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# Apex Counseling

Promoting mental health and wellness through psychotherapy services.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://apexcounseling.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://apexcounseling.org/blog/)
- [For Therapists: Do You Need To Specialize? [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/for-therapists-do-you-need-to-specialize-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner One of our students asked a good question that I thought was important for any beginning therapist to hear: do I need to have a specialty to be marketable? The short answer is yes, and Jonathan explains more about why that is. https://youtu.be/ZbmRz_0IEcY?si=zsbnvo54Aqb1SOyV For more videos by our counselors, check
- [How Much Advice Do Therapists Give? [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/how-much-advice-do-therapists-give-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner This question comes up a lot when people ask about what to expect in therapy. It's sometimes difficult to answer, each therapist does things slightly differently. In this video, Jonathan provides some of the ways he decides whether to directly give advice to a client, or to help them come up with
- [Be Nurturing Toward Your Partner [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/be-nurturing-toward-your-partner-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner A common mistake in couples is that when our partner needs our nurturing, caring attention and not just suggestions on solving a problem. Jonathan provides some ideas on how to get back to providing your partner with the nurturing they need. https://youtu.be/l5sMkSVe90Q?si=JZi6fFZSHyCDZaCv For more videos by our counselors, check out
- [Setting the Win Condition [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/setting-the-win-condition-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner Most people accidentally pursue goals and take actions that have nothing to do with the life they want. Worse, sometimes they meet the goal and then realize that they achieved it ages ago, but then never got off the goal-setting treadmill. This especially happens with money, but can happen in other ways
- [Action is Often Better than More Information [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/action-is-often-better-than-more-information-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner An unfortunate tendency in problem solving is to continue gaining more information, and never take any sort of action on the information you have. Jonathan discusses how this process occurs and how to know if you should be moving on to an action step. https://youtu.be/3ksJIAP3_2I For more videos by our
- [Fixing Depression Advice From The Internet [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/fixing-depression-advice-from-the-internet-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner You can find all kinds of advice about how to help yourself with depression, or most other mental health issues, on the internet. The problem is that much of it is overgeneralized, which ends up making it useless to a great many people. In this video, Jonathan "fixes" much of it by
- [EMDR - An Overview](https://apexcounseling.org/emdr-an-overview/) - By: Courtney Zemerick Original Post: https://www.nautiluscounselingllc.com/blog/emdr-an-overview “What is EMDR like?” “I’ve heard good things about it, but how does it work?” “I want to process my trauma, but I’m anxious about re-experiencing it.” These are questions and comments I receive multiple times a month from people who are seeking my services and curious about EMDR.
- [Parenting Teenagers: Foster a Sense of Belonging](https://apexcounseling.org/parenting-teenagers-foster-sense-belonging/) - By: Jonathan Pishner This may come as a shock, but sometimes teenagers are rude. Or messy. Lazy. Entitled. Secretive. Alien. These are just a few of the words that might come to mind when you’re frustrated with your teenager. These years are tough on parents, and kids. The days when you feel connected to each
- [Parenting Teenagers: Help Them Achieve Mastery](https://apexcounseling.org/parenting-teenagers-help-achieve-mastery/) - By: Jonathan Pishner One of the basic struggles for a teenager is learning how to lead a fulfilling life, and building the identity that will take them to it. Some of that structure requires the Belonging we discussed in previous posts. Another essential building block for the healthy human is: Mastery. In humans of any
- [You're Not Crazy, Stop Saying That [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/youre-not-crazy-stop-saying-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Many people call themselves "crazy" because they don't understand their feelings or behaviors. Learn why that's a bad idea and a more helpful way to view it.
- [What Does Successful Counseling Look Like? [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/successful-counseling-look-like-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Many people ask how they can tell if counseling is working. Here is Jonathan's opinion on the easiest ways to tell if a counseling process is going to be successful. https://www.youtube.com/embed/LgrNIo7cXGc
- [Thoughts Cause Feelings: Introduction [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/thoughts-cause-feelings-introduction-video/) - by: Jonathan Pishner This video introduces the idea that our thoughts create much of our emotional state. You can begin using this to your advantage by learning to identify your own thoughts. https://www.youtube.com/embed/suF_W29ZtKk
- [Searching for Perfect Solutions is sometimes destructive [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/searching-perfect-solutions-sometimes-destructive-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Our emotional experience is largely created by our thoughts. Jonathan explains how, sometimes, getting overly focused on perfect solutions to problems can create anxiety and self-esteem difficulties. https://www.youtube.com/embed/mQsXXxmiDyo
- [Behaviors That Can Help Your Emotions [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/behaviors-can-help-emotions-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner You can do a lot to help your emotions by the behaviors you select. Jonathan shares his view on the best ways to gain solid emotional benefit from picking your behaviors. https://www.youtube.com/embed/M0jzpH0rQtE
- [Mistaken Goals - Professional [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/mistaken-goals-professional-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Mistaken Goals are a big struggle for a lot of people. They can really impact someone's life, especially in the professional areas. Jonathan shares some ideas on how to keep this from damaging your life. https://www.youtube.com/embed/-6H521gIzf0 For more of our videos, check out our YouTube channel!
