Townsend Counseling Services

07/09/2025

I got the opportunity to receive some awesome training here in Overland Park today:

OCD Diagnosis & Treatment Planning 🧠 from Kari Gregory, LCPC

Made it better that two of my former group supervision colleagues were there that I highly recommend for those in the KC area, both are EMDR trained as well:

Katie Smith, owner of Build & Bloom Therapy. Website: https://www.buildandbloomtherapy.com/

&

Robin, owner of Rise above Counseling. Website: https://riseabovecounselor.com/

06/25/2025

July 25th & 26th in Abilene, KS. For more information go to: https://youtu.be/knBJGNisJS0?si=CFq2Xw7-ugBwXbVd to register go to: www.townsendcounselingmhk.com/events

06/09/2025

05/06/2025

A Grudge or a Boundary?

I don’t think it’s holding a grudge if the behavior is ongoing. If someone gossiped about us in the past and continues to gossip about us now, setting a boundary by choosing not to share personal information with them isn’t holding a grudge. That person has not demonstrated any change in behavior, so it would actually be unwise to act as if they have. 🚫🤐

A grudge comes into play when someone has changed and is trying to make amends. If that hasn’t happened, it’s not a grudge. However, even if a person has made changes, if we refuse to acknowledge their growth and hold them to who they used to be, then we might be holding a grudge. 😕 But even that isn’t always so simple—some things people do may be unforgivable to us. We may have let go of our anger, we may not wish them any harm, but that doesn’t mean we have to return to the relationship. That’s not holding a grudge—that’s self-preservation. 🛡️💛

Here’s what a grudge actually is:

A grudge is passive-aggressive 😤

Grudges don’t hold people accountable 🪞

Grudges can be one-sided; the other person may not even know we’re harboring resentment 🤷‍♀️

Grudges can be a sign that a conversation needs to happen or that boundaries need to be set 🗣️

A grudge can indicate unresolved resentment that we need to work through 🌀

Sometimes, it’s not a grudge—it’s just learning from experience. 🧠✨ People teach us who they are through their actions. Maybe they’ve shown us that we can’t trust them to keep a secret. Maybe they’ve demonstrated that if we lend them something, we won’t get it back in good condition. We have the right to decide whether to give someone another chance, especially if they have demonstrated real change over time—but that is our choice. 🛑🔁

Firm boundaries have a place with people who routinely do the same thing. Giving them a consequence or setting a boundary is not a grudge. 🚧

Journal Prompt 📝
What is something you thought was a grudge that might actually be a boundary?
—

🖋️ Inspired by the wisdom of Dr. Nedra Glover Tawwab

04/23/2025

✨ Strengthen Your Relationship with The Gottman Seven Principles Workshop! ✨
Led by Tyrone Townsend, LCPC | Level II Gottman Trained Leader

Are you engaged, newly married, or been together for years and want to deepen your connection? Join us for a transformative couples workshop based on the groundbreaking research of Drs. John and Julie Gottman!

💑 What You'll Gain:
✔ Practical tools to enhance love, friendship & intimacy
✔ Strategies to manage conflict constructively
✔ Techniques to build shared meaning and deeper connection
✔ A safe, private space—no group sharing required!

🧠 Based on the best-selling book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, this class offers couples of all stages an opportunity to:
🌟 Reignite passion
🌟 Improve communication
🌟 Strengthen trust & emotional connection

📘 Each couple will receive a Couples Guide filled with interactive exercises and insights to support your journey.
📍 Great for premarital prep, parenting couples, or empty nesters!

🚫 This is NOT therapy. This is a psychoeducational class for couples looking to enhance their relationship skills in a supportive, stigma-free environment.

📢 Upcoming Couples Workshop – Coming This Summer!
📅 Dates: Mid to Late Summer (Exact dates to be announced)
📍 Location: Abilene, KS (Venue details coming soon)
💲 Cost: $249 per couple (payment plans available)
📩 Registration: Opens within the next month at www.townsendcounselingmhk.com

Stay tuned for more details—and get ready to invest in your relationship this summer!

03/12/2025

I have to shout out Kristine Page! We met this weekend at our KCA conference, her presentation was amazing! I know some of my clients/friends/family were looking for experience in this field.

She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience. In 2021, she earned my Certificate of Completion in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders from Postpartum Support International, and I received her Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health in 2022.

02/25/2025

02/05/2025

For some of my Wichita family/friends🤘🏿🙌🏾

01/29/2025

Stop hiding the Oreos

Boundary setting can be so difficult and sometimes we just want to hide our true feelings, wants or expectations. We avoid setting them in fear we will upset the person (s) we love, care about or have to work with. But we just end up causing more pain & hurt to ourselves.

I used to hide the Oreos from my son but that doesn't help. He will find them eventually. It's more important to leave them out but explain to him the rules, the boundaries, he can only have two after dinner.

So, in your life now, I'm sure you are avoiding boundaries with someone. Maybe a family member, friend, co-worker, partner. Have that meeting instead, send that text or email or talk in person. Set your boundaries. Be firm. Be fair. But, be you, and take care of you!

Stop hiding the Oreos

Tyrone Townsend, LCPC

01/23/2025

🌟 One of my favorite people on the planet, therapist/coach and amazing friend, Rachel Hnizdil! 🌟

Today, we had an inspiring conversation about the role of shame in our clients' lives—how it can hold them back from embracing their most authentic selves. These deep conversations remind me why I love what I do!

Rachel is an incredible relationship coach, and I’m a Level Two Gottman-trained marriage and couples counselor. Together, we bring unique strengths to the table, blending our expertise to help clients navigate life, love, and personal growth. 💛

Grateful for colleagues like Rachel who push me to grow and share this journey of supporting others. 🙌



Rachel's website: https://www.rachelhnizdil.com/therapy
Tyrone's website: https://townsendcounselingmhk.com/

01/14/2025

💯