Pathways Forensic & Mental Health Services, PLLC, Lufkin, Texas

09/23/2025

Becoming a Better Person: It Starts with Choice
September 22, 2025
Dr. Jean Stanley

In life, we often hear the phrase, “People don’t change.” But the truth is, people can change — for the better — if they choose to. Choosing to become a better person isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention, action, and persistence. Here’s how that choice can unfold, and how anyone can make it real.

1. The Starting Point: Decision & Intention
Make the conscious choice. Change doesn’t usually happen by accident. It begins when you decide, “I want to be better.” That may mean kinder, more honest, more patient, more self‐aware — whatever “better” means for you. Define what “better” means for you rather than adopt someone else’s version. What do you value? What qualities do you admire in others? What do you want your relationships, work, and inner life to look like?

2. Small Steps Over Grand Gestures
Big goals are motivating, but often overwhelming. Break things down. If you want to be more empathetic, maybe start by listening more without interrupting. If you want to be more disciplined, begin with one consistent daily routine. Celebrate small wins. Every time you follow through with even a small act of kindness, or choose patience over frustration, you’re reinforcing your new pattern.

3. Awareness & Reflection
Self-awareness is crucial. Notice your thoughts, feelings, reactions. When do you slide back into old habits? Why? What triggers you?
Reflect regularly — daily or weekly — on what went well and what you want to adjust. Journaling, meditation, talking with a trusted friend or mentor can help.

4. Be Kind to Yourself (Self-Compassion)

Change involves mistakes. Expect them. When you slip up, treat yourself with the same kindness you’d show a friend.
Don’t let one misstep become a justification for giving up. Each day is a new chance.

5. Surroundings Matter
We’re influenced by what and who’s around us. Surround yourself with people who model qualities you admire. Seek out environments (physical, social, mental) that support growth.
Remove or reduce what drags you down such as toxic relationships, negative media, self-criticism without purpose.

6. Persistence and Patience
Real change takes time. It’s like growing a tree: root systems are hidden, growth is slow, storms happen. But over time, the tree becomes strong. Keep going, even when progress seems invisible. Small incremental improvements add up in ways you may not immediately see.

7. Living Your Better Self
As the new habits take root, let your character show through in daily life: in honesty, in how you treat others, in your work, in how you handle conflict. Use your growth to serve others. Often, one of the most powerful markers of “being better” is not just feeling better, but contributing positively: helping others, being kind, listening, healing rifts.

Why It’s Worth It

- Improved relationships, more trust, more fulfilling work and connection.
- Inner peace through less regret, less self-loathing, more confidence in who you are.
- Ripple effects: when others see your change, it can inspire or ripple outward.

Final Thought
Choosing to be better isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a continuous process. It begins in the mind and in the heart, then moves into everyday actions. If you’re reading this, you already have everything you need to start such as awareness, choice, and willingness. Take that first step. And then another, and another. Over time, what began as honest self-reflection followed by a single choice, eventually becomes a life transformed by “better” from the inside out.

05/04/2025

The Importance of Taking Care of Your Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, mental health is more important than ever. While conversations around mental well-being have become more common, there’s still a long way to go in making mental health a top priority in people’s lives. Too often, it’s neglected, overlooked, or stigmatized. Just like we care for our physical health, nurturing our mental and emotional well-being is essential for a balanced, fulfilling life.

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health doesn’t mean you’re always happy or free of problems. Instead, it means you can manage life’s highs and lows with resilience and a sense of purpose.

Just as you wouldn’t ignore a physical injury, it’s vital not to ignore signs of mental distress—whether it’s persistent sadness, anxiety, burnout, or withdrawal from daily activities. These are not weaknesses or personal failings, but signals that you may need support and care.

Overcoming the Stigma

One of the greatest barriers to mental wellness is the stigma that still surrounds it. Many people hesitate to seek help because they fear being judged, misunderstood, or labeled. This stigma is fueled by misconceptions: that mental health issues are rare, that they’re a sign of weakness, or that people should just “snap out of it.” In reality, mental health challenges are incredibly common. According to the World Health Organization, one in four people will be affected by a mental or neurological disorder at some point in their lives.

To break the stigma, we must foster a culture of openness and compassion. Talking honestly about mental health—sharing experiences, listening without judgment, and supporting one another—can create safe spaces where people feel empowered to seek help. Mental health is not a taboo topic; it’s a universal part of the human experience.

Taking Action for Mental Wellness

Caring for your mental health is an ongoing process. It involves adopting habits that nourish your mind and body, such as:
• Getting regular sleep and maintaining a healthy diet.
• Staying physically active, which helps release endorphins and reduce stress.
• Connecting with others, as strong social ties can improve mood and resilience.
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation to center your thoughts and emotions.
• Setting boundaries and learning to say no when needed.

