New Leaf Counseling Service

06/13/2025

06/13/2025

Despite a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and rising hate, our message is clear: we’re not going anywhere. The Norfolk Area Pride community is here to live, love, and thrive—boldly and unapologetically.

Your support helps us protect our community, fight back against injustice, and create spaces where all LGBTQ+ people are safe, seen, and celebrated.

We’ve made it to 5 years, please donate today during pride month to make sure we’re here to stay!

https://form.jotform.com/241517889492067

02/06/2025

Followup from January 5th... I'm happy to say it was not difficult to have a dry January. I realized that I enjoyed dinner out with friends, as always. I enjoyed watching sports, dinner out, time with friends. I think some of the times I have used alcohol was habit, looking around at others who had a drink and realized I had options, enjoying my friends as I always had. Weight loss- not so much, probably improved sleep but I have to say that it has never been much of problem for me to relax, read, listen to music as I drift off. My biggest surprise was how a number of friends had decided to try dry January.
Just experimenting is a good strategy for me. What I learned seemed a bit obvious- I can enjoy social situations as much as I always had. The only pressure I had to use alcohol came from me. I can relax, laugh, be a bit spontaneous without much fall out.
Now, the experiment with increasing my exercise. Maybe I'll see you at the Y.

01/16/2025

We have a new peer support group! This is an adult support group for anyone that identifies as a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Please join us for fun, meaningful conversations, and community!

Please pre-register for the group by clicking the link below or scanning the QR code. If on a smartphone to scan the QR code: save the photo from this post > go to photo library on your device > open photo > hold down or long press on QR Code in photo > open jotform in your devices browser

https://form.jotform.com/250094908415054

01/05/2025

As a new year begins, I choose not to make traditional New Year's resolutions. While I recognize the value of making adjustments to support my health, relationships, and productivity, I prefer to take a more experimental approach. This strategy, which I often suggest to my clients who are hesitant to change, involves testing new behaviors without making a long-term commitment. By viewing it as an experiment, the process becomes less daunting.
This year, I have decided to experiment with Dry January. It seems that every social event, every dinner out, every girls night out is tied to a drink, or two, or three. My experiment will involve the risk of saying “no thank you”, or “I’ve brought La Croix”, “I’d really be happy with water, with ice if you’ve got some”. Hmm. That doesn’t sound scary at all.
When my clients talk about a difficult challenge or situation that was uncomfortable, awkward or even painful, I like to ask “what did you learn about yourself?” I’ll get back to you in February and let you know how it goes, and if I learned something new about me. Happy 2025! All the best, Renee

11/27/2024

This holiday season, we are doing a *Personal Hygiene Drive* for our clients! Wondering how you can help us spread some holiday cheer with essentials for people who are working to get back on their feet?

Check out our blog with details below!
https://thewellne.org/blog/2024-holiday-donation-drive/

11/14/2024

This past week…

Many are baffled by the so strong feelings around the 2024 election results – let us help you get it.

Families are dividing, couples are blowing up and neighbors are being cut off. When you are close to someone who didn't vote with you this year, you are likley in some distress.

The shock and pain for some groups after the election and the corresponding lack of understanding is a recipe for dysregulation.

We explore the complexities of political identity, emotional responses, and the impact of political discourse on all of our personal relationships in the wake of a divisive presidential election.

Alongside Michael Hilgers, LPC, we emphasize the need for deeper conversations that transcend binary thinking and the significance of co-regulation in healing and fostering unity amidst division.

We explore the challenges of navigating relationships where political views differ, emphasizing the value of patience, compassion, and open curiosity to foster understanding.

The conversation touches on the risks of lasting family divides and underscores the importance of creating safe, respectful spaces for meaningful conversations. Ultimately, it encourages empathy and small, thoughtful steps toward more compassionate communication.

💙🎧🎙 therapistuncensored.com/episodes/when-you-dont-feel-it-but-they-do-staying-connected-in-post-election-distress-250/

06/17/2024

05/10/2024

What is mindfulness meditation? Put simply, it's our innate human capacity for awareness. This means that anyone can meditate—including you!

By exploring mindfulness, we discover that this practice really is for everyone. Simply being aware right now is our key to feeling focused and peaceful, creating meaningful connections, and trusting ourselves deeply, no matter what may be going on around us.

Ready to learn more and get started? Discover the mindful basics and begin your meditation journey today with our FREE How to Meditate Guide: https://loom.ly/EjQXYko

04/27/2024

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/04/26/1247501573/women-sleep-sleepless-study-research-insomnia?ft=nprml&f=103537970

A recent survey found that Americans' sleep patterns have been getting worse. Adult women under 50 are among the most sleep-deprived demographics.