Cere Counseling and Wellness

Grieving with Purpose

wpsiteadmin — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:45:47 +0000

Learning to Heal with Honesty, Grace, and Permission

Grief is something we all experience, but no one really teaches us how to walk through it.

Before we step into two key ideas—perception and permission—I want to slow down and highlight a few truths about grief. These aren’t just ideas—they’re things many of us learn the hard way, often through our own stories.

A Few Gentle Truths About Grief

Grief isn’t linear

You’ve probably heard of the “stages of grief.” And while they can be helpful, they don’t fully capture what grief actually feels like.

Grief doesn’t move in a straight line—it comes in waves, in seasons, and sometimes at the most unexpected times.

For me, that’s been especially true with my dad. The older I get, and the more I understand what it means to carry responsibility—to show up for others, to lead, to provide—the more I find myself missing him. Not less… but more.

That can feel confusing at first. Shouldn’t it fade with time?
But grief doesn’t work that way. It deepens as our understanding deepens. And that’s not regression—that’s love continuing to grow.

Everyone grieves differently—and in their own time

There is no “right timeline” for grief.
Some people begin processing right away. Others don’t fully feel it until much later.

I didn’t truly grieve my dad until I was 35. That’s when things started to surface in a real way—and honestly, it wasn’t pretty at first. It was messy, uncomfortable, and at times overwhelming.
But that was also the beginning of real healing.

There’s a difference between giving yourself time… and unintentionally avoiding what needs to be felt. And when grief finally catches up to you, it’s not because you failed—it’s because your heart is ready.

Grief isn’t just about death
We often think grief only applies when someone dies, but it’s much broader than that.

Grief is the loss of anything meaningful.

Losing a parent

Losing a grandparent

Losing what you thought your life would look like

You can grieve people—and you can grieve expectations.

There’s a phrase in Spanish—“me hace falta”—which means “something is missing from me.” French has a similar expression—“tu me manques.”

These phrases beautifully capture the essence of grief: something that once was, is no longer—and you feel its absence deeply.

You’re allowed to feel ALL of it

Grief is not just sadness.

It can look like:

Deep sadness

Anger

Confusion

And even… joy

I remember walking through grief and feeling anger—real anger. At one point, I even wrestled with thoughts like, “God, You wanted to be my Father—so where were You in this?”

That’s not something we always feel comfortable saying out loud. But it was real. And it needed to be processed, not pushed down.

And then there’s joy.

That one surprises people, but it’s true—you can laugh while grieving. I remember moments at my grandfather’s funeral where laughter broke through the heaviness. Stories were shared. Memories surfaced. And for a moment, joy and grief sat in the same space.

That’s not wrong—that’s human.

Grief asks questions—and that’s okay

Grief has a voice, and it often sounds like questions:

Did this really happen to me?

What if I had done something differently?

Those “what if” and “if only” thoughts—what we often call bargaining—are part of the process.

Instead of shutting those questions down, it’s important to acknowledge them. They’re part of how we make sense of loss.

Lesson 1: How Perception Can Get in the Way

Here’s a hard but honest truth:

Sometimes what makes grief heavier isn’t the grief itself—it’s how we think it will be perceived.

We start filtering our emotions through what others might think.

The messages we hear (and carry)

Many of us have absorbed messages like:

“Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.”

“That happened so long ago.”

“You should be over this by now.”

“Be strong.”

“You’re too emotional.”

“You’re too sensitive.”

Even something like “You are so strong” can quietly communicate, “Don’t let yourself fall apart.”

So instead of processing grief, we manage how we appear.

And that can quietly stop healing in its tracks.

Misunderstandings about God and grief

Sometimes the pressure isn’t just from people—it’s from what we believe God thinks about us.

I’ve wrestled with thoughts like:

“If I really trusted God, I wouldn’t feel this way.”

“Does this mean I think His plan wasn’t good?”

“Will He think I don’t believe He loves me?”

But those thoughts don’t reflect God’s heart.

They actually keep us from bringing our full selves to Him.

The lies we tell ourselves

If I’m honest, most of the lies I’ve believed about my own grief were shaped by what I thought others would think—and what I thought God expected.

One of the biggest ones?

“If I just don’t think about it, it won’t hurt.”

But that’s not how it works.

Even when we avoid grief mentally, it shows up physically, emotionally, and relationally. The body keeps track. The heart doesn’t forget.

