We talk a lot about "self-care"—the solo walks, the boundaries, the therapy apps. And while that stuff is vital, I  and all of us at Timber Creek have been thinking a lot  about community-care. The truth is, we weren't meant to carry our heavy stuff in isolation. Mental health isn't just a "you" thing; it’s a "we" thing. But for a community to actually be healthy, we need more than just good intentions—we need the right spaces. The Power of the "Third Place" In sociology, the

Boundaries are important for your mental health, but they’re not always easy to set. If you worry that saying no will upset someone, make you look selfish, or hurt a relationship, it’s normal to feel guilty. That guilt usually shows up because you’re learning to include your needs too. Boundaries aren’t walls or punishments, they are simply a way of showing what you can and can’t do. Saying no to an extra favor, asking for space, or speaking up when something bothers you does

(A gentle rebellion against New Year’s resolutions) As the New Year approaches, many of us start feeling the familiar pressure to reinvent ourselves. We’re told to start fresh, overhaul our routines, become a “better” version — thinner, calmer, more productive. It’s the cultural reset button we’re all supposed to hit at once. And for a few weeks, we try. The gym gets crowded, the planners get filled in, and we throw ourselves into new habits.  The Dissolution of the Resolutio

Do you ever feel like psychological self-help advice is too easy? Too straightforward? I listen to a lot of podcasts and read many psychology books, with many unfortunately feeling far too formulaic while not having flexibility for my life. As a team, this year we have been having conversations and trainings on how to be the opposite of formulaic. How can we be flexible and adapt to the uniqueness of people’s lives while maintaining clear, helpful plans? Recently, we discusse

Remember that classic scene in old movies where the detective blows a thick layer of dust off a forgotten file? For a long time, that wasn't too far from the reality of a counselor's organizational methods. Counselors are experts in the human mind, but our filing systems sometimes are not too expert-like. Counselors would have towers of manila folders, handwriting that could charitably be called "artistic," and the occasional frantic search for a note from six months ago that

Life is a series of transitions, isn't it? From the many changes of our early years and adolescence, and from career shifts to moving homes, each new chapter brings a unique blend of excitement, challenge, and the need for adaptation. These transitions, while often personal, invariably ripple through our most intimate relationships. Suddenly, the unspoken agreements, the comfortable routines, and even our individual identities are gently, or sometimes not-so-gently, nudged in

You did it. After years of dedication, the acceptance letters are in hand. Getting into a competitive graduate program is a monumental...

Starting therapy is a significant step towards well-being, but figuring out your mental health insurance benefits  can feel overwhelming. Many people to turn Google to search for "how to use insurance for therapy," "therapy cost with insurance," or "mental health coverage explained." At Timber Creek Counseling, we aim to make understanding your counseling insurance benefits  clear and straightforward so you can focus on your journey to healing. This guide will demystify commo

The arrival of spring in Michigan brings with it a subtle yet powerful invitation: to step into the woods and engage with the natural world. For many, including myself, this season also signals the exciting hunt for a culinary and - stick with me - mental health treasure: morel mushrooms. For me, morel foraging isn't just about the delicious reward at the end; it's an immersive practice that naturally cultivates mindfulness and offers a unique opportunity to calm your mind. I

We often think about big, sweeping changes when we feel stuck. We envision dramatic overhauls and complete transformations. But what if the key to unlocking momentum isn't a wrecking ball, but a gentle nudge? What if the smallest of shifts can create the biggest impact? Think of a rusty gate. It’s jammed, unmoving, resistant to brute force. You could try to yank it open, potentially breaking something in the process. Or, you could apply a tiny bit of oil to a single hinge. Su

I recently texted a friend that during the Olympics I was pretty worthless to the world around me, as I spent so much time laying on my bed watching sports. It’s a bit of an odd experience, of course, to put in such little effort while simultaneously watching people give maximum effort. As a psychologist, one of the most intriguing things to me is the immense pressure put on Olympians to perform once every four years.  For many athletes, the Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime

Summer is synonymous with long days, abundant sunshine, and a general sense of vitality. While sunlight has many positive effects, such as boosting vitamin D levels and improving mood, too much of it can have hidden downsides. Excessive sunlight can negatively impact your mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns. Understanding these effects and learning how to manage them can help you maintain your mental well-being throughout the summ

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed and emotionally drained. Whether it's due to work demands, family responsibilities, or personal challenges, managing our emotions can become especially challenging when fatigue sets in. At Timber Creek Counseling, we understand the importance of recognizing and addressing emotional fatigue. That's why we've compiled some helpful tips to help you navigate through those moments when exhaustion seems to cloud your emot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Timber Creek Counseling Promotes Stephanie Germain, LPC, to Associate Director [Chelsea, 02/05/2024] — Timber Creek Counseling, a leading mental health and counseling practice committed to providing compassionate and effective therapy services, is pleased to announce the promotion of Stephanie Germain, LPC, to the position of Associate Director. With a proven track record of dedication and excellence, Stephanie Germain has played an integral role in the

As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves setting resolutions and goals to create positive changes in our lives. One powerful way to help bring about lasting transformation is by cultivating healthy habits. Whether you're aiming to improve your mental health, make a change, or enhance overall well-being, building habits can be instrumental to your success. In this blog post, we'll explore three practical tips to help you kickstart and sustain positive habits in 20

As the temperature drops and daylight dwindles, many of us find ourselves navigating the challenges that come with colder weather. The change in seasons can have a significant impact on our mental well-being, often leaving us feeling a bit more sluggish or even experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD; officially called Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern ). However, with a proactive approach and some mindful self-care, you can navigate the winter

Intro As has hopefully been established by now throughout this series, a positive therapy experience is dependent on multiple variables. Part 1 and Part 2 focused on finding a therapist who knows what they are doing and is a good fit for you, but this final post is to talk about the agency each client has in their own therapeutic experience. Most therapy today is not some sort of expert consultation, but rather a cooperative and collaborative endeavor between the therapis

The back-to-school season is undoubtedly one of the busiest times of the year for many individuals. Whether you're a student, parent, teacher, or someone else affected by the whirlwind of school-related activities, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of this season. Amidst the chaos, practicing self-compassion becomes crucial for maintaining your well-being and mental health. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of self-compassion and provide practical t

As a therapist, a common issue I see is the feeling of being overwhelmed with the busyness of life. Careers, intimate relationships, families, household responsibilities, social pressures… the list goes on. It can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything, let alone to take a break. Does this sound familiar? Being busy in itself is not a bad thing. There are natural seasons of life that are going to feel a little full or chaotic. However, being b

As the summer season arrives, it brings with it longer days, warmer weather, and a sense of rejuvenation. However, with the change in...