Calming Waters Counseling Services

07/31/2024

The transition to middle school brings kids a mix of emotions. In this month's blog, learn the importance of understanding the emotional landscape, and how to prep your kiddo for the practical changes ahead.

Read it here: https://ow.ly/MH7V50SNv5q

07/30/2024

Meet the heart of Calming Waters Counseling Services!

We’re incredibly grateful for our diverse and inclusive team of clinicians who bring their unique skills and compassion to each of our Charlotte locations. Whether you're seeking support in Cotswold, Matthews, or Mint Hill areas, our dedicated professionals are here to provide the quality mental health care you deserve.

Swipe to see where your favorite clinicians are, and discover the support that's closest to you!

With school around the corner, now is the time to get on our schedules while we still have some flexibility and availability.

Call today to begin your journey: 980-299-7436

07/29/2024

Mistakes and setbacks are a part of the human experience, yet how we speak to and about ourselves in those moments matters deeply. It's easy to fall into harsh self-criticism, but imagine how different things could feel if we approached ourselves with the same kindness we offer to a friend in need.

💬 "You did your best given the circumstances."
💬 "It's okay to not be perfect; you're learning."
💬 "This mistake doesn't define your worth."

These are gentle reminders that self-compassion is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. It's about acknowledging our humanity and being honest with ourselves in a way that's kind and nurturing. When we choose compassionate self-talk, we create a safe space within us to grow and heal.

How do you plan to prioritize self-compassion this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

07/24/2024

On this International Self-Care Day, let's remember that self-care isn't just about bubble baths and cozy blankets—it's also about nurturing our mental and emotional well-being.

Remember, it's okay to prioritize your mental health and seek the support you need. You're deserving of the same compassion you so freely give to others.

Swipe to explore some self-care practices inspired by therapeutic approaches and may you find peace, balance, and strength in your journey.

07/23/2024

This is something that doesn't get talked enough about, but this graphic by sums it up perfectly!

Our feelings aren't meant to be compartmentalized and felt one at a time and it's often than not that we find ourselves are sitting in multiple feelings at once, which can make navigating through them tricky.

In these moments, acknowledge and accept each feeling just as they are. Allow them to co-exist free of the push and pull of what we THINK we should be feeling.

Remember, it's complexities like these that make us human.

07/22/2024

07/20/2024

This is a great perspective that if often forgotten about. Patients tend to get tunnel focused on SEEING progress, but sometimes that progress is very subtle and not always visible to you.

Think of a heart rhythm that you see on an ECG...it moves up and down, constantly forward...and not linear (we hope 😉).

Progress in the very simplest of terms is the heartbeat of healing.

Lauren provides therapy services for individuals ages 10 and older, as well as for couples at our East Charlotte/Mint Hill location. She centrally focuses on hearing her patient's needs, pulling from a variety of techniques to help you create lasting change without the fear of judgment.

If you'd like to learn more about Lauren and the services she provides, you can checkout her bio on our website or you can give our office a call during our regular business hours!

☎️ 980-299-7436

07/19/2024

Being a therapist is a delicate balance of being sensitive to what you are going through, and being completely honest when we recognize patterns that you are defaulting to that you may not even realizing you're doing.

When you cut yourself off from others, particularly when you are struggling with anxiety and depression, you are actually amplifying your struggles.

Connection is a lifeline, even when it feels like the last thing we want.

Your circle of connection doesn't have to be huge, but make sure you have people in your corner that you can reach out and talk to.

Your struggles will never be a burden to the people who care about you the most, so remember that you don't have to (and shouldn't) go through this alone.

07/16/2024

Please share and contact the police with any information.

Media Release - Missing Person (20240715002) (**UPDATE**)

July 16, 2024 **UPDATE**

He has been safely located and reunited with family.

July 15, 2024

Please help us locate the pictured young man. Ethan Edward Demaison (DOB - 06/23/2010) was last seen on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at approximately 11:00 p.m. in the area of Ashby Woods Drive in Matthews. He was last seen wearing a white Under Armour shirt, grey sweatpants, and flip flops.