Sometimes, self-care isn’t enough, and that’s okay. Seeking professional help—from a therapist, counselor, or doctor—is a sign of strength, not failure. Therapy can provide tools and insights that help you understand yourself better and navigate life more effectively.

Conclusion

Mental health matters—deeply. When we take care of our minds, we not only improve our own quality of life but also create healthier, more supportive communities. By prioritizing mental wellness and breaking down stigma, we can build a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and cared for. Let’s keep the conversation going and remind each other: it’s okay not to be okay—and it’s more than okay to ask for help.

What are some ways you personally take care of your mental health?

10/07/2024

Pathways continues to grow it team .... Welcome Bonnie Stephens, LPC, NCC. So honored for such a well seasoned professional to be a part of our Pathways Family.
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Bonnie D. Stephens, M.Ed., MS., LPC, became affiliated with Pathways Forensic & Mental Health Services, PLLC in April of 2024. Ms. Stephens served in the US Army from 1980 to 1982, followed by two years in the US Army Reserve. She attended Lamar University, later earning a Bachelor of Science in criminology, followed double Masters first in Criminology then Education. Stephens has held licensure as a counselor for 16 years. Her experience in the mental health and case management field is extensive, the most recent of which found her serving as an independent contractor with Connel Associates where she provided counseling for individuals, couples, families, and groups on matters pertaining to family dynamics, parent-child interaction, couples communication, stress reduction, PTSD, medication management, and adjustment to military lifestyles. She also provided reintegration training and family support for active-duty personnel returning from deployment. Prior to independent contracting, Ms. Stephens worked in the mental health department of the Criminal Investigation Division providing daily mental health consults to assist investigators to manage overall mental/cognitive health. She has also served as a military and family life counselor in Fort Polk, LA while embedded with 31-0 Mountain Brigade Division, where she worked with over 800 deployed and on-post active service members providing mental health services. Ms. Stephens is no stranger to the East Texas area. Originally from the Woodville, TX area, she began her counseling career and worked 10 years in private practice serving 80 individual clients through 7 counties in the Deep East Texas catchment area. She has practical experience with collaborate care involving clients in need of medication, providing assessments, and in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health clients with co-occurring disorders. Ms. Stephens is full-time with Pathways FMHS and is available for evening appointments. She has specialized training in Ethics, Law, Communication, Treatment of Depression, PTSD, Human Trafficking, Military Life, Anxiety, Child abuse and Family Dynamics Command and Troop Education Community Awareness Conflict Resolution, Couples Communication Skills, Stress Management, Prevention Programs and Services New Parent Support Program Parent Education, Domestic Violence Prevention Victim Advocate Program Relationship Support, Safety Education, Emergency Placement Care Program, Reporting Procedures, Debriefing Techniques for Critical Incidents (US Army CID) Case Management for Law Enforcement (US Army CID), Identification and Treatment Techniques for PTSD, Su***de Prevention, and Drug Abuse, and Critical Case Management Quantico, Virginia, US Army, 2018.

01/01/2024

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We at Pathways Forensic & Mental Health Services, wish all of you a happy and healthy new year. We are so blessed to look forward to great things coming for our practice group as we experience more growth and expansion to provide much needed additional mental health and psychological services in the East Texas area. Thank you from my heart for your support and for your confidence in Pathways as we enter together into another year.

09/19/2023

Angela Cooper MA, LPC is among the newest members to join our Pathways team as a provider of telehealth sessions only. Having served in a variety of positions representing a broad range of agencies throughout East Texas, Angela has more than twenty years of experience in the delivery of behavioral and mental health services. From residential treatment services to school districts, community-based corrections, and community-based mental health offices, she began her career in the East Texas area working at a residential wilderness program where she was able to combine her love for the outdoors with her love for helping others. After nearly five years of living the “camp life,” Angela opted this time for the indoors, becoming a Juvenile Probation Officer for Angelina County – a position that suited her well given that her Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology had a Criminal Justice emphasis. Still tapping into her love for the outdoors and working with the youth of Angelina County, she pursued a Master of Arts in Counseling at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. Shortly after completing her education and licensing Angela joined the staff of Samaritan Counseling Center in Nacogdoches, Texas as a staff therapist where she honed her skills and expanded her experience to working with children, youth, college students, adults, couples, and families. The culmination of her experience led her to eventually open her own private practice where she has worked consistently for the past 9 years. In August of 2022, Angela and her family relocated to the state of Missouri, where she is dually licensed in both Missouri and Texas. As such, she is very excited to continue providing services via telehealth for Texas clients, former and new. Angela sees her role as a counselor as “helping others help themselves”. She understands that people often engage in counseling when they are at the end of their rope and don’t know where else to turn. Her priority is to meet them where they are and provide them with a safe and supportive space to share their story. Angela has training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) as well as several others but considers her counseling “style” to be eclectic in nature often pulling from several modalities depending on the needs of her clients. When Angela isn’t working she enjoys spending time with her husband, their two teenagers, and her crazy Corgi. The whole family enjoys scuba diving, Overlanding & camping, boating, fishing, and bicycling on local trails together. And finally, in reflection, she also sees being able to see clients from an air-conditioned environment as a major perk as well! Pathways Forensic & Mental Health Services welcomes Angela to our team. She is credentialed in Texas with multiple insurance companies and welcomes new clients. To book an appointment with Angela, contact Pathways Forensic & Mental Health Services, PLLC, Lufkin, Texas 936-238-3868.

