Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC

Dark green background with a white and gray stripe going diagonal across then reads 7 Strategies to Help Avoid Getting Sick

7 Strategies to Help Avoid Getting Sick

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / December 16, 2021

There is no shortage of “couch doctors” advising on social media today. It is hard to separate fact from fiction. Our ‘healthcare’ is more about ‘sick care’ these days. What can you do to stay healthy and protect yourself from disease? Who do you listen to?
I am not an MD. Let me state that upfront. Research does give us some clues about strategies that are tried and true, that can at least assist in healthy “Self-Care”. I want strategies that I can practice, that are practical, and simple to add to my busy life.
Here are a few that I have come up with.

Read More
A rectangle with words in the center that read, Active Listening, how listening can help you communicate more effectively. Two comment speech bubbles in the bottom corner.

Active Listening is a Forgotten Communication Skill

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / July 21, 2021

Active listening is a vital communication skill that can deepen connection and understanding in all types of relationships. However when active listening is missing, it can have big consequences. When we forget the IMPORTANCE of listening, we are consciously or unconsciously saying we value our thoughts and opinions more than the person we are talking to. Keep reading for 7 ways listening improves your relationships.

Read More
The real cost of blame new life counseling blog post. Blue and green image with the question "how much control do you believe you have over your feelings?" internal locus of control that takes responsibility versus external locus of control that places blame and is a victim of life.

The Real Cost of Blame

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / July 1, 2021

How much control you believe you have over your feelings and circumstances can affect your mental health and lead to a pattern of blame, negative self-talk, depression, and anger. Read more about how you can regain control over your emotional wellbeing.

Read More
Navy and green background with gray and white circles. "Legacy Building" in large text. Text below that reads "What will you leave behind? What do you want to leave as your legacy?"

Legacy Building: What will you leave behind?

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / June 16, 2021

Your legacy is something that lasts long after you’re gone- it’s not just about money. It is the relational ideals, the intangibles, the attitudes, the Godly perspective, and principles that will guide them as they pass those qualities on to their children. What Legacy are you passing on this father’s day?

Read More
Red and dark blue angled boxes with the words "Speak up!" and "Breaking your silence" - banner image for New Life counseling blog post about learning how and when to speak up and make yourself heard

Speak Up: Breaking Your Silence

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / June 2, 2021

We all want to be known, heard, and understood in our relationships. But the only way to do that is by speaking up and making yourself heard. Depending on your past experiences, including how you were raised and what your relationships (romantic and otherwise) have looked like, speaking up might not come naturally.   Your…

Read More

Control Talk

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / August 11, 2020

Everyone wants some level of control in their life. It makes us feel safe, solid, and independent. However, problems can arise when we force that control onto those around us. Have you ever been told that you’re controlling? Have you ever taken time to reflect on how your communication style may be unconsciously communicating something…

Read More

The Importance of Being a Father

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / June 21, 2020

Today in America, we see a clear decline of our societal foundations. David Popenoe wrote in his book Families Without Fathers, “The past three decades have seen a steep rise in crime, declining interpersonal and political trust, growing personal greed, deteriorating communities, and increasing confusion over moral issues.” People no longer conduct themselves according to the…

Read More

Beat the blues

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / April 23, 2020

The cold weather and snow finally seem to be wrapping up, but that doesn’t mean your “winter blues” are headed out the door. In places where the sun doesn’t shine much of the year, up to 9% of Americans are impacted by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). SAD is characterized by feeling “down” more than usual…

Read More

The language of love

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / March 31, 2020

Close your eyes and think of the last time you felt deeply loved and appreciated. What did that person do to make you feel so special? Did they give you a warm hug? Bring home a personal gift after a vacation? Tell you how immensely proud they were of you? Whatever it was, they were…

Read More

Date your spouse

By Dr. Donald Gilbert, MS, PhD, LMHC, BCPC / March 10, 2020

The excitement and allure of dating shouldn’t disappear once you’ve sealed the deal with marriage. Not only should the fire and passion stick around, but grow in strength and depth.  Dating your spouse is an incredibly powerful tool to keep your connection strong and encourage continuous growth. However, for some couples, especially those with kids…

Read More