Shepherd Way Counseling

09/18/2025

09/05/2025

There seems to be some confusion about the difference between guilt and shame, and understanding this difference is a game-changer:
Guilt says, “I made a mistake.”
Shame says, “I am a mistake.”
Read my latest post on the Shepherd Way blog on The Difference Between Guilt and Shame. https://shepherdwaycounseling.org/the-difference-between-guilt-and-shame/

09/03/2025

Recently, a long-time client of mine shared a profound and life-changing decision he had made several years ago. His story inspired me to write Bad Choices Don’t Make You a Bad Person, a compassionate and reflective take on how we can move from shame to self-understanding. Read it https://shepherdwaycounseling.org/moving-from-shame-to-self-understanding/

09/02/2025

At Shepherd Way Counseling, we believe every life matters and no one should face their struggles alone. This month, we honor the importance of compassion, connection, and open conversations around mental health.

✨ How you can help:
✔ Check in on your friends, family, and coworkers.
✔ Listen without judgment.
✔ Share resources and remind others they are not alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.
📞 Call or text 988 to connect with the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline available 24/7.

Together, we can break the stigma, spread hope, and support one another.

***dePreventionMonth

08/26/2025

Grief often moves quietly, showing up as heaviness in the body, shifts in mood, or sudden waves of emotion. It may not always be visible, but it is always real. Allowing yourself to sit with these feelings, rather than pushing them aside, is an act of courage. In that stillness, we begin the work of healing.

08/15/2025

Have you ever had a day when you thought, “I was doing so well… why am I feeling this way again?”

Maybe you’ve been making progress in your healing journey—whether from trauma, grief, burnout, anxiety, or something else—and then suddenly, you find yourself in a slump. Old thoughts come back. The motivation disappears. You’re overwhelmed or just plain numb. And the worst part? That sinking feeling that maybe all your progress didn’t matter.

Let me be clear: that’s not true. And more importantly, you are not broken. Check out my latest blog post, Healing Doesn’t Happen in a Straight Line
https://shepherdwaycounseling.org/healing-is-nonlinear-and-thats-okay/

08/13/2025

Summer is often painted as a season of endless sunshine, beach trips, and spontaneous joy. But what about the moments when you don’t feel that way?
At Shepherd Way Counseling, therapists say they often see a rise in anxiety, depression, and emotional distress during summer months—despite the cultural message that “summer is fun!”
Check out my latest blog post, The Pressure to Be Happy in the Summer https://shepherdwaycounseling.org/the-pressure-to-be-happy-in-the-summer/

08/07/2025

Small daily practices, big mental shifts. 💙 Whether it’s movement, breath, reflection or gratitude, mindfulness helps you come home to yourself.

08/01/2025

During these stressful times, it's crucial to prioritize mental health. Here are five practical tips to help maintain your mental well-being when things feel chaotic: Five Ways to Protect Your Peace During Chaotic Times
https://shepherdwaycounseling.org/five-ways-to-protect-your-peace-during-chaotic-times/

07/30/2025

Have you ever had a dream, a desire, or even a quiet whisper of something you wanted, but didn’t go after it because of fear?
Maybe you’ve thought, “What if I fail?” “What will people think?” “What if I’m not good enough?” If so, you’re not alone. As a therapist, I hear these words every day. And if I’m being honest, I’ve said them myself. Fear is deeply human. It’s part of our wiring, designed to protect us. But more often than not, it does something else: it keeps us small. Check out my latest blog post, What is Your Biggest Fear? https://shepherdwaycounseling.org/what-is-your-biggest-fear/

07/27/2025

As readers of this blog may already know, I love God Winks. To me, God Winks are audio and visual reminders that he is always with me. I’m happy to say that I can see something in my daily life that brings back a positive connection to someone I love or a meaningful time in my life.
Experts would also refer to these as God Winks as Synchronicities. Check out my latest post on the Shepherd Way blog on this topic: https://shepherdwaycounseling.org/god-winks-and-synchronicities/

07/24/2025

Your mindset matters more than you think.
Growth happens when we lean into challenge, not away from it.
✨Choose effort over ease.
✨Choose progress over perfection.
✨Choose growth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

You’re not stuck. You’re still learning.