New Roads Counseling - Marty Schwebel, LMFT #103247

02/26/2025

I've been engaging with EMDR therapists in an online forum about our theories on why caseloads are currently on the decline. Many reasons have been offered up but this article piqued my interest. The article is about how AI is ultimately replacing therapists and the bigger issues that this raises. Check out this article, and I would love to hear your thoughts on this relevant topic that is currently affecting so many industries.

(Full disclosure: I did not use chatgpt to write or clean up this post for me but I have definitely used it in the past for this purpose)

Maytal Eyal explores what AI therapy gets wrong.

02/25/2025

The Fawn Response is one that I'm personally familiar with -

Fawning — also called please-and-appease — is a trauma response that can have deep impacts on your relationships and your sense of self.

11/13/2024

Today is World Kindness Day!

Take a moment to do something kind for yourself and at least one other person.

Help up celebrate World Kindness Day®. Visit our site for fun kindness ideas to do & things to share!

11/07/2024

Should you go no contact with your parents because you disagree?

10/17/2024

Starting in January 2025, a local church in Petaluma will be launching a new mental health and faith initiative. Our mission is to foster a compassionate, supportive community for everyone, regardless of where they are on their journey. We envision a church that is known for its dedication to love, grace, acceptance, and forgiveness, rather than what it opposes. Our ultimate goal is to make the church a true sanctuary—a safe and welcoming space for all particularly as it relates to spiritual and mental health.

I have personal experience with the intersection of mental health and faith. At 39, while serving as a full-time pastor and raising three children under the age of 10, I found myself clinically depressed. Unfortunately, the church culture at that time wasn’t equipped to address mental health struggles, especially for leaders. I was advised not to speak openly about my depression, which, in hindsight, was the worst advice. I was told that as a leader, I needed to always be "one step ahead" and that sharing my struggles would not benefit those I led. So, I kept my depression hidden—until today.

To seek help, I turned to Kaiser, where I saw a therapist, began taking antidepressants, and learned mindfulness meditation—all of which I kept secret from my faith community. These resources were essential to my healing, and I’m grateful for them. However, I wish the church had been more equipped to guide me through that difficult time. I longed for a church culture that could have been a complement to the mental health services I received, one that was open to discussing mental health.

As a therapist now, I’ve found that sharing my mental health journey openly with my clients has had positive effects. It allows them to see me as a genuine, relatable human being.

The Sanctuary Course is a study guide for small groups, designed to raise awareness and start conversations in local churches regarding mental health. These groups can include:

-People with questions about mental health
-Mental health professionals with a wealth of knowledge to share
-Leaders who want to engage their community in mental health conversations
-People supporting loved ones with mental health challenges
-People living with mental health challenges

Stay tuned and feel free to SHARE this with your communities—everyone is welcome!

The Sanctuary Course is a free small group resource designed for churches to explore the connection between mental health and faith.

09/05/2024

Have you ever heard of the ho'oponopono prayer?
What is your experience using this prayer?

08/19/2024

Heal Your Mind with EMDR Therapy

Struggling with past trauma, anxiety, or negative beliefs? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy can help you find relief and reclaim your life. 🌟

✨ What is EMDR? ✨
EMDR is a powerful therapy that helps your brain process and heal from traumatic experiences. It’s evidence-based and has helped countless people overcome challenges and build a brighter future.

🌱 Benefits of EMDR:

Reduced emotional distress
Improved mental clarity
Greater sense of peace and well-being

💡 Ready to start your healing journey? Book a session today and take the first step toward a healthier mind.

📅 [www.newroadscounseling.com]
🔗 [www.newroadscounseling.com]

07/24/2024

Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. Therapy offers a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, work through challenges, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Whether you're facing a difficult time or simply want to understand yourself better, therapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let's normalize prioritizing our mental health!

07/10/2024

This is a powerful and hopeful Ted Talk from a man who lost his daughter to su***de.

“As an element of the human condition, we will experience loss regardless of our income, social status, or educational background. But, what happens when the...

07/01/2024

My hope is that if you are suffering in silence and do not feel safe to share what is happening (and has happened) to you, please sign up for therapy. Talk therapy is a successful treatment modality for depression and anxiety. You don't have to suffer in silence.

06/26/2024

What's New with New Roads -

I just opened a brand new office space and expanding in-person sessions in Petaluma, CA. The summer months usually means more openings in my schedule so feel free to refer a friend to therapy. Our main focus is on PTSD, Anxiety, and Addictions using traditional Talk Therapy, CBT and EMDR (for more i...