Healthy Living Counseling-Central Florida

04/06/2025

What to expect during an initial counseling session with Dana Nolan.

https://www.healthylivingcounseling-centralflorida.com/

Licensed mental health counselor, Dana Nolan, talks about what to expect during the first counseling session with her.

09/22/2024

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I lost a beloved close family member to ovarian cancer which is typically diagnosed in later stages because early symptoms can be underreported or unrecognized. Here at Healthy Living Counseling, one of our specialties is supporting people with all types of cancer with mental health counseling and dietary/nutritional support from our multidisciplinary team. We wanted to share some information about early detection of ovarian cancer so that more women are aware of the signs and symptoms.

11/06/2023

Over the years, my clients have asked me why our practice is named “Healthy Living Counseling?” It is because we assist our clients to practice ways of living well emotionally, socially, physically and nutritionally. We try to practice personally what we preach professionally. As a psychotherapist, I sit all day long in my office working with my clients and families. I truly love what I do, but am very aware of the health risks of being so sedentary. I consistently schedule physical activity and try to spend as much time outside as possible. Earlier this year, I set a goal with a few girlfriends to run a 10K race at Disney. It is important to note that I am not a runner…at all! When I started training back in January, I couldn’t run 2 minutes without having to walk. With the help of a virtual running program, I was able to work up to running a 5k by April. A broken toe last month lead to me having to rest my foot for a few weeks. But, I just ran the Disney Wine and Dine 10K. I ran the whole way and am proud of my finish time. You don’t have to run a 10K to be healthy, but it takes effort to prioritize YOU and your goals, your health, your boundaries and your relationships. I’m
going to be real and share a few of my race photos…even the unflattering ones.

08/15/2023

Today is National Relaxation Day! Here’s an article I wrote aimed at cancer sufferers and their loved ones about the physiological effects of stress and relaxation, but it’s useful information for everyone.

Mental health expert Dana Nolan explains how relaxing activities may help support the immune systems of mesothelioma patients.

12/16/2022

Being a caregiver to your loved one with mesothelioma may bring on a myriad of thoughts and feelings and present new challenges to overcome. Most caregivers admit that the holiday season feels different than the ones before…

Read More- Self-Care for Caregivers: Adjusting Holiday Expectations (Asbestos.com).

https://www.healthylivingcounseling-centralflorida.com/self-care-for-caregivers-adjusting-holiday-expectations/

Self-Care for Caregivers: Adjusting Holiday Expectations Published December 14, 2022 | By Admin Being a caregiver to your loved one with mesothelioma may bring on a myriad of thoughts and feelings and present new challenges to overcome. Most caregivers admit that the holiday season feels different t...

06/06/2022

https://www.asbestos.com/blog/2022/06/02/national-cancer-survivors-day-2/

Licensed mental health counselor Dana Nolan, MS, LMHC, shares her personal story as a cancer survivor and offers hope to mesothelioma patients.

05/28/2022

May is Mental Health Awareness month. Here’s an article written by Dana Nolan, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, about mental health and cancer.

The incidence of anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance is much higher in cancer patients, but support for patients and caregivers can help.

12/24/2021

Pressure on Cancer Patients to Be Positive Can Add to Holiday Stress

While many people do love this time of the year and have many holiday traditions that bring joy, some people struggle with the holiday blues. Here is an article I wrote about holiday stress.

Pressure to stay positive can be stressful for cancer patients, especially during the holidays. Counseolor Dana Nolan shares tips for mesothelioma patients.

12/05/2021

Today I spent the afternoon and evening doing a “ride along” with the Longwood Fire Department. I’m working on becoming a Certified Mental Health Clinician with the National Emergency Responder And Public Safety Center. After completing all my coursework, I now have to do ride alongs with first responder agencies to get a better feel for the culture and work experiences of first responders. It was cool to learn so much from the firefighters/EMTs and paramedics both at the station and on the calls we went on. It was quite an adrenaline rush speeding in the truck with the lights/sirens going. Next Saturday night, I’m riding along with a law enforcement officer.

11/29/2021

Raise your hand if you are tired of talking about and dealing with COVID-19. I know that I sure am! However, COVID-19 is still around and is affecting us in many ways so the best we can do is try and learn to live with it safely. This time last year, many people did not celebrate the holidays in their usual way with family and friends due to the recommendation to socially distance and stay home. This year many of us are cautiously stepping out of our homes and into planes, trains and automobiles (remember that movie from the 1980's?) to get our holiday spirit on. It is understandable to want to see everyone and do everything we can this holiday season. But, at the risk of spending the rest of 2021 feeling stressed and overbooked, it is important to reflect on what is really important to us and think about what memories we would like to have of this year. Do we really remember all the presents we receive or give to others? Is it worth frantically running all over town (if you still like to shop old school and actually go into brick and mortar stores these days) to find the perfect gift for someone? Does it really matter if our home is meticulously decorated for the holidays or if we have 25,000 lights hanging from our roof like Clark W. Griswold? Most people remember more vividly how they felt during a holiday or event and remember much less about the details we tend to fret about in the moment. So, keep that in mind this holiday season and try not to do too much, buy too much or sweat the small stuff too much!
Happy Holidays,
Dana Nolan
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

https://www.healthylivingcounseling-centralflorida.com/raise-your-hand-if-you-are-tired-of-talking-about-and-dealing-with-covid-19/

11/23/2021

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/11/2021

Veterans battling mesothelioma struggle with many emotions on Veterans Day. Here is an article I wrote about some of their struggles.

For veterans with a mesothelioma diagnosis, Veterans Day can bring up complex emotions. If you're feeling conflicted, remember all emotions are valid.