Blogs

November Marks National Stress Awareness Day: Recognizing and Managing Stress BY: ANNA WITGES, LMHC As the final months of 2024 approach, families are gearing up for the holiday season, embracing traditions and enjoying festive meals together. However, it’s also important to highlight that the first Wednesday of November is designated as National Stress Awareness Day.… Read more: November Marks National Stress Awareness Day: Recognizing and Managing Stress

National Survivors of Suicide Loss Day BY: Nicole Lembo, LMHC, NCC November 23 or the Saturday before Thanksgiving, has been designated by US Congress as National Survivors of Suicide Day to recognize family and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide. This day represents comfort and visibility to those with a shared experience… Read more: National Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

Navigating Thanksgiving BY: Erin Brown, LMHC-A Thanksgiving can bring a mix of emotions and stressors, and it’s important to recognize how these can affect us. You may be seeing family who have values, experiences, and viewpoints that differ from yours. You may be feeling left out of plans with family or friends. You may be… Read more: Navigating Thanksgiving

Celebrating Transgender Awareness and Nonbinary Empowerment Month BY: Erin Canada, LSW This November, we recognize Transgender Awareness and Nonbinary Empowerment Month—a time dedicated to honoring, amplifying, and celebrating transgender and nonbinary voices. This month calls us to reflect on the unique challenges faced by these communities, as well as their resilience, diversity, and contributions to… Read more: Celebrating Transgender Awareness and Nonbinary Empowerment Month

The Power of Books BY: Jennifer Buford, LMFT Books ignite our imagination, and, in turn, our imagination enriches our reading experience. Whether we are looking for a form of escape or finding solutions to fix something, imagination can assist, and books offer an opportunity to utilize it. Books create an escape from your own inner… Read more: The Power of Books

Managing Election Stress: How to Cope and Stay Grounded With elections around the corner, it’s normal to feel an uptick in stress and tension. Many people are deeply invested in what’s happening politically, and for some, the constant flow of information can feel overwhelming. It’s okay to experience discomfort, frustration, or even discontent—these are normal… Read more: Managing Election Stress: How to Cope and Stay Grounded

Happy Halloween By: Lindsay Alcock, MA, LMHC-A, NCC Halloween is an exciting time for kids and adults alike between carefully crafting a costume to going door to door collecting candy. Halloween can be a time for family and friends to get together; however, Halloween can also be a stressful time for parents worried about their… Read more: Happy Halloween

NATIONAL BLACK CAT DAY By: Sarah Parnell MSW, LSW National Black Cat Day is a special observance with a mission of celebrating and promoting the adoption of black cats. The day is meant to bring awareness to and dispel the various myths and superstitions surrounding black cats. Cats Protection, a UK charity dedicated to rescuing… Read more: NATIONAL BLACK CAT DAY

Food Mood You Are What You Eat By: Elly Kutch, MSW, LCSW Food affects our mental health in multiple ways.  Many of us can attest that what we eat can affect self-esteem as our weight gain or loss can drive some of our deepest thoughts about ourselves.  What many people may not know is that… Read more: Food Mood: You Are What You Eat

 National Stop Bullying Day  By: Alyssa Riege, MA, LMHC-A  In October, students, teachers, and parents across the nation observe National Stop Bullying Day. This is to help bring awareness to the fact that bullying exists and try to prevent bullying from occurring. Across the United States, 1-in-5 12-18 year olds experience some form of bullying.… Read more:  National Stop Bullying Day 

 Join Us in Support of World Mental Health Day 2024!  By: Angelicah B. Shaver, Ms.Ed., NCC, LMHC-A  Some battles in life become debilitating, or at the very least completely overwhelming, when they are shouldered alone. When a problem becomes too big for one individual to bear individually, my solution offered as a clinician has always… Read more:  Join Us in Support of World Mental Health Day 2024! 