08/25/2023

Pathways Forensic & Mental Health Services has once again expanded its services offering a heartfelt welcome to our newest provider and member of our Pathways family, Mr. Joe R. Morales, MA, LPC of Lufkin, Texas. A well-seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor, Joe is no stranger to providing mental health services in areas throughout East Texas including to the Hispanic community. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Education at Delta State University in Mississippi, Joe went on to earn a Master of Arts in Community Counseling through Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. Now, with over 25 years of experience, he has dedicated his career to working with individuals of all ages, addressing various mental health issues, relationship challenges, and helping others facilitate their personal development goals. In reflecting on his professional journey, Joe referred to his work as a “privilege” that afforded him the opportunity to assist numerous individuals through agency services as well as through his private practice which he had for over 10 years.
When articulating his approach to counseling Joe emphasized his firm belief in the power of human connection and the potential for growth and healing. “My approach to counseling is rooted in empathy, compassion, and respect for each individual’s unique journey. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. By utilizing evidence-based techniques and drawing from my extensive experience, I aim to empower individuals to overcome challenges, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and achieve their personal goals.”
In addition to his professional endeavors, on a personal note, he speaks proudly of his teenage daughter and considers parenting his most important role. Further, he believes that role has so far been a key resource in helping him gain insight into the importance of empathy, patience, and understanding, all of which he applies when practicing as a counselor. For his leisure time, Joe strives to indulge in a variety of activities he considers relaxing and joyful. As examples, he said, “I have a I have a deep passion for reading and writing, as they allow me to explore different perspectives and expand my knowledge.” I enjoy traveling to gain exposure to new cultures and gain a broader understanding of the world.” He also added cooking and music to his list of pleasures in life. Joe described cooking as not only a creative outlet but also a way to express love and care for his family and friends; and he described music as one of his primary sources of inspiration and solace.
To schedule individual counseling with Joe, contact Pathways Forensic & Mental Health Services at 936-238-3868.

08/21/2023

Grief: A personal journey of coping with loss
In memory of Barbara Jean & David Wedgeworth, parents of Dr. V. Jean Stanley, Licensed Psychologist

Loss.
Such a small word. Yet, when the loss is experienced, particularly in losing a loved one, few words compare when considering life-changing events that can restructure a person’s world, crush the heart, or leave a person literally shaken to the core and forced by uninvited and often unwanted circumstances to face life on new terms.

A personal example I can share is found in the loss of my beloved mother on June 3, 2022. Naturally, as the first anniversary of her death passed quietly away in just 24 hours, I felt it appropriate to pause for a moment and reflect not only on how I loved my mother and my father, (who passed in 2013), but also on the emotional journey of learning how to be me without them near me and how to make peace with the life-altering events that reached into that seldom visited place in my soul where sorrow and mourning reside. I learned a great deal about the loss in the passing of my father, but since losing my mother, the gravity of loss has taken me down a very different emotional road filled with complex emotions I found difficult at times to understand and process. In fact, when thinking about sorrow or mourning, or coping with death, I used to think only about the “event” of death itself as someone’s passing that was followed then by sadness experienced at a funeral and burial. My goodness, I could not have been more wrong.

Be Grateful
I’m so thankful for my mother and father’s long and wonderful life and all I have learned from them. But the journey of learning to cope with their loss, how to rethink how I do my days, and how to accept, understand, and embrace my sorrow has taught me some equally incredible and helpful things about life. I have learned the importance of healthy coping and the need for broader thinking, including the importance of realizing for myself, my family, and my clients that loss is not “an event” but rather a profound and often prolonged emotional state that is associated with pain, suffering, or anguish that needs to find expression. The feelings can be great on some days and barely felt on others. But in either case, for my journey, the emotional impact of such great loss was like the shifting of angry, turbulent waters in a stormy sea that rocked my world, threw me off balance, and took away from the identity I found in having a living parent.

