top of page
Sequoia Counseling Center
Blog
AI and the Need for Connection
As humans, we are all connected by what are called universal longings or universal needs. Examples of these needs might be safety, stability, connection, love and belonging, and purpose. When these needs struggle to be met whether due to societal culture, isolating events, or relationship issues, technology presents as a seemingly harmless solution. We might turn to social media apps, designed to interact with the reward centers in our brains, stream a movie or TV series for


Coping Ahead for the Holidays: Practical Tips to Prepare for a Calm and Joyful Season
The holiday season can be a wonderful time filled with celebration, family, and tradition. However, it's also notorious for bringing stress, anxiety, and overwhelming expectations. Whether you’re hosting gatherings, shopping for gifts, or balancing work and family, holiday stress can creep in and dampen your enjoyment. Data from the American Psychological Association indicates that 89% of individuals report heightened stress levels during this period, and approximately 64% of


Called to Counseling
A Calling I Never Expected When I lost my job in June of 2017, I was feeling discouraged and disoriented. My career up until that point...


Misconceptions & Feeling Misunderstood
For those of us with ADHD, there is often this all-too-familiar experience of feeling misunderstood by others. Sometimes, “others” are...


Making Self-Care a Priority
Most of us know that self-care is important. We try to make it happen but it seems like we never have the time. Between working, raising...


Movies and Mental Health
One of the best ways to relax and unwind at the end of a long day is by watching a movie. Movies create a myriad of emotions for people....


People are not beyond repair. Neither are relationships.
If you are like a lot of people, you may hear a song that describes the holidays as “the most wonderful time of year” and immediately...


Self-Care During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, admits the hustle and bustle it is crucial not to negate...


Are They Gaslighting or Being Defensive?
The term, ‘gaslighting’ has been tossed around a lot on the internet lately, to the point where I wonder if people know what it actually...


Social Media Apps or Anxiety-Inducing Traps?
Let’s be real – screens and social media are pretty much part of our everyday lives now. Screens are a big part of how we work, play, and...


Acceptance: The Unnatural Posture Toward Natural Disasters
Here in the Houston area, we are no strangers to natural disasters. Over the past decade alone, there were the Memorial Day floods...


The Pathway to Dealing with Phobia
Phobias can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Fortunately, counseling has emerged as a powerful ally in the battle against...


The Covert Pain of Shame
David - Beach Trip. These dreaded words pop up on my calendar once a year, and reading them always creates a pit in my stomach that I...


Best Apps for Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders. There are different types of anxiety disorders, but the common symptoms are...


Does my teen have anxiety? : What to look for and how to help
Many teens are struggling with high levels of anxiety without anyone knowing. You might wonder how this is possible. Teens are experts in...


14 Days of Dread
We have officially entered what some might call the most dreadful time of year. Valentine’s Day, also commonly known as Single Awareness...


Experiencing Information Fatigue? Creating intentional boundaries around what we look at and listen
The information we input has impacts on what we output. In this day and age of a pandemic, racial tension, an upcoming election, and even...


Codependence: The struggle to own YOUR reality
“Codependents often report that they don’t know who they are.” – Pia Mellody Author and speaker, Pia Mellody, maps out several...


The Struggle Is Real: Navigating the Unknown as the School Year Approaches
As the mother of four young children, my husband and I have spent a lot of time lately considering our options, attempting to arrive at a...


Overcoming the Fear of Change
How do you respond to change? Do you embrace it with all that you have or do you avoid it at all costs? Can I be honest with you? ...


bottom of page







