Solid Ground Counseling Center

07/10/2025

If you’ve been feeling like your mind is constantly racing, or your body is on high alert even when "nothing (obvious) is wrong", you’re not alone.

Anxiety (and stress) show up in so many different ways—and often, they sneak in when we least expect them. At Solid Ground, we believe in slowing down and getting curious about what is really going on beneath the surface. We believe that when we explore ways to help you reconnect with calm, reclaim a sense of control, and build tools that help you respond rather than react we can create a healthier version of you who is better able to navigate life. You don’t have to go this alone!

📱256-503-8586

07/01/2025

People-pleasing can often look like kindness in real life.

But here’s the difference:
Kindness comes from connection.
People-pleasing comes from fear.

💬 What it looks like:
Always saying yes, even when you're overwhelmed
Apologizing for things that aren’t your fault
Avoiding conflict at all costs
Changing who you are to make others more comfortable

💥 What it feels like:
Anxiety around others’ opinions
Exhaustion from overextending yourself
Resentment building silently

💡 Therapy can help you untangle the difference and reconnect with your authentic self — not the version you feel you have to be for others.
You deserve relationships where you don’t have to earn your worth.

~Dalal

If you are ready to get started you can reach me at 256-384-3796 or dalalshahid@solidgroundmadison.com

06/27/2025

Real Talk with Paige!

Recovery from complex trauma is not a straightforward or linear journey. It's a turbulent process, marked by ups and downs. One thing I’ve noticed in my work with clients is the frustration that arises when progress seems to be made—when hope begins to return and therapy goals start to feel within reach—only for old patterns or symptoms to resurface. This can feel disheartening, but it’s a natural part of the process. Over time, the aim is to notice a gradual shift: from living in a state of unpredictable danger or unsafety to developing a deeper connection with oneself—one that nurtures self-trust and lays the foundation for a sense of reliable safety.

If now is a good time to get started on your therapy journey you can get in touch with Paige at 256-202-4806 or paigedavis@solidgroundmadison.com

06/24/2025

Rupture within relationships is often what drives many to therapy, in hopes that they can find a way to repair and reconnect.

As marriage and family therapists, we know how vital a response to a rupture can be; especially for partners, parents, children, siblings, and close friends. Whether we are working with couples, families, or individuals, the theme of rupture and repair plays a consistent role.

However, for many neurodiverse families, this can be particularly hard to navigate, and that is why I LOVE Dr. Neff’s work! She provides information on a variety of different types, with the similarities and differences between various neurodivergent diagnoses. Neurodivergent Insights is filled with evidence-based support to expand understanding from a neuro-affirming perspective that not only highlights the difficulties faced but also includes key elements of support, too. It’s a wonderful resource for clients to share with loved ones to improve their understanding and implement new support options at home with a very easy-to-navigate setup. The article I shared focuses specifically on rupture and repair and has been helpful for more than a few of my clients!

~Elizabeth

Rupture is an inevitable part of relationships, but repair is where connection has the capacity to deepen. In this post, we explore why repair can feel hard—especially for neurodivergent people—and what helps us move toward it with care, curiosity, and resilience.

06/20/2025

When everything feels heavy, reaching out can feel impossible.

Depression has a way of making life feel small and hope feel far away. But healing is possible, and you don’t have to carry it alone.

At Solid Ground, we offer a space where you can show up just as you are — no pressure, no judgment. Let’s work together toward feeling more like you again.

The first contact is usually the hardest part, so we make it easier - you can self-register and get on one of our therapists calendars without even having to talk with anyone.

https://solidgroundcounselingcenter.securepatientarea.com/portal.m/index

Interested in talking to someone first?

256-503-8586

06/16/2025

Relationships are hard - spousal relationships can be some of the most challenging to navigate and keep healthy due to a myriad of reasons.

We love this blog from Prepare/ Enrich on breaking the ice in marriage. It's a short read packed with great tips for resetting after some kind of disconnect.

Check it out and let us know what you think!

📱256-503-8586

Have you ever felt lingering tension after a negative interaction with your spouse? If so, check out these tips for breaking the ice.

06/12/2025

We are big believers in this quote!

