Topal Counseling LLC

10/09/2025

History speaks

10/09/2025

I’m so making this

06/21/2025

Awesome

06/17/2025

Please let me know if you have a kiddo in need of internship hours.
Lunch will be provided!

We’ll be doing some hands-on organizing work, including:
• Downsizing the library books
• Clearing out the garage and setting it up for a garage sale
• Organizing the back room for storage.
• Light yardwork - setting up for a kitchen garden

Volunteers will primarily help with the library, garage setup, and storage organization. I’ll gladly sign off on internship or volunteer hours for anyone who needs them.

Let me know if you’re in—we’d love to have you!

Warmly,
Rose

05/30/2025

04/26/2025

In the Know with Pho: Fried Tofu, Seafood Combo, Jasmine Tea, and a Little “Tea with MzT” Moment ✨

There are meals that fill you,
and there are meals that transform you.

Today’s bowl wasn’t just food — it was an experience:
• Seafood Combo Pho: plump shrimp 🦐, tender squid 🦑, buttery scallops 🐚, and savory seafood meatballs 🍥 nestled among silky rice noodles 🍜.
• Golden fried tofu: crispy outside, pillowy inside ✨.
• Bright bean sprouts 🌱, Thai basil 🌿, and spicy chilies 🌶️ dancing across a crystal-clear broth.
• A finishing drizzle of hoisin and sriracha 🔥, swirling the flavors into something almost too good to rush.

And what truly completed it?

A perfect cup of jasmine tea. ☕
Brewed just right — floral, soft, calming — it turned the meal into a ceremony.
Every bite, every sip, a reminder:
Slow down.
Savor the moment.
This is the good life. ❤️

⸻

“Tea with MzT” — Still Learning

Somewhere between slurps of noodles and sips of tea, I thought again about the word pho.

It’s meant to sound like “fuh,” soft and quick — not “foe” like my English-trained tongue wants to say.

I’m still learning.
Still stumbling sometimes.
Still feeling the awkwardness in my mouth when I try to get it right.

But that’s part of what makes moments like this beautiful.
I’m not the teacher here.
I’m the student.
And what a joy it is to keep learning.

⸻

Closing Thoughts

Today’s bowl was simple: noodles, seafood, tofu, tea.
And yet it became something so much more:
• A slow moment ☀️
• A steaming bowl 🍜
• A floral cup ☕
• A small, tender step toward honoring something bigger than myself ✨

Next time?
I’m leveling up — adding a soft, jammy egg 🥚 for even more richness.

Because in pho — and in life — there’s always a little more flavor, a little more learning, waiting if you’re willing to sit still for it.

08/15/2024

The Value of Arguing: Expanding Understanding Through Constructive Dialogue
Rose Topal(also posted on Substack)

In our everyday conversations, the words “argument” and “discussion” often evoke different images. For many, arguments are seen as confrontational exchanges—moments where one person tries to assert their position over another. On the other hand, discussions are typically viewed as collaborative and open-ended, focusing on mutual exploration rather than winning or losing. But what if we reconsidered what it means to argue? What if arguing could be seen as an essential part of expanding our understanding, rather than just a zero-sum game?

Traditionally, to argue has been understood as an attempt to prove one person right and another wrong. It’s a style of interaction that can feel adversarial and, at times, counterproductive. However, this is not the only way to define an argument. In another light, arguing can be seen as presenting reasons or evidence in support of a particular viewpoint—not to invalidate the other person’s perspective, but to engage with it.

To argue, then, is not merely to insist on what we know but to expand on it—building on the ideas that are known to me and those known to you. In this sense, arguing is about more than just defending a position; it’s about enriching the conversation, adding value through the exchange of ideas. When we approach arguments with this mindset, we allow for the possibility that our differing viewpoints can coexist and even complement each other.

Our shared viewpoints, when thoughtfully articulated, can contribute to a deeper understanding. My perspective doesn’t have to negate yours, nor does yours have to undermine mine. Instead, through constructive argument, we can create a dialogue that is both enriching and enlightening. We can move beyond the simple dichotomy of right and wrong, and instead, foster a space where ideas are expanded, refined, and valued.

In this way, both discussions and arguments become tools for meaningful exchanges. When approached with respect and openness, they can both lead to growth, understanding, and, ultimately, a more nuanced view of the world.

So, the next time you find yourself in an argument, consider what it means to truly engage with the other person. Are you arguing to win, or are you arguing to expand both your understanding and theirs? The choice you make can transform the conversation from a confrontation into a collaborative exploration of ideas.

07/17/2024

How cool is this?: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/qg2zMnQH3LVeWQMd/

07/13/2024

Life is a delicate balancing act, and sometimes, it's important to step back and realign our priorities. I am excited to share that I will be dedicating more time to bond with my child, ensuring we create precious memories and strengthen our relationship during these formative years.

During this period of adjustment, I kindly ask those who wish to get on my schedule to reach out at their earliest convenience. This will help me make the necessary arrangements to continue providing you with the best service while also making time for my family.

Thank you for your understanding and support as I navigate this new chapter. I look forward to working with you and appreciate your cooperation during this time of scheduling adjustments.

One Love,
Rose Topal

04/11/2024

Not my story, Copied from a FBfriend

My dad has bees.Today I went to his house and he showed me all of the honey he had gotten from the hives. He took the lid off of a 5 gallon bucket full of honey and on top of the honey there were 3 little bees, struggling. They were covered in sticky honey and drowning. I asked him if we could help them and he said he was sure they wouldn't survive. Casualties of honey collection I suppose.

I asked him again if we could at least get them out and kill them quickly, after all he was the one who taught me to put a suffering animal (or bug) out of its misery. He finally conceded and scooped the bees out of the bucket. He put them in an empty Chobani yogurt container and put the plastic container outside.
Because he had disrupted the hive with the earlier honey collection, there were bees flying all over outside.

We put the 3 little bees in the container on a bench and left them to their fate. My dad called me out a little while later to show me what was happening. These three little bees were surrounded by all of their sisters (all of the bees are females) and they were cleaning the sticky nearly dead bees, helping them to get all of the honey off of their bodies. We came back a short time later and there was only one little bee left in the container. She was still being tended to by her sisters.

When it was time for me to leave we checked one last time and all three of the bees had been cleaned off enough to fly away and the container was empty.

Those three little bees lived because they were surrounded by family and friends who would not give up on them, family and friends who refused to let them drown in their own stickiness and resolved to help until the last little bee could be set free.
Bee Sisters. Bee Peers. Bee Teammates.

We could all learn a thing or two from these bees.
Bee kind always.
💚🦋💚

04/01/2024

Top level parenting.