Scout Counseling, PLLC

Slowing down to assess how we’re truly feeling is something many of us overlook in the rush of daily life. It's so easy to get caught up in everything going on around us, but taking those moments to check in can really help us navigate stress and maintain balance. Acknowledging how we feel, whether it’s joy, frustration, sadness, or even uncertainty, is a powerful way to honor our mental and emotional state. It’s not about judging ourselves for feeling a certain way, but rather, giving ourselves the space to be where we are, without pressure to immediately fix or change things. Being kind to ourselves is such an important practice. Sometimes, we’re our harshest critics, but offering ourselves the same compassion we’d give a friend can make such a difference in how we show up in the world. #Findyourway #MentalHealthMatters #SelfCare #MentalHealthCheckIn

Assertive communication expresses thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear, direct, and respectful way. It involves holding personal boundaries while considering the feelings and perspectives of others. Aggressive communication expresses thoughts, feelings, and needs in a hostile, dominating, or forceful way. It often disregards the feelings or perspectives of others and can create tension or resentment in relationships. #findyourway?#mentalhealth?#assertivecommunication

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The core idea behind CBT is that negative or distorted thinking patterns can lead to unhealthy emotions and unproductive behaviors. By recognizing and challenging these unhelpful thought patterns, individuals can shift their emotional responses and engage in more positive behaviors. This process helps break cycles of negativity, leading to greater mental well-being and healthier coping strategies. #findyourway #mentalhealth #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #mindsetmatters

Amy F's Book Recommendation: In When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress, trauma and addiction specialist and renowned author Dr. Gabor Maté examines how emotions profoundly affect the nervous system. Maté suggests that the effect of prolonged stress and the suppression of emotions are significant factors in the development of illness and disease. Using research and patient case studies, Maté explores how early childhood stress, neglect, and abuse lead to increased vulnerability to the harmful effects of chronic stress in adulthood. Individuals that repress overwhelming emotions, such as anger, struggle to establish relational boundaries and feel uncomfortable saying no. Maté posits that the suppression of anger is a form of dissociation, where a person attempts to protect themselves by withdrawing from vulnerability and emotional intimacy to feel safer in the present. Erroneous beliefs such as "I have to be strong," "It's not right for me to be angry," or "I can handle anything" predispose individuals to develop diseases. Since conventional medical treatments often ignore emotional and stress components as critical root causes of disease, clinical mental health counseling helps to bridge that gap. At Scout, we guide clients in releasing emotional wounds, regulating their emotional world, establishing effective boundaries, and learning to voice their needs to themselves and others. Let us help you take actionable, practical steps to release emotional baggage and empower your body's innate self-healing abilities. Book Info: When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress By: Gabor Maté #findyourway #mentalhealth #gabormaté #boundaries #healing #counseling #trauma #addiction #emotions

Stonewalling is a serious issue because it prevents communication and leaves problems unresolved. If any of the four horsemen resonated with you this month, your relationship is not hopeless. There are antidotes available, and with the right support, you can learn healthier communication habits. If you're looking to dive deeper into these antidotes, visit our website and check out one of our therapists with Gottman training. #findyourway #counseling #marriage #Gottman #communication

Defensiveness occurs when one partner responds to a perceived criticism or attack with self-protection, often by making excuses, denying responsibility, or counter-attacking. It’s a way of trying to protect oneself from feeling blamed, rejected, or criticized, but it often escalates the conflict and prevents resolution.

This week’s horseman is contempt. Contempt is the expression of disdain, disrespect, or superiority toward your partner. It often involves name calling, belittling or sarcasm. According to Gottman, contempt is the single greatest predictor of divorce because it makes the other partner feel worthless, diminishing trust and emotional connection.

This week’s horseman is contempt. Contempt is the expression of disdain, disrespect, or superiority toward your partner. It often involves name calling, belittling or sarcasm. According to Gottman, contempt is the single greatest predictor of divorce because it makes the other partner feel worthless, diminishing trust and emotional connection.

This week’s horseman is contempt. Contempt is the expression of disdain, disrespect, or superiority toward your partner. It often involves name calling, belittling or sarcasm. According to Gottman, contempt is the single greatest predictor of divorce because it makes the other partner feel worthless, diminishing trust and emotional connection.

It is natural to experience conflict in relationships. Conflict provides an opportunity to grow and gain a deeper understanding of the other person. However, the way we approach conflict can prevent our needs from being understood and met. This month’s series we will be taking a closer look at what John Gottman calls The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Unchecked, these four communication styles could result in the end of a relationship. The First horseman we will address is criticism.