Bright Light Counseling Center

11/19/2025

Trans Awareness Week 🏳️‍⚧️

Being a good ally is about consistent, everyday actions that show respect and support for the trans community. Swipe through for some simple but important ways to be a better ally: from using correct pronouns to speaking up against transphobia.

Remember: Allyship isn't just about what you say online. It's about making trans people feel safe, respected, and supported in real life. Every small action counts. 💜

11/19/2025

🌟 Meet Our Newest Clinician: Bailey! 🌟

We're excited to welcome Bailey to Bright Light Counseling Center!

Bailey believes in seeing each person as whole and unique, honoring your lived experiences with humility and curiosity. She takes a holistic wellness approach, considering not just thoughts and emotions, but your physical well-being, social connections, environment, career, and spiritual beliefs ; everything that shapes your life.

🔹 Expertise: ACT, Self-Compassion Theory, Person-Centered Approach
🔹 Specialties: Gender and Sexual Identity Exploration, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Life Transitions, Relational Issues

But who is Bailey beyond the therapy room?

🌱 Career-changer who found her true calling in counseling
💭 Committed to lifelong learning and growth
🌈 Practices with cultural humility and anti-racist values

Whether you're a teen, college student, or adult navigating identity exploration, anxiety, or life's challenges, Bailey creates a safe space for introspection and committed change. She brings an adaptable, authentic style that's both gentle and refreshingly direct.

To schedule with Bailey, reach out via info@brightlightcounselingcenter.com or visit our website: https://www.brightlightcounselingcenter.com/contact-us

Available for in person therapy in Austin, TX or teletherapy to residents of Texas.

10/22/2025

This week is Invisible Disabilities Week: a time to recognize that not all struggles are visible.

Many people live with chronic illness, chronic pain, mental health conditions, ADHD, autism, and other disabilities that others can't see. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't real.

The invisible nature of these conditions often leads to:

✨ Disbelief from others
✨ Misunderstandings in relationships
✨ Accusations of "faking it" or being lazy
✨ Feeling isolated or invalidated

If you're living with an invisible disability, we see you. Your experience is valid. Your pain is real. You don't owe anyone an explanation.

At Bright Light Counseling Center, we're here to support you through the challenges of living with chronic illness, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more, both the visible and invisible parts of your journey.

You deserve understanding, compassion, and support.

10/15/2025

10/12/2025

Compulsions in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are repetitive behaviors, thoughts, or mental acts that individuals feel driven to perform in response to their obsessions.

Compulsions are intended to reduce the distress caused by obsessions or prevent feared outcomes. Compulsions can also include avoiding situations that trigger obsessions.

Over time, these behaviors can become very time-consuming and interfere with daily life and functioning. It's important to note that not everyone with OCD has visible compulsions; some individuals may have primarily mental compulsions such as silently repeating certain phrases or prayers.

10/10/2025

October 10 is Depression Screening Day.

Do you know what depression is? What is looks like?

Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Depression affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. For some it is not a deep, dark, depressed mood… it is more like a persistent feeling of meh. You’re “ok”, things don’t really excite you much, but you are going through the motions. You go to school, work, see your friends, but you feel pretty unfulfilled and don't really enjoy life much like you used to. Depression can also contribute to a range of physical and emotional struggles that can affect your ability to function normally.

Depression can be difficult to recognize, as it can present differently in each person. However, it's crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression and to seek proper treatment. Depression can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, including your relationships, work, and overall well-being. It's also highly treatable. Unfortunately, many people who are struggling with depression don't recognize the symptoms, or they may try to ignore them. This can make depression worse and lead to more severe consequences, including substance abuse, physical health problems, and even su***de. Therefore, recognizing the signs and seeking help is crucial to managing and treating depression effectively.

Read more on our Blog: 10 Warning Signs You May Be Ignoring Your Depression Symptoms - https://www.brightlightcounselingcenter.com/post/10-warning-signs-you-may-be-ignoring-your-depression-symptoms