New Perspectives Counseling Services

04/16/2026

FEELINGS ARE MESSENGERS

They matter.

They can help us get our needs met.

They also can be overwhelming, scary, painful, and uncomfortable.

Even 'positive' feelings.

In safe spaces, we can become aware of them, learn to listen and have healthy conversations with them, and express them in safe ways.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

03/01/2026

TRAUMA RECOVERY

Lasting recovery is possible by building skills in 6 core areas to integrate our experiences, understand our stories, & find new meaning in our lives.

A New Perspective

Healing from trauma is not linear — it’s layered.

The Trauma Recovery Wheel highlights six core areas that support lasting recovery:

• Access to Safety
• Self-Trust
• Emotion Acceptance
• Healthy Relationships
• Life Engagement
• Integrated Story

True healing involves integrating your experiences, understanding your story, and creating new meaning in your life.

Recovery is not about “getting over it.”
It’s about rebuilding safety, connection, and trust — within yourself and with others.

Learn more at:
www.recoverytrauma.com

02/21/2026

HEALTHY FAMILIES AREN'T PERFECT FAMILIES

Just finished an incredible conversation with about her New York Times bestselling book, Here Be Dragons. Phew. I cannot wait for you to hear it!

Bottom line:

Healthy families are not perfect.
But they are willing to face their imperfections.

Healthy families don’t pretend the hard parts aren’t there.
They name them.
They get curious about them.
They take responsibility for them.

They understand that love doesn’t mean denial.
It means telling the truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.

Generational patterns don’t disappear because we ignore them.
But they can shift when someone decides to look honestly at the story and say, “It stops with me.”

02/03/2026

DISCERNING OUR HEART'S INTENTION MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

On the surface, actions or behaviors may look identical when, in fact, they may not be.

Becoming aware of our honest intentions and motivations may be difficult and painful but doing so is essential. One will lead us to healing and growth while the other will keep us stuck in patterns that sabotage our efforts.

Furthermore, we often have mixed motivations operating in our hearts, some of them more conscious and others may be hidden.

Becoming healthy is no easy task. We need to be patient and kind to ourselves. Growth and healing take time and committment and a lot of grace.

Ponder the wisdom offered by the clinician below to go the direction you want to travel.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

These pairs often get confused because they can look identical from the outside - and sometimes even feel similar in the moment.

The key isn’t waiting to see how you feel after. It’s getting clear on what outcome you’re actually working toward.

⭐️Accountability vs. Shame: Do you want to learn from this mistake and do better next time? Or are you just beating yourself up on repeat? Accountability is future-focused. Shame keeps you stuck in the past.

⭐️Processing vs. Ruminating: Are you working through the emotion to reach understanding? Or are you replaying the same thoughts without resolution? Processing has movement. Ruminating is a closed loop.

⭐️ Boundaries vs. Walls: Do you want to protect yourself while staying open to connection? Or are you shutting people out completely? Boundaries are selective. Walls are total.

⭐️ Assertiveness vs. Aggression: Are you standing up for your needs while respecting the other person? Or are you bulldozing over them to get your way? Assertiveness honors both people. Aggression only honors one.

➡️ The distinguishing question: What am I trying to create here?

When you’re clear on the outcome you actually want - growth, resolution, safety with connection, mutual respect - it becomes easier to recognize which path gets you there.

12/10/2025

THERAPISTS NEED THERAPY, TOO... HOW 'BOUT YOU?

This is part of my therapy after a hard day's work. Thank you, Harry. 🐾❤️

All of us are human and need nurturing and intentional care to sustain us.

Find out what nurtures your heart, mind, spirit, and body and practice caring for your own self.

You can't pour from an empty cup. ~ancient wisdom & Zen story

HOPEFULLY, A NOT SO NEW PERSPECTIVE

10/15/2025

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

10/06/2025

ADJUSTING IS EASIER WITH GOOD MOTIVATION

The kids are starting to join me at the new home office.

Harry likes to come and go as he pleases but Léila hasn't been interested at all until today.

