Do You Need Stress Management Counseling?

Just being here and reading this already says you know that stress is a problem for you. But how do you know when it’s time to get help? Ask yourself:

• Am I stretched thin and feel like everything and everyone around me are demanding my attention?
• Do I feel like I can never catch up or get ahead?
• Are my thoughts constantly racing from the time I leave my bed in the morning until the time I get back in it at night?
• Do I struggle with headaches, fatigue, or insomnia?
• Do I wake up in the wee hours of the morning drenched in sweat?
• Have I noticed changes in appetite or digestion? Indigestion, GERD, constipation?
• Am I irritable or quick to snap?
• Do I start the day with a pit in my stomach about what’s ahead?
• Do I often feel overwhelmed and out of control?

If you answered YES to any of these, your body and mind are telling you something. It’s time to get involved with stress management counseling!

You’re NOT Weak!

Believe it or not, stress isn’t “all in your head.” Far too often people come to us way beyond when they should. Their bodies are all out of whack. Their mind has tapped out. Burnout is an understatement. And often it’s because our culture praises those that sacrifice themselves for their work. It’s an unfortunate but common badge of honor in many work places to be absolutely exhausted from working over time. In fact it’s become the standard in some fields. So when someone is really struggling to manage it’s seen as being “too soft,” “incapable” or “weak.”

Let’s set the record straight though. No matter who you are and what kind of tolerance you have, chronic stress is real, and it affects your body as much as your mind. Over time, whether you like it or not, it will impact sleep, immunity, digestion, and can even increase risk for long-term cardiovascular, metabolic and hormonal conditions.

The good news: with the right tools, stress doesn’t have to run your life.

How Stress Management Counseling Helps

Through counseling, you’ll learn to understand your body’s stress response and identify your unique stress triggers. There are loads of things that can activate the stress response in the brain and body. It could be sensory overload from the fluorescent lighting in your office or the excessive chatter around you. Maybe it’s sudden changes in your routine or schedule that causes you distress. How about social or interpersonal triggers? An ambiguous conversation with a friend that leaves you anxious. Pressure from work colleagues or a boss to be perfect and never make mistakes. Or maybe you have physical triggers that contribute to stress in the body. Things like dehydration, dips in blood sugar or allergies and sensitivities.

Once we sort out the sources of stress, then you’ll learn to use practical techniques to calm the body and mind and create healthier patterns in sleep, nutrition, and self-care.

Heal Your Body and Mind with Nicole Ambrose, LCSW

You don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode. Nicole combines emotional and physical strategies to help you rebalance your system. As a Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider, she offers new perspectives, education and support that bridges mind-body wellness.

In sessions, you’ll find a safe and confidential space to process what’s weighing on you while also learning evidence-based tools you can apply right away. From improving sleep and nutrition to practicing emotional regulation, counseling with Nicole helps you move from constant tension to a more balanced way of living. It’s not easy work and will require commitment from you, but you can rest well knowing Nicole will be there with you along the way. No judgment or criticism. No unnecessary pressure. Just solid support and encouragement!