- [The Primal Brain and Fear [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/primal-brain-fear-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Fear and anxiety are a real problem for many people. Jonathan explains how this can become a major problem, and a technique that has been helpful to many clients struggling with anxiety. https://www.youtube.com/embed/9AdAtnxVSuk To be notified anytime we put out a new video, subscribe to our YouTube channel!
- [The Habit Stack [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/habit-stack-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Many people fail to change their habits because there is usually a whole "stack" of habits hidden in everything you want to change. Jonathan explains how this works and how to make positive changes stick if you've struggled with this in the past. If you'd rather read the written article, click here.
- [What Does Successful Counseling Look Like?](https://apexcounseling.org/successful-counseling-look-like/) - by: Jonathan Pishner To view the video version of this post, click here. Many people are confused about what they should expect from good counseling services. While counseling is becoming more common and accepted, the reality is that many people still have no idea how the process works. Couple that with the fact that
- [Negative Beliefs: I must be Competent/Achieving/Masterful [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/negative-beliefs-must-competent-achieving-masterful-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Irrational negative beliefs cause negative emotions. Jonathan explains one of the most common thoughts, that we \"MUST be thoroughly competent, adequate, and achieving in all ways\", how it develops, and suggests a mindset shift to prevent feeling terrible. https://www.youtube.com/embed/8jesxNEISRU For more videos by our counselors, check out our YouTube Channel.
- [Negative Beliefs: I MUST Worry About Bad Things Happening [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/negative-beliefs-must-worry-bad-things-happening-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Irrational negative beliefs cause negative emotions. Jonathan explains a particularly difficult belief to fight against: that we MUST dwell on the fear that something bad might happen. https://www.youtube.com/embed/9OjMRizL_6E For more videos by our counselors, check out our YouTube Channel.
- [Cabin Fever [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/cabin-fever-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner During our current circumstances, it\'s common to start getting Cabin Fever, the feelings of being pent up and constricted due to too much time indoors or idle. Jonathan suggests how to view this problem and some small changes that might help address it. https://www.youtube.com/embed/nEkryD-iFj0 For more videos by our counselors,
- [How to Stop Feeling Out-of-Control Control during a National Crisis [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/stop-feeling-control-control-national-crisis-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner The current events that we are experiencing are unusual for most of us. It is easy to feel helpless, and this is bad for our mental health. Jonathan suggests some ways that you can reduce this feeling and help your mental health during these strange times. https://www.youtube.com/embed/YSu4W7pRR-g For more videos
- [Mental Health and Crisis: Intro [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/mental-health-crisis-intro-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner With the pandemic we are experiencing, many people are struggling with how they can positively impact their mental health. In the first part of our series on this topic, Jonathan introduces reasonable expectations for your mental health and a beginning point for staying as healthy as possible. https://www.youtube.com/embed/LW8z9jssUBo
- [Mental Health and Crisis: Achieving Normalcy [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/mental-health-crisis-achieving-normalcy-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner One of the hardest things in adverse circumstances is a sense of powerlessness because of losing our good circumstances. Replicating those as much as possible helps us to regain a sense of agency and empowerment. Jonathan shares some ways you can do this for yourself during this time of crisis. https://www.youtube.com/embed/io3rMVrwnUo
- [Mental Health and Crisis: Information Consumption [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/mental-health-crisis-information-consumption/) - By: Jonathan Pishner When circumstances are not good, especially now, it's easy to feel powerless. That powerlessness can be made worse by a surprising source: the information we take in, especially the news. Jonathan suggests some ways to take in information that will be less destructive and more beneficial to your mental health. https://www.youtube.com/embed/uwSHcoUy_m0
- [Self-Love: An Introduction [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/self-love-introduction-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner The ability to accept, appreciate, and love yourself is essential to your good mental health. Jonathan introduces some ideas about why this is difficult for many people, and some basic ideas to help people begin working toward more ability to appreciate and love themselves. https://www.youtube.com/embed/XL2o_QdMUYY For more videos by our
- [Self Love - Effort and Giving Yourself Credit [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/self-love-effort-giving-credit-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Being able to appreciate yourself is hard for a lot of people. Many people deny themselves any sort of self-approval until they "earn" it. Jonathan suggests that if you're going to insist on earning it, at least give yourself credit for your effort, not just when you do everything perfectly. https://www.youtube.com/embed/UQJI83ce5Cw
- [Self Love - Acceptance at the Moment [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/self-love-acceptance-moment-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Many people spend a ton of time and energy beating themselves up because they're not yet where they want to be. Jonathan discusses accepting your current self while working toward the more "ideal" version of yourself that you want. https://www.youtube.com/embed/VoklFDiicxc For more videos by our counselors, check out our YouTube
- [Mental Health and Crisis - Expectations [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/mental-health-crisis-expectations-video/) - By Courtney Zemerick Many people are accidentally beating themselves up during quarantine, just because they're not using the time to "get ahead". Courtney shares some thoughts about this, and affirms it's ok to just "get by" some days. https://www.youtube.com/embed/AUkiwQb-1nY For more videos by our counselors, check out our YouTube Channel.
