Rodda Counseling Services PLLC

07/16/2025

Behind the scenes! 🎥 This is what it looks like on my side (for virtual sessions anyways) while helping people transform their lives! 🙏❤️

07/01/2025

Working hard meeting with clients this holiday week! 🎆🇺🇸🥰

06/19/2025

Tip of the day:
You can never go wrong by starting your day with a cup of coffee and an open Bible.

05/22/2025

Many people, often from a young age, have been told that crying means you’re weak, or that it’s unacceptable in some way. This is so harmful, because these children grow into adults that hold in their tears and eventually that stored up, unexpressed emotion comes out as anger, rage, irritability, depression, anxiety…

Crying allows us to heal. Let it out. And encourage your kids to do the same❤️

04/04/2025

When we lay our worry, hurt, sadness at Jesus’ feet, he carries the burden we were never meant to carry alone.

Jesus is always there with you, giving you strength and comfort through every day, when you make Him the Lord of your life! 🔥🙌❤️

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

03/18/2025

When someone says something along the lines of, "I don't need a therapist, I talk to my friends". As a therapist I would say, "That's wonderful that you have friends you can share important things with! But, a relationship with a therapist is so much different than that."

Here are some of the ways:

1. Therapists are trained to listen deeply and with empathy. Even a friend who is also a therapist may struggle with this (see below).

2. Therapists don't give you advice or tell you what they think (not in the way that a friend would).

3. Therapists don't have a personal relationship with you already, so they are not biased like a friend would be.

4. Therapists typically don't know anyone you know, also leading to less bias.

5. Therapists won't just say, "That's terrible, I wouldn't put up with that." They'll listen and empathize, but also challenge you on your part.

6. Therapists are bound by law to keep your confidentiality. They could lose their license and their livelihood for sharing your information with anyone.

7. Therapists are trained to recognize mental health issues, relational problems, substance abuse issues or addictions, and more. They can educate you on these things if you or someone you know may have an issue.

8. Therapists are trained to handle the various ways a client may show up to a session. They won't take offense like a friend might if you're angry or having a difficult time.

9. Though therapists don't give advice per se, they can help you decide how to deal with all kinds of situations. Friends can give good advice, but not always (see above).

10. Therapists are trained and experienced in hearing all kinds of things. There isn't much you can say that will surprise, stump, or shock a therapist.

Can anyone name any other ways a relationship with a therapist differs from one with a friend?

01/13/2025

Ever had one small thought spiral into a bad mood or even change the course of your day? That’s the power of the cognitive triangle, a simple framework that shows how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Understanding this triangle can help you break negative cycles and regain control when life feels overwhelming.

Picture a triangle where each point represents one of these elements:

Thoughts (what you think)
Feelings (your emotional responses)
Behaviors (how you act)

The key idea is that each one influences the others. For example, a negative thought can trigger an unpleasant feeling, leading to actions you might regret later. The good news? Changing one point on the triangle can create positive ripple effects on the other two.

Let’s consider an example. Emma wakes up late for work. Her first thought is, "I’m so disorganized, I can’t get anything right." This thought makes her feel frustrated and guilty. Those emotions impact her behavior: she rushes through her morning, snaps at her partner, and avoids her boss at work. Now, imagine Emma pauses to reframe her thought. Instead of thinking, "I’m so disorganized," she tells herself, "Mornings can be tough, but I can still turn this around." That single shift lightens her mood, gives her a sense of control, and encourages her to apologize to her boss instead of avoiding them.

This is why the cognitive triangle matters. It provides a roadmap to break free from negative spirals. When things feel off, you can pause and ask yourself: What am I thinking right now? How does this thought make me feel? What behavior is it leading to? These questions help you identify where you’re stuck and where you can make a change.

Starting small is key. The next time you notice a negative thought, like "I’m not good enough", challenge it. Ask yourself, "What’s the evidence for this? Would I say this to a friend?" Then replace it with a constructive thought, such as, "I’m doing my best, and that’s enough." Over time, practicing this skill can transform how you respond to challenges and shape healthier patterns.

The cognitive triangle is like a mental GPS, guiding you through tough moments and helping you navigate your emotions and actions. By shifting just one point, your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, you can positively influence the entire triangle. So, what’s one thought you can reframe today to shift your mood or actions?

Illustration credit:

01/08/2025

As wives and moms, we are experts at pouring our hearts and souls into everyone else’s cups – our families, jobs, friends, volunteer work, etc. But have you ever felt like you’re running on fumes?

When we neglect our own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being for the sake of others, we risk burnout. That’s not the life God has in store for us.

God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). But how can we love others well if we’re not taking care of the body, mind, and soul He entrusted to us? If you’re constantly giving without replenishing yourself, you’re not only jeopardizing your own health, but you’re also missing out on the peace and joy that come from resting in His presence.

It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to take a break. Even Jesus Himself withdrew to rest (Mark 6:31), and He invites us to do the same.

Today, I encourage you to stop and ask: How can I better care for myself, so I can continue loving and serving others from a place of peace and strength?

Trust that taking care of yourself honors Him, too. 💖

12/28/2024

Join me in reflecting on the year behind us, and planning for what we would like to see for ourselves in the year ahead. ✨

12/14/2024

This Christmas season, remember to protect your peace. Surround yourself with love, set healthy boundaries, and don't be afraid to say no when needed. Your well-being matters just as much as the festivities. 🎄❤️

12/03/2024

Worrying about the future often steals peace from the present. Remember, we can only control today—let go of the rest.

11/01/2024