Lesson 2: Permission Changes Everything

If perception holds grief back, then permission is what allows it to move.

And because we’re so used to filtering everything through perception, giving ourselves permission often has to be intentional.

Why permission matters

Permission allows grief to pass through us instead of taking root in us.

Because when grief gets stuck, it can grow into deeper struggles—like anxiety, depression, emotional disconnection, or even physical strain.

But when we allow ourselves to feel it, we create space for healing—across every part of our lives.

What it looks like to give permission

God gives you permission

God is not distant from grief—He understands it.

We see it throughout Scripture:

In the death of Lazarus
In the sorrow over humanity in Genesis
In the grief over brokenness and rebellion

And in Psalm 56:8, we’re given this beautiful picture:

“You have taken account of my miseries; put my tears in Your bottle.”

That means your grief is not ignored—it’s seen, counted, and held.

God does not reject your grief—He collects it.

When you allow yourself to grieve, you are not pushing God away—you are making space for His comfort.
So the idea that God is disappointed in your grief?

That’s not truth—that’s a barrier.
Because when we believe that, we actually limit the comfort He wants to give.

2. You give others permission

When someone else is grieving, your instincts are probably already healthy:

You show compassion
You give them space
You don’t rush their process

You understand that grief needs room.

3. Now… give that same permission to yourself

This is where everything comes together.

You’ve seen that God gives you permission to grieve.

You already give others permission to grieve.

Now the question is:
Will you give that same permission to yourself?

Closing Thought

You don’t have to rush this.

You don’t have to perform strength.

You don’t have to hide parts of your story.

Your grief—whether it’s from losing your dad, your grandfather, or even the life you thought you’d have—matters.

Let go of perception.

Lean into permission.

And remind yourself, gently and honestly:

“I’m allowed to feel this.”

Because you are.

Ilse Sucely de Leon MABC, LCMHC-NC/QS, LPC-TX

Why Choose Play Therapy?

wpsiteadmin — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:13:40 +0000

Overview & Importance

Seeking counseling for young children can often become confusing and even overwhelming for where to start. It is important to meet the child where they are at physically and developmentally. One way that therapists across the country can do that is by utilizing play therapy. Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate form of counseling that helps children express thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play rather than words alone. Children often lack the vocabulary or emotional insight to articulate complex inner experiences, therefore play becomes their natural language, and toys their words. The power that play therapy provides to children is often seen through the ability to be free in creativity, imagination, engagement in the environment. Play becomes the way the child communicates their wants and needs. Counselors work with the child to create a safe and secure environment that fosters a healthy therapeutic relationship. Once a positive rapport is built counselors can help the child with problem-solving, development of healthy coping skills, expression of difficult emotions, reenactment and processing of stressful events, and even building self-confidence and emotional regulation skills. The foundations of play therapy were shaped by early psychoanalytic and child-centered theorists, including Melanie Klein, who used play as a way to understand children’s unconscious processes, and Virginia Axline, who developed child-centered play therapy based on the principles of Carl Rogers. Play therapy is an evidence-based practice, with many studies statistically reporting significant improvements in children’s emotion regulation, behavior, and social functioning. One primary recognized approach for play therapy is, Child-Centered (Non- Directive) Play Therapy. This approach is a person-centered approach meaning the child takes the lead in play while as a the therapist I provide empathy, structure, and consistent positive regard.

Play therapy is typically utilized with children of ages 3-12 years old, whom may be experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, abuse, grief, family transitions, and even behavioral disorders. The idea of play therapy is to meet the client in their world, fully understanding a child in their natural environment, play. A trained therapist will be intentional about the toys and the environment ensuring developmentally appropriate toys are in place, these toys will be utilized to help a child express various emotions. A therapist will observe how the child interacts, responds, while also identifying and examining underlying issues. Toys, art supplies, sand trays, and role-play such as through puppet play, allow children to symbolically explore experiences, relationships, and emotions. Over consistent sessions the child and I build trust, helping the child process trauma, reduce anxiety, improve behavior, and strengthen problem-solving skills. Collaboration with caregivers supports progress and reinforces skill building and resilience. Caregivers play a vital role in play therapy and how successful it can be. The collaboration that happens behind the scenes with caregivers is just as important as the work in the play therapy room. Regular consultations help caregivers understand themes emerging in sessions and learn skills to strengthen connection, encourage healthy expression, and reinforce boundaries. An important piece is not just the physical availability of the parent but the emotional availability the parent offers. There is research that supports emotional availability from a caregiver being a primary tool of success in play therapy (UK Essays, 2018). Involvement of caregivers can also be essential when looking at parenting style. Therapists can include parents and caregivers in the sessions to work through family disruptions, miscommunication, enmeshment, and even codependency. The consistent involvement of caregivers fosters trust, deepens attachment, and promotes lasting emotional and behavioral growth.

