Hello. What are your plans today? 

Specifically, what do you plan to do with your life today? 

Have you ever started a day with this thought? 

Are you too wrapped up in emotional struggles and pain to even think about something like this?

Maybe you are too depressed to give this some thought. 

Maybe you are just not able to be motivated to think about your day in this way.

That is all understandable. 
You can always start NOW with taking on a new thought process!

Choose today to choose to live intentionally!
Choose today to seek help and/ or support with what you are going through so you can get back to LIVING! 

What are your passions?

What are your interests?

What are your goals?

Who would you like to reach out to and say hello to?

What are you going to do with your life today?


CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

   

On the other side of fear is your new life! 

Fear keeps us from so much. 


Fear keeps us from mending and pursuing relationships.

Fear keeps us from pursuing our passions.

Fear keeps us from pursuing our purpose in life.

Fear keeps us from pursuing our goals in life.

Fear keeps us from exploring life!

What are you afraid of? 

I want to encourage you to write down your fears and concerns in life and then ask yourself first of all- where do they stem from? Then ask yourself .... are they irrational? 

Your fears can be worked through. Counseling can help.

Choose today to stop living in fear!

 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
 
  “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

  "Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27


CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to help individuals suffering from anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

It has also found extensive use in anger management therapy, especially in identifying healthy anger from destructive anger. 

It is also widely used to resolve depression- based on the theory that patterns of thoughts that govern mood, and that negative thoughts about oneself, one’s ability to function in society, and even one’s appearance............... can trigger massive depressive episodes. 

What is CBT?
Cognitive behavior therapy is a common type of talk therapy, or psychotherapy, and one of the few forms of psychotherapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective – in hundreds of clinical trials.


An example---------To illustrate, individuals viewing an episode of a cooking show on television will have several different reactions, but the two most relevant will be, “I can do that!” based on high self-image, and, “I could never do that, I’m not smart enough.” based on low self-image and major depression. 

These spontaneous reactions are known as “automatic thoughts”, and thus determine self-image and behavior, sometimes to a greater extent than the real world. 


How CBT  Works:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on the role of thoughts in behavior and mood. 

This “inductive” therapy allows the client (under the supervision and with the help of a therapist) to access a reservoir of negative or nonproductive thoughts or beliefs, and from that to derive more effective patterns of behavior. 

CBT teaches individuals how to separate the problem from their reaction to the problem.
 
CBT and Depression:
CBT can be very helpful in treating depression. 

In fact, given the self-destructive nature of clinical depression, it is an excellent tool to begin shaping the situation in the patient’s eyes.

As a standalone therapy, CBT has been proven in randomized controlled trials to be more effective in generating remission in depressive patients than either pharmaceuticals or nonspecific psychotherapy. (According to research conducted by the Veteran’s Administration/Department of Defense, “Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Depressive Disorder” (2009), CBT is “an empirically-validated psychotherapy that is recommended as a first-line treatment for depression".)

 Reference:https://thepanelist.net/cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt-treatment-depression/

an oldie but goodie


Free Depression Support Groups Offered- Contact Diane by calling or texting her at 615-556-8406 for more information and/ or to register.

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


 By Diane Davidson 
                               Gammon M.S.
         Clinical Mental Health Counselor

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 

Growing up, I was always excited about things. I got excited about the day that I was living and I got excited about days to come. I have always just been excited about life. 

I did have many trials and difficult days, weeks, and months. There were financial struggles, multiple traumas, health problems and more.

However, I continued to be excited about life.

My mother passed away from cancer 25 years ago. The biggest compliment that she ever gave me is when she told me that she recognized that I always got excited about life. 

 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.Psalm 94:19

There is sadness, pain, illness, fear, and suffering. But there is also joy. There is the promise of tomorrow and another day to try and make the most of our lives, to be thankful for the blessings no matter how small.


Years ago, I miscarried several babies. I have also watched one of my daughters suffer a miscarriage. 

It is unbearable emotional pain.  

But God's blessings continue and we are not suppose to understand everything, but to trust Him.

 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.Romans 12:12

I am thankful for joy in the midst of pain and suffering. I am thankful for second chances, and grace. I am thankful for our Savior.

I lost 6 babies and a grandson. I just found out last night that my 5th grandchild who is due at the end of the year is a girl, my 5th granddaughter. Our rainbow baby w/a high risk pregnancy. But we are choosing joy. My cup runneth over. 

Our cup runneth over. I am so proud of my daughter for choosing joy and faith in the midst of pain and fear.

 “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5).

What are you thankful for? What joy can you focus on?  

What can you change about your life or even with your attitude about tomorrow?  


The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.Zephaniah 3:17

There is always hope! 

