Blake Benson M.S., LPC-S

12/07/2025

Supporting Our Central Texas Community Through Challenging Times

The recent flooding across Central Texas has left many of us grappling with profound challenges, and my heart goes out to everyone affected. Beyond the visible damage, natural disasters like these can have a significant and often unseen impact on our mental and emotional well-being, both individually and as a community.

It's completely normal to experience a wide range of emotions in the wake of such events – fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, grief, irritability, difficulty sleeping, or even a sense of numbness. For some, especially those with past experiences of trauma, these feelings can be particularly intense. Our sense of security can be shaken, routines disrupted, and the weight of uncertainty can be heavy.

Understanding the Impact:

Individual Level: You might notice increased stress, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep, intrusive thoughts or memories of the event, or heightened emotional responses. These are common reactions to an abnormal situation.

Community Level: Disasters can strain community bonds, increase feelings of helplessness, and lead to widespread distress. It's vital we support each other and foster resilience together.

Ways to Cope and Support Your Mental Health:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's okay not to be okay. Allow yourself to feel what you're feeling without judgment.

Limit News Exposure: While staying informed is important, constant exposure to distressing news can be re-traumatizing. Take breaks and focus on reputable sources for updates.

Connect with Others: Reach out to family, friends, or neighbors. Sharing your experiences and feelings can be incredibly validating and a source of strength.

Prioritize Self-Care: Even small acts of self-care can make a difference. This includes trying to maintain healthy eating habits, getting as much rest as possible, engaging in gentle movement, and finding moments of calm through deep breathing or mindfulness.

Maintain Routine (Where Possible): Re-establishing simple routines can provide a sense of stability in an unpredictable time.

Focus on What You CAN Control: While you can't control the floodwaters, you can focus on steps you can take for your well-being and recovery. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable ones.

Help Others (If You're Able): Contributing to relief efforts, even in a small way, can provide a sense of purpose and agency.

Seek Professional Support: If you're struggling to cope, or if symptoms like persistent anxiety, depression, nightmares, or panic attacks are interfering with your daily life, please know that help is available. Seeking professional counseling is a sign of strength, not weakness.

You don't have to navigate this alone. As a licensed professional counselor, I am here to offer support and guidance. My private practice is dedicated to helping individuals and families in Central Texas build resilience and navigate challenging times.

If you or someone you know needs support, please don't hesitate to reach out. We offer confidential counseling sessions to help you process your experiences and develop healthy coping strategies.

For immediate crisis support, please remember these vital resources:

Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line: Call 833-812-2480 (24/7, free, professional counseling).
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (24/7, free, confidential).
988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7, free, confidential).
Let's continue to uplift and support each other as our Central Texas community heals and rebuilds.

06/07/2025

If you or anyone you know is one of the victims or their family suffering in the aftermath of this horrendous flood, please feel free to have them reach out to me. I am offering some openings for free trauma counseling appointments. I am not able to be there helping with the physical clean up but I can help those struggling with the mental aftermath of this.

18/06/2025

To the Incredible Women Supporting the Men in Your Lives: Let's Talk Men's Mental Health This Month
Ladies, as a male Licensed Professional Counselor, a husband, and a father, I've seen firsthand how crucial your support is for the men in your lives. This Men's Mental Health Month, I want to shine a light on something deeply important: the mental well-being of the men you care about – your husbands, partners, sons, fathers, and friends.

We live in a world that often tells men to be stoic, to "man up," and to bottle up their emotions. I know from my own experiences, both personally and professionally, that this pressure can make it incredibly difficult for men to admit when they're struggling with anxiety, depression, the weight of stress, or the lingering impact of past traumas. It's a silence that can have profound consequences.

You might be surprised to learn that men are less likely than women to seek professional help for mental health challenges. This isn't because we're immune to these issues, but often because of ingrained societal expectations and the real stigma that still exists around male vulnerability.

So, how can you, as the powerful women in our lives, offer that vital support?

* Create a Safe Space for Him to Talk: Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is simply to listen without judgment. Let him know it's okay to feel whatever he's feeling and that you're there to hear him, not to fix him.

* Encourage Openness, Gently: Let him know it’s truly okay not to be okay. Share your own experiences if you feel comfortable, to show that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Remind him that reaching out for help is an act of courage.

