Overcomer Counseling, LLC

04/08/2026

02/02/2026

Happy Play Therapy Week! Play really is such a powerful thing for kids in their lives, in the classroom, and in a therapeutic setting! It’s 🧠 science, so let’s prioritize play as much as we can in the lives of our little ones.

A child’s brain learns through repetition, but how learning happens matters just as much as how often it happens. Research shows it can take around 400 repetitions to form a new neural connection through instruction alone. That number drops dramatically when learning happens through play.

Play activates multiple brain systems at once. Movement, emotion, curiosity, and attention work together, making learning feel safe and engaging. When children are playful, the brain releases chemicals that support memory and motivation. This allows new connections to form faster and with less effort.

From a neuroscience perspective, play reduces stress while increasing focus. A stressed brain is busy protecting itself. A playful brain is open and flexible. This is why skills learned through games, pretend scenarios, and hands on exploration often stick after only 10-20 repetitions.

For parents, this changes the approach to teaching. Learning does not need to feel serious to be effective. Turning practice into play strengthens memory, confidence, and enjoyment. Whether learning words, routines, or emotional skills, play helps the brain wire faster and deeper. When learning feels joyful, the brain learns better.

01/13/2026

We at Overcomer Counseling, LLC would like to welcome and introduce the newest member to our team, Heather Thomsen. Please help us welcome her and here is a little about her:

Heather earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wyoming in the spring of 2024. During her undergraduate studies, Heather focused on helping individuals strengthen communication and intimate relationships through educational workshops and comprehensive s*x education—an experience that continues to shape her counseling approach.

Heather discovered her passion for the mental health field during her bachelor’s program, particularly after spending time in Northern Ireland working at St. Peter’s Immaculata Youth Center. Following this experience, she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at Cathedral Home for Children, where supporting residents further solidified her desire to pursue a career in mental health counseling.

During graduate school, Heather primarily worked with adult clients, supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief and loss, academic stress, substance use concerns, and communication difficulties. She approaches counseling with openness, respect, and compassion and welcomes clients from all backgrounds, identities, and belief systems. Heather is committed to providing an inclusive environment, welcoming individuals of all s*xual orientations, gender identities, and relationship structures.

Over the past year, Heather has worked as an Academic Advisor on a university campus, helping college-aged students navigate academic challenges alongside personal and emotional stressors. She is passionate about working with adolescents and adults and strives to create a supportive, empowering space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences and work toward growth at their own pace.

Heather’s professional goals include becoming a licensed counselor with a focus on individual counseling, couples therapy, and s*x therapy. She believes that everyone deserves care that honors who they are and is dedicated to walking alongside clients as they move toward healing, self-understanding, and meaningful change.

01/06/2026

The Team at Overcomer wishes you all a 2026 full of joy, love, and growth.

12/26/2025

The holidays can bring a lot of mixed emotions…just wanted to share a quick note of encouragement today. Life can get tough and often the days that are supposed to be the brightest can feel like the hardest. Just a little encouragement today, look back at what you have OVERCOME and then look FORWARD…you can do this and we are ALWAYS here to help if you need us!
~ Team Overcomer