Unleashed Counseling

04/20/2026

Your brain changes when you spend time in nature—and the effects are measurable.

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that even brief exposure to natural environments can reduce overthinking, lower anxiety, and improve mood.

It can also help restore focus and attention, giving your brain a break from constant stimulation.

And the best part? It doesn’t take much.

Even a few minutes outside, sitting near a window, or being around plants can make a difference.

Take a few minutes today to step outside. It counts more than you think.

04/16/2026

If your brain feels loud right now, pause here for a few seconds

Listen to the water and slow down just a little

04/14/2026

If you’ve been go-go-go all day, pause here for 15 seconds

Turn your volume up for some bunny ASMR…

and see if you can take a few slow, steady breaths while you watch

04/13/2026

Kaitlyn Weber, LSW and our pet employee of the month, Adora, recently attended the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania health fair 💜

"It was great, Adora had a blast and was so happy to meet the students!"

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to connect with us!

04/10/2026

Congratulations to our Pet Employee of the Month!! April's award goes to Adora 🌸

04/08/2026

Our director and founder, Annalisa Smithson, LPC, NCC, just got a new toy 🎮

But this one comes with an interesting mental health connection.

There’s research suggesting that visually engaging games like Tetris may help reduce intrusive memories after a distressing event.

The idea is that your brain has limited capacity for visual processing. Because Tetris heavily uses that system, it may “compete” with the formation of vivid mental images, making those intrusive memories less intense.

This seems to be most relevant shortly after something distressing happens.

That said, this isn’t a cure or a replacement for therapy. It’s one small tool, not the whole toolbox.

Still, we’re always interested in the unexpected ways people find relief.

Have you ever had a “surprising” coping tool?

04/07/2026

Check out what the team at Unleashed Counseling® are reading for fun 📚

04/01/2026

The Supreme Court’s decision raises serious concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ youth.

Conversion therapy has been widely condemned by organizations like the American Psychological Association and the American Counseling Association because it is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality.

At its core, it sends the message that something about a person needs to be “fixed,” which can be deeply harmful.

As mental health professionals, our role is to create spaces where people feel safe, supported, and accepted for who they are, not changed.

03/31/2026

Today, we celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility and our trans clinicians and clients 🏳️‍⚧️

03/30/2026

We are so excited to be part of the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Health Fair tomorrow 😁

We hope you have a chance to stop by and meet our incredible therapist Kait, her therapy dog, Adora, and take the quiz to find your perfect therapist!

03/29/2026

“Hi frens… it’s Clover!

Guess what?? I heard the results of the big social media vote… and I won!

I did a little happy wiggle when the humans told me.”

Clover has officially taken over as our March newsletter writer — and she had some thoughts to share 🍀

One of our favorite lines from this month:

“Spring doesn’t rush. It shows up slowly.
I think people are a little like that too.”

If you want to read the rest of Clover’s newsletter (including her very important advice), you can check it out here:

Hi frens… it’s Clover! Guess what?? I heard the results of the big social media vote… and I won! I did a little happy wiggle when the humans told me. Benji said it counted as a victory dance, but I think it was mostly just excitement. Thank you for voting for me. I feel very honored. But I als...

03/19/2026

We’re honored to share that Unleashed Counseling — led by our owner and founder, Annalisa Smithson, LPC, NCC — was recognized this week as a women-owned business by Jamila H. Winder at the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Being part of this community means everything to us. As a women-owned practice, we’re proud to show up every day to support individuals, families, and young people with compassionate, inclusive care.

We’re especially grateful to serve a community that values mental health!

Thank you to Jamila Winder and the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners for this recognition. And thank you to our clients and community for trusting us to be part of your lives.

We’re excited to continue growing and serving our community in Pennsylvania and beyond 💛