Orihopecounseling

09/21/2025

💬 Conflict doesn’t have to pull you apart. it can bring you closer.
Every couple disagrees, but it’s what you do with conflict that determines whether it weakens or strengthens your relationship.
✨ Here are some tips to turn conflict into connection:

1️⃣ Pause before reacting – Take a breath, calm your nervous system, and choose your words intentionally.
2️⃣ Listen to understand, not to win – Lean in with curiosity instead of defensiveness. Ask, “Help me understand how you’re feeling.”
3️⃣ Use “I” statements – Share your experience without blame. Example: “I feel hurt when I don’t feel heard.”
4️⃣ Look for the need under the argument – Often, conflict is really about wanting love, respect, or safety.
5️⃣ Repair quickly – Don’t let resentment grow. Even a small “I’m sorry” or “I love you, let’s figure this out” goes a long way.

❤️ Healthy conflict can become an opportunity for growth, intimacy, and deeper connection.

👉 Save this for the next time you and your partner need a reminder.

09/17/2025

09/17/2025

This month, we celebrate nuestra cultura, nuestras raíces, y la fuerza de nuestra comunidad 💛. But también es tiempo de hablar de algo importante: cómo romper barreras en mental health.

🚫 Barrier: “La terapia no es para nosotros.”
✅ Truth: Therapy es un recurso de amor propio y fortaleza.

🚫 Barrier: “Si hablo de mis emociones, soy débil.”
✅ Truth: Hablar = sanar. Sharing tu historia es brave.

🚫 Barrier: “La familia no entiende.”
✅ Truth: Al cuidar tu mente, también inspiras a tu familia y creas nuevas generaciones más libres.

Let’s honor our heritage by breaking stigmas, buscando ayuda cuando la necesitamos, y creando un legado de healing. 💫

09/16/2025

NEW BLOG!
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Supporting the Hispanic/Latino Community with Counseling and Immigration Evaluations in Cypress and Houston - Ori Hope Counseling

Every year, September marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. In Cypress and Houston, this month is more than just a celebration; it’s a reminder of the importance of accessible and culturally sensit...

09/12/2025

Meet Our New Intern Student Lauri: Affordable Counseling Now Available at ORI Hope Counseling
As part of their advanced training, we are now offering low-cost counseling services for children 8 years & up, teens, along with adults both in person and virtually.
Whether you're facing stress, relationship challenges, or just need someone to talk to, our Intern student is here to offer support in a safe, confidential setting. This is a great opportunity to access quality care at a reduced rate, while also supporting the next generation of counselors. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Ready to get started or want to learn more? Contact us today to schedule your first session!
www.orihopecounseling.com

09/05/2025

What to say if someone tells you they have suicidal thoughts?? 😯When someone shares they have suicidal thoughts, the way we respond can make a big difference in whether they feel supported and safe. Here are some practical tips on what to say and what not to say:

✅ What to Say:
“Thank you for trusting me with this.” → Validates their courage to share.

“I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. You’re not alone.” → Shows empathy and connection.

“I care about you and want to help you stay safe.” → Reinforces support.

“Can you tell me more about what you’re going through?” → Invites them to share at their own pace.

“Would you like me to sit with you while we find some support together?” → Offers practical help without taking control.

❌ What Not to Say:

“Don’t say that” / “You shouldn’t feel that way.” → Minimizes their pain.

“Other people have it worse.” → Invalidates their struggle.

“You just need to be stronger / pray more / think positive.” → Oversimplifies a serious issue.

“Are you serious? That’s crazy.” → Stigmatizes and shames.

“You won’t really do it.” → Dangerous assumption that could increase risk.

REMEMBER‼️

Stay calm and listen more than you talk. Silence can be powerful.

Ask directly if they have a plan to hurt themselves. (This doesn’t “plant the idea,” but it shows you care.)

Encourage professional help. Offer to call or go with them if needed (988/Nearby Hospital)

Don’t promise to keep it a secret. Safety comes first.

💚 Your words can save a life.
Let’s break the stigma and be a voice of hope.

08/27/2025

Grateful for the opportunity to tell my story🙏and how Ori Hope Counseling was born.❤️

https://voyagehouston.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-anggie-pedraza-watson-of-ori-hope-counseling-pllc?fbclid=IwdGRzaAMbO3JjbGNrAxs7bmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeUb_LRmBU_X1UPAPo2TG47-YUSnwyoDZH6UvmvEY28YhYaBMJJZtY5CG-mEg_aem_RRxfe9XnnmQ_WNFKTA48-g

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anggie Pedraza-Watson. Anggie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?I was born in Venezuela to a 17-year-old mom who had left Peru, following the love of her life. My parents were together until I was a...

07/15/2025

NEW BLOG: Why couples counseling is preventive care and not last resort!

https://www.orihopecounseling.com/why-couples-therapy-is-preventive-care-not-just-a-last-resort/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLjha5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp-9zwqD7sEo1HKu1amuJGDnfQTVpRzB45KuLXglnR9BCF9SxrAj4X5V8AHvx_aem_Tia0IOYM-BFp8Qs0gbq0qw

07/13/2025

07/12/2025

📄✨ Do you need a psychological evaluation for your immigration case?

At Ori Hope Counseling, we offer professional evaluations for:

✅ Asylum
✅ VAWA
✅ U Visa
✅ Cancellation of Removal
✅ Waiver I-601

With compassion, respect, and experience, we help you tell your story by focusing on the emotional and psychological impact.

📍Sessions available in Spanish
📞 Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

09/11/2024

Moments of anxiety or deep distress experienced by Jesus:

1. Luke 22:44
"And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
This vividly shows Jesus' emotional agony as He faced the impending crucifixion, illustrating the intensity of His distress.

2. Matthew 26:37-38 "And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.'"
Jesus openly expressed His deep sorrow and troubled heart, revealing the emotional weight He carried.

3. Mark 14:33-34
"And He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And He said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.'"..This passage mirrors the one in Matthew and further underscores Jesus' profound inner turmoil before His arrest.

4. Hebrews 5:7
"In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence."
This verse speaks of Jesus' intense prayers, possibly referring to the Garden of Gethsemane, showing His emotional vulnerability.

These passages highlight Jesus' humanity and His experience with emotions like anxiety, which many can relate to. Yet, His response to these emotions seeking God's strength and surrendering to His will serves as a model for us believers facing similar struggles.

07/29/2024

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