Combatting Shame for Mental Health Month

Posted on May 5, 2015June 28, 2017 by AspireNB

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month!

Dr. Brene Brown, author of books “I thought it was just me” and “Daring Greatly” always does a fantastic job of discussing shame and resilience. Many times, individuals experience shame as a result of trauma, harsh or unrealistic family values, misunderstandings, identity, body image or even ignorance about mental health or counseling.

Just like physical health or physical fitness, mental health is important to practice daily!

Most of us can admit we have at one time or another experienced shame. Sometimes, especially if we have multiple shame triggers, it can spiral into depression or other mental health concerns that hinder our ability to achieve our goals and visions for life.

In this short video, Dr. Brene Brown describes the 3 best ways to stop a shame spiral.

For more information on Dr. Brene Brown and her work on shame and resilience visit:
http://brenebrown.com

-Gillian Amaro
Aspire New Braunfels PLLC
145 Landa Street, New Braunfels TX 78130
512-501-2597

Confronting the Elephant

Posted on March 5, 2015May 18, 2018 by AspireNB

Confronting the Elephant: Attending to your past traumas”The single most important thing that we need today is the courage to look this problem in the face and say, this is real and this is all of us.” -Nadine Burke Harris

Suck it up.

Stop making excuses.

People mean well, but if you have had trauma in your life, these words can be confusing – or harmful to your recovery. And everyone: no matter their socioeconomics, race, sexual orientation or gender, has either experienced a trauma – or knows someone who has.

If you have never heard of the ACE study, you are not alone. It does not get much attention, but is important – so much so that pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris designs her healthcare practice, the Center for Youth Wellness, on its principles. ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences and the research conducted by Dr. Vince Felitti at Kaiser and Dr. Bob Anda at the CDC investigates how childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime.

You see, it is easy to tell your doctor you have a sore throat, or a broken arm. You have a problem, they have a solution. It is harder to tell your doctor that your mom drinks too much, and is verbally or physically abusive when she does, or that your dad hits your mom. There are only 1o questions on the test, and almost everyone scores at least a 1, but the closer you score to 10, the more likely you are to suffer health consequences … even if you do not turn to drinking, drugging, or risky behaviors as a result of the trauma.

Sometimes, we can suffer trauma without psychological or physical backlash. We can understand it and keep a healthy self-concept and move on without help. But sometimes, when we try to “suck it up” – to ignore or push away a traumatic experience, the impact on our mental health and susceptibility to stress-related medical problems actually increases. The elephant gets bigger.

The silver lining is that if you take the time to acknowledge your past, you can decrease the effects of it. Answering the questions, and seeking help from a Licensed Professional Counselor or mental health professional can help you to gain an understanding of your past, how it can trigger your stress hormones, understand your needs, and how to use your individual strengths to reduce the trauma’s effect on your decision making and overall health.

Confronting this elephant can confront the source- and allow you to heal. Like healing a broken bone, healing the impact of trauma does not happen overnight. It takes time, energy, commitment and strength. However, for many people, the positive changes in relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being are worth the time and effort.

If you are one of the rare people who score a 0 on the test, you can still be involved. You can start a dialogue, and voice the importance of counseling and mental health care so that more people know where to find care- and feel comfortable asking for it.

-Gillian

Below is the TED talk by Nadine Burke Harris on the subject, and a link to the ACE study.

TED video of Nadine Burke Harris:

Link to ACE Study:

http://www.acestudy.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/ACE_Calculator-English.127143712.pdf

***

Gillian Amaro, LPC-S

I believe that we, as individuals, can create joy, love, and purpose in our lives through authentic connection. I love empowering women, couples & teens to feel comfortable with who they are & gain insight about how they connect with others. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor & Supervisor and offer individual, family & couples sessions, as well as group therapy. My passion for counseling & healthy communication includes stepping out of the office to facilitate workshops and CEU trainings.

***

392 W. Mill St. New Braunfels, TX 78130

www.aspireNB.com

Facebook: @AspireNewBraunfels

Gillian’s profile on Psychology Today

Aspire NB on Facebook

Music Therapy

Posted on February 15, 2015February 15, 2018 by AspireNB

The power of music cannot be underestimated!

One resource I always suggest is to build a positive playlist for yourself that you can access in the morning, to motivate you, start your day positively, or to re-orient yourself after a difficult conversation, event or day.

Here are a few song ideas to get you started!

Joshua Radin, Beautiful Day

Alicia Keys, Superwoman & Girl on Fire

KT Tunstall, Suddenly I See

Josh Grider, Good People

Pharrell Williams, Happy

The Village People, YMCA

Heather Small, Proud

Dierks Bentley, Riser

Radney Foster, A Little Revival

Radiate, Jack Johnson

The O’Jays, Love Train

Beyonce, Halo & Run the World (Girls)

Rachel Platten, Fight Song

Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars, Uptown Funk

Des’Ree, You Gotta Be

Justin Timberlake, Can’t Stop the Feeling!

