What is the difference between being alone and being lonely? A person can be alone and feel fine, whereas loneliness is an emotional experience. For example a person who is lonely might still feel that way even in a crowd of people.
Read MoreIt’s no lie that we are born a “blank slate”. As we grow and develop, we begin to identify who we are and what makes us, us. Our true identity is discovered prior to fostering relationships with others, having children, and beginning our careers. The unfortunate thing that occurs is that we often lose focus of our own true identity once these different life aspects happen for us. We find that our identity will adapt to our environment and sometimes we often mold our identity to fit into the life we work on creating as time marches on. As we age and our children leave the home, friends come and go, relationships begin and end, it’s important that we take time to return to focusing on our true identity as individuals to ensure we don’t lose sight of ourselves.
Read MoreLife transitions are significant shifts that we experience as we move through life. Some transitions are planned and tend to evoke positive emotions, for example, going to college, marriage, or childbirth. Despite their positive connotation, these transitions can also generate anxiety and stress. Other transitions, such as changes in one’s health status or relationship status, loss of a job, or loss of a loved one, are often unexpected and can be more challenging to navigate.
Read MoreMany of us have a story that we tell ourselves about why we are the way we are. This story in our minds is our own personal narrative that gives meaning to our life. As we learn through each moment (especially those significant moments in life), our idea of self is built through our own bias of experiences. Meaning making on our journeys can help create a sense of purpose.
Read MoreSo often when we are feeling frustrated in life with our jobs, families or other relationships, we end up feeling the same thing over and over again but aren’t able to identify in those moments what is familiar. Because of this, we can tend to either ignore those feelings and begin to have a pattern of dealing with that person or circumstance that often leads to feeling those same feelings over and over again without any real resolution or positive outcome. I often talk to clients that knowing how to express and communicate the change we need to feel or see is the first step towards moving into a new pattern of communication.
Read MoreOffering mental health counseling for adolescents and adults near Lancaster, PA
The Counseling Collective LLC
1987 State Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520 and 210 West Grant Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
CALL: (717) 723-8040
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