- [Mental Health and Crisis - Wear and Tear Trauma [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/mental-health-crisis-wear-tear-trauma-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner With all of the new stressors added daily, piling on top of the old stressors, many people are getting worn down. This can lead to a type of trauma called "wear and tear" trauma. Jonathan shares some ideas for how to keep your psychological "shields" as strong as possible so that you
- [Mental Health and Crisis - Optimism [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/mental-health-crisis-optimism-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner When things are bad, it's hard to be hopeful, and yet that means it's the most important time to have some optimism. Jonathan explains some simple ways you can explore this with yourself and have some optimism during troubled times. https://www.youtube.com/embed/NXNvpvvbbSc For more videos by our counselors, check out our YouTube
- [Suicide - Why Does It Happen? [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/suicide-happen-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner Suicide is one of the most important mental health topics we could possibly cover. The "why" of suicide can look different, but it always comes down to one thing: intense, unendurable pain that looks like it won\'t end. Jonathan shares thoughts around this and how to use this idea to be helpful.
- [Suicide - The Steps of Suicide [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/suicide-steps-suicide-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner As part of National Suicide Awareness Month, we are sharing information on the prevention of suicide. In this video, Jonathan shares some of the steps people go through as emotional pain intensifies, and encourages anyone who is in these steps to seek help. https://www.youtube.com/embed/uKSwX_p8kQs For more videos by our counselors, check
- [Suicide - Available Resources [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/suicide-available-resources-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner There can probably never be "enough" resources for suicide, but there are more than some people realize. Jonathan outlines underutilized resources that are available to many people for suicide prevention. https://www.youtube.com/embed/KgoZDhSpqac For more videos by our counselors, check out our YouTube Channel.
- [Suicide - How YOU Can be Helpful [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/suicide-can-helpful-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner There is a lot of power in showing people that you care. Jonathan shares the importance of friends and family and how YOU can help someone you care about that might be contemplating suicide. Don't think you can't help just because you don't have a degree in psychology. Love and empathy go
- [Relationship Myths and Conflict Resolution [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/relationship-myths-conflict-resolution-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner There are a lot of myths surrounding how our love relationships should work. An unspoken myth is how we resolve problems in a relationship. Many people think that once the problem is talked out, it should never come up again. This simply isn't what happens, and it often causes a NEW argument
- [Your Trauma Deserves Treatment [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/trauma-deserves-treatment-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner People often fail to seek treatment for their trauma because it's "not bad enough". There is no objective measure for which traumas deserve treatment; if a negative event was traumatic, it deserves treatment. Other people's trauma cannot beat up your trauma. In this video, Jonathan shares more ideas about how trauma occurs.
- [Self-Acceptance and Why It\'s So Hard [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/self-acceptance-hard-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner Self-acceptance and self-love have become very hard for a lot of people. Jonathan shares some of the ways our culture impacts our subconscious and suggests a few ways you might help yourself if you struggle with loving yourself. https://youtu.be/yhnFE9Yxgc8 For more videos by our counselors, check out our YouTube Channel.
- [The Key to Trust is Simple: Consistency [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/key-trust-simple-consistency-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner Consistency is the key to trust. Many couples struggle with trusting each other, and without trust, a fulfilling relationship is impossible. In this video, Jonathan shares some ways to use consistency for the purpose of building trust. https://youtu.be/SNgSunYffvE For more videos by our counselors, check out our YouTube Channel.