The Power of a Smile: Celebrating World Smile Day By: Ashley EARLE, LMHC With life moving so fast, it’s easy to underestimate the power of a single smile. Every year, on the first Friday of October, the world celebrates World Smile Day, a day dedicated to spreading joy, kindness, and positivity through one of the… Read more: The Power of a Smile: Celebrating World Smile Day

Body Acceptance: Embracing Ourselves Where We Are By: Jessi Kiefor, LMHC-A Body Acceptance is taking the time to reflect on the idea that we don’t have to love ourselves to begin healing—we just have to stop hating ourselves. This may feel like an impossible task, especially in a world that constantly promotes an idealized version… Read more: Body Acceptance: Embracing Ourselves Where We Are

Understanding Suicide: Raising Awareness and Offering Support Suicide is a tragic reality for many people around the world, affecting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. Raising awareness about suicide is crucial, not only to help prevent these tragedies but also to offer support to those in need. In this blog, we’ll explore… Read more: Understanding Suicide: Raising Awareness and Offering Support

Let’s Get Positive! Celebrating Positive Thinking Day in the Real World Did you know there’s a holiday for positive thinking? Yep, September 13th is officially Positive Thinking Day! Now, before you roll your eyes or think it’s all about pretending everything’s sunshine and rainbows, let’s chat about why this day could actually be a fun—and… Read more: Let’s Get Positive!

5 Pillars of Workplace Wellness By: JASON KNIOLA, LMHC, LCAC Wellness in the workplace includes a balance of many factors.  It can be said, like our organization’s namesake, that each of these factors is a “pillar” that helps support overall wellness.  At any given time, some pillars may be stronger, others weaker.  As long as… Read more: 5 Pillars of Workplace Wellness

National Grief Awareness Day BY: SONJA PIERSON, mba, lmhc-a Grief is a multifaceted experience that encompasses biological, psychological, and social dimensions. While the pain of loss may be profound, understanding the science behind grief can provide comfort and guidance. By recognizing grief as a natural response to loss and embracing support from others, individuals can… Read more: National Grief Awareness Day

National Coloring Book Day BY: COURTNEY TOMASZEWSKI Coloring can be a wonderfully therapeutic activity for people of all ages. Engaging in coloring can help reduce stress and anxiety by allowing individuals to focus on a simple, creative task. The repetitive motion of coloring within the lines can be meditative, helping to calm the mind and… Read more: National Coloring Book Day

The Magic of Mental Health: Celebrating Harry Potter’s Birthday By: Dr. Ashley Michalski July 31st is a special day for fans of the wizarding world—it’s Harry Potter’s birthday! Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin, there’s something magical about the Boy Who Lived that resonates with many of us. Beyond the spells, Quidditch matches,… Read more: The Magic of Mental Health: Celebrating Harry Potter’s Birthday

Ask a Therapist: Panic Attacks By: Ms. Nicole Lembo, MA, LMHC Q: I’ve been feeling really stuck with uncontrollable anxiety and panic attacks. How can I start the process of managing my anxiety and finding relief? A: Great question! Anxiety and panic can feel incredibly overwhelming and even debilitating. In therapy, we can observe patterns, stressors,… Read more: Ask a Therapist: Panic Attacks

Share with Others By: Mr. Tyler Sullivan, MA, LMHC-A Mental health issues are quite common, with the CDC identifying that more than 1 in 5 US adults living with mental health issues. Mental Illness is treatable and sometimes preventable, provided that the individual has access to the resources necessary. People in racial or ethnic minorities may… Read more: Share with Others

4th of July and PTSD in Military Members  By: Erika Atkinson, LCSW Independence Day Independence Day, a day celebrated with patriotic music, festivals, parades, cookouts with family and friends, and most importantly ending with an amazing display of fireworks exploding into the night sky. Fourth of July is a time our country gets together to… Read more: 4th of July and PTSD in Military Members 

Teddy Bear Picnic BY: ERIN BROWN, LMHC-A, NCC July 10th is Teddy Bear Picnic Day! In 1907, the song Teddy Bear Picnic was written by John Walter Bratton. The song was instrumental and did not have lyrics until 1932 when Jimmy Kennedy wrote them. The song is popular in film and literature, and many preschools… Read more: Teddy Bear Picnic

Mastering Work-Life Balance: Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle BY: Kelsey brewer, lmhc Work-life balance. It’s a little phrase that’s often thrown around and that we’re told to strive for. But what does work-life balance look like? We live in a world where we’re told to prioritize our family, our friends, our own self-care, but are… Read more: Mastering Work-Life Balance: Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle

