FREE Parent & Tot Yoga Posted on October 2, 2018 by AspireNB Playfully integrating our minds, bodies & hearts Not sure about starting a yoga class with your little one? Here is a perfect way to try, for free! I will be leading a trial class at the library, once a month, in October, November & December. Parent & Tot Yoga is a 40 minute class for little ones and their families. I have very relaxed expectations for kids (and parents!) in this class and my focus is on having fun while learning! We will integrate many different skills & activities including games, songs, socialization, deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, parent-child bonding, and of course practicing yoga! Who: Any children 5 & under and their guardian(s) When: First Fridays of October, November & December at 11:30AM Where: New Braunfels Public Library (call to pre-register) Why: Yoga means union, focusing on exercising body & mind at the same time. This class will also create stronger unions between parents & tots! PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Please call the library at 830-221-4300 to register.
Building Boundaries Posted on August 1, 2018December 2, 2018 by AspireNB A supportive group for women interested in setting healthy boundaries. If you are a nurturer, a perfectionist, a workaholic, or a peacemaker, this group may be for you! You might be thinking, I’ve heard that word before. But, what really IS a boundary?! “A boundary is anything that helps to differentiate you from someone else or shows where you begin and end” (Cloud & Townsend, p. 35). In this group, we will explore our personalities, and learn basic boundary skills. This group is part support group, part psycho-education, and part book club. In my experience, most of the women I know have difficulty setting boundaries in one way or another. Together, we will learn what boundaries are, as well as when, where, and how they can happen, and the importance of setting boundaries. We will also explore our own needs and feelings around boundaries, supporting each other along the way. We will use the book “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend. Group sessions will follow this book in a purposeful manner, and will also include: Supportive & experiential group activities Accepting support & requesting feedback from your peers Meditation & relaxation exercises Healthy communication strategies SPRING 2019 Schedule: We will begin in February 2019 and end in November 2019. Groups will meet once a month, on Wednesday afternoons Group will meet for 10 months (10 sessions total) We will begin in February 2019 and end in November 2019. The cost is $50 per 2 hour 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 Still unsure? Here are a few more excerpts from the book, regarding how boundaries affect us: “Each of us has different desires and wants, dreams and wishes, goals and plans, hungers and thirsts- but few of us are satisfied. One reason is that we lack the internal structure that boundaries provide to enable us to define and then take the specific steps necessary to reach our goals.” (p. 48-49) “We need to claim our hearts as our property and work on weaknesses, whether we are weak receiving, or weak giving, love. Doing so will open up life to us.” (p. 49-50) “Feelings, attitudes and beliefs, behaviors, choices, values, limits, talents, thoughts, desires, and love – all of these lie within our boundaries. We therefore need to take responsibility for all of these areas of our souls.”
The Benefits of Joining a Group Posted on February 16, 2018May 18, 2018 by AspireNB “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 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 making mistakes or looking silly. Not wasting time thinking about failing, being vulnerable or embarrassed. And then we change. We usually can’t pinpoint the specific moment when we became worried about being vulnerable, we just know that all of a sudden, it begins to steal our energy. 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. Vulnerability is one of the biggest reasons people hesitate to join a group. If you happen to know that change is more likely in a group setting, this probably makes sense to you. The human brain likes to understand, to reflect, to question & be challenged, but humans don’t always like the process of change. In fact, sometimes it is downright uncomfortable! But hey, its better than being bored, right? 😉 If you are just finding me, you may see that I offer several groups. This is in part, because people seem to like them! But mostly, because I believe in them! Personally, I am a member of several counseling, consultation, networking and supervision groups. I even exercise with a group, because it keeps me more consistent, accountable, challenged, and happy! If you are unsure about joining a group, here are a few reasons why groups are beneficial! 1. You realize you are not alone! “Shame needs 3 things to grow exponentially. Secrecy, silence & judgement. The antidote is empathy. Talk to someone you love, reach out to someone you trust, tell your story.” Because anxiety & depression are directly related to shame, keeping our past trauma, regrets and true feelings inside are the very things that will make it more difficult to “show up” every day. Being part of a group means that you will not only get to tell your story, but hear from others, and gain support in knowing you are not alone. 2 . Time to think We all get busy and seldom schedule purposeful time to reflect on our lives. Support groups can provide a designated, safe space to voice your inner thoughts, question what your best self might look like, and challenge yourself in new ways. When I plan group sessions, I always make sure to include individual activities that encourage reflection. As a bonus, you also get constructive feedback, insight, encouragement, and support! 3. Motivation When you are part of a group, you meet several others who hear your goals – and can encourage you to stay motivated to reach them. Many times, the group setting can give more natural encouragement, motivation, and advice than could ever happen in an individual counseling appointment. 4. Coping Skills Learn new coping skills in an environment where it is safe to practice them! The hardest part of learning a new skill is mastery; getting enough practice to truly feel confident in using it. A support group is a great place to practice using those newfound coping skills and boundaries, and getting helpful feedback from your peers. 5. Growth!! Most of my groups are not centered around a specific problem; instead they are centered around growth, so if you have never been to counseling before, or if you don’t feel you need counseling, one of my support groups can definitely be the place for you! Like a personal training group for your physical wellness, a support group can be a place to set personal goals that you have never been able to achieve on your own! Humans are naturally social beings, even if we need time alone to recharge. 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 it means failing… failing energetically, creating space for growth & new opportunities! Click here for more information on the groups I offer. -Gillian *** 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
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.