- [Self Care is Medically Necessary [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/self-care-medically-necessary-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner It is very easy to skip small things that have big beneficial impacts. This can range from skipping sleep or meals, to not making time for relaxation, hobbies, and other stress-reduction. When you do this, you reduce your ability to handle stress. Not only do you become less productive, but your body
- [New Year Resolutions [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/new-year-resolutions-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner Many people choose the New Year as a time to engage in big, important habit changes. The statistics show that these resolutions often fail. But is that because New Year\'s Resolutions don\'t work, or is it because people just get discouraged and give up too quickly? Jonathan shares some thoughts on this
- [Consistency is the key to Trust](https://apexcounseling.org/consistency-is-the-key-to-trust/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Anytime you talk about issues within a love relationship, the the topic of trust is likely to come up. Often something has happened that causes the need rebuild or regain trust between love partners. Maybe something really big happened that damaged trust within the relationship. Maybe a lot of small actions over
- [The 49% Problem In Marriage [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/the-49-problem-in-marriage-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner This isn\'t talked about enough, but less than half of marriages succeed. Given that information, it\'s important to stack the odds in your favor as much as possible. Jonathan suggests a few ways to stack the odds a little more clearly in your favor. https://youtu.be/J6-YLvdIGnw For more videos by our counselors, check
- [Communication: Concepts vs Behaviors](https://apexcounseling.org/communication-concepts-vs-behaviors-video/) - By Jonathan Pishner Communication is hard, especially in a love relationship. Have you ever asked your partner for something and they just couldn\’t get it right? Jonathan shares a way he helps couples communicate more effectively so that love partners can understand each other\’s needs. For more videos by our counselors, check out our YouTube
- [Self Love and Its Opposite [video]](https://apexcounseling.org/self-love-opposite-video/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Self-hatred is a problem for many people, and it becomes a problem for one very important reason: it often works (temporarily). Jonathan discusses this in more detail and now a person can let go of self-hatred as a strategy a little more quickly. For more videos by our counselors, check out
- [Adjustment 101: How to Adapt to the First Months of College](https://apexcounseling.org/adjustment-101-adapt-first-months-college/) - By: Emily Reel Going away to college is one of the most exciting transitions that can happen in your life. The move from high school to college is symbolic, representing freedom, growth, and forward movement toward being an independent adult. Life at home was usually predictable; it was filled with the daily routine you’ve known
- [A Culture of Perfection: Anxiety in Child Athletes](https://apexcounseling.org/anxiety-child-athletes/) - By: Lucas Ziems Ever heard of the phrase “Practice makes perfect?” It turns out this one, seemingly simple phrase, which is meant to motivate us to work hard and improve our skills, is also a great example of the culture that perpetuates many of the mental health issues we are seeing in our present-day young
- [Your Psychological Needs: Power](https://apexcounseling.org/psychological-needs-power/) - By: Jonathan Pishner As we get to the final psychological need, we have found the only one on the list that is distinctly human. You might notice that the previous four: Survival, Belonging, Fun, and sometimes Freedom, can be found in many creatures. But the need for Power? That\'s unique. That\'s all human. It\'s important
- [Your Psychological Needs: Freedom](https://apexcounseling.org/psychological-needs-freedom/) - By: Jonathan Pishner As we get to Freedom, we are moving into the more abstract and complex psychological needs. You might notice that the previous three: Survival, Belonging, and Fun are somewhat easily understood. But Freedom? How do you define that clearly? We know that it\'s a psychological need, but it\'s the first on our
- [Your Psychological Needs: Fun](https://apexcounseling.org/psychological-needs-fun/) - By: Jonathan Pishner In our society today, most people have come to believe fun is optional. Notice that it\'s on our list of psychological NEEDS, not on a list of wants. The simple fact is, Fun is mandatory for a happy and healthy life, no matter your age. Without this basic need met, you cannot
- [Your Psychological Needs: Belonging](https://apexcounseling.org/psychological-needs-belonging/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Human beings are social creatures. No matter how much of a loner you are, you\'re also designed to need a certain amount of human interaction in order to feel good. As with all of the Psychological Needs, the level of need and how it gets met vary greatly between individuals. Some people
- [Your Psychological Needs: Survival](https://apexcounseling.org/psychological-needs-survival/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Human beings have the most complex brains on the planet. We can contemplate the meaning of life, our purpose, the nature of right and wrong, and the universe itself. And if you ask any two people about those things, you\'re likely to get three different answers. But despite our complexity, there are
- [Your Psychological Needs: Introduction](https://apexcounseling.org/psychological-needs-introduction/) - By: Jonathan Pishner There are a lot of complicated concepts in the field of psychology. But some things are simple enough and useful enough that anyone can use it to help make their life better. One of the simplest and most beneficial ideas is our Psychological Needs. This is the first of a series of
- [How to Ruin Your Mood Using Social Media](https://apexcounseling.org/ruin-mood-using-social-media/) - by Jonathan Pishner How to Ruin Your Mood Using Social Media It’s official. Social media is here to stay. Overall, this can be a great thing. You can use social media as an extremely powerful tool. It helps old friends reconnect. It helps new friends stay connected. It helps you plan events, or it can
- [Emotional Wear and Tear - the Trauma Less Acknowledged](https://apexcounseling.org/emotional-wear-tear-trauma-less-acknowledged/) - by: Jonathan Pishner When people think about trauma, they usually think about “survival” trauma; the car crashes, assaults, war trauma, abuse, etc. These survival situations get locked into our brain, which becomes what we familiarly think about in regards to surviving trauma. What we now know is this: Survival traumas are not the only type
