Waller Oaks Counseling

12/16/2025

Big “T” Trauma vs. Little “t” Trauma — Why Both Matter

When we hear the word trauma, many people think it only applies to major, life-threatening events. But trauma isn’t defined by how “big” something looks from the outside — it’s defined by how it impacts you.

Big “T” Trauma often refers to single, overwhelming events such as:
• Abuse or assault
• Serious accidents or medical trauma
• Natural disasters
• Witnessing violence or sudden loss

These experiences can leave the nervous system in a constant state of survival, affecting sleep, mood, relationships, and our sense of safety.

Little “t” Trauma includes experiences that may seem smaller but are often repeated or chronic, such as:
• Emotional neglect or feeling unseen
• Bullying or ongoing criticism
• Growing up in a high-conflict or unpredictable home
• Repeated failures, rejections, or shame experiences

Over time, these experiences can quietly shape how we see ourselves, how safe we feel with others, and how we respond to stress.

Here’s the important part:
Little “t” trauma can be just as impactful as Big “T” trauma. The brain and body don’t rank pain — they respond to patterns, overwhelm, and lack of support. What matters isn’t whether “others had it worse,” but how your nervous system learned to cope.

Healing isn’t about comparing experiences. It’s about understanding how your past shows up in your present — and learning new ways to feel safe, grounded, and connected.

If this resonates, you’re not “too sensitive,” “dramatic,” or “weak.” You’re human. And support can make a difference.

— Waller Oaks Counseling
📍 Waller, TX | 💻 Telehealth Available
🌐 www.walleroakscounseling.com

📞 346-586-6381

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12/15/2025

Letting Go of Holiday Perfection

The holidays often come with an unspoken pressure to make everything perfect—the decorations, the meals, the gifts, the traditions, the photos. Add social media to the mix, and suddenly it can feel like everyone else is doing the holidays “better.”

But here’s the truth:
What we see online is a highlight reel, not real life.

Comparing your family’s holiday to someone else’s can quietly steal your joy and increase stress, anxiety, and feelings of “not enough.” Your holiday does not need to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful.

Gentle reminders and strategies this season:
• Limit social media when you notice comparison creeping in
• Remind yourself that every family celebrates differently—and that’s okay
• Focus on connection, not perfection
• Choose one thing that matters most to you and let the rest be “good enough”
• Create traditions that fit your family, energy level, and values

Messy kitchens, mismatched decorations, quiet holidays, loud holidays, changed traditions—all of it counts. 💛

Your holiday is allowed to be imperfect, peaceful, and yours.

If this season feels overwhelming, support is available.

📍 Waller Oaks Counseling
🌐 www.walleroakscounseling.com

📞 346-586-6381

✨ Be gentle with yourself this season. ✨

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12/15/2025

As Christmas grows closer, so do the big emotions that go along with grieving someone during the holidays.

12/08/2025

12/07/2025

“Dreading the holidays? Here’s how to get through” — if the holidays leave you feeling overwhelmed, alone, or emotionally drained, this one’s for you. 💛
Tune in for honest, practical tips on coping with holiday stress, family drama, grief, and the “Christmas blues.” Because your mental health matters — even during the festive season. ✨

Podcast Episode · Let's Talk About Mental Health · 12/07/2025 · 25m

12/04/2025

✨ Thoughtful Thursday ✨
Today’s gentle reminder: slow down long enough to hear yourself think.

We move through our days at full speed—supporting families, juggling responsibilities, caring for everyone around us. But reflection is where growth begins. Taking even a few minutes to pause, breathe, and check in with your thoughts can help you understand what you truly need.

Ask yourself today:
🌿 What’s weighing on my heart?
🌿 What moment brought me joy?
🌿 What do I need more (or less) of?

Reflection isn’t indulgent—it’s intentional self-care. And you deserve the space to reconnect with yourself.

Take a quiet moment today. Your mind and spirit will thank you. 💚
—Waller Oaks Counseling

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11/30/2025

🌿 Self-Care Sunday: Navigating the Post-Thanksgiving Feels 🌿

Thanksgiving is officially behind us, and for many people, the after can feel just as heavy as the holiday itself. Maybe you’re feeling emotionally drained, overstimulated, overwhelmed by family dynamics, or simply exhausted from doing “all the things.”

