Hope's Beacon Counseling

Hope's Beacon Counseling We know for many people, reaching out & seeking help can be difficult. We commend you for your efforts & courage.

We offer assistance to individuals, couples, & families who may be experiencing a wide variety of life challenges.

Meet Stephanie McMackin, MSW, LCSW - founder and owner of Hope's Beacon Counseling, whose personal journey with anxiety ...
08/09/2025

Meet Stephanie McMackin, MSW, LCSW - founder and owner of Hope's Beacon Counseling, whose personal journey with anxiety and depression led her to create a space where healing and hope come first.

After years in banking, Stephanie realized her true calling was helping others navigate their own healing journeys. The image of a "beacon of hope" guided her through her darkest moments and inspired her to create Hope's Beacon in 2017.
Growing up on cattle ranches in southeast Wyoming taught Stephanie the importance of caring for all living beings and developed her "make a way, find a way" mindset - finding creative solutions to ensure everyone gets what they need to be healthy and safe.

Stephanie specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, domestic violence, women's issues, and life transitions for individuals, couples, and families ages 13 and older.

"My true passion is helping individuals realize and celebrate the incredible miracle they are, regardless of past choices, behaviors, or experiences," Stephanie shares.

Ready to work with someone who truly understands the journey? Call us at (307) 514-1288 to schedule with Stephanie.

The mental load of parenting during school season is REAL.Between coordinating schedules, homework battles, permission s...
08/06/2025

The mental load of parenting during school season is REAL.

Between coordinating schedules, homework battles, permission slips, and managing everyone's emotions - parents often carry invisible weight that feels overwhelming.

Ashley understands this deeply. With her background at the Department of Family Services and her own experience as a parent, she knows how exhausting it can be to hold it all together.

"It lets me help in ways that are more person-centered," Ashley shares. "At the end of the day, I get to help people build up to what they want to be."
You don't have to carry it all alone.

How are you managing the back-to-school overwhelm?

Back-to-school season brings excitement and anxiety for many families.If your child is showing signs like difficulty sle...
08/01/2025

Back-to-school season brings excitement and anxiety for many families.

If your child is showing signs like difficulty sleeping, increased clinginess, or avoiding talk about school - you're not alone. These are normal responses to big transitions.

At Hope's Beacon, our team understands that when children's emotional needs are met, the whole family benefits. We work with families across Wyoming to navigate these seasonal challenges.

Christian specializes in working with youth ages 8+, bringing both analytical thinking and genuine compassion to help kids process big feelings about school changes.

What's one back-to-school challenge your family is facing this year?



Find family support at HopesBeacon.com

Happy International Day of Friendship! Today, we celebrate one of mental health's greatest allies: meaningful connection...
07/30/2025

Happy International Day of Friendship! Today, we celebrate one of mental health's greatest allies: meaningful connections.

Quality friendships are like emotional vitamins - they boost our mood, reduce stress, increase our sense of belonging, and even strengthen our immune systems. Friends provide perspective during tough times, celebrate our wins, and remind us we're not alone in this human experience.

But friendship also means being a good friend to yourself. The relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship in your life.

Ways to celebrate friendship today:
💫 Reach out to someone you've been thinking about
💫 Express gratitude for the friends who show up for you
💫 Be the friend you wish you had to someone else
💫 Practice being gentle and encouraging with yourself
💫 Make new connections by being authentically you

Tracy, our intern, understands this beautifully - she knows how transformative it can be to have compassionate people who lift you up during life's challenges. That's the kind of supportive presence she brings to her work.

Whether your circle is large or small, deep friendships remind us that we matter, we belong, and we're worthy of love and connection.

Who are you grateful for today? Tag a friend who's made a difference in your life!

Learn about building healthy relationships at HopesBeacon.com

It's International Self-Care Day, and we're here to remind you that self-care isn't selfish - it's essential!Real self-c...
07/24/2025

It's International Self-Care Day, and we're here to remind you that self-care isn't selfish - it's essential!