- [Behavioral Mindfulness - Stress Reduction Practice for the 21st Century](https://apexcounseling.org/behavioral-mindfulness-stress-reduction-practice-21st-century/) - By Mark Clingan Do you ever have trouble coping with stress? Do you ever feel anxious thinking about something you do not have but that you want? We all do these things at times. I know I have done both. The stress during a former job was at least partially responsible for a disease that
- [Rest and Relationships: the Point of the Holiday Season](https://apexcounseling.org/rest-relationships-point-holiday-season/) - by Jonathan Pishner No matter what set of holidays you celebrate, the winter holiday season was originally meant to be a time of celebration and rest. But for many people today, it’s a time of stress, anxiety, and frustration Do you struggle with juggling the holiday task list, and sometimes just wish you could go
- [Redefining Counseling - More than Complaining on a Couch](https://apexcounseling.org/redefining-counseling-complaining-couch/) - by Jonathan Pishner Everyone knows the image. The counselor strokes their chin thoughtfully and says, “So, how does that make you feel?” Almost everyone seems to carry some sort of image about what the counseling process is (or isn\'t). Anger management counseling where you practice breathing deeply and counting to ten. Couples counseling where
- [The Life You Want: It\'s Too Perfect](https://apexcounseling.org/life-want-perfect-self-image/) - By Jonathan Pishner Did you know it\'s possible to have a self-image that\'s too perfect? Well, kind of. You actually have TWO self images. You have the self image of you as you currently are. And you have the self-image of you as you wish to be: your Ideal Image. Most people don\'t know much
- [Deciding When to End Your Marriage Can Actually Save It](https://apexcounseling.org/deciding-end-marriage-can-actually-save/) - By Jonathan Pishner This article is for those in a long term relationship that has been toxic for a long time, who just can\'t get it to work and are desperate for change. Almost all of us have experienced bad relationships and the pain they cause. It seems like you\'ve tried everything, and nothing
- [Can I Help When My Child is Struggling at College?](https://apexcounseling.org/can-help-child-struggling-at-college/) - By Laura Walls Recently, I have gotten a lot of referrals for young adults who are struggling at college. This can look very different for each student but what almost all of them have in common is failing classes. They may also be isolated and distant or partying hard and moody. Whatever the case,
- [What is Behavioral Addiction?](https://apexcounseling.org/what-is-behavioral-addiction/) - By: Jonathan Pishner When I mentioned in passing the other day that I treat video game addiction and porn addiction, the question came up: \"Wait, is that a real addiction?\" The short answer is yes. The long answer is a little more complicated. Being addicted to a behavior is known as “process addiction” or
- [Why Do People Stay in Abusive Relationships?](https://apexcounseling.org/people-stay-abusive-relationships/) - By Laura Walls When others hear about an abusive relationship, most people, who have never experienced one themselves, are shocked and confused. They often ask, “Why doesn’t the person just leave?” In fact, clients of mine report that is the question they hear most often both during and after the relationship. From the outside,
- [Interrupting Anger – How Tricking Your Body Can Make You Calm](https://apexcounseling.org/interrupting-anger-tricking-body-can-make-calm/) - By Jonathan Pishner If you struggle with anger and rage, then you\'re very familiar with two things. The buildup, when you\'re starting to feel frustrated and angry. Someone won\'t shut up, or things just won\'t go right, and you can feel the pressure building. The blowup, that moment when you finally snap, and you no
- [Teaching Your Child to Appreciate Gifts](https://apexcounseling.org/teaching-child-appreciate-gifts/) - By Laura Walls After the holidays, many parents worry about whether their children appreciate all they have gotten from friends and family. Parents want their children to show their appreciation; no one enjoys the embarrassment of a child who throws a gift aside in disgust. So, what can parents do to help their children be
- [The Dreaded Holiday To-Do List and How To Fix It](https://apexcounseling.org/dreaded-holiday-list-fix/) - By Jonathan Pishner The time from Thanksgiving to New Year\'s can be a great time of year. Lots of food, visiting friends and family, parties, travel, gifts, there are all kinds of things to enjoy during the holiday season. Sadly, many people feel upset and stressed during this season. I\'d like to point out the
- [Helping Children Deal with Death](https://apexcounseling.org/helping-children-deal-death/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Helping a child deal with a loss can feel very complicated. Parents sometimes struggle with how to tell their child that a
- [Does My Child Need Therapy?](https://apexcounseling.org/child-need-therapy/) - By Laura Walls I have people ask me all the time, “How do I know when I need to call a therapist for my child?” That is a great question. Sometimes it is very hard to distinguish between typical changes of childhood and changes to be concerned about. Children go through a lot of stages
- [How to Actually Benefit from Self-Help Books (and Blogs)](https://apexcounseling.org/actually-benefit-self-help-books-blogs/) - by Jonathan Pishner The self-help industry has been booming for years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Every year, largely thanks to the internet, more and more self-help material is being produced. Books, blogs, video channels, covering every topic from fighting depression to losing weight to stopping smoking. And some of them are
- [Pokemon Go: a Rare Chance for Parents to Connect with Gamer Kids](https://apexcounseling.org/pokemon-go-rare-chance-connect-gamer-kids/) - By: Jonathan Pishner Everywhere I go, I see groups of people out, scanning with their phones, looking for Pokemon. It\'s absolutely incredible how quickly this game has exploded. One of the most amazing things this game has created is the opportunity to connect with others, in an age where we often don\'t connect well. People
- [What To Do When You\'re Not Allowed to Have Anxiety](https://apexcounseling.org/youre-not-allowed-anxiety/) - by Jonathan Pishner What if there are certain people who “aren\'t allowed” to have anxiety? What would happen if they struggled with constant stress and couldn\'t tell anyone? Having to keep anxiety a secret can be very painful. When you think of someone suffering from anxiety, it\'s easy to picture a certain type of person.