Understanding PTSD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment By: Dr. Misty hatch Many of us have heard the term PTSD or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, but what does it mean and who does it affect? According to the US Census Bureau, approximately 13 million adults have PTSD (US Census, 2023). PTSD may occur in people who have experienced… Read more: Understanding PTSD: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Juneteenth…Celebrating Freedom and Encouraging Change By: dr. jASMINE dANIELS, PsY.D. HSPP When Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, became the 11th Federal US holiday, the first to obtain legal observance since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, many were not sure what this day was; for some, the question still remains.  So what is Juneteenth? … Read more: Juneteenth…Celebrating Freedom and Encouraging Change

Winnie the Pooh: A Tale of Addiction and Men’s Mental Health By: Teddy sullivan, lmhc-a Homer Simpson. Peter Griffin. Clint Eastwood. Rick (Rick & Morty), Winnie the Pooh*.  What do these have in common?  They’re all men.  Being a man involves more than just meeting expectations of toughness and independence; it’s about dealing with the… Read more: Winnie the Pooh: A Tale of Addiction and Men’s Mental Health

Celebrating Pride with Mental Health in Mind BY: mira pIPOLIVIC, MA, LMHC-A, NCC This June marks the 54th anniversary of Pride Month, which is a time of celebration, commemoration, liberation, and activism for the LGBTQ+[1] community. Pride Month began in 1970, a year after the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City, where patrons of… Read more: Celebrating Pride with Mental Health in Mind

S is for Scram!: A Lesson from Oscar the Grouch By: Breanne Knopf, lmhc June is a month of many celebrations. The month starts with a lesser known one, Oscar the Grouch Day! Oscar the Grouch, Sesame Street’s favorite curmudgeon, has been called mean, rude, and grumpy. The other characters think they can change Oscar’s… Read more: S is for Scram!: A Lesson from Oscar the Grouch

Mother’s Day Blues By: Ms. Celeste Chapko, MS, LMHC-A, MT-BC, PMH-C Mother’s Day can be a beautiful celebration of a mother’s love, but it can also be a difficult day filled with unmet expectations and tears of exhaustion. Mothers love flowers and cards and chocolates, but they also love a night of uninterrupted sleep and… Read more: Mother’s Day Blues

Parental Anxiety By: Elizabeth weer, msw Most people experience [parental] anxiety at some point in their lives; it is a normal human response to stressful or fearful situations. It’s especially normal for parents to experience anxiety, as we are constantly worried about our children’s health, well-being, and safety. You may even have anxiety about transferring… Read more: Parental Anxiety

Welcome to Pillars of Wellness’ Christian Counseling Program! Read on to learn more about the program’s description, our statement of faith, and a helpful question-and-answer section that addresses common queries and concerns. Let’s embark on this journey of faith and healing together!   Program Description  Clinicians on the Pillars of Wellness Christian Counseling Team have… Read more: So you’re interested in Christian Counseling?

The Art of Stress Relief: Techniques for a Balanced Life BY: SONJA PIERSON, mbs, ms.ed. lmhc-a, ncc In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an all too familiar companion for many. Whether it’s due to work pressures, financial concerns, relationship issues, or health worries, stress can have a significant impact on both our mental and… Read more: The Art of Stress Relief: Techniques for a Balanced Life

Growth in the Workplace By: Jason Kniola, LMHC Most of us want to advance in our careers in some way. For some, this means earning more income, for others learning new skills, and for others it may be working on interesting and challenging tasks. Whether actively engaging in growth and change or not, change does… Read more: Growth in the Workplace

Know the Signs, Receive the Help: Alcohol Awareness By: Kaitlin Pilipovic, MS, LCAC As April continues to unfold, let us take a moment to discuss a prevalent yet often hidden struggle: alcohol misuse and dependency. April is nationally observed as Alcohol Awareness Month and offers the opportunity to shed light on the impact of excessive… Read more: Know the Signs, Receive the Help: Alcohol Awareness

