Ashlee Flood LMHC CCPT

12/15/2025

💚Mind Care Monday: Cognitive Overload

If you feel mentally drained, scattered, or like your brain just won’t cooperate lately, you’re not alone. Many people are experiencing cognitive overload.

Cognitive overload happens when our minds are asked to process too much information, too many decisions, or too much emotional stress at once. When this happens, focus drops, emotions feel bigger, and even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.

💬 One thing I often remind clients: your brain isn’t broken it’s overwhelmed.

A few gentle ways to support your mind:
• Slow down and focus on one task at a time
• Write things down instead of carrying them mentally
• Take short breaks to reset your nervous system
• Reduce decision fatigue where possible

Rest isn’t something you earn after being productive; it’s what allows your brain to function.
Be gentle with yourself today. Your mind deserves care 💛

Ashlee

12/12/2025

🌟 Glimmer Friday

Even small acts of kindness or connection ripple far.
A text, a call, or a smile — notice how these moments create warmth and safety. 💛

Who brought a glimmer to your week?

12/11/2025

🌿 Therapist Thoughts Thursday

The holidays can bring warmth, joy… and a lot of pressure to say yes to everything.

But here’s the truth:
“No” is a complete sentence — one rooted in self-respect, not selfishness.

Giving yourself permission to say no is an act of emotional maturity and self-trust.

If you struggle with guilt, try these gentle strategies:

✨ 1. The Compassionate No
Acknowledge the request, express care, and hold your boundary.
“I appreciate the invite, but I won’t be able to make it.”

✨ 2. The Delay & Decide
You don’t have to respond instantly.
“Let me check in with myself and get back to you.”
Pausing helps you choose based on capacity, not pressure.

✨ 3. The Values-Based Boundary
Say no to what drains you so you can say yes to what matters.
Your peace and energy are not endless resources.

✨ 4. The Guilt Reframe
Feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It often means you’re doing something new.
Healthy boundaries feel uncomfortable at first, but they create healthier relationships long-term.

Remember:
Boundaries are not walls; they’re bridges that protect connection.
You deserve to move through the holiday season with steadiness, clarity, and compassion for yourself.

🤍 Protect your peace.

12/10/2025

✨ Holiday This or That? ✨
I know the holidays come with both joy and stress so let’s have a little fun! Tell us your choices in the comments! 🎄💬

❄️ Holiday Edition: This or That ❄️

🎄 Real Tree or Artificial Tree?
☕ Hot Cocoa or Peppermint Latte?
🎁 Giving Gifts or Receiving Gifts?
🕯️ Quiet Night In or Holiday Party Out?
🍪 Sugar Cookies or Gingerbread?
📚 Cozy Book Night or Classic Holiday Movie?
❄️ Snowy Morning or Frosty Evening?
🧣 Warm Sweaters or Fuzzy Blankets?
🎶 Holiday Music All Season or Just the Week Of?
✨ New Year’s Intentions or New Year’s Resolutions?

No right or wrong answers—just a little seasonal joy! 💙

Drop your choices below and let’s spread some cheer. 🎉

12/09/2025

🌿 Quote Reflection Tuesday

Healing begins when we stop treating ourselves like the enemy.

Self-acceptance doesn’t mean we stop growing; it means we grow from a place of love. 🤍

12/08/2025

💚 Mind Care Monday
Your body often feels stress before your mind names it.
Tension, headaches, fatigue — these aren’t random.
They’re messages from your nervous system asking for care.
Learning to listen to your body builds emotional awareness and self-trust. 🌱

Try this: At midday, pause and ask: “Where am I tense?”
Take one deep breath into that space.

12/06/2025

12/05/2025

🌟 Glimmer Friday 🌟
The holiday season can feel overwhelming but there are tiny anchors of peace all around us. Glimmers are those small, grounding moments that calm our nervous system or make our hearts feel a little lighter.

I’ll go first… ✨
This week, my glimmer has been planning a little adventure with my girls. Exploring new places, buying local or giving handmade gifts, and spending quality time with my family always brings me joy. Even though my to-do list is never-ending, I decided to pause and choose presence. So today, we’re off on a small adventure together exploring and visiting a holiday market. I’ll try to share a few pictures later!

Now it’s your turn.
💛 What’s one glimmer you noticed this week?
Maybe it was something that calmed you, made your heart happy, or something you’re looking forward to this weekend.
Bonus points if you share a picture, too! 📸

Let’s create a little thread of joy and grounding together. 🌿✨

12/04/2025

🌿 Therapist Thoughts Thursday

Healing doesn’t move in straight lines.

Some days you’ll feel grounded. Other days, old feelings might resurface and that doesn’t mean you’re back at the beginning.

Progress can look like showing up, even when it’s hard.

You’re not starting over. You’re continuing with more awareness and compassion than before. 🌱

12/03/2025

🌿 Interactive Wednesday

Self-care comes in many forms. Where do you spend most of your energy this week?

Which area do you focus on most for self-care?
• Mind 🧠
• Body 💪
• Relationships 💛
• Hobbies 🎨

Drop yours below in the comments!

12/02/2025

🌿 Quote Reflection Tuesday

Growth often starts with acceptance — recognizing what’s beyond our control and responding with compassion.

Change within is where empowerment begins.

What’s one shift you’ve noticed in yourself lately?

12/01/2025

📚✨ Free Little Library Is Now Open! ✨📚

I’m excited to introduce a Free Little Library at my counseling practice space!

This little corner of books was created not only to share stories with the community, but also as a symbol of connection, learning, and care which are values at the heart of my practice.

A HUGE thank-you to Annal’s Angels for their incredibly generous book donations! 💜🩵
Your kindness helps create a welcoming and thoughtful space for children, families, and readers of all ages.

📖 Take a book. Share a book. Return a book. Keep a book.

However you use it, I hope it brings a moment of comfort, curiosity, or joy.