- [How Family and Friends Can Help with Trauma](https://apexcounseling.org/family-friends-can-help-trauma/) - By Jonathan Pishner It\'s a very hard thing to watch a loved one go through the pain of a traumatic experience. Sometimes these experiences are shared, and sometimes one member of a family experiences the event. Either way, one of the most important roles of family and friends is to help and support those
- [You Don\'t Have to Fight Back](https://apexcounseling.org/dont-fight-back/) - By Laura Walls Teenagers have a very special way of getting under parents\' skin. Unlike any other time in their lives, teenagers are developing a need to find their own way. This often involves arguing, arguing and more arguing. That same child who would listen to a rule you have had in your house since
- [4 Simple Actions You Can Use to Reduce Post-Traumatic Stress (and any other kind of stress)](https://apexcounseling.org/4-simple-actions-can-use-reduce-post-traumatic-stress-kind-stress/) - By Jonathan Pishner One of the major problems with trauma is that treating it yourself can be difficult. It\'s not usually like frustration or work stress, where you might be able to make a small life change or read a simple self-help book and get a lot of benefit. Getting over really bad events in
- [3 tips for telling your spouse about anger](https://apexcounseling.org/3-tips-for-telling-your-spouse-about-anger/) - By Jonathan Pishner A common statement about anger in a love relationship is that \"you have to talk about it.\" That is very true, but I would like to clarify that statement: \"Don\'t talk about your anger while you\'re still angry.\" The more common that anger and resentment are in your relationship, the more true
- [Making Divorce Easier On Young Children](https://apexcounseling.org/making-divorce-easier-on-young-children/) - By Laura Walls Sadly, marriages end and what follows can be extremely trying. Parents wonder about how the divorce will influence their children. While children are very resilient, a divorce is a major change and children will feel the effects of that. Parents have a huge amount of power over how the divorce is handled
- [Treat your spouse better than a stranger](https://apexcounseling.org/treat-spouse-better-stranger/) - By Jonathan Pishner Yes, the title is written correctly. You should treat your spouse better than a stranger. Obvious, right? On the surface, everyone would agree to this. But in practice, it doesn\'t always turn out that way. When you have been in a relationship for a long time, you eventually become very comfortable with
- [Two tips for making a change stick](https://apexcounseling.org/two-tips-for-making-a-change-stick/) - A lot of people engage in the tradition of making a resolution for improving their life at the beginning of a new year. However, a lot of people have trouble with sticking to their new plan. Since we are a few weeks into the year (the time when people start to struggle with their resolutions),
- [Three Holiday Tips for Busy Grown-Ups](https://apexcounseling.org/three-holiday-tips-for-busy-grown-ups/) - Three Holiday Tips for Busy Grown-Ups Many of us really enjoyed holidays when we were kids. But the Christmas season can be tough to enjoy as you get older. With work, family, shopping, and everything else, it turns from a happy and enjoyable holiday into a big cluster of stress and obligations. I\'d like to
- [The Habit Stack - Why it\'s so hard to change habits](https://apexcounseling.org/why-is-it-so-hard-to-change-habits/) - by Jonathan Pishner As a counselor, I have first hand experience in how difficult it is for people to change their thinking, behaviors, and habits. I am often asked the question, \"Why is it so hard to change habits?\" The most enduring lesson I ever learned in my years of counseling is that “people don’t

## Pages

- [Home](https://apexcounseling.org/) - Welcome You Have the Ability to Go Beyond! We offer psychotherapy services for individuals, couples, and families that have difficulty getting the life they want. The counseling we offer is meant to be useful within just a few sessions. We focus on brief counseling interventions and clear goals so that our clients can get the
- [Anna Cronin](https://apexcounseling.org/anna-cronin/) - Anna Cronin MA, NCC Anna is a dedicated mental health therapist passionate about guiding adolescents and adults through life’s complex transitions. Whether it’s navigating grief, easing into college life, resolving family conflicts, or overcoming feelings of shame and guilt, Anna truly understands the diverse challenges you face. Recognizing that stepping into therapy is a personal
- [Rates and Insurance](https://apexcounseling.org/rates-and-insurance/) - Rates and Insurance Rates Our rate for therapy sessions is $190 per 45-60 minute session for individuals, and $225 per 45-60 minute session for couples.Each clinician has their own no-show and late cancellation fee, which can be up to the full session fee. Charges for fees in addition to therapy (i.e., document preparation, involvement in
