Grounding Techniques For Anxiety & Lowering Stress
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

Grounding Techniques For Anxiety & Lowering Stress

Grounding techniques for anxiety are meant to bring you back to the present moment and to help you reconnect with the here and now. We can do this by refocusing attention on our breath, on our body, or on the environment we find ourselves in. When we can reconnect to the present moment, to what is actually happening right now, our brain is reminded that in this moment we are safe. Once our brain recognizes that we are, in fact, safe in this moment, our anxiety begins to decrease.

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How Core Beliefs Are Formed And What You Can Do About It
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

How Core Beliefs Are Formed And What You Can Do About It

Your thoughts actually come from these things called Core Beliefs, and understanding how Core Beliefs are formed through our experiences is another key component to both knowing yourself better and to feeling more in control.

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Where Does Anxiety Come From?
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

Where Does Anxiety Come From?

When the brain perceives the body to be in danger, it sends out both physical signals and cognitive signals in an attempt to save you from whatever danger it believes you to be in. These signals can look like ‘what if…’ thoughts, rapid heart rate, sweating, shallow breathing, etc.. These signals are strong and uncomfortable…for a good reason. Your brain is doing everything in its power to get you away from the threat. If these signals were pleasant, we probably wouldn’t be as apt to get into action, right?

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The Impact Of Gut Health On Mental Health
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

The Impact Of Gut Health On Mental Health

The human body is a complex machine; every organ and cell working and being impacted by all other organisms in the body. This is why the concepts of Holistic Wellness and Healing are so important – they take into consideration the entire body and how the inner workings of the body are interacting with one another.

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Using the Vagus Nerve To Calm The Nervous System
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

Using the Vagus Nerve To Calm The Nervous System

Our brain is constantly observing our surroundings, making meaning and attempting to ensure our body’s safety. When our brain observes a possible threat, it immediately turns on the body’s threat response system (AKA Fight/Flight/Freeze). It doesn’t even matter if the threat is real, our brain would rather be safe than sorry.

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5 Easy Ways to Practice Mindfulness
Katie McLaughlin, LPCC Katie McLaughlin, LPCC

5 Easy Ways to Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness

Another popular term floating around these days that advertises incredible life change. But what is mindfulness and how can it really change your life? Let’s start with the basics.

Mindfulness is a state of being present and aware in the moment. With all of the chaos that life tends to bring, this idea of being still enough to even notice what’s around you may seem out of reach.

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Coping - How to Keep it Simple</a>
Katie McLaughlin, LPC Katie McLaughlin, LPC

Coping - How to Keep it Simple

I had a conversation recently in which I had used the term “coping” numerous times – A common occurrence in a counseling related discussion. This time, however, I provided an explanation of what “coping” actually means - Finding ways to feel better while learning to overcome problems. I immediately saw relief wash over the individual I was speaking with, as “coping” moved from a vague concept to learn and into a simple understanding of how to feel better.

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