Verus Ridge Counseling

07/24/2025

Today is the last day to vote! Please consider voting for us in the mental health category 😊💚

Daily through July 24th

07/20/2025

Hi everyone! It’s that time of year for our local Sentinel Readers’ Choice Awards. Verus Ridge was nominated again for best mental health practice. We would love your support by clicking the link to vote for us daily now through July 24th ☺️

Daily through July 24th

05/31/2025

Hi, Friends!

The time has come for Verus Ridge to welcome a receptionist/billing staff to our team. The job description is attached. Please feel free to share with friends who would be a good fit!

05/02/2025

Hi, All!

We are excited to welcome Norman to Verus Ridge!

Norman comes with a wealth of experience working with families, teens, and adults. You can check out his bio at http://www.verusridgecounseling.com and fill out a contact form or give us a call at 717-899-0104 if you'd like to schedule an appointment!

02/12/2025

A dear soul gave me these cards a few months ago, in hopes that they would be of help to people I work with. They have been waiting in my office for the person who needed them. I had no idea that person would be me.

I brought them home last evening, and they have been a comfort for my husband and I to read and helpful in processing the emotions that come and go after a loss. If you are also in a place of grief, these are a helpful way to sit with feelings and allow time for processing. It’s also nice to be able to share and process the cards with a safe person. ❤️

02/08/2025

Hi, friends,

It’s with an incredibly heavy heart that I share this—we had to say goodbye to sweet Lincoln, my therapy dog, this morning. He had a limp on and off for a couple of months which became more constant and pronounced in January. After ruling out other possibilities over the last six weeks, he took more of a turn, and scans last Friday revealed osteosarcoma in his shoulder and lungs. His pain and discomfort increased significantly over the span of the week, leading us to have to make the difficult decision to say goodbye. We are so grateful to Peace Love Vet/Dr. Gabby Pagana for helping us transition Lincoln in the comfort of our home. His passing was peaceful and he got to enjoy ice cream and all kinds of treats while snuggling with us this morning.

There aren’t words for how much I’ll miss him. We brought Lincoln home as a puppy in June 2018, and he began coming to work with me as a therapy dog in training by August 2018. In May 2019, he earned his therapy dog certification after much hard work and training. He went to work with me almost daily ever since. He loved going to work, remembered and enjoyed seeing my clients, and loved on my coworkers over the years, as well. Almost 7 years wasn’t nearly enough time with him. Anyone who met him knew he was a gentle giant with a sweet and silly personality. I have been touched by testimonies from clients who were able to let their guard down and try counseling because of his sweet presence in the room. He was so special to so many people. Ultimately, he was the best companion, comforter, protector and friend to my husband and I. He loved doing everything with us, from hiking to running to traveling to hunting, he was always part of it. He kept me grounded on hard days and I never felt alone.

Thank you all for your grace and patience with me as I figure out how to go back to work (and do life) without him. It’s going to be hard for a while, but I am so grateful for the time I had and that I was able to share his comfort and love with others. He was truly the best boy—we told him all the time.💔🐾

01/11/2025

Another glimpse into my self care routine, which also happens to be great for the winter blues—bird watching!

Bird watching has so many mental health benefits, including:

-Reducing stress and anxiety—one study found that people that saw or heard birds had improved mental wellbeing for up to 8 hours!
-Improving mood.
-Restoring attention.
-Experiencing awe, which decreases stress levels and increases feelings of happiness.
-Improving well being—one study found that bird watching was linked to increased psychological wellbeing on college campuses.
-Improving mindfulness.
-Helping with recovery after procedures.

Research suggests spending at least two hours per week in nature. If you hate the cold, this is something you can enjoy in the warmth of your home! 😌

Shoutout to Honey Creek Bill and Beak for the bear-proof bird feeder, and to my dad for crafting me a bear-proof bird feeder pole, so I can nerd out with my little bird friends all year round!

P.S. If you listen to the video in this post, you can hear Lincoln’s deep breathing in the background. 😂

01/10/2025

Just a little window into a therapist’s Friday afternoon self care routine. Lincoln loves to join me on the mat, and it melts my heart.

Remember to make some time just for you this weekend, to unplug and ask yourself, “How am I doing? What do I need?” And then do the things!

Happy weekend, friends! Be well!

Shoutout to for changing my life in 2020, when I started a regular almost daily yoga practice. It has done wonders for my physical and mental health, and I love to share it as a resource with my clients and friends!

12/27/2024

Hi, Friends!

I want to share this free event where I (Veronica) will be speaking about supporting an aging parent who may be struggling with depression or anxiety. Details below!

ACAP Centre County is hosting a free educational program titled "Recognizing and Managing Anxiety and Depression in Older Adults" on Tuesday, January 14th at 5:00pm.

The program will be held in the Centre Region Active Adult Center – Nittany Mall - 2901 E College Ave Suite #990 in State College, PA.

"Navigate the complexities of aging-related anxiety and depression with confidence. Our program helps you identify symptoms, understand potential causes, and communicate effectively with loved ones and professionals. Gain essential strategies for managing emotional distress in aging parents. Empower yourself with knowledge to provide better support and improve their quality of life."

To read more about the event and RSVP, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1119251209933032/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

12/11/2024

Hi, Friends!

While the holidays can be a joyful and fun time of year for many, we know that this can also be a very stressful time. If you or someone you know are struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Tori currently has openings in her schedule via telehealth on weekday evenings and in person on weekends. For more information, email me at veronica@verusridgecounseling.com or give us a call at 717-899-0104.

11/22/2024

We are so excited to announce that Tori Lesko, LSW, has joined the Verus Ridge Counseling team!

Tori has availability Monday-Thursdays from 3- 8 pm, Fridays from 12-5 pm, and weekends from 8 am- 1 pm, offering a mix of telehealth and in person availability.

Check out her bio below, and reach out to us at 717-899-0104 or veronica@verusridgecounseling.com if you'd like to set up an appointment!

07/23/2024

Hi, Friends!
It has come to my attention that Verus Ridge Counseling was nominated under the category of "Health & Beauty" for the best Mental Health Practice in the area. We are honored to have been nominated. If you or someone you know has benefited from counseling at our practice, please consider voting for us! I have attached the link to vote below. 😊💙
https://www.lewistownsentinel.com/promo/?pid=1270 #/gallery?group=492282