- [Jessica McLaughlin](https://apexcounseling.org/jessica-mclaughlin/) - Jessica McLaughlin - Office Manager Jessica McLaughlin has been a dedicated team member at Apex Counseling since the fall of 2023. As the Office Manager, she is the first point of contact for our clients, ensuring every interaction is welcoming and professional. Jessica manages phone calls and emails, schedules appointments, provides referrals, and contributes to
- [Continuing Education](https://apexcounseling.org/continuing-education/) - Continuing Education Our goal is to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that are both meaningful and practical. We are dedicated to delivering well-organized, easily accessible, and highly valuable learning experiences that enhance professional growth and ensure attendees receive quality educational resources. Our CEUs are specifically designed for mental health therapists. By attending our sessions, counselors will
- [Thank you](https://apexcounseling.org/thank-you/) - Thank you for contacting us Our office will contact you as soon as possible. We look forward to helping you with your journey.
- [Carlee Milik](https://apexcounseling.org/carlee-milik/) - Carlee Milik Carlee Milik is a dedicated counseling intern from the West Virginia University counseling program, offering free sessions to support individuals in their mental health journey. Carlee creates a welcoming and understanding environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment.Carlee is open to supporting individuals from all walks of life. Whether
- [Supervision and Consultation](https://apexcounseling.org/supervision-and-consultation/) - Supervision and Consultation Supervision is available from Jonathan Pishner, an Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor. Jonathan offers comprehensive supervision for students in their field placement, graduated pre-licensed counselors, as well as post-license supervision and consultation. His supervision includes (but is not limited to) case and client discussions, detailed feedback, review of audio and video recordings, review
- [Application](https://apexcounseling.org/application/) - Please complete the application below Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Personal Information Applicant Name *FirstLastApplicant Email *Applicant PhoneApplicant AddressAddress Line 1Address Line 2CityState / Province / RegionPostal Code--- Select country ---AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBolivia (Plurinational State of)Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral
- [Contact](https://apexcounseling.org/contact/) - Contact Us Feel free to contact us for an appointment. Apex Counseling is located at 160 Fayette Street in downtown Morgantown. It is convenient to the Walnut PRT station and is only one block away from the downtown campus, located directly across from the Fayette Street parking lot.When you come in, you’ll find a set of
- [Addiction](https://apexcounseling.org/addiction/) - Addiction Behavioral Addiction Counseling Behavioral addiction consists of behaviors that are typically rewarding or pleasurable in the short term but can lead to significant disruption in various aspects of an individual’s life, including relationships, work, and overall well-being. There are many different types of behavioral addictions such as gambling addiction, internet or gaming addiction, compulsive
- [Treatment Services](https://apexcounseling.org/treatment-services/) - Treatment Services Trauma and PTSD A negative event can sometimes have a great deal of power in a person’s life. If an event was powerful enough, you might experience frightening memories and a constant sense of danger. Or you might feel disconnected and numb after a painful event. When these effects start making it hard
- [Children/Adolescents](https://apexcounseling.org/children-adolescents/) - Children Children Child counseling is tailored specifically for children to address emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. Our therapists use age-appropriate techniques to help children express their thoughts and feelings, understand and manage their emotions, and develop coping skills. This type of counseling is effective in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficulties in
- [Colby Hampton](https://apexcounseling.org/colby-hampton/) - Colby Hampton - Psychologist, PsyD Colby is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who works with adults struggling to manage a variety of emotional and mental health concerns, with expertise in navigating the complex mazes of anxiety, depression, grief/loss and the unique challenges faced by the queer community, as well as distinct issues encountered by men in
- [Join Our Team](https://apexcounseling.org/join-our-team/) - Join our Team If you want to join our team, we’d love to talk to you! Right now, we’re looking for creative, motivated therapists who love seeing their clients get amazing results. If this sounds like you, and you’d like to learn more about working with our team, click here to read more or email
- [Parent Counseling](https://apexcounseling.org/parent-counseling/) - Parent Coaching Parent Coaching Parent coaching helps parents develop effective parenting skills and strategies. The therapist will work collaboratively with parents to address specific challenges, such as behavior management, communication issues, or family dynamics. Parents will gain insights into their parenting style, learn effective communication techniques, and receive practical tools to foster a positive parent-child