Today is your reminder that it’s okay to slow down. 🧡
It’s okay to rest.
It’s okay if this weekend brought up more stress than gratitude.
And it’s okay if you need a little extra tenderness with yourself today.

Here are a few gentle ways to care for yourself this Self-Care Sunday:

✨ Reset your nervous system. Deep breaths, a warm shower, or a quiet moment outside can work wonders.
✨ Release the pressure. You don’t have to jump back into productivity mode. Ease into the week.
✨ Nourish your body. A balanced meal, a big glass of water, or a cozy cup of tea can ground you.
✨ Set boundaries for the week ahead. What do you need to feel supported?
✨ Validate your experience. Your feelings—good, bad, or mixed—are completely valid.

Whether your holiday was peaceful or complicated, today is a perfect day to check in with yourself and honor your emotional needs. 🍂

Take what you need, leave what you don’t.
Your wellbeing matters — today and every day. 🤍

— Waller Oaks Counseling

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11/24/2025

🎄 Coping With Grief During the Holidays 💛

The holidays can be a beautiful season—but for many, they also bring a deep ache. Whether you’re grieving a loved one, a relationship, a season of life, or the version of life you thought you’d have… your feelings are valid.

If you’re hurting this holiday season, here are gentle ways to take care of your heart:

✨ Give yourself permission to feel.
Grief doesn’t take a holiday. It’s okay to cry, laugh, remember, or simply feel numb. There is no “right” way to grieve.

✨ Simplify your expectations.
You don’t have to do everything you normally would. Choose the traditions that bring comfort—and release the rest.

✨ Create a small ritual of remembrance.
Light a candle, hang a special ornament, make their favorite dish, or write their name on a ribbon. Honoring your loss can bring connection, not pain.

✨ Lean on your support system.
Talk to someone you trust. Let others help carry the weight for a moment—this is not a burden you’re meant to hold alone.

✨ Set gentle boundaries.
It’s okay to say “I can’t this year,” or to step outside when feelings become overwhelming.

✨ Practice moments of self-compassion.
Warm tea, a quiet walk, journaling, snuggling your pet, or simply taking a deep breath—small acts of care matter.

✨ Seek professional support if needed.
Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Therapy can provide a safe space to process and heal.

💚 If this season feels heavy, please remember: you’re not alone. Healing isn’t linear, and there is no timeline you have to meet. One gentle step at a time is enough.

— Monica at Waller Oaks Counseling
“Helping you find peace, even in the hardest seasons.”

11/12/2025

🌲✨ Holiday Stress Is Real — Here’s How to Find Calm Amid the Chaos ✨🌲

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also bring a mix of stress, pressure, and overwhelm. Between busy schedules, financial strain, and family dynamics, it’s easy to forget to take care of you.

Here are a few ways to protect your peace this season:
💚 Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no — to extra events, unrealistic expectations, or draining conversations.
💚 Simplify: Focus on what truly matters, not perfection. Sometimes “good enough” really is good enough.
💚 Pause & Breathe: Even a few deep breaths can help your nervous system reset when things feel too much.
💚 Stay Grounded: Keep routines that help you feel stable — walks, journaling, or quiet time with your pet (Dakota would approve 🐾).
💚 Reach Out: You don’t have to go through stress alone. Talking it out can make a world of difference.

If this season feels heavy, know that support is available. 🌿
At Waller Oaks Counseling, we help individuals find balance and calm — even during the busiest times of year.

📞 346-586-6381
💻 www.walleroakscounseling.com

11/12/2025

11/05/2025

🍂 Wellness Wednesday: Seasonal Self-Care 🍂

As the seasons change, so do our minds and bodies. Shorter days and cooler weather can bring shifts in energy, mood, and motivation — and that’s okay. 🌤️

Here are a few gentle reminders to help you stay balanced this season:
🍁 Get sunlight when you can — even a short morning walk can lift your mood.
🍁 Keep a cozy routine that includes movement, rest, and connection.
🍁 Eat warm, nourishing foods that comfort your body.
🍁 Allow yourself to slow down — nature does, too. 🌿

Change is part of growth. Take this season as an invitation to reset, reflect, and care for yourself in new ways. 💚

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