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
Lean on Me group starting soon Posted on November 3, 2014 by AspireNB Lean on Me- A grief support group for women only Maybe you have experienced a sudden and recent loss. Maybe you are grieving a loved one who died several years ago and are struggling with how to live your life without them. Maybe you are just wondering what is “normal”. This will be a closed, 6 week long support group for women who have lost a family member, spouse, or close friend and are seeking support and understanding through the holiday season. A closed group simply means that once the group starts, I will not allow any other new members into the group. $30 OFF if you register by November 8! Saturday, November 8= individual pre-group interviews & signup (MANDATORY) (time slots available are 8, 9, 10, or 11AM) We will meet every Saturday morning from November 15-January 3, with the exception of November 29 & December 13. Specific dates are: November 15 & 22, December 6, 20, & 27 and January 3 For more information please contact Gillian Amaro at 512-501-2597, or amaro@aspireNB.com “Each of us has lived through some devastation, some loneliness, some weather superstorm or spiritual superstorm. When we look at each other we must say, I understand. I understand how you feel because I have been there myself. We must support each other because each of us is more alike than we are unalike.” -Maya Angelou www.aspireNB.com facebook.com/aspirenewbraunfels
New Group Therapy Options! Posted on September 4, 2014September 13, 2014 by AspireNB Group Therapy | Gillian Amaro M.Ed, LPC I am currently interviewing interested participants for several new groups: Teen Girls Support Group: This will be a closed, 8 week long group for high-school age girls focusing on avoiding peer pressures, giving positive support, and improving self-concept and self-esteem. A closed group means that once we start, I will not allow any other new members into the group. Dates and times will be determined by group members and their parents. Pre-Teen Girls Support Group: This will be a closed, 8 week long group for middle school age girls focusing on avoiding peer pressures, giving positive support, and improving self-concept and self-esteem. A closed group means that once we start, I will not allow any other new members into the group. Dates and times will be determined by group members and their parents. Because She Can: Too often, women and young girls shrink themselves to find acceptance. Many times our strengths are ignored, judged, or even ridiculed. Our focus is to help you improve your strength, courage and self-confidence—as well as your ability to support other women. Because She Can is part support group, part fitness class, and part fun. It brings together women and girls who want to feel empowered and comfortable to be who they genuinely are! We have groups for adults, as well as for girls ages 8 and older. Groups meet once a week for 8 weeks, ending the group by participating in a 5K together! Lean On Me: This will be a closed, 8 week long group for women who have lost a family member, spouse, or close friend and are seeking support and understanding. A closed group means that once we start, I will not allow any other new members into the group. This group will meet on Saturday mornings. If you are interested in any of these groups, or would like to suggest a group topic that is not listed, please call Gillian at 512.501.2597, or email her at amaro@aspirenb.com “Each of us has lived through some devastation, some loneliness, some weather superstorm or spiritual superstorm. When we look at each other we must say, I understand. I understand how you feel because I have been there myself. We must support each other because each of us is more alike than we are unalike.” -Maya Angelou
Project S.H.E counseling group Posted on May 6, 2014February 16, 2018 by AspireNB Aspire New Braunfels is excited to team up with Lauren Cavanagh, certified CrossFit trainer and Licensed Professional Counselor at New Braunfels Center for Counseling and Play Therapy! Together we will offer a unique new counseling group beginning soon. Here are the details! What: Project S.H.E. is part counseling support group, part fitness class, and part FUN for young women of middle school age. Sessions will include: Discussion, Workout & Expressive Activities. Why: Our focus is to facilitate strength, courage, self-confidence & support among young women. Location: Alpha Crossfit 1153 N. Academy Ave. New Braunfels, TX 78130 Dates: Every Wednesday, from June 10th thru July 29th* 10:00 am – 11:30 am *July 1 – NO GROUP Fee: $280/Individual (Includes all 7 weeks) Interested? Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call Gillian Amaro at 512-501-2597 for further questions about the counseling group – or to begin the registration process.