Four Directions Counseling & Recovery Center

11/26/2025

Thanksgiving is amazing… and also extremely chaotic.
If you’re trying to protect your sobriety this holiday, remember: you don’t have to survive it alone (or white-knuckle your way through Aunt Linda’s political speeches).

This carousel breaks down simple, actually-doable ways to stay grounded, sober, and sane — with a little humor because… well, it’s Thanksgiving. 🦃💙

Take what you need, set boundaries, and protect your peace.
You deserve a holiday you remember for the right reasons.

11/25/2025

🌿 Understanding Stress Responses: It’s Not “Overreacting,” It’s Your Nervous System

When we feel overwhelmed, our bodies react long before our brains can make sense of what's happening. These reactions aren’t “dramatic” or “crazy” — they’re natural survival responses designed to keep us safe.

Here are the 4 main stress responses:

🧠 Fight
• Feeling irritable or angry
• Wanting to argue or defend yourself
• Feeling the need to take control

🏃 Flight
• Feeling anxious or restless
• Avoiding situations or people
• Needing to “escape” physically or emotionally

🧊 Freeze
• Feeling stuck, numb, or unable to make decisions
• Shutting down emotionally
• Going blank or dissociating

🤝 Fawn
• People-pleasing to avoid conflict
• Over-apologizing
• Putting others’ needs above your own to stay safe

None of these responses mean something is “wrong” with you.
They mean your nervous system is doing its best with what it knows.

With awareness and support, you can learn to regulate these responses and reconnect with safety in your body.

If you notice yourself in any of these patterns, you’re not alone — and healing is possible.
🌱

11/23/2025

I can’t possibly express the gratitude I feel for having the opportunity to share my experience and research with such brilliant and warm professional counselors in the country that holds such special meaning in my life. This last month has provided such powerful energy and spiritual fulfillment. I have benefited in ways I could never have imagined, thanks to Nabin Joshi and PICS Nepal, the incredible staff, and so many exceptional counselors and students! I am blessed…🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻 🇳🇵

11/21/2025

11/21/2025

Join us in Pokhara, Nepal (Nov 10–12, 2025) for a transformative 3-day International Training on Trauma facilitated by Dr. Ellen Elliott, Psychotherapist from the USA.
🧩 Organized by: PICS Nepal Pokhara
🤝 In collaboration with: Four Directions Counseling and Recovery Center (USA)
📞 For more details: 9851225495 | 9846868401

11/21/2025

It was such a great honor to provide trading in Pokhara!

11/20/2025

Did you know that most women who experience domestic abuse never report it?
Not because it isn’t serious, but because they often fear:
• Not being believed
• Retaliation from their partner
• Losing their children
• Being blamed
• Cultural or family pressure
• Financial consequences
• Having “no proof”

Many women endure years of emotional and psychological abuse before any physical violence occurs.
And emotional abuse alone — gaslighting, threats, intimidation, isolation, humiliation — can be just as damaging as physical violence.

Every survivor’s story is different. Every survivor’s safety plan is personal.
And every survivor deserves to be heard, believed, and supported.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse, help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline:
📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
💬 Text “START” to 88788
💻 thehotline.org

11/19/2025

Today is Never Give Up Day — and as an addiction counselor, I want you to hear this clearly:
You are not failing because recovery feels hard.
You are not weak because you’ve stumbled.
And you are not alone in this fight.

Healing isn’t a straight line.
Some days you’re proud of yourself.
Some days you’re frustrated.
Some days you feel like you’re starting over again.

But every single day you choose to try — even a little — is a victory.

I’ve watched people rebuild their lives from places they thought they’d never rise from.
I’ve seen hope return in moments where they swore they had none left.
And I’ve seen people discover strength they didn’t even know they had.

So on this Never Give Up Day, I want you to know:
✨ Your journey is worth it
✨ Your progress counts, even in tiny steps
✨ You are capable of healing
✨ And it is never, ever too late to begin again

If you need support, guidance, or just someone to help carry the load with you — we’re here. 💙

11/18/2025

Sometimes we don’t realize something was trauma until years later.
We just called it:
• “I had to grow up fast.”
• “That’s just how my family was.”
• “It wasn’t a big deal.”
• “I don’t think it really affected me.”

But the body remembers.
The nervous system remembers.
And the coping tools we learned — shutting down, people-pleasing, anger, anxiety, substance use — often come from wounds we didn’t know we had.

If you’re starting to notice old patterns and want support understanding them, we’re here. Healing begins with compassion for yourself, not blame. 💙

11/15/2025

Sleeping Buddha mountain and Bhaktapur at sunset. Ahhh….

11/13/2025

Healing asks us to slow down. 🌾

In recovery, patience is more than waiting — it’s trusting. Trusting that every honest effort, every moment of awareness, every small step toward change is sacred work.

Growth doesn’t rush. It unfolds.

So if today feels quiet or progress feels slow, remember: even stillness is part of healing.

🌻 Be patient with yourself. You are becoming.