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 
  

 

 

How does depression differ from occasional sadness?

Everyone at one time or another feels low in spirits. However, these low spirits pass quickly and fairly easily.



Someone who has depression feels low in spirits for a longer time frame. Depression is when someone is low in spirits for at least 2 weeks straight or longer.

Someone who is depressed usually feels hopeless as well. They also tend to blame themselves for feeling so low.

Further, depression interferes with activities of daily living such as work or not being able to concentrate on tasks.

When someone is depressed, they have difficulty eating and/ or sleeping.

Other possible symptoms of depression include chronic pain, headaches or stomach aches. Some people may also feel angry or restless for long periods of time.

People who are depressed may also become overwhelmed and exhausted and stop participating in some of their everyday activities altogether. 

They may withdraw from family and friends.

Individuals who are depressed may also have thoughts of death or suicide.

 Reference
 http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-depression.aspx


There is help and hope for depression.

Seek help today if you feel that you are depressed. 

Choose HOPE today!  

Free Monthly Support Group Offered For Adults of All Ages for Recovery From: Depression, Feeling Hopeless, Anxiety, Trauma/ PSTD, Abuse, Etc.-  

Registration is required for each group. 

Email:
Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com 

Or text or call (615)-556-8406  to register

There is always hope! 

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

What is Self-Harm?

Self-harm is when you hurt yourself as a way of dealing with something that is troubling you.

One way is to hurt yourself physically. Some people cut themselves. Another way is to not take care of yourself like you should.

Some ways of self-harming can include:

• cutting yourself
• poisoning yourself
• over-eating or under-eating
• burning your skin
• inserting objects into your body
• hitting yourself or walls
• overdosing
• exercising excessively
• scratching and hair pulling

Self-harm can create very difficult feelings and could make you feel even worse. 

If you self-harm, you may feel embarrassed or ashamed about it. You also might be worried that other people will judge you or pressure you to stop if you tell them about it. 

Because of this, some people keep their self-harming a secret.

It is best not to keep it a secret though. It is best to tell someone and to seek help. 

People say that they self harm for different reasons. 

 Some people say it makes them feel a certain way when they do it and that is why they do it. 

 If you don’t understand the reasons for your self-harm, know that it is okay and that you do not need to know why.

It is also important for people to know that most people who demonstrate self-harm do not do it to get attention. More so, they do it because of how it makes them feel when they do it. 

Some of the reasons people hurt themselves are:

-To express something that is hard to put into words

-To make experiences, thoughts or feelings that feel 
invisible into something visible

-To change emotional pain into physical pain

-To try to minimize overwhelming emotional feelings or thoughts

-To gain a sense of trying to be in control

-To try and escape from traumatic memories

-To try and feel numb, disconnected or dissociated to something

-To create a reason to have to physically care for yourself

-To express suicidal feelings and thoughts without taking your own life  

- To let others know that you are hurting without having to talk to them

• Reference- mind.org 

There is help!!! 

Counseling can help. If you are harming yourself, please seek help for yourself. 

There is always hope! 

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

Have you ever had a panic attack? 

A Panic attack is a sudden feeling of acute and disabling anxiety and/ or fear. 

Your heart pounds and you feel like you cannot breathe.

You may even feel like you’re dying or going crazy. 

If this condition is left untreated, panic attacks can lead to Panic Disorder as well as other problems. 

Panic attacks can prevent you from engaging in every day activities. 

Panic attacks can occur once or many times. If they occur multiple times, then it is usually connected to something that you either had a bad experience with or something that you fear.

Panic attacks can also occur due to various medical conditions.

Some Symptoms Are The Following:

Shortness of breath or hyperventilation

Heart palpitations or a racing heart

Chest pain or discomfort

Trembling or shaking

Choking feeling

Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings

Sweating

Nausea or upset stomach

Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or faint

Numbness or tingling sensations

Hot or cold flashes

Fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy

Things that you can do on your own are the following:  

Educate yourself about panic attacks and what may be causing yours by researching all of your symptoms. 

Avoid smoking and caffeine

Take slow deep breathes

Do something to help you to relax like take a warm bath, listen to soothing music, go for a walk, watch a funny show for comic relief, talk to someone, massage your neck and temples, focus and talk to yourself and tell yourself that you are safe, and go to a safe place in your mind.

Individual Counseling can help! A Counselor can help you to explore the underlying causes for your panic attacks and help you toward healing.   

 Reference- HelpGuide.Org


There is always hope! 

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical Mental Health Counselor 

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 
  

 

 

Have you ever wondered about trying counseling? 

If you have been to a counselor then you know what to expect. If not, let me help explain it a little.

