Basic Counseling Skills
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  • A. TECHNIQUES
  • Pattern of Sessions
  • Active Listening
  • Body Language
  • Asking Questions
  • Paraphrasing/Tone
  • Summary
  • Note Taking
  • Homework
  • Goodie Bag/Fun Stuff
  • Technique References
  • B. THEORIES
  • Client Centered
  • Holistic/Biopsychosocial
  • Strengths Based
  • Cognitive/Behavioral
  • Solution Focused
  • Existential Therapy
  • Letting Go
  • Theory References
  • C. SAMPLE SESSIONS
  • 1. Client Centered Counseling
  • 2.&3. No Show/Cancellation
  • 4. Strengths Based
  • 5. Cognitive Beh. Counseling
  • 6. Holistic Health Counseling
  • 7. Solution Focused
  • 8. Existential Counseling
  • 9. Becoming Unnecessary
  • D. SELF HELP
  • Journaling
  • Mood Mapping
  • Whole Health Check In
  • Community Resources
  • Ten Things I Like About Me
  • Common Lies We Tell
  • Goal-Setting
  • A Why to Bear a How
  • Happy People
  • Self-Help References
  • E. CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • F. SITE MAP
  • G. CONTACT ME!
  • H. Readers Contributions
    • Articles >
      • Addiction and Sleep - Jessica S >
        • Alcohol Counseling - Carol G.
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        • Reducing Stigma - Patricia S.
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        • 3 Solutions to Worst Fears - Paige M
        • 30 Min Reduce Anxiety - Paige M
        • Restorative Power of Arts & Crafts - Sally W
        • 3 Ways - Rid of Sunday Scaries
        • Conquer Fear of Flying - Sally W.
        • Document Anxiety through Journaling - Sally W
        • Career Options - Sally W
        • School Counselor ToolKit - Serena K.
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        • How Having a Skincare Routine
        • Counseling the Impoverished - Sally W
        • Conquering Interviews - Eva B
        • Daily Journal Routine - Paige M
        • 4 Journaling Tips for Beginners - Shristi Patni
        • Drug Dangers - Rebecca P.
        • Recall Report - Laura P.
        • Living Mindfully - Mollie Wilson
        • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Sally W.
        • Couns. Resources - Tim C.
        • Practical Financial SKills - Johanne H
        • Nutrition to Help Anxiety - Sally W
        • Retirement Career Change - Sally W
        • Managing Phobias - Sally W
        • Healing Power of Pets - Sally W
        • Geriatric Counseling - Sally W
        • Counseling Seniors with Anxiety - Sally W
        • Senior Resources - Claire S.
        • Addiction and Sleep - Jessica S
        • Better Sleep - Better Health - Cheryl C
        • Treating Insomnia - Sally W
        • Tuck Sleep - Kellen S
        • De-Fogging Brain - Sally W
        • Recovery from Sports Injury
        • Improving Mental Clarity - Sally W
        • Indoor Air Quality Can Affect Mental Health - Sally W
        • Stress on Health - Sally W.
        • Stress Management - Sally W
        • Suicidal Thoughts and Alcohol Abuse - Julia W
        • Summer Side Gigs for Teachers - Joyce W
        • Tobacco in 2017 - Mary G.
        • Take Control of Your Life - Dorothy Watson
        • No More Winter Blues - Rufus Carter
        • How I Put Anxiety Attacks on Pause
        • 8 Effective Tips for Improving Mental Health - Camille Johnson
        • Manage And Reduce Stress For Your Employees With These Tips - Rufus Carters
        • Moving Forward When Grief Intrudes in Your Life - Camille J
        • Working Remotely - Emma Grace Brown
        • Unlock Greater Confidence - Rufus Carter
        • Coping With a Mid-Life Crisis - Rufus Carter
        • 6 Self-Care Tips - Laurie Abner
        • Help a Loved One After the Loss of a Spouse - Rufus CarterNew Page
        • Relocating After a Tragic Loss - Lucille Rosetti
        • Guidelines for Teens Who Want to Thrive as Entrepreneurs - Lucille Rosetti
        • 5 Common Lifestyle Habits That Can Cause Skin Damage - Andrew Mark
        • What to Do if a Loved One Is Battling Addiction
        • From Addiction Recovery to Financial Independence
        • Major Life Transition - Ryan Randolph
        • Find Your True Path - Ryan Randolk
        • Officers Coping With PTSD - Ryan Randolph
        • Self-Care Secrets for the Rookie Caregiver - Ryan Randolf
        • Self-Care Building Blocks for Improving Your Mental Health - Cheryl Conklin
        • Avoiding Burnout in the Counseling Profession
  • Reset Your Day Without Burning Out
  • The Big 6 Personality Traits
  • When Everything Breaks, Something Begins - Holli Richardson

Embracing the Journey: How to Navigate Major Life Changes and Find Your True Path - Ryan Randolf

Change is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s leaving a job, moving to a new city, or embarking on a new relationship, change can be daunting, scary, and exhilarating all at once. While some people are naturally skilled at adapting to major life changes, others may struggle with the transition. The key to embracing major life changes and thriving is to approach them with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn and grow. Read on for some insights from counselor Jane McGill.

