Laura Martin, LPCCS, at Blue Hills Counseling & Consultation, LLC

05/24/2026

Bullying is one of the hardest things parents navigate. It’s also one of the most important opportunities to teach skills for life (because, let’s face it: bullying can persist into adulthood). I put together this guide on four strategies that can make a real difference, starting at home. You can also navigate to the “Content” portion of my website to download the .pdf version.

Light & love 🏔️

Bullying remains one of the most persistent challenges facing teenagers today — and one of the most painful for parents to watch. While schools and communities play a critical role, the home environment is where the most...

05/21/2026

✨ Great news — I’m accepting new clients! I will have openings the first week of June. Here’s a bit about what I do:
•I help people understand and work through their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so they can live with greater ease and wellbeing.
•I offer both in-person and virtual sessions to fit your needs.
•I am in network with commercial anthem, commercial Optum, and commercial UHC.
•I see ages 16 and up.

If you or someone you know has been thinking about starting therapy, now is a great time to take that step. 💙

Please reach out to my email with any questions and visit my website to learn more about me.

Light & love 🏔️

📧 info@bluehillscounseling.org
🌎 www.bluehillscounseling.org

05/02/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It feels like a good reminder that mental health is not just about crisis, but rather it’s about the everyday things that help us function, cope, and stay connected.

Mental health matters in the big moments, but often it’s built (or strained) in the small, daily ones:

• Sleep: Your brain cannot regulate well when you’re consistently exhausted. Rest is foundational, not lazy.
• Movement: You do not need extreme workouts because walking, stretching, or simply getting outside can improve mood and stress tolerance.
• Nutrition: Blood sugar crashes, dehydration, and poor nourishment can intensify anxiety, irritability, and low energy.
• Boundaries: Protecting your time and energy is not selfish. Chronic overwhelm takes a real toll.
• Connection: Isolation can quietly worsen mental health. Safe, supportive relationships matter.
• Self-talk: Pay attention to how you speak to yourself. Your mind is listening.
• Professional support: Therapy, counseling, support groups, and sometimes medication can all be valuable tools. Mental health care is health care.

A few practical reminders:
• Check on the strong friend
• Ask direct questions when someone seems off
• Normalize therapy
• Teach kids emotional language early
• Take burnout seriously
• Seek help before things feel unbearable

Warning signs someone may need extra support:
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Major mood changes
• Increased hopelessness
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Talking about being a burden or wanting to disappear
• Increased substance use
• Loss of interest in life

If you or someone you know is struggling:
• Call or text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline)
• Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
• Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if there is immediate danger

Mental health is not a luxury. It is part of overall health. Taking care of your mind deserves the same seriousness as taking care of your body.

This month (and every month) check in, speak up, and remember that support matters.

Light & love.

04/29/2026

04/25/2026

A new blog is up!

Ask questions. Be informed.

This is not about what is effective vs. ineffective. This is about the necessity of informed consent when given a choice.

As a clinician, I’ve sat with many individuals navigating the complexities of mental health treatment. Over time, I’ve noticed a pattern: while psychotropic medications can be helpful for some, many people feel underprep...

04/13/2026

A new blog is up: How Perfectionism Quietly Fuels Anxiety, Burnout, and Disconnect.

Perfectionism is often mistaken for discipline, ambition, or simply “caring a lot.” In all honesty, sometimes it does begin there. But in the therapy room, perfectionism rarely turns out to be about high standards alone....

02/09/2026

For the latest updates on my practice and blog posts, visit www.bluehillscounseling.org.

01/27/2026

🥶1-28-26🥶

My office will be closed again on Wednesday, January 28th due to inclement weather. I’m hopeful to makeup some of these missed appointments soon, y’all! Stay warm and stay safe.

01/27/2026

❄️☃️1-27-26☃️❄️

My office will be closed again due to ice. I have contacted those of you on my calendar for today with an option to switch to telehealth. Stay warm and off the ice!

01/25/2026

I will not be in office tomorrow, January 26th, due to the icy and snowy conditions. Telehealth appointments are an option when in office sessions are not available. All clients on my schedule for tomorrow have been contacted. Please check your email or portal messages. Stay warm, y’all! ❄️

01/19/2026

I’m a huge advocate for conversations about food and mental health. This blog post explains why I find it crucial that others understand how food impacts brain health and mood.

As a licensed professional clinical counselor who sees lifestyle factors impacting clients everyday, I want to share an often-overlooked truth: the foods you eat have a profound impact on your mental health. While therap...