Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry

09/24/2025

Chronic Stress Isn’t Just “In Your Head”—It Is In Your Brain

We often think of stress as a feeling or an emotion, but chronic stress actually reshapes how our brain functions. According to recent insights:

• The hippocampus (the part of your brain tied to memory & learning) may shrink under prolonged stress.

• The amygdala (your brain’s alarm/emotion center) becomes more reactive.

• The prefrontal cortex (decision-making, self-control) becomes less effective.

So what can we do?

✔️ Practice mindfulness & meditation
✔️ Stay active
✔️ Prioritize good sleep
✔️ Cultivate supportive relationships
✔️ Seek professional help when needed

Read our full blog by Therapist Holly to dive deeper and get practical tips for breaking the chronic stress cycle.

🔗 https://www.pacificacounselingllc.com/blog/understanding-the-impact-of-chronic-stress-on-the-brain

💬 Have you noticed any of these stress effects in your life? Share below (or DM).

Stress is the notion that encapsulates the body's natural response to a particular stressor, whether it is environmental, biological, emotional, or physical.

09/18/2025

🌊 “Recovery can only take place within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation.” — Judith Herman

The chaos of this world often convinces us to withdraw, to believe we must carry the weight alone. Oftentimes these dark spaces become the foundation of depression to grow.

But healing begins when we let someone in. 💙

At Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry, we believe connection is medicine. Through therapy, psychiatry, and supportive relationships, healing is possible—step by step, together. 🌱

✨ You are not alone. Reach out. Let’s walk this path to peace with you.

09/16/2025

So much of life happens indoors and online — but nature offers something our bodies and minds truly need. 🌳

Research shows that 2+ hours per week outside is linked to higher wellbeing and better health. Even short moments outdoors can help restore focus, strengthen memory, and support emotional self-control.
At Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry, we believe healing is not only found in therapy sessions but also in the simple rhythms of nature. Whether it’s a lunchtime walk, morning coffee outside, or noticing the breeze on your face — every small connection matters.

Learn more in our newest blog, “Go Outside… The Many Benefits of Nature.”

👉 https://www.pacificacounselingllc.com/blog/go-outside-the-many-benefits-of-nature

What’s one thing you’ve noticed in nature lately? 🍂

My mother’s words hung like the buzz of a fly over my prolonged video game session as a teenager.

09/12/2025

Seeing kids run around with bent hula hoops, light-up shoes, and laughter in the air — those moments bring me joy. But they also make me ache. Because for many children, simple play is a luxury denied.

In “The Hoolahoop Kids Makes Me Mad”, Dr. Hanna Cespedes reminds us that play isn’t just fun — it’s foundational. For kids exposed to violence, neglect, or abuse, the absence of joy, safety, and freedom in childhood isn't just missed games. It’s a missed chance to practice being human.

If you’ve ever felt the sting of seeing what was lost, or want to learn why play matters more than we often think, read more here: https://www.pacificacounselingllc.com/blog/the-hoolahoop-kids-makes-me-mad

Let me correct myself.

09/05/2025

✨ “And those who were dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” – NietzscheNietzsche’s words echo what we see in trauma recovery: progress often looks unusual to those outside the process. A client learning to set boundaries, express anger, or choose rest may be judged by those who can’t “hear” the deeper music of healing.In therapy work, symptoms aren’t random but they’re the body and psyche’s attempts at survival. Dancing through recovery may not look graceful, but it is purposeful.At Pacifica, we honor the meaning behind the movement.

09/01/2025

🌊 From Wounds to Wholeness: Psychodynamic Pathways in Trauma & Attachment Healing 🌊

We’re thrilled to invite clinicians to our upcoming live continuing education webinar with Pacifica's CEO, Dr. Hanna Cespedes.

📅 Date: October 1, 2025
🕙 Time: 11:00–1:00 pm ET / 10:00–12:00 pm CT
💻 Format: Live Webinar (Microsoft Teams)
📚 CE Hours: 2 Core/Ethics (LPCA-GA approved; MN pending)

This training will:
✨ Equip you to view trauma through a recovery, holistic, psychodynamic and attachment-informed lens
✨ Strengthen your case conceptualization skills for clients experiencing trauma
✨ Provide evidence-informed, trauma-responsive skill development for a diverse range of mental healthcare workers

✅ Perfect for counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and trainees.
🎓 Certificates issued with full attendance & evaluation.

👉 Learn more: https://www.pacificacounselingllc.com/resources/continuing-education-opportunities

👉 Register here:
https://pacificacounseling.janeapp.com/locations/pacifica-macon-office/book #/staff_member/1/treatment/126

Trusted Specialists serving Macon, GA & Macon, GA. Visit our website to book an appointment online - Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry

08/27/2025

“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.”

Today I dropped off 2 of my children to a beautiful Catholic school in Rochester, MN and today we were able to pick them up. Other mothers and families today did not have that same experience.

Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry is praying for all of the families affected by todays mass shooting in Minneapolis. The collective trauma experienced today will have long lasting impacts on our kids especially.

Pursuing recovery and reclaiming independence are just two areas of highlight within trauma work. Take care of yourselves today, Minnesota.

08/27/2025

Part 2 of our series on insecurity is here—and it’s about healing from the inside out.

Therapist Jackson Van Meter shares three meaningful ways to begin shifting insecurity:

• Face your fears directly
• Lean on supportive connections
• Practice self-compassion daily
It takes courage to acknowledge insecurity—and even more to heal from it. You’re not alone, and your healing journey matters. 💛

Read the full article here:

https://www.pacificacounselingllc.com/blog/focusing-on-insecurity-part-2

This is the second blog of a two-part series that I’m writing on insecurity.

08/25/2025

🌟 Join the Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry Team! 🌟

Are you a passionate mental health clinician or psychiatrist looking to grow your career in a collaborative, client-centered practice? Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry is expanding and seeking skilled professionals dedicated to making a real impact in healthcare and community mental health.

We invite you to apply to join our team! To be considered, please submit the following:

📄 Your current resume or CV

📝 A writing sample showcasing your clinical insight and writing skills — for example, a graduate/ professional level paper on your theoretical orientation or clinical approach

💡 A personal statement describing your specific interest in Pacifica and how you envision contributing to our mission of compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for healthcare professionals and families

At Pacifica, you’ll be part of a growing multi-state practice dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and holistic support.

Interested?

Send your materials to admin@pacificacounselingllc.com and take the next step toward a meaningful career with Pacifica.

Feel free to share or tag someone who might be a great fit!

08/20/2025

✨ Books aren’t just stories—they’re lifelines. In our newest blog post, Therapist Autumn explores the healing power of bibliotherapy & how words can shift our thinking, help us feel seen, and guide us on the path toward growth. 📚💭
Discover three unexpected books that became more than just pages… they became part of the healing journey.

🔗 https://www.pacificacounselingllc.com/blog/the-power-of-books-bibliotherapy

Since I was small, reading has been part of my life. I’d pick up a book and get lost in its pages for hours.

08/14/2025

🌇 Good morning from Rochester, MN! Our 🆕 home to our third Pacifica office and a city at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

We’re proud to be growing in a community that shares our deep commitment to advancing care, especially when it comes to mental health. 🧠

At Pacifica, we’re focused on building partnerships with healthcare professionals, providers, and organizations to help create more accessible, compassionate, and quality mental health support across the region.

Together, we can reimagine how mental health care is delivered & make lasting impact where it’s needed most.