Crystal McKenna Counseling, LLC

11/13/2023

One life. Why not focus our effort and energy on being the best version of Self possible?

We spend every day with ourselves- in our minds and with our body. We get to live with our thoughts, our feelings, our emotions. Might as well feel good in this space and be proud of who we are and how we got here.

Regardless of how challenging the journey has been, allow yourself to be present with whatever emotions, thoughts/ beliefs you experience along the way.
Embrace the hard stuff. Talk about it. Get curious about it. Lean into it instead of running from it. Find the patterns, and make changes where needed. Seek help and support when you are ready.

The work we put into ourselves- our bodies, our minds... our mental health, makes us stronger, more whole versions of who we are meant to be. Sometimes we just need a push, or a reminder to get curious, or to push through the discomfort to really find our true Self.

The relationship we have with ourselves is the most important yet. Care for yourself- mind, body and soul. 💜 You are worth the work.

11/03/2023

Time and time again I have been asked the question "how long will this take?" People looking for a quick, easy fix. A quick fix for years of neglect, abuse, avoidance of feelings, avoidance of reality, suppressed memories, and years of patterns, behaviors or beliefs they have carried. I never give a time frame, I just smile and explain the reality. Mental health is complex. There are so many layers to healing. Breaking patterns, generational cycles, distorted beliefs. It takes time.

Please remember to be kind to yourself, be patient. Therapy and mental health is a journey....we never stop learning about ourselves, we never stop growing. 🌼

10/21/2022

What makes you feel seen? 🤔

An oldie, but an important reminder. For more check out my book, Gutsy!

Honestly, one of the greatest gifts we can give to others is to ‘see’ them- and one of the most profound things we can give to ourselves is to see ourselves.
What does this mean?
It means paying attention, noticing, and lovingly responding. It’s important we do this for all the people in our lives—ourselves too. For some people, who had childhoods where their unique voice was noticed and celebrated, they might have an easier time honoring their unique and important voice and opinions as they age.
If as a child you weren’t necessarily seen or noticed, or celebrated for being you or encouraged to find yourself, you may find yourself perpetuating the ‘unseen-ess’ of your childhood as an adult in the choices that you make.
This can be discounting your feelings. Perpetually putting other people’s needs before your own. Even perfectionism. There are so many ways this can express itself.
So here’s your reminder that you can learn to deeply see and honor yourself. Sometimes it’s by taking validating actions. Sometimes it by reshaping pesky and unhelpful beliefs. But it’s possible.
What makes you feel seen?
Have a beautiful week!
Leah 💗

10/20/2022

When our emotions are heightened, it is difficult to remember that we have a moment to choose. Choose our response, our words, our boundaey. Take a moment, slow down, pause, take a breath... and then respond. Sometimes we allow ourselves to get carried away with our emotions and react emotionally. Remember YOU have the power to choose your response. All it takes is a moment.

10/13/2022

ALL the self care 🙌🙌

Check-in with yourself and discover what you need daily for your self-care. One day it could be a long hot shower the next day it could be scheduling an appointment with your therapist.
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Image via IGoToTherapy on IG

09/26/2022

09/07/2022

On the days you fail to see it, when you don't feel it, or are in doubt- remember, you matter. I see it. Someone sees it.
You matter. We can get through this. You've got this. I am rooting for you. Always.

08/25/2022

End of week check in!
Have you done anything for yourself today? if not today, this week?

A few days left in the week to get in some YOU time and self care. Make sure to make time for you and check in on your needs. Love on yourself, enjoy the outdoors, get some fresh air, schedule that therapy session 💜

08/17/2022

Two very important statements as a trauma informed and trained therapist. Notice that, and what happens next?

It is so important to get into the practice of listening to our bodies. Getting comfortable with the discomfort. Questioning it, getting curious about it, seeing where it leads us.

Our bodies hold so many answers. We just have to listen. Take a moment to pause, and allow yourself to feel whatever it is your body is telling you.

I can help guide you through this. Sit with you while you feel, and push through the discomfort in your search for answers, for healing, and wholeness.

I highly encourage you to educate your self on mindfulness practice, and somatic work. Bessel van der Kolk has so much information on trauma and healing. Do yourself a favor and check it out, or find yourself a therapist well versed in trauma therapy and body work.

08/11/2022

Look around and notice what you could be grateful for. Something (things) you have taken for granted, maybe something you havent thought of before? If you cant find something...Take a moment and challenge your thought, change your perspective. Search for kindness, warmth, and generosity. Maybe we just need to be a bit more positive. Maybe we need to work on opening our minds and allow gratitude to flow in, in the most simple form.