Posts

light sage green background with a photo of a couple holding hands, but the women is looking away. The title is on the top that reads How Do Boundaries Work in a Toxic Marriage?

How Do Boundaries Work In A Toxic Marriage?

By New Life Counseling / August 4, 2021

Have you ever been told you needed better boundaries? Just what does that mean? And how do boundaries work especially in a marriage with toxic and destructive communication or behaviors? What Is A Relational Boundary? A boundary, much like a fence, separates your physical yard from your neighbors. A relational boundary differentiates one individual from…

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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…

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pink background with 3 large tropical leaves along bottom edge. Image of text message box with a message from "your therapist" that says "Take a deep breath and listen to me. Each part of your life has value and needs special attention. You can't compare it to another person's. Though a diagnosis can impact your life, it doesn't have to be who you are."

Your Diagnosis: A Letter From A Counselor

By New Life Counseling / May 20, 2021

As a counselor, I get a wide variety of people that need to talk through situational stress, relationship problems, grief and loss, patterns of behavior, trauma and all that comes with it. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to take the opportunity to share three things to keep in mind if you…

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blog header. White background with dark green border. On the left side there are two triangle images. One of a woman facing away looking out at the ocean, wearing a cream sweater and brown hat. The other image of a mom and dad laying in bed cuddling their young child. The test in black: "Learning to say yes and no confidently. When we stop filling our plate with people, places, and projects that we're not genuinely drawn to, we make room for the things that fulfill us and bring us joy."

Setting Healthy Boundaries: YES & NO

By New Life Counseling / May 11, 2021

Healthy boundaries are essential for successful relationships, romantic and otherwise, and a balanced, joyful life. Without boundaries, it gets hard to determine our limits and often we find ourselves overwhelmed and stressed out—not to mention feeling guilty about our choices. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few tools in your toolbox…

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blog graphic: grey background, circle image of woman sitting in front of her laptop with her chin in her hands- looking to her right with a small smile. Title words: goal setting strategies by Enneagram

Goal setting strategies by Enneagram Type: Goals part 4

By New Life Counseling / April 30, 2021

In part 4 of our goal setting series we are talking about how your personality type (specifically enneagram) influences your goal setting process. We are giving tips for setting healthy goals based on your type. Also links to Dr. Don Gilberts Personal Strength Survey.

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Tan background with circles in 4 colors (orange, brown, grey, yellow) that represent the 4 ways stress feels in the body, mood, behavior, and long term.

Coping with Stress: Self-Care part 2

By New Life Counseling / April 23, 2021

How is stress management vital to your self-care? Your body was created to respond to stressful input- most understand this as the fight or flight response. But your body is not equipped to handle long-term, chronic stress without ill consequences. Yes, that’s right, chronic stress can make you physically sick. We will talk more in…

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pink background with blue and black triangles with the words Use, Misuse, Abuse, and Addiction on the triangles.

6 Myths About Addiction

By New Life Counseling / March 31, 2021

Many people don’t understand addiction and substance abuse or dependency. They think those who struggle with addiction must lack moral substance or willpower. In reality, breaking the cycle of addiction takes far more than an iron will or even a desire to quit. Addictive substances and behaviors quite literally alter the chemistry of the brain…

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