There is a new type of therapist: A therapy dog By: Courtney Tomaszewski, LMHC A therapy dog is like a furry superhero in the world of mental health. These amazing pups are trained to offer comfort, support, and a whole lot of love to people who might be feeling down or stressed out. No matter… Read more: There is a new type of therapist: A therapy dog

Nine Things You Should Know About Autism Spectrum Disorder World Autism Day, observed on April 2nd each year, raises awareness about autism spectrum disorder, promotes acceptance, and fosters understanding and inclusion of individuals with autism in society. Here are nine things to know about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD doesn’t just present in male children.… Read more: Nine Things You Should Know About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Beyond the Madness of March: Mental Wellness Tips for Athletes By: Dr. Ashley michalski It’s bracket time! March Madness is here and the excitement of collegiate basketball fans builds. Fans are geared up eager to watch their favorite teams – not knowing the outcome but holding onto hope that this will be the year. Whether… Read more: Beyond the Madness of March: Mental Wellness Tips for Athletes

Parenting with Depression: The Rollercoaster of Guilt By: Elizabeth Weer, BS In general, we hear a lot about depression and its symptoms, but rarely do we hear about the hurdles that come with being a parent while trying to navigate through the trenches of depression. Once you have children, it can oftentimes seem like the… Read more: Parenting with Depression: The Rollercoaster of Guilt

Step into the New Year with Intention As we embark on the journey into the new year, consider these five tips: Reflect on the Past Year. Take time to review the past year’s experiences, both positive and challenging. Identify key lessons learned, accomplishments achieved, and areas for personal growth. This reflection sets the foundation for intentional… Read more: Step into the New Year with Intention

The Wellness Journey of a D-1 Athlete By: Alexis johnson Playing softball always came easy to me; it was my first love, as well as my first heartbreak. The feeling of getting hits, making plays on the field, or running bases was always such a thrill for me. Committing to playing Division 1 softball was… Read more: The Wellness Journey of a D-1 Athlete

By: jASON kNIOLA I am excited to share this event with you all. My wife and I have been hosting Tibetan Monks on their Sacred Arts Tours since 2005. They share their rich art and culture with communities as they tour the world. Donations received on their tours help support their monastery in exile in… Read more: Come Learn with Tibetan Buddhist Monks

By: chELSEA HORN, MA, LMHC, NCC There is not doubt that college is an exciting time, especially in regard to the freedom and independence it brings. This newfound independence may also come with it’s challenges; it’s easy to fall into habits that can disrupt your academic success, physical and mental health. When you have a… Read more: Mastering the Clock: Time Management Tips for Success

Imposter Syndrome: The Sneaky Ninja of Self-Doubt Have you ever found yourself doubting your own abilities and feeling like a fraud, despite evidence of your accomplishments? If so, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome. Imposter Syndrome is like having a sneaky ninja lurking in the shadows of your mind, ready to strike whenever you achieve… Read more: Imposter Syndrome: The Sneaky Ninja of Self-Doubt

Looking at People as Whole: Why It Matters for Wellness At Pillars, we strive to take a holistic approach when supporting people on their wellness journey. Looking at people as a whole person is vital because it acknowledges the interconnectedness of various aspects of an individual’s well-being, rather than a single facet. It recognizes that… Read more: Looking at People as Whole: Why It Matters for Wellness

Embracing Wellness: A Path to Healing and Substance Misuse Treatment Introduction: In our pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life, we recognize the importance of holistic well-being. Today, we delve into the realm of substance misuse treatment and explore a wellness-focused approach that supports a healthy lifestyle. By combining compassionate care, evidence-based practices, and harm… Read more: Embracing Wellness: A Path to Healing and Substance Misuse Treatment

By: Courtney Tomaszewski Here are five reasons why group art based therapy is good for teens: Peer Support and Understanding: Group art based therapy offers a space where teenagers can connect with peers who may be going through similar challenges. It provides a supportive environment where they can share their experiences and emotions without judgment.… Read more: Benefits of Group Art-Based Therapy

Summer break is a fantastic opportunity for university students to prioritize their mental health and focus on their overall well-being. With the additional time and flexibility that summer provides, it’s the perfect time to explore therapy options and find a provider that can support you through the upcoming academic year. One excellent option to consider… Read more: Counseling for College Students