- [Parent Counseling](https://apexcounseling.org/parent-counseling-2/)
- [Telehealth](https://apexcounseling.org/telehealth/) - Telehealth Online Counseling Telehealth counseling (also known as online therapy, virtual counseling, or teletherapy) provides counseling and mental health services remotely via video conferencing (Zoom). It allows you to receive therapy from the comfort of your home or any location with internet access. This eliminates the need for travel time and provides greater flexibility in
- [Laura Walls](https://apexcounseling.org/laura-walls/) - Laura Walls - MA, LPC, NCC Laura Walls’ passion is helping people recover from abuse and trauma. She works especially well with children, people exiting abusive relationships, and college students who are struggling to adjust to new demands. Laura is a West Virginia native who has over 10 years experience working with children and young
- [Jonathan Pishner](https://apexcounseling.org/jonathan-pishner/) - Jonathan Pishner - MA, LPC, NCC, CT, ALPS Jonathan helps anxious professionals, struggling college students, and victims of trauma. His passion is helping clients see results quickly so that they can get the life they deserve!Jonathan believes counseling should be an interesting and focused process, centered around helping you achieve the life you want. He
- [College Students](https://apexcounseling.org/college-students/) - Counseling for College Students Located in the heart of a college campus, we frequently assist students with a variety of challenges they may encounter throughout their academic endeavors. Whether it’s adjusting to life away from home, managing academic stressors, forming new friend groups, handling time management, dealing with perfectionism, or other issues, we’ve got you
- [LGBT+ Issues](https://apexcounseling.org/lgbt-issues/) - LGBT+ Issues People who identify within the LGBT+ spectrum may encounter stressors unique to their identity, ranging anywhere from societal stigmatization to internal conflicts. We assist individuals in exploring their gender and sexual identities in a safe and affirming environment, develop skills and provide guidance to help them cope with non-supportive surroundings, help identify and
- [Coping with Chronic Illness](https://apexcounseling.org/coping-with-chronic-illness/) - Coping with Chronic Illness Chronic illness encompasses a diverse range of medical conditions that persist over an extended period, often requiring ongoing management and treatment. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific illness. Individuals with chronic illnesses may experience challenges in various aspects of their lives, including physical limitations, disruptions in daily activities, financial
- [Couples Therapy](https://apexcounseling.org/couples-therapy/) - Couples Therapy Standard Couples Therapy This is the type of counseling that most couples are looking for. Couples often come for couples therapy when conflicts and resentments have built up in the relationship. Usually, couples enter therapy when their relationship is facing challenges, and things are not going well. By the time a couple reaches
- [Live Online Sessions](https://apexcounseling.org/live-online-sessions/) - Apex Counseling We offer psychotherapy services for individuals, couples, and families that have difficulty getting the life they want. The counseling we offer is meant to be useful within just a few sessions. We focus on brief counseling interventions and clear goals so that our clients can get the life they deserve as quickly as
- [About](https://apexcounseling.org/about/) - About Me Suspendisse elementum id faucibus arcu aliquam scelerisque malesuada at ipsum vitae elit tincidunt sit sed mi. About me I can support you in achieving the results you’re looking for. Together we will augue consectetur tellus sagittis enim dolor. Facilisis amet, egestas fermentum et non vestibulum, donec vulputate purus gravida volutpat sed orci feugiat

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## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://apexcounseling.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Lifestyle](https://apexcounseling.org/category/lifestyle/)
- [Parenting](https://apexcounseling.org/category/parenting/)
- [Anger](https://apexcounseling.org/category/anger/)
- [Couples](https://apexcounseling.org/category/couples/)
- [Stress](https://apexcounseling.org/category/stress/)
- [Trauma](https://apexcounseling.org/category/trauma/)
- [Addiction](https://apexcounseling.org/category/addiction/)
- [Video](https://apexcounseling.org/category/video/)
- [Process](https://apexcounseling.org/category/process/)
- [Suicide](https://apexcounseling.org/category/suicide/)
- [Self-Esteem](https://apexcounseling.org/category/self-esteem/)
- [For Therapists](https://apexcounseling.org/category/for-therapists/)

## Tags

- [Children](https://apexcounseling.org/tag/children/)
- [Parenting](https://apexcounseling.org/tag/parenting/)