Time
Thankfully, I now see that with time, the waves will subside. The water will settle. Emotions recalibrate, and life will form a new normal. I miss my mother and my father terribly, but now, with the waters of my loss more calm, my own recalibration experience enables me to focus more on their life, the goodness in them, and how they loved me, rather than on the feelings of loss. I am still healing, and sharing these thoughts is part of that healing process. I know I am not alone. So many suffer from loss and the grief that accompanies such loss. I have found it so important to embrace the grief process, which is different for everyone. With that in mind, I thought I would share a few thoughts about grief in hopes of offering some insights and help to others. Meanwhile, remember that the healing of a broken heart can be a challenging and deeply personal process. While it takes time, and there is no quick fix, here are some insights and strategies that may help you find healing:

What is grief?
The grief process refers to the range of emotions and reactions individuals experience when faced with the death of a loved one or any significant loss. It is a natural and complex process that varies from person to person. While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, common stages and coping strategies help individuals navigate the grieving process. It’s important to note that grief is a deeply personal experience: everyone may not go through all the stages or experience them in the same order.

Stages of Grief
1. Denial: Initially, accepting the loss’s reality can be difficult. Denial is a common defense mechanism that allows individuals to gradually absorb the shock of the loss at their own pace.

2. Anger: As reality sets in, it’s common to feel anger and frustration. People may direct their anger toward themselves, the deceased, a higher power, or even unrelated individuals. It’s important to recognize and express these emotions in healthy ways.

3. Bargaining: In an attempt to regain control or make sense of the loss, individuals may enter a phase of bargaining. This often involves seeking some form of compromise or attempting to strike a deal, even if it’s unrealistic. For example, pleading to have the loved one back or wishing for more time.

4. Depression: A deep sense of sadness, emptiness, and despair can be experienced during the grieving process. This stage involves coming to terms with the loss and fully recognizing its impact. It’s essential to allow oneself to grieve and seek support from others during this phase.

5. Acceptance: The final stage of grief does not mean forgetting or moving on from the loss. Instead, it involves reaching a state of acceptance, where individuals begin to adjust to their new reality. Acceptance does not necessarily mean being with the loss but rather finding a way to live with it.

Remember, grief is a unique experience, and there is no set timeline for healing. Each person copes with loss in their own way and at their own pace. It’s essential to be compassionate towards yourself and allow yourself the space to grieve and heal in your own time. While going through the grief process, there are coping strategies that can help individuals navigate their emotions and find healing:

Healing in Grief
1. Practice self-care: Prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, or a sense of peace. Take care of your physical health by getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in regular exercise. Make self-care a priority to nurture yourself during this difficult time.

2. Express your emotions creatively: Find healthy outlets to express and release your emotions. Consider journaling, writing poetry, painting, or engaging in other forms of creative expression. These outlets can provide a means to process your feelings and gain clarity and understanding.

3. Focus on personal growth: Use this time as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Explore your own passions, interests, and goals. Engage in activities that contribute to your personal development and help you discover new aspects of yourself.

4. Set healthy boundaries: If the broken heart involves a relationship that is no longer serving you, it may be necessary to establish healthy boundaries or distance yourself from the person who hurt you. Recognize that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being and surround yourself with positive influences.

5. Seek professional help if needed: If the pain from a broken heart persists or becomes overwhelming, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. They can provide guidance, offer coping strategies, and help you navigate the healing process.

6. Practice self-compassion and patience: Healing takes time, and being gentle with yourself throughout the journey is essential. Avoid self-blame or judgment and instead practice self-compassion. Understand that healing is a gradual process, and there may be ups and downs along the way. Patience and self-care are key.

For more information of help with grief, contact Pathways Forensic & Mental Health Services, PLLC, Lufkin, Texas 936-238-3868
https://jeanspathways.com/coping-grief/

05/02/2023

https://jeanspathways.com/manage-anxiety/

Everyone has faced anxiety at one time or another. Learn how to manage anxiety in this latest post from Dr. Jean Stanley.

04/08/2023

Good words for all you (uh we) introverts….

www.empathplanet.com

04/08/2023

Interesting… my sister and I listened lovingly as our Mom described some unexplainable things in her final weeks. We knew they were real because we know our Mom. Some things just do not
have know natural logic. You just listen….

Terminal lucidity, "encountering" deceased relatives, and more.