Real self-care goes beyond bubble baths and face masks (though those count too!). It's about intentionally caring for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being in ways that actually sustain you.

Self-care might look like:
🌟 Setting boundaries that protect your peace
🌟 Saying no without feeling guilty
🌟 Asking for help when you need it
🌟 Moving your body in ways that feel good
🌟 Nourishing yourself with foods and thoughts that fuel you
🌟 Taking breaks before you're burned out
🌟 Surrounding yourself with people who uplift you.

Our therapist, Kellie, understands this deeply - she focuses on helping clients build practical coping skills and tools for daily life, recognizing that true self-care is about sustainable practices, not quick fixes.

Remember: You can't pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn't just good for you - it's good for everyone who depends on you being your best self.

Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. You deserve to prioritize your own well-being.
What's one way you'll practice self-care today?

Discover personalized self-care strategies at HopesBeacon.com

Mid-summer check-in: How are you really doing?Summer often comes with expectations of constant fun, productivity, and so...
07/22/2025

Mid-summer check-in: How are you really doing?

Summer often comes with expectations of constant fun, productivity, and social events. But it's perfectly okay if you're feeling overwhelmed, tired, or like you're not "summering" correctly. There's no wrong way to experience any season.

Mental health doesn't take a vacation just because the weather is nice. Depression doesn't disappear with sunshine, anxiety doesn't pause for pool parties, and trauma doesn't take time off for barbecues.

If you're struggling right now, that's valid. If you're thriving, that's wonderful. If you're somewhere in between - welcome to being human.

Gentle reminders for your summer mental health:
☀️ Rest is productive
☀️ Saying no to plans is self-care
☀️ You don't have to be grateful for every moment
☀️ It's okay to ask for help
☀️ Your pace is the right pace

Just like our founder Stephanie learned growing up on Wyoming ranches - sometimes you need to "make a way, find a way" that works for YOU, not what everyone else expects.

Take what you need from summer and leave the rest. Your mental health matters more than any seasonal expectations.

How are you really doing today?

Connect with our caring team at HopesBeacon.com

What sets Kellie apart? Her authenticity, compassion, and genuine desire to make a difference in every client's life.Kel...
07/18/2025

What sets Kellie apart? Her authenticity, compassion, and genuine desire to make a difference in every client's life.

Kellie specializes in helping teens, young adults, and older adults navigate depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and personality disorders. As a certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) therapist, she's passionate about helping clients build practical coping skills for daily life.

"I'm here to guide you in creating a plan and roadmap to reach those 'Ah-ha' moments of growth and understanding," Kellie shares. "You deserve to be happy and healthy."

In her caring, nonjudgmental space, you're in the driver's seat while she provides the tools and support you need. Having witnessed firsthand how important it is to have someone who truly listens with care, Kellie creates that safe space for healing.

When she's not helping clients discover their path forward, you'll find Kellie baking, spending time with family, or being entertained by her two mischievous cats, Jasmine and Jason.

Ready to take your next step? Call us at (307) 514-1288 to schedule with Kellie.

Today is Give Something Away Day, and here's a beautiful secret: giving actually gives back to your mental health in ama...
07/15/2025

Today is Give Something Away Day, and here's a beautiful secret: giving actually gives back to your mental health in amazing ways!

Research shows that acts of generosity trigger the release of endorphins, reduce stress, and increase feelings of connection and purpose. It's like a natural antidepressant that benefits both the giver and receiver.

But giving doesn't have to mean grand gestures or expensive gifts. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts cost nothing at all:
💝 Your undivided attention during a conversation
💝 A genuine compliment to a stranger
💝 A listening ear to someone who needs to vent
💝 Your patience with someone having a tough day
💝 A smile that brightens someone's moment
💝 Words of encouragement to lift someone up

When we focus on what we can give rather than what we lack, our perspective shifts toward abundance and gratitude - two powerful ingredients for mental wellness.
What will you give away today? The world needs more of your kindness!