The Trolls Soundtrack

Uncle Kracker, Good to Be Me

Melissa Etheridge, Message to Myself

Travis Tritt, It’s a Great Day to Be Alive

Aretha Franklin, Rock Steady

Tom Petty, I Won’t Back Down

Ain’t No Man, The Avett Brothers

The Five Stairsteps, O-o-h Child

Charlie Puth, Left Right Left

4 Non Blondes, What’s Up?

Rufus Thomas, Barefootin’

Jordin Sparks, One Step at a Time

The Friends of Distinction, Grazing in the Grass

High School Powerhaus

Posted on January 24, 2015June 11, 2018 by AspireNB

High School Powerhaus: A Supportive group for high school students

In high school, there are so many decisions to make, peer pressures to avoid, and family expectations to uphold. If you are a high school student who feels overwhelmed at times from expectations from school, family, friends & activities, this group is for you!

Sometimes, it seems no one understands the pressures that high school can bring, except other high school students. This group allows high schoolers to talk, vent, and support each other, taking time away from outside opinions, and learning what you truly like & need in your life.

Group goals include:

Purposefully choosing decisions for myself & my future
Successfully managing school assignments, tasks, & expectations
Finding positive ways to cope with stress
Balancing activities, family, friends, school & work
Increasing positive communication with parents regarding your feelings & needs
Boundary setting
Goal setting
Meditation & Relaxation Exercises
Meeting like-minded high school students
Accepting support & requesting feedback from HS peers in a safe environment
Laughing

This group meets once a month on Monday evenings.

Cost: $40/session

This will be a closed group, meaning that once we begin a series, I will not let anyone new into the group. This allows for higher levels of confidentiality and safety. I keep groups small, with no more than 6 participants per group, so that I can easily attend to each member’s needs.

For specific dates & times, questions, or to reserve your space, please contact Gillian Amaro, M.Ed., LPC at 512-501-2597.

New Counseling Location!

Posted on January 1, 2015February 26, 2016 by AspireNB

We are excited to announce that we have a new counseling location here in New Braunfels!

145 Landa Street, New Braunfels TX 78130- a beautiful, historic building close to the plaza downtown. In addition, there is a room just for our counseling groups.

We still have a counseling space in San Marcos, however we are slowly moving all clients to the New Braunfels location. All new counseling appointments will be scheduled in New Braunfels at the location above.

If you are seeking counseling and want to schedule an appointment, or if you have questions regarding counseling or the counseling process, please feel free to give us a call at 512-501-2597. We offer free phone consultations and are usually able to return your call within 24 hours.

Aspire Academy

Posted on November 27, 2014January 12, 2019 by AspireNB

Empowering healers

to lead purposeful & balanced lives.

Continuing education group series for Professional Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists and Interns

Learn new self-care strategies for your clients through experiential exercises

CEU’s offered for LPC, LMFT, and LCSW

Put your own oxygen mask on first and lead by example! While our families, clients and communities really need us to put ourselves first, we are often the last “task” on our to-do lists. Taking time in a purposeful way empowers you to set & achieve meaningful goals. By learning how to better care for yourself, you gain energy to provide a healthy environment for yourself, your family, the teams you lead, and your community.

This group is for all healing professionals, whether you have many years of experience in your field, or are an intern transitioning from school to professional life. The Academy will be a purposeful & safe space to assess personal strengths, gain support from like-minded professionals, and create meaningful goals.

In addition, you will learn or practice CEU’s related to…

Defining work-life balance

Accepting support & requesting feedback from your peers

Self-care skills

Meditation & relaxation exercises

Healthy communication strategies

Boundary setting

Articulating & fulfilling individual needs

Feeling more empowered in your life

This group session will meet on Wednesday evenings, once a month for 6 months.

Our next group begins in February 2019 and will run from February 2019-July 2019.

Fee is $65/session ($390 for all 6 sessions)

Please call to reserve your spot and/or ask questions

In summary, this group is for you if…

You want change or challenge

Your want guidance in building a heart-led career

You are a healer/helper who wants more balance & clarity

You are busy, overwhelmed, or overstressed

You want a safe & supportive professional group

To sign up or ask more questions,

please contact Gillian in the following ways:

Phone: 512-501-2597

Email: amaro@aspireNB.com

A Mother’s Heart

Posted on November 25, 2014December 2, 2018 by AspireNB

Empowering Mothers.

Building meaningful connections.

Raising wholehearted kids.

You probably have heard the saying that being a mom is a bit like having your heart walk around outside your body. You may breathe more deeply, love more deeply, but you also worry more intensely.

A Mother’s Heart is a support group just for moms, to connect & refuel in a purposeful way so that you can give your best self to your family, work & life.