And the only reason she came upstairs in 6 weeks since we've started is because she heard the crinkle of me opening a dorito bag! I looked up and p**f... she appeared out of nowhere!

I should have guessed. Whatever it takes to get in the swing of things, lol.

Sometimes we get lucky and get reminders.

09/12/2025

NPCS HAS OPENINGS FOR NEW ADULT CLIENTS NEEDING TELEHEALTH COUNSELING SERVICES IN THE STATE OF PA

NPCS is now accepting new clients on a case by case basis for TELEHEALTH services. With over 30 years of clinical experience, I can assist individual adults with many of their mental health, relationship, and counseling needs.

Are you struggling with relationships, family stress, or going through a divorce/relationship break up? Are you overwhelmed with too much life stress or making a hard adjustment to new changes in your life? Are you struggling to cope today because of past unresolved abuse or childhood issues? Do you struggle with anxiety or depression that interferes with your ability to function day to day? Do you struggle with a loved one's mental health or drug or alcohol issues?

Do you reside in the state of Pennsylvania?

If yes, visit www.newperspectives7.com for more information about services at NPCS and areas where I can assist you with life's challenges. To make an appointment, click 'Make an Appointment' and 'Online Registration' and complete the form. I will then contact you to discuss availability for a Monday through Thursday telehealth appointment.

08/13/2025

THIS CHAPTER IS ENDING

The dog days of summer, lol.

We are enjoying our last few days of work at 498 Greenville Pike. 🐶💗🐾🫂

Life is changing... it's bitter-sweet.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE

07/30/2025

INSANITY IS DOING THE SAMENTHING OVER AND OVER EXPECTING THE SAME RESULTS

~Rita Mae Brown

07/22/2025

NEW PERSPECTIVES COUNSELING SERVICES CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SERVICE AND SHARES MORE GOOD NEWS

NPCS has been a professional dream come true for me, a dream that took a lifetime to conceive.

So, it's exciting to share that this July marks 20 years of service to adult individuals, couples, and families in Clarion and surrounding areas.

It's also exciting to announce that this year NPCS is also changing things up and expanding our service area to the whole state of Pennsylvania through telehealth.

Additionally, we'll be moving to two new office locations for continued in person sessions for current clients starting September 1st.

So, please celebrate with me! As life changes and new seasons begin, I'm looking forward to providing professional, experienced counseling and psychotherapy services in these new places.

AND I'M STILL LOOKING FORWARD TO HELPING YOU REALIZE MORE NEW PERSPECTIVES

07/16/2025

WHAT DOES MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL ILLNESS LOOK LIKE?

What a beautiful young woman. My heart hurts for the pain she endured. I can only imagine what lead her to feel so hopeless or to feel death was the better option or the only option.

My heart hurts for her family and loved ones and the grief they're experiencing and will continue to experience for years to come.

If you think anxiety and depression aren't real or that mental health doesnt matter or that it only happens to 'weak' people, please think again.

What courage it took for this family to share their daughter's story.

If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional pain of whatever kind, please reach out and find help.

Katelynn Mae Dollar was a gifted runner, a high-achieving student, and a bright light in her community. She was also someone who spoke openly about her struggles with mental health, something her family continues to honor, even in their unimaginable grief.

Katelynn died on July 10. She died by su***de. She was just 18 years old.

A senior at Creekview High School, Katelynn had already broken four school records in cross country and track. Her talent and determination earned her recognition from the Atlanta Track Club, which named her 2023 Runner of the Year. But more than her medals or accomplishments, what people remember most is her kindness, her radiant spirit, and the way she made others feel seen.

Her loved ones say she was compassionate, thoughtful, and deeply connected to her community. She was a loyal friend, a devoted daughter and sister, and someone who cared deeply about the mental well-being of others, especially fellow athletes.

Her family is not shying away from the truth. They are sharing her story in hopes that it will help someone else.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Organizations like The Hidden Opponent are also working to break the stigma around mental health in sports.

Katelynn’s story is one of brilliance, resilience, and love. May her voice continue to inspire change.