Blog
Am I an Anxious Person?
Ever wondered if you’re an anxious person? Have you questioned, does my anxiety feel like everyone else’s? Why does it seem like my anxiety is higher than most? Perhaps your loved ones around you have pointed it out. They’ve mentioned you seem uptight and have a hard...
What is Trauma?
WRITTEN BY: MARQUIA CALDWELL, LPC “Trauma is much more than a story about the past…trauma is re-experienced in the present, not as a story, but as profoundly disturbing physical sensations and emotions that may be associated with memories of past trauma” -Bessel van...
Anxiety- What is it?
WRITTEN BY: KIMBERLY ALANIZ, LCSW-S Nearly every individual will experience symptoms of anxiety in their lifetime. In fact, small amounts of anxiety aren’t necessarily a bad thing. So, can anxiety be good? Or even helpful? The answer is, yes! Like other emotions,...
What to Expect When You’re Expecting…Your First Counseling Appointment
Thinking of your first session with your counselor can be scary. But rest assured, it’s not as scary as you think. This blog below will go over some expectations you can have for your first meeting with your new counselor. How a Counselor is Different than a Doctor To...
How to Help a Loved One who has Anxiety
Coping with anxiety is difficult for the person going through it. Also true for the people around them. Family members and close friends impacted by having a loved one struggle with anxiety is difficult too. This blog focuses 3 easy ways a loved one can support their...
5 Easy Ways to Manage Anxiety
WRITTEN BY: KIMBERLY ALANIZ, LCSW-S Do you feel like getting your anxiety under control seems too hard? Below are 5 easy things you can do today to get you anxiety under control- and each just take few minutes. 1.Step away from the caffeine Although coffee affects...
4 Questions to Answer BEFORE Starting Counseling
So you’ve decided it’s time to get counseling, but you’re not sure where to start? Here are the 4 questions you must answer before choosing a counselor: Will I use my insurance or go the private pay route? What is the problem I’m facing? What are their office hours?...
Barely Adjusting or Well Adjusted?
SlotogateDoes staying at home make you feel like your mind is going a little crazy? Have you noticed how many people seem to be adjusting, baking, crafting, completed DIY projects and being stellar home school teachers? Do you feel the exact opposite? You’re not...
What is this Telehealth Business?
What is Telehealth Counseling? Telehealth has been called “distance counseling,” “telecounseling,” “virtual counseling,” “online therapy” and the like. We’re all talking about the same thing- counseling that happens virtually through a tech device. The American...
How to Deal with Sadness During the Winter Season #whysoglumchum
Not feeling the holiday spirit? Do the holidays have you feeling glum? If so, you’re not the only one. Did you know holidays have a tendency of making those who feel happy, happier? and those who feel sad, sadder? Maybe you’re grieving a breakup, divorce, death of a...
Marriage Advice #ido
I recently took an informal poll (shout out, you know who you are!) to hear what tips for a budding marriage all those married, separated, or divorced out there had. While the population was diverse, there were clear themes of listening and communication, being best...
5 love languages and Healthier Communication
By guest blogger: Lisa Arce, LPC Have you found yourselves arguing more lately? Are you feeling disconnected, neglected or resentful? Unfortunately for a lot of us, when we become angry at our spouse or partner we tend to shove it down, ignore it or not deal with it....
What to Say when your Kid Says This #whentolisten #whentoignore
Below is a list of common complaints you are likely to hear your child say, especially if they are into their teen or tween years. Although you are likely pretty sharp on knowing your kid, below is a list of statements that are some common we may find ourselves...
Foods that Affect Your Child’s Behavior By Eva Nestor, RDN, LD
Food and nutrition play a vital role in your child’s development and growth. In a nutshell, childhood eating habits can affect brain development, mood and behavior. Many parents find themselves struggling with their child’s challenging behavior, and wonder is there...
3 Easy Steps to Stop Your Mind from Trippin’ #mindtrippin
Scientist, engineers, physicists, and the like have attempted to create something which could be the biggest contribution to mankind: A Time Machine. We’ve read the books, we’ve read the stories, and pretty much agree they’ve been sci-fi [for the most part]. I don’t...
How to Recover from Post-Holiday Blues
WRITTEN BY: Sarah Rivera, LPC-S “Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas,” “Happy New Year.” The season was filled with joy, cheer, and celebrations—or so it seems for everyone but you. What happens when the season leaves you with post-holiday blues? When the holidays that...
Breaking Free: Healing from Trauma and Creating Healthy Habits
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER STOUTE Trauma and stress have a way of embedding themselves into our bodies and minds, influencing how we think, feel, and respond to the world. These unresolved experiences can affect our physical health, mental well-being, and even our daily...
6 Easy Ways to Stay Grounded During Holiday Stress
WRITTEN BY: Sabrina Del Angel LPC-Associate Supervised by Dr. Maria Haiyasoso LPC-S The holidays are here, and with them come the lights, traditions, and… stress? Yes, for many of us, this “joyful” season can feel like a whirlwind. Between gift shopping, family...
How to Choose Gratitude in Difficult Times
Thinking of November, most of us think of Thanksgiving and the holidays. But what if the holidays don’t feel like the “Thanksgiving spirit”? It’s hard to feel thankful when things are tough. Especially when the holidays seem to be getting us down rather than up. How...
Hispanic Heritage Month: Mental Health and Depression Awareness
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER PATRICK, LMSW Welcome to our October edition of the How Do I Know? blog series! Last time, we explored how to recognize the signs of anxiety. This month, we're turning our focus to a topic that affects many but isn't always easy to talk...
Understanding Anxiety on World Mental Health Day
WRITTEN BY: By Jennifer Patrick, LMSW Welcome to our “How do I know” blog series at La Luz Counseling! This October, we’re diving into all things mental health to help you recognize the signs and know when to seek a helping hand. Today, in honor of World Mental Health...
Tackle Back-to-School Jitters: What Parents and Kids Should Know
WRITTEN BY: Sabrina Del Angel, LPC-Associate supervised by Dr. Maria Haiyasoso LPC-S. Going back to school is exciting, but it can also bring some nervousness. It's totally normal for kids and teens to feel a little anxious about starting a new school year. Whether...
5 Simple Ways to Help Manage After School Anxiety in Children
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER PATRICK, LMSW Does your child seem overwhelmed after school? It's pretty common for after school anxiety in children to occur during the transition from school to home. Between homework, after-school activities, and just needing some downtime,...
The Benefits of Virtual Counseling: Therapy That Fits Your Life
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER PATRICK, LMSW Have you ever felt like life’s challenges are piling up, leaving you stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Maybe you’ve considered therapy but hesitated because of the time commitment or the thought of going to a therapist’s office....
Phil Hardberger Park: Hidden Gem near Shavano Park
Hey there, San Antonio neighbors! Let's chat about a hidden oasis in our 78230 area, just a hop away from Shavano Park—Phil Hardberger Park. This isn't your average blog; we're here to explore how this green haven can be your go-to spot for healing, especially when...