This group is for you if…

You are a mom

You have been asking for time to relax or renew your spirit but never take it

You want to connect more deeply with a smaller group of moms

You can commit to attending a 2 hour group session, once a month, for 10 months

Over the “semester” of this group you will…

BUILD connections with like-minded moms in a safe & supportive environment

EMPOWER yourself to acknowledge your strengths and redefine your identity

LEARN about positive parenting techniques & postpartum mood changes

DISCUSS healthy communication techniques to use with your partner

PRACTICE self-care skills, meditation & relaxation exercises

A few more details….

Our next “semester” will meet once a month on Wednesday evenings. This is a closed support group, which means that once we begin, I will not let anyone new into the group. This allows for higher levels of confidentiality and safety. In addition, I keep groups small, with no more than 6 participants per group, so that I can wholeheartedly attend to each individual’s requests. This group is meant to support you through your first year postpartum- and build a close & connected village of mothers for you & your family.

SPRING 2018 Schedule:

Groups will meet once a month, on Wednesday evenings

Group will meet for 10 months (10 sessions total)

Each member will have access to a private forum to ask questions & express needs or celebrations between group meetings. This forum will be moderated by Gillian.

We will begin in February 2019 and end in November 2019.

The cost is $50 per session ($500 for all 10 months)

Moms of New Braunfels discount accepted for all new/first-time members.

To sign up or ask questions,

please contact Gillian Amaro, M.Ed, LPC: 512-501-2597

Senior Project

Posted on November 15, 2014June 11, 2018 by AspireNB

Calling All Seniors!

Most high school seniors feel like their last year in high school is one life changing decision after another, and so many “last times” that it can get overwhelming fast. College choices, scholarships, forms, relationships, leaving friends behind, attending homecoming, clubs, prom…. You may feel like graduation can’t come soon enough one day, and the next day you can’t stop worrying about how little time you have. It may even feel as though in every area in your life, you are constantly having to prove yourself.

Getting through your senior year is a bit like learning to ride a bike without the training wheels. Once you get moving, it will seem natural & you’ll never look back. But in the meantime, you’ll need a lot of love, support, trust… and maybe a push or two.

This group is specifically for high school seniors who want guidance through their senior year, in a way that is hard to find within your typical high school routine. We will meet once a month for the whole year and will talk, vent, offer support, and practice coping skills that will help you as you transition to your next step in life. I truly love working with high school seniors, and enjoy incorporating any music, art, or writing that helps you to express your experiences.

In addition to specific requests from group members we will address:

Reducing overwhelm & anxiety
Accepting support & requesting feedback from your peers
Self-care skills
Meditation & relaxation exercises
Healthy communication strategies
Boundary setting
Articulating & fulfilling individual needs
Goal setting
Feeling more empowered in your life

The fee will be $40/session, and we will meet once a month on Monday evenings. This is a closed group, which means that once we begin, I will not let anyone new into the group. This allows for higher levels of confidentiality and safety. I keep groups small, with no more than 5 participants per group, so that I can easily attend to each member’s needs.

To sign up or ask questions, please contact Gillian Amaro, M.Ed., LPC at 512-501-2597

Energetic Failure

Posted on October 4, 2014May 18, 2018 by AspireNB

The Benefits of Energetic Failure

By Gillian Amaro

“My dad encouraged us to fail. Growing up, he would ask us what we failed at that week. If we didn’t have something, he would be disappointed. It changed my mindset at an early age that failure is not the outcome, failure is not trying. Don’t be afraid to fail.”

-Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx

Being vulnerable. To me, that is what Sara is talking about here. I would like to add the word energetic to this quote – excited failing. We are not talking about the kind of failure where your job has run you down, and you start doing terrible work because you don’t care. That is not energetic failure. We are talking about the type of failure where you have had 5 great new ideas that are really thinking outside the box. They all fail, but you gained energy from taking the time to be creative. You try one more time.

When we are kids, we are constantly trying new things, asking questions, and excitedly taking in the world just as we see it with no fears of looking silly. And then we change. And it seems that we can’t always pinpoint the specific moment when we became worried about being vulnerable. After reading Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly, I realized even more so how being vulnerable is a key component in enjoying and getting the most out of your life.

I recently wrote a letter to an acquaintance thanking her for insight on a particular situation. I had talked with her several times, but we were not particularly close. Even though she had inspired me, I almost did not send it. I thought, maybe this is too personal, too many details to share, maybe I should just say “thanks”- and leave it at that. What if she thinks _________? Many words were inserted into that blank space. I decided to send it anyway. It felt genuine and I listened to that. She called me back with many more questions than I had ever imagined. It had energized her, and in turn, she wanted to offer even more insight and ideas. A new friendship was made.

This is what life is about. How can you connect with others differently, challenge yourself in new ways, see things in a new light? Sometimes the biggest reward is in how you feel when you are being vulnerable, even failing – but failing energetically!

Start small or start big, but get started… what dreams or ideas have you been ignoring?

How are you willing to energetically fail this week?