At first, there are in-take papers that you would need to fill out and sign. This is to give the counselor your consent for counseling. Other papers needed might be personal information about yourself, how you plan to pay, and the reason(s) that had brought you to counseling.

For me, after the ‘business’ part of the intake, I would begin a counseling session with trying right away to build a positive rapport with my client.

I would do this by making some kind of small talk with my client. I would then try and make my client feel safe with me by the way that I approached them and with being warm and genuine when I spoke to them.

I explain to my clients that what they discuss with me is confidential except for a few exceptions. They are: if they were a minor, if they said that they wanted to harm themselves or someone else, any abuse or neglect of a minor, person with a disability or an elderly person is suspected, or if information was ordered by a judge.

If I didn’t already know, I would ask a new client what brought them in. Then I would ask some in-take questions to help me to be able to help them better. 

Remember that talking to others when you are hurting can be very helpful!

If there is something that you do not understand at your first counseling session, ask your counselor questions about what is not clear to you.

A counselor can help you and provide you with coping skills so that you can help yourself better through difficult times. 

Seeking mental health help is honorable and admirable. 

                       
There is always hope! 

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical Mental Health Counselor 
 

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments

615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 
  

 

 

August date is set for ------Free Support Group For Depression, Anxiety, Trauma and Grief

We will be meeting on the 1st Tuesday evening in August on August 7th.
 
Text Diane at 615-556-8406 to register. 

There is always hope! 

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 


 By Diane Davidson
                               Gammon M.S.
         Clinical Mental Health Counselor 

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........

 
  

 

Self- Care...hmmm-  What is that? 

My quest is to be SUPERMOM!!!!! 

That is how I used to think.

If we were honest with ourselves, most of us do not demonstrate self-care in the manner in which we should. We take care of our spouses, children, homes, jobs, ailing parents, etc. before we take the time out to take care of ourselves.

One main reason that we do this is because we might feel like we are being selfish if we take time out for ourselves. I know I used to think that.

I used to work two full time jobs while I was home schooling my children- AND while I was in college full-time. All the while- I WAS SUPER MOM! I thought that if I did everything possible for my children that I was a good mother. 

Now I know that I am a better mother taking care of myself and that having my teenager do things for herself is not child abuse but actually best for her!

I burned out and became mentally and physically ill. I was then forced to take better care of myself. Now……….I TREASURE MY HEALTH!

We cannot take care of others if we first do not take care of ourselves. Further, if we were honest with ourselves, most of the tasks that we do for our loved one can be delegated more than we probably do so.

Could it be for some of you that you are not motivated to take better care of yourself? If so, ask yourself why you feel this way and then take steps to make changes.

It is easier to lie around than exercise. 

It is easier to eat junk food that is quick and inexpensive than it is to eat healthy. 

It is more convenient to watch what it on the television than to only allow positive and uplifting entertainment into your hearts and minds, and so on.

Let’s face it; you need to be motivated before you implement these concepts into your life. One reason that it is difficult to get motivated to demonstrate more self-care is that in doing it the manner in which we need to can be very overwhelming. 

However-------

If you take better care of yourself, things in your life will become more manageable.

Ideas of self- care will be different for different people.

Some things that I personally do to implement self- care are the following:

Brisk walking

Fresh air and sunshine  

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Drinking plenty of water

Get adequate sleep

Frequent Chiropractic adjustments

Prayer and worship

Ballroom dancing lessons

Listening to music

Take a nap

Gardening

Take a long hot bath   

Taking time out a few minutes a day just for something I enjoy

Surrounding myself with uplifting, Christ-like, and positive people

Take time to take care of YOU!  

YOU ARE WORTH IT! 

YOU ARE VALUABLE! 

What are YOUR ideas for self care? 
Click on this blog title and then you will see where you can leave a comment below.

Please leave your ideas in the comments

I would love to hear them!
  an oldie but goodie
There is always hope! 

CLICK HERE For Living With Hope Counseling Facebook Page AND "LIKE" IT!
 



        
 By Diane Davidson Gammon MS
Clinical mental Health Counselor

Disclaimer- I am not a doctor and I am not giving out medical advice. My blogs are for information and inspirational purposes. Please consult your doctor before starting a new health regimen.

Diane Davidson Gammon Arnold MS is clinically supervised by Michael Loftis LCSW as she pursues  LPC-MHSP licensure

 Open Full-Time Days - Monday through Saturday
With Evening Appointments
615-556-8406
Email- Diane@LivingWithHopeCounseling.com

Sliding Scale Fee for Individual Counseling Sessions 

Free Support Groups for: Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Hopelessness, Trauma, PTSD, Abuse, and Grief and Loss (Including Miscarriage/ Stillbirth/ Infant loss)

 Have Hope! Renew Health! and...........