* Recognize the Subtle Signs: Men often show distress differently. Look for shifts in behavior like increased irritability, withdrawing from activities he once loved, changes in sleep patterns, or even just a quietness that feels out of place.

* Suggest Professional Help as a Tool, Not a Judgment: If you're concerned, gently suggest talking to a mental health professional. Frame it as gaining tools and strategies for navigating life's challenges, just like he'd see a doctor for a physical ailment. Offer to help him find someone or even make that first call.

* Support His Overall Well-being: Encourage healthy habits—getting enough sleep, eating well, regular exercise, and spending time in nature. These aren't just good for the body; they're critical for mental health too.

* Be Patient and Consistent: Opening up can be a long process. Continue to offer your unwavering support without pressure. Your presence and understanding can make all the difference.

This Men's Mental Health Month, let's stand together to dismantle the barriers that keep men from addressing their mental health. Your empathy, encouragement, and steadfast support are invaluable. Let the men you love know that their mental well-being is important, and you're with them on this journey.

08/06/2025

We often talk about healthy ways to cope, but it's just as important to acknowledge the less helpful strategies we sometimes fall into, especially when dealing with depression or anxiety. For men, due to societal pressures to "be strong" and suppress emotions, some common poor coping mechanisms can become particularly ingrained.

These might include:

* Excessive Alcohol or Substance Use: Reaching for a drink or other substances to numb feelings can offer temporary relief, but ultimately worsens anxiety and depression, and can lead to addiction and other health issues.

* Overworking or Escapism: Throwing oneself into work, hobbies, or even excessive screen time can be a way to avoid confronting difficult emotions. While productivity can be good, using it purely as an escape prevents true processing and healing.

* Isolation and Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family, and social activities might feel easier than having to "put on a brave face," but it can deepen feelings of loneliness and despair, making the mental health struggle even harder.

* Anger and Irritability: Sometimes, depression or anxiety in men can manifest as anger or irritability rather than sadness. This can strain relationships and prevent healthy emotional expression.

* Denial or Downplaying: Dismissing symptoms with "I'm fine" or "It's nothing" prevents seeking the help needed. Ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away; it often makes it worse.

It's crucial to recognize these patterns not to judge, but to understand that they are often attempts to cope with overwhelming feelings. The good news is, you can choose healthier paths. Recognizing these patterns is the first step towards seeking support and developing coping skills that truly help you thrive.

If you recognize any of these in yourself or someone you care about, remember that reaching out for help is a sign of immense courage.

06/06/2025

Taking care of your mental health doesn't always mean grand gestures. Sometimes, the most powerful tools are right in front of us. For many men, myself included, regular physical activity can be a game-changer.

Why? It's more than just building muscle or staying fit. When you exercise, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. These natural mood boosters can help reduce stress hormones, improve sleep, and even sharpen your focus. Whether it's hitting the gym, going for a run, or even just a brisk walk, movement can be a powerful way to process emotions, clear your head, and boost your overall sense of well-being.

It provides an outlet for pent-up energy, helps you feel a sense of accomplishment, and can be a healthy distraction from negative thoughts. So, if you're looking for a practical way to support your mental health, consider adding more movement to your routine. Your mind and body will thank you.

06/06/2025

As a husband, father, and fellow veteran, I've seen firsthand the silent battles many men face when it comes to their mental health. There's often this unspoken pressure to be "strong," to tough it out, and to handle everything on our own. But the truth is, it's okay not to be okay.

We live in a world where men are still often taught to suppress emotions, to avoid vulnerability, and to view seeking help as a sign of weakness. This can lead to incredible isolation, anxiety, depression, and even more serious issues.

Things like:
* The pressure to be a provider and protector: The weight of financial responsibility and ensuring your family's well-being can be immense.
* Difficulty expressing emotions: Years of being told to "man up" can make it challenging to articulate feelings, leading to internal struggles.
* Stigma around seeking help: The fear of being judged or seen as less capable can prevent men from reaching out to a therapist or even talking to a friend.
* Impact of past traumas: For veterans like myself, military service can leave lasting invisible wounds that are often difficult to confront.
* Work-life balance: Juggling career demands with family life can lead to burnout and stress.

If you're a man reading this and struggling, please know you're not alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of immense strength, not weakness. Whether it's talking to a trusted friend, a family member, or a mental health professional, taking that first step can make all the difference.

Let's break the cycle of silence and encourage open conversations about men's mental health. Your well-being matters.