What a Typical Session Looks Like

The typical session lasts 55 minutes, 30-45 minutes of that being play and interaction with the child while the remainder is used for consultation and involvement with the caregiver. Unlike play at home, therapeutic play has intention, boundaries, and clinical expertise guiding it. As the therapist I:

Establishes safety and structure
Observes patterns in play
Reflects feelings and themes
Helps the child/caregiver build insight gradually

Common misconceptions

“It’s just play”- Therapeutic play is intentional and guided by clinical training.
“Kids should just talk about their problems.” Many children cannot verbalize trauma, difficulties, or complex feelings. Play offers an outlet that feels safe, and secure.
“It’s only for severe problems.” Play therapy can also support everyday stress, transitions, and social development.
“If the child is laughing, therapy isn’t working.” Healing can happen through joy, creativity, and safe emotional expression. Laughter can coexist with deep therapeutic work.
“Kids shouldn’t have problems, they’re too young to be stressed.” Children absolutely experience stress, anxiety, grief, anger, jealousy, fear, and even depression. Their brains and nervous systems are still developing, which can actually make big emotions feel more overwhelming, not less.

who I am:

My name is Madison Klotz, and I am currently a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student at Liberty University and a Clinical Intern at Cere Counseling and Wellness.

Madison Klotz – Intern – Supervised by Ilse Sucely de Leon MABC, LCMHC-NC/QS, LPC-TX

References

Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes.

Ray, D. C., Bratton, S. C., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2001). The effectiveness of play therapy: Responding to the critics.

Ray, D. C., Armstrong, S. A., Balkin, R. S., & Jayne, K. M. (2015). Child-centered play therapy: A meta-analysis.

UKEssays. (November 2018). Play Therapy Theories Children And Young People Essay. Retrieved from https://www.ukessays.com/essays/young-people/play-therapy-theories-children-
and-young-people-essay.php?vref=1

Autism Awareness in Children

wpsiteadmin — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:16:15 +0000

For many parents, seeking counseling for their child can feel overwhelming, or they are unsure where to go. However, for children with verbal autism, clinical mental health counseling can provide meaningful support that goes beyond academics and addresses emotional well-being, stress management, and social development. Counseling is not about changing who a child is. It is about helping them understand themselves, navigate challenges, and build skills that support long-term mental and emotional health.

Verbal autistic children often demonstrate strong cognitive abilities, good language skills, and academic success. At the same time, many experience challenges that are not always visible to teachers or peers, such as ongoing anxiety or worry. difficulty understanding social expectations or peer relationships, emotional overwhelm, or shutdowns, sensory sensitivities that cause stress or fatigue, perfectionism, rigidity, or fear of making mistakes, and trouble identifying, expressing, or regulating emotions. These challenges may be internalized; children often carry stress quietly. Without support, this stress can build over time and affect self-esteem, mood, and overall functioning.

Clinical mental health counselors are specially trained to assess and treat emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns. Counselors can help by addressing anxiety and emotional regulation, supporting social understanding and relationships, helping children process experiences, building self-awareness and self-advocacy, and partnering with families. A common misconception is that counseling is only necessary during a crisis. In reality, early and consistent mental health support can help prevent more significant challenges later on, such as depression, chronic anxiety, or social withdrawal. Engaging in counseling early communicates an important message to children: your mental health matters, and support is available.

When counseling is framed positively, children are more likely to engage. Parents can describe a clinical counselor as:

“Someone who helps kids understand feelings and stress.”
“A safe person to talk to when things feel confusing or overwhelming.”
“A coach who helps build skills for emotions and relationships.”

Normalizing counseling as a supportive tool, not a sign of something being “wrong,” helps reduce fear and stigma. Autism awareness means recognizing that verbal autistic children may need emotional and mental health support, even when they appear successful on the outside. Clinical mental health counseling provides a compassionate, individualized space where children can grow, regulate, and thrive while being fully accepted for who they are.

My name