He is described as a white male, approximately 6'2" tall, and weighs between 210-220 lbs. with brown hair.

Please call 911 or 704-847-5555 if you know of his whereabouts.

07/15/2024

07/12/2024

Unlock new strategies for managing high-conflict cases with an expert-led consultation group! Connect with fellow therapists, gain legal insights, and ensure your practice aligns with AFCC guidelines. Join us on the first Friday of each month and elevate your approach.

07/09/2024

Therapy isn't meant to be within your comfort zone.

If your sessions don’t challenge you, you're likely avoiding the real work. You've tucked away these truths to protect yourself, but in the heart of therapy, you must unearth the hurt and be willing to get uncomfortable.

It's important to recognize that this pain isn’t arbitrary—it is a component of the healing process that leads to those meaningful breakthroughs.

Without your willingness to confront these tough emotions, real progress will remain out of reach.

07/05/2024

07/04/2024

During all of your fun activities today, don't forget to celebrate the freedom and unity of our great nation. Let's honor our founding fathers and express deep gratitude for the land of the free and home of the brave!

07/02/2024

We will resume our normal business hours on Friday, July 5th.

06/29/2024

As a therapist, I witness firsthand how words can either be a harbinger of healing, or weapons that deepen wounds, sabotaging someone's mental health journey.

For PTSD survivors, their "past" isn't really in the past, it's still very much a part, if not all of their everyday.

Awareness for me isn't just an annual post about the topic, it's about pushing the bounds of acknowledgement to become acceptance to become action in the simplest of ways.

We cannot grow if we aren't willing to get uncomfortable.

This weekend, I encourage you to lead and speak more intentionally, with your words being a path to connection, while saving space for those who need and deserve to tell their stories.

06/28/2024

Life with PTSD is overwhelming for relationships. This month's blog shows you how it's possible to move forward together on common ground, so you can reconnect and rebuild your relationships post-PTSD.

Check it out here: https://ow.ly/hwKF50Ss75h

06/24/2024

When children lose someone special, their worries can be overwhelming and as parents, we often feel at a loss for words, especially when we are experiencing deep grief too.

Helping your child navigate these feelings of grief is crucial because it allows for acknowledgement of their emotions and it provides a chance for meaningful connection with you.

At Calming Waters Counseling Services, we provide practical tools to support your child's emotional journey, but we also have authored a book that helps children and adolescents express their feelings (not just grief), in a way that encourages open conversation through activities that are rooted in the therapeutic techniques of DBT, CBT, and Play therapy.

Grief isn't easy, but with the right tools, you can make a significant difference. Explore our book for more resources and discover how a simple, but effective approach, can aid in your child's healing.

Get this worksheet and a sample of other activities from our book for free! Just follow the link in our bio.

06/18/2024

Save and share with someone who needs to hear this❤️

06/17/2024

On June 19th, we will observe Juneteenth and all of our locations will be closed for the day. It's a moment to recognize progress, honor the past, and commit to a more inclusive future. We encourage you to celebrate and reflect with us.

We will resume our normal business hours on Thursday!

06/07/2024

Just two therapists engaged in ongoing learning to best support the children and families we work with. 🏡🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒❤️

06/04/2024

At Calming Waters Counseling Services, we believe in the power of authenticity, acceptance, and love. This Pride Month, we celebrate the vibrant, diverse, and resilient LGBTQIA+ community. 🏳️‍🌈❤️

Every journey to self-discovery and acceptance is unique, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Whether you're seeking a safe space to explore your identity, heal from past trauma, or simply need someone to talk to, our doors are always open.

Let’s honor our collective progress and continue to advocate for a world where everyone can live freely and authentically.

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

05/23/2024

Fitness is more than physical health, but we often forget that. Read this month's blog to learn a holistic approach and broaden your perspective on fitness for whole-body wellness. 💪🏋️‍♂️

Read it here! https://ow.ly/UmEZ50RRRMG