligence skills, such as self-awareness and emotional regulation, to enhance their emotional well-being.

3. Mental Health

Addressing mental health issues is crucial. Offer cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other therapeutic approaches to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

4. Spiritual Connection

Spirituality can provide clients with a sense of purpose and inner peace. Explore their spiritual beliefs and values, and integrate these aspects into therapy if they are essential to their growth.

5. Work-Life Balance

Help clients strike a balance between their personal and professional lives. Assist them in setting boundaries and managing stress related to work, family, and other responsibilities.

The Therapist’s Balanced Life

A therapist’s ability to support clients’ growth and well-being hinges on their own state of balance and well-being. Here are some tips for therapists to maintain equilibrium:

1. Self-Care

Prioritize self-care to prevent burnout. Regularly engage in activities that recharge you, such as exercise, hobbies, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.

2. Supervision and Support

Seek supervision and support from colleagues or mentors to process challenging cases and maintain your emotional well-being.

3. Continuous Self-Reflection

Reflect on your own personal and professional growth. Regular self-assessment can help you stay aligned with your commitment to your clients’ growth.

4. Boundaries

Set clear boundaries with clients to prevent emotional exhaustion and maintain a healthy therapist-client relationship.

Conclusion

Balanced life counseling, LLC offers a holistic approach that benefits both therapists and clients alike. By committing to our clients’ growth and incorporating a holistic approach to therapy, we can guide individuals towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. However, this journey begins with therapists nurturing their own well-being and finding balance in their lives. As we strive for equilibrium, we can better serve as guides and sources of support for those seeking personal growth and transformation.

Seeking Balance in a Changing World!

06/23/2023

It was six years that Balanced Life Counseling began serving the behavioral health needs of Lancaster County! Today, as we continue to witness the current mental health crisis, we are grateful for the ability to answer the call of our community in adding additional team members to our group.

Over the last year, we have grown exponentially, from two therapists to now five, plus Missy, our invaluable Administrator who keeps it all together for us. We have moved to a new & bigger space to kick off 2023 and as we continue to grow, we will be adding new integrated wellness modalities to our list of services. Our experienced and talented staff continue to offer quality behavioral health services such as CBT, DBT, IFS and EMDR.

Beginning this summer, we are offering new group therapy services that will focus on adolescent issues, depression and anxiety, and DBT groups, among others.

Health coaching, yoga, massage and workshops such as Reiki, yoga, fitness and instructional painting, just as some examples of new integrated services that we will offer beginning this summer.

Please check our Facebook page and website for updates on all our integrated services at Balanced Life! You can also email us @ info@balancedlifelancaster.com or get in touch with Missy @melissa.ceparano@balancedlifelancaster.com or call 717-875-4528 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.