Often the world conditions us to feel that we have to say yes to everything, and certain roles/ positions in life drill this down even more. The outcome can be detrimental. We feel like a "bad person" if we say no... We are exhausted and not really healthy if we say yes to everything people ask if us.

Reshaping our narrative around the notion that "No" is a complete sentence and should be respected allows us to say yes to things we are passionate about or interested in, things in our wheelhouse, that we are going to be genuinely useful for and as a result, highlights our skills, value, and contribution.

This doesn't mean we never try new things, stretch or challenge ourselves. It means realizing we are allowed to have outer parameters and we have a responsibility to exercise those, and should be able to without guilt 😉

06/04/2025

This past weekend Elizabeth & Rachel dropped in to support local therapist, author and Tree of Life Behavioral Health practice owner, Jessica Penot's book signing and event held at Blue Apple Books.

Jessica's lived experience as an Autistic person has shaped her passion for educating and encouraging others to live authentically!

We are celebrating with her the accomplishment of publishing her most recent book The Unmasking Workbook for Autistic Adults.

Congratulations Jessica! 👏

06/01/2025

Elizabeth here! As a therapist, I focus mainly on working with neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families because this is my own family dynamic. Neuroaffirming is a concept of embracing and supporting one another with an understanding that we each have unique perspectives, experiences, and capabilities. With this understanding, it is vital to establish household rules and personal boundaries that honor each person’s capabilities and capacity while also considering their roles and personal goals. Prioritization can be difficult as we maneuver through different life stages, and helping my clients navigate these situations in a way that allows them to build more securely attached relationships both in and outside of the family systems. To help with that, I am sharing a few tips that my clients have found helpful in their therapy journeys and I would love to help you with yours!

5 Tips for Neurodiverse Families:

1. Create routines & procedures that honor each person’s capabilities and responsibilities with accommodations or modifications to help with executive functioning difficulties

2. Establish clear communication options that allow for verbal and nonverbal methods so that each person has the opportunity to feel heard and knows they are considered

3. Integrate everyone’s planned events on a family calendar to help with time management, with established check-in times to allow for coordinating events

4. Explore different opportunities for connection and shared interests to allow for positive attachment opportunities

5. Incorporate emotional regulation & de-escalation techniques that allow for active listening when participating in collaborative problem-solving situations

You can reach me at 256-203-3939 or elizabethgervais@solidgroundmadison.com

06/01/2025

Elizabeth here! As a therapist, I focus mainly on working with neurodivergent individuals, couples, and families because this is my own family dynamic. Neuroaffirming is a concept of embracing and supporting one another with an understanding that we each have unique perspectives, experiences, and capabilities. With this understanding, it is vital to establish household rules and personal boundaries that honor each person’s capabilities and capacity while also considering their roles and personal goals. Prioritization can be difficult as we maneuver through different life stages, and helping my clients navigate these situations in a way that allows them to build more securely attached relationships both in and outside of the family systems. To help with that, I am sharing a few tips that my clients have found helpful in their therapy journeys and I would love to help you with yours!

5 Tips for Neurodiverse Families:

1. Create routines & procedures that honor each person’s capabilities and responsibilities with accommodations or modifications to help with executive functioning difficulties

2. Establish clear communication options that allow for verbal and nonverbal methods so that each person has the opportunity to feel heard and knows they are considered

3. Integrate everyone’s planned events on a family calendar to help with time management, with established check-in times to allow for coordinating events

4. Explore different opportunities for connection and shared interests to allow for positive attachment opportunities

5. Incorporate emotional regulation & de-escalation techniques that allow for active listening when participating in collaborative problem-solving situations

If you are interested in working together you can reach me at 256-203-3939 or elizabethgervais@solidgroundmadison.com

05/27/2025

Happy Birthday to our wonderful intern Paige!

She has been such a lovely addition to Solid Ground over the last year, and we are so thankful for what she brings to the team, help us wish her a happy day!!

05/27/2025

One cool thing about our work (as Marriage and Family Therapists) is our approach, the concept of "systemic therapy" and how it looks at the bigger picture. It considers how relationships and family dynamics influence someone’s behavior and emotions. For example, communication patterns within families can contribute to issues like anxiety and conflict. You can use this information to understand your role in these dynamics and work towards healthier relationships.

Have you come across any specific aspects of systemic therapy that you found intriguing? 🤔