In a world of constant notifications, endless to-do lists, and overwhelming choices, National Simplicity Day reminds us ...
07/12/2025

In a world of constant notifications, endless to-do lists, and overwhelming choices, National Simplicity Day reminds us that sometimes less truly is more.

Mental health thrives in simplicity. When we strip away the unnecessary complexities, we create space for what actually matters: meaningful connections, present-moment awareness, and genuine peace.

Simple doesn't mean easy - it means intentional. It's choosing quality over quantity, presence over productivity, and authentic connections over social media scrolling.
Small steps toward simplicity:
🌱 Start your day without immediately checking your phone
🌱 Choose one thing to focus on at a time
🌱 Say no to commitments that don't align with your values
🌱 Take three deep breaths before responding to stress
🌱 Enjoy a meal without distractions

Your mental health doesn't need complicated solutions. Sometimes the most profound healing happens in the quiet, simple moments.

What's one simple practice that brings you peace?

Permission granted to be silly today! It's Be a Kid Again Day, and we're here for all the mental health benefits that co...
07/08/2025

Permission granted to be silly today! It's Be a Kid Again Day, and we're here for all the mental health benefits that come with embracing your inner child.

Remember when the biggest decision was whether to swing or slide first? When coloring outside the lines was encouraged? When belly laughs came easily and naps were mandatory?

Childhood wonder isn't just nostalgic - it's therapeutic! Playfulness reduces stress, sparks creativity, boosts problem-solving skills, and helps us connect with joy in simple moments.

Ways to channel your inner kid today:
🎨 Color or doodle without worrying about perfection
🎈 Blow bubbles or play with sidewalk chalk
🎵 Dance like nobody's watching (even if they are!)
🎮 Play a game that makes you laugh
🍦 Enjoy a treat you loved as a kid

Our therapist, Alyssa, knows the power of creativity and play in healing - she brings that same curiosity and compassion to her work with children, teens, and families.
Adulting is hard enough - today, let yourself play! Your mental health deserves some recess time, too.

What's your favorite way to tap into childlike joy?

As we celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, gatherings, and festivities, let's take a moment to honor not just our ...
07/04/2025

As we celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, gatherings, and festivities, let's take a moment to honor not just our veterans, but also the families who stand beside them every day.

For many veterans, the 4th of July can bring mixed emotions. While communities celebrate with loud fireworks and crowds, some of our heroes may be experiencing flashbacks, anxiety, or overwhelming memories. This is where the love and support of family members, friends, and partners become absolutely crucial.

To the spouses, children, parents, and friends of veterans: your patience, understanding, and presence matter more than you know. You are the quiet heroes who help create safe spaces, offer grounding during difficult moments, and provide the steady support that makes healing possible.

At Hope's Beacon, we understand trauma's impact on both veterans and their loved ones. Creating safe spaces for healing is what we do every day.

Today, as we celebrate our freedoms, let's also celebrate the strength of military families and the communities that wrap around our veterans with care and compassion.

If you know a veteran or military family, a simple "thinking of you today" can mean the world.

Find trauma and family support at HopesBeacon.com

Happy International Joke Day! Here's something funny: Therapists are the only people who get genuinely excited when some...
07/02/2025

Happy International Joke Day! Here's something funny: Therapists are the only people who get genuinely excited when someone says 'We need to talk.' 😊

But in all seriousness, laughter truly is therapeutic medicine. Research shows that humor reduces stress hormones, boosts immune function, and releases those feel-good endorphins we all need. Whether it's sharing a silly meme with friends or finding the lighter side of everyday chaos, laughter helps us build resilience and connect with others.

So today, embrace the giggles! Tell a dad joke, watch funny videos, or simply smile at life's absurdities. Your mental health will thank you for it.

What's your favorite way to add more laughter to your day? Share in the comments - we could all use a good chuckle!

Address

2617 E. Lincolnway, Suite G
Cheyenne, WY
82001

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+13075141288

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