04/06/2025

New Dads Struggle Too: Mental Health & Fatherhood

Becoming a father can be one of the most meaningful and overwhelming experiences in a man’s life.

But while new moms are often surrounded with support, encouragement, and check-ins—new dads are expected to just “handle it.” Quietly. Strongly. Without missing a step.

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Here’s the truth:

Many new fathers experience depression, anxiety, or emotional numbness

Sleep deprivation, identity shifts, and pressure to “provide and protect” can take a real toll

Some dads feel guilt for struggling—especially if they think they’re supposed to be the rock for their family

And many don’t reach out, because no one’s asking them how they are doing

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You don’t have to go through this alone.

Therapy offers a place to:

Process the emotional changes of fatherhood

Learn how to show up for your family without losing yourself

Talk about the anger, fear, guilt, or grief that’s hard to name

Feel seen—not judged

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I work with men navigating big transitions—including new dads who feel like they’re quietly falling apart behind the scenes. It’s okay to not feel okay. And it’s okay to ask for help.

Virtual therapy available across Texas
Evenings & weekends
Insurance accepted (Alma & Headway)

📩 Learn more or reach out here:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/blake-michael-benson-rosenberg-tx/471009

04/06/2025

This is a great read.

Train your attention, master your focus, and find control.

03/06/2025

03/06/2025

PTSD: More Than Just Flashbacks

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) doesn’t only affect combat veterans. It can impact anyone who has experienced a traumatic or overwhelming event—like a car accident, childhood abuse, serious illness, violence, or repeated exposure to trauma, as many first responders face.

You don’t need visible scars for trauma to have a lasting impact. PTSD can affect your sleep, your focus, your mood, and your relationships.

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Common Signs of PTSD:

Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks (feeling like the event is happening again)

Sleep problems or recurring nightmares

Feeling constantly on edge or easily startled

Emotional numbness or difficulty feeling connected to others

Irritability, anger, or sudden mood swings

Avoiding reminders of the event (people, places, or situations)

Withdrawing socially or feeling disconnected from loved ones

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PTSD is not a weakness—it’s a response to surviving something overwhelming.

The good news is that it’s treatable, and healing is possible.

I specialize in helping men, veterans, and first responders work through trauma in a grounded, real-world way that fits their values and pace.

Virtual sessions available across Texas
Evening and weekend appointments
Insurance accepted (Alma & Headway)

If you or someone you care about is struggling, I’m here when you’re ready.
📩 Learn more or schedule a consultation:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/blake-michael-benson-rosenberg-tx/471009

02/06/2025

PTSD Awareness Month: For Men Carrying Silent Trauma

Not all trauma looks like what you see in the movies.
It doesn’t always come from war. It doesn’t always lead to breakdowns. And it often goes untreated—especially in men who’ve been taught to keep going no matter what.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can develop after any life-threatening, overwhelming, or deeply disturbing event. For many men, it starts with one hard season... and becomes a lifelong pattern of survival.

Here’s what it can look like:

Trouble sleeping or constant nightmares

Explosive anger or a short fuse

Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected

Always on edge, scanning for threats

Avoiding people, places, or conversations

Guilt or shame you can’t shake

Feeling like no one understands—and maybe they don’t

If this sounds familiar, you're not weak. You're not broken. You’ve been doing the best you can with what you’ve had. But you don’t have to keep carrying it alone.

As a Marine combat veteran and trauma therapist, I work with men who are strong on the outside but worn down inside. Therapy isn’t about overanalyzing—it’s about getting real, doing the work, and finding a way forward.

Virtual sessions available across Texas.

If you're ready to stop surviving and start healing, I’m here when you’re ready.

Learn more or book a consultation:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/blake-michael-benson-rosenberg-tx/471009

01/06/2025

June is PTSD Awareness Month.
PTSD isn’t just something that affects veterans—it’s something I see every day in first responders, working professionals, and men carrying trauma in silence.

If you’ve experienced high stress, emotional numbness, flashbacks, or feel like you’re always "on edge," it might be more than just stress. You’re not weak. You’re not broken. And you’re not alone.

📍 I offer virtual therapy for adults across Texas, with a focus on trauma, anxiety, and men’s mental health.
📅 Evening + weekend sessions available
💼 Insurance accepted (Alma & Headway)

If you're ready to talk, I’m here.
🔗https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/blake-michael-benson-rosenberg-tx/471009