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Shining the Light
Bright Light Counseling Center's Blog on all things Mental Health
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5 Mindfulness Practices That Help Anxiety
Anxiety can make moments feel incredibly overwhelming, but mindfulness practices offer ways to regain control. Mindfulness helps you tune into the present moment instead of getting lost in your thoughts.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jun 233 min read


The Duration of Depression Explained: Factors, Types, and Timelines
Depression is a common mental health condition. People experience sadness or low mood, irritability, and low self-esteem. Individuals also may notice changes in how they think, sleep, eat and engage with partners, friends, and at work. There are several different types of depressive disorders. The important piece to remember is that depression is treatable.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jun 165 min read


What Is Intergenerational Trauma? Understanding Its Impact and How to Heal
The effects of generational trauma are not always apparent. They can show up as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, emotional distance, or even physical ailments that are linked to emotional stress. These signs often go unnoticed because they may seem like normal reactions to everyday life, not realizing they stem from long-standing family or cultural wounds.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jun 93 min read


Common Anxiety Symptoms and Why They May Look Different in Men
Recognizing the signs of anxiety in teens and providing early intervention can help prevent more mental health challenges down the road.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jun 33 min read


Beyond the Clinical: A Look at Our Therapists In and Out of Session: Teal
Teal is a clinical social worker in our Austin, TX office. She provides therapy in person as well as online to residents of Texas, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jun 28 min read


Coping with Depression After Losing Your Job
It is normal to feel a range of emotions after a job loss. Shock, sadness, frustration, and even anger are common reactions. If you are experiencing feelings of depression after losing your job, it is important to acknowledge these emotions and take steps to regain your balance.
Bright Light Counseling Center
May 203 min read


EMDR Therapy: Is There a Typical Timeline?
EMDR is a therapy designed to help people process and heal from past trauma. It stimulates both brain hemispheres. One common question that people have when considering EMDR therapy is: how long does it take? While the timeline can vary depending on the individual, the nature of the trauma, and the goals of therapy, there are general stages to expect that can help guide your expectations.
Bright Light Counseling Center
May 133 min read


How to Be a BIPOC Ally: A Guide to Learning and Advocacy
Being an ally of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) involves taking active steps to listen, learn, and advocate for change. Being a BIPOC ally is a lifelong commitment to learning and advocating for justice.
Bright Light Counseling Center
May 93 min read


How Long Does Depression Last? Breaking Down the Healing Process and Contributing Factors
The length of depression and its symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. However, understanding the healing process and the factors that affect recovery can offer clarity and help manage expectations.
Bright Light Counseling Center
May 63 min read


The Art of Disagreeing Well: Powerful Lessons from Non-Violent Communication (NVC)
Non-Violent Communication focus on maintaining connection while honestly expressing ourselves, a foundation in conflict resolution.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Mar 275 min read


What Is Culturally Responsible Therapy and Why Is It Important?
Culturally responsible therapy focuses on understanding and respecting differences in therapy sessions.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Mar 243 min read


Practical Tips for Stopping OCD Rituals
Changing how you respond to intrusive thought is as important as stopping the compulsive ritual itself.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Mar 173 min read


Navigating Depression in the Face of Terminal Illness
Depression during a terminal illness can look different from the depression you might encounter in other situations.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Mar 103 min read


6 Common Signs of Anxiety in Teens
Recognizing the signs of anxiety in teens and providing early intervention can help prevent more mental health challenges down the road.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Mar 33 min read


Breaking Free from Imposter Syndrome: Practical Tips for Realizing Your Value
Imposter syndrome is a psychological occurrence that involves persistent self-doubt, especially related to accomplishments or successes.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Mar 33 min read


Understanding How Your Body Reacts to and Remembers Trauma
Your body doesn’t forget trauma. It can store physical memories of what you’ve been through.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Feb 253 min read


How Does Psychological Flexibility Impact Mental Health and Wellbeing?
Psychological flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in a way that aligns with your values.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Feb 235 min read


Is Social Media Fueling Depression? Unpacking the Connection
One of the biggest stressors social media creates is the constant pressure to be perfect. But like anything, moderation is key.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Feb 183 min read


Social Anxiety Explained: A Look at the Underlying Causes and Contributing Factors
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) involves a fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social situations.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Feb 113 min read


Tips for Managing Anxiety When You’re Dating Someone New
Getting back into the dating pool can be exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating it through apps or meeting someone new
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jan 293 min read


Living in a Non-Affirming Environment: Coping Strategies for LGBTQIA+ Individuals
For LGBTQIA+ individuals, dealing with rejection, isolation, or direct hostility from family, friends, or workplaces can be exhausting.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jan 273 min read


How to Recognize 5 Common Anxiety Thought Traps
Anxiety often leads to spiraling thoughts that feel real and overwhelming, even though they aren’t always based on facts.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jan 123 min read


What Is EMDR? A Deep Dive into Trauma Therapy and Its Benefits
EMDR is a therapy designed to help people process and heal from past trauma. It stimulates both brain hemispheres.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Jan 63 min read


How to Manage the Anxiety that Comes With Adulting
Adulting involves balancing multiple roles—worker, partner, friend, family member, and sometimes parent.
Bright Light Counseling Center
Dec 31, 20243 min read
Let's rediscover your Bright Light.
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