Embrace Change as It Occurs 
Major life changes can be difficult, whether it's a new job, a move to a new city, or a significant relationship shift. However, as Livi notes, the first step in successfully navigating these changes is to accept them as they come along. It's normal to feel a range of emotions when faced with new situations, but resistance only leads to frustration and stress. Instead, approach change with a positive mindset and a willingness to explore new opportunities.
 
Embracing change means keeping an open mind and being willing to try new things. With this mindset, you'll not only adapt more easily but also learn and grow in the process. Ultimately, accepting change is key to living a fulfilling life, one that's full of growth and adventure.
 
Make a Career Change 
One of the biggest life changes that people face is a career change. Whether you’re transitioning to a new field, or starting your own business, changing careers can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. One of the best ways to thrive during a career change is to digitize work-related documents. This can save time, space, and money while allowing you to work more efficiently and effectively.
 
When you digitize files and save them as PDFs, you’re able to edit documents with ease. In order to merge PDF files, there are several tools available online that can make the process easy and seamless; check this out to get started. This tool is free and all it takes is dragging and dropping your file into the interface, then saving it and downloading it.
 
Digitizing your work-related documents not only makes it easier to transition to a new career but also allows you to keep all your important files in one place. It can be overwhelming to manage physical documents when starting a new job or launching a new business, but by taking advantage of technology, you can streamline your workflow and reduce stress. Additionally, having all your documents digitized means that you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easier to work remotely or collaborate with others.
 
Engage in Self-Care 
When faced with major life changes, it can be easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos of the situation. However, it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is crucial during this time. Science of People points out that self-care practices can help you stay grounded and centered, allowing you to better navigate the challenges that come your way.
 
Making sure you get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly are all simple but powerful ways to take care of your physical well-being. By prioritizing self-care, you can ensure that you’re better equipped to handle any major life changes that come your way.
 
Start a Hobby Like Gardening 
Taking care of your mental health is crucial in maintaining overall well-being, just like taking care of your physical health. Changes and challenges in life can often affect our mental health, and it’s important to prioritize self-care during these times. While there are many ways to practice self-care, engaging in a healthy hobby such as gardening can help relieve stress and bring a sense of calmness and peace.
 
Gardening allows us to connect with nature, which has been shown to have a positive impact on our mental health. It also provides an opportunity to practice mindfulness, which means being present and fully engaged at the moment. Whether you have limited space or a large outdoor area, gardening is a fun and therapeutic activity that can help improve your mental health and well-being during times of upheaval or transition.
 
Accept the Challenges of Change 
Major life changes can feel overwhelming and daunting, but they also present an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Instead of getting caught up in feelings of fear or uncertainty, try to approach the change with a positive mindset and see it as a chance to challenge yourself.
 
Embrace the discomfort that comes with trying something new and unfamiliar and use it as an opportunity to learn and expand your horizons. While challenges can be difficult at the moment, the skills and knowledge that you gain from them can last a lifetime. By pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you may discover new passions and talents you never knew you had. Remember that change is inevitable, but how you choose to approach it is within your control.
 
Boost Your Career 
If you're considering a major career change, going back to school for a degree can be a daunting but exciting prospect. Pursuing higher education can open doors to new opportunities, allowing you to advance your career and increase your earning potential.
 
Fortunately, in today's digital age, online degree programs make it easier than ever to go back to school while still maintaining your work and personal commitments. This may help mitigate some of the financial and logistical challenges that often come with pursuing a traditional on-campus degree. However, before enrolling in a program, it's important to do your research and choose a degree that aligns with your interests and career goals. This may help ensure that your investment of time and money results in a more fulfilling and rewarding career path.
 
Embracing major life changes is not always easy, but it is essential for personal growth and development. It requires a combination of openness, positivity, and resilience to navigate the uncertainty and challenges that come with change.
 
One way to embrace change is by being open to new opportunities and experiences, whether it's changing your career, going back to school online for a degree that can advance your career, or exploring new hobbies and interests. It's also important to approach changes with a positive attitude, focusing on the possibilities and opportunities that come with change rather than dwelling on the difficulties.
 
Resilience is key when facing setbacks and obstacles, and it involves adapting to change and bouncing back from adversity. Lastly, remember to be kind to yourself, take things one day at a time, and celebrate your successes along the way. With the right mindset and a willingness to learn and grow, you can thrive during even the most challenging times.
 
Jane McGill is here to help you on your healing journey. Call (720) 707-9119.
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