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing, and the way we access mental healthcare has evolved over time. One significant development in recent years is the rise of televideo mental health services, which provide a convenient and accessible way for individuals to receive therapy and support remotely. Televideo mental health services can be… Read more: Telepsychology Benefits

By: Ashley EARLE, LMHC We commonly associate the holiday season with what we see in the media; commercials, TV shows, and movies conveying warmth, connection, and comfort as we come together with our loved ones. The holidays can promote so many positive feelings for us, but can also be very challenging for those that have… Read more: Grief and the Holidays

 BY: Elena Makarenko, BA Join me as I talk about common couples’ struggles and how to navigate these issues when they arise. Episode 1: Division of Labor This first episode is focused on division of labor. Episode 2: Finances The second episode dives into how to approach finances with your partner. Episode 3: Division of… Read more: Common Couples’ Struggles

BY: Jason Kniola Spoiler alert: Life does not always go according to plan. When it does, we can relax and enjoy those times. However, many times life takes turns that are shocking, disturbing, heartbreaking, and extremely difficult to cope with. When the disappointments of life come knocking it is hard not to become bitter, resentful,… Read more: Making Meaning in Difficult Times

By: Dr. Ashley michalski Police officers risk their lives on a daily basis, endure countless traumatic experiences, and ultimately face mental health issues. The goal of the Pillars Inspires 5K Walk/Run is to bring mental health awareness to law enforcement officers.  More police officers die from suicide than in the line of duty. Despite the… Read more: Police Officers and Mental Health Awareness: Three Reasons Why

The surface of our lives is filled with schedules, jobs, relationships, money, habits, to-do lists, dishes to be done, laundry to fold, recreation – the daily stuff that engages much of our attention. These things are important. Money keeps the lights on. Healthy food keeps the body functioning well. Bedtime allows rest for school and… Read more: Tending to the Self

“I Can’t Meditate!”: My Journey with Mindfulness Meditation By: Jason Kniola, LMHC, LCAC I had heard stories of meditation in my youth, seen depictions on TV and in the movies. To me, meditation was some esoteric practice for wise gurus sitting in some beautiful temple or summit of an exotic mountain.  I was intrigued by the idea… Read more: “I Can’t Meditate!”

What We Can Learn from Married at First Sight BY: BRIANA ROBERTS, LMFT-A Would you marry someone who you never met? With the rise of shows like Married at First Sight and 90 Day Fiancé, more people are willing to take on that challenge than one may think. While primarily for entertainment, shows like these can provide learning… Read more: What We Can Learn from Married at First Sight

Castles Made of Sand: Psychologists Insights to Vacationing for your Mental Health By: DR. SHAUN WEHLE AND DR. ASHLEY MICHALSKI On a recent vacation with my (Dr. Wehle) family, I was hit with an early vacation let down that made me wonder about the nature of vacations and life in general. My wife’s company Pillars… Read more: Castles Made of Sand: Psychologists Insights to Vacationing for your Mental Health

BY: Pillars Staff Sleep can impact thinking, emotional health, physical health and development, decision-making skills, and reaction times. Almost all teenagers are not receiving an adequate amount of sleep due to a variety of reasons. Everyone has an internal body clock, which helps regulate sleep, as well as chemicals, such as melatonin, cortisol, and adenosine.… Read more: Sleep and Adolescents

Perfectionism: The Unachievable Goal BY: Dr. Ashley Michalski Perfectionism can be defined as the need or the desire to appear perfect, or simply believing that perfection is achievable. Sure, the concept of perfectionism can be used as a motivator; a characteristic that may lead to success, but like most things in life, hyper focusing or… Read more: Perfectionism: The Unachievable Goal

So, You’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Illness: 5 Things You Need to Know By: Chelsea Belinsky, MA, LMHC, LCPC, NCC If you have been diagnosed with a mental illness, you may have many questions or you are unsure what to do with this new information. These are 5 things you need to know to get… Read more: So, You’ve Been Diagnosed with a Mental Illness: 5 Things You Need to Know

We all struggle with self love, but this is the basis for healthy and effective functioning. Read about 6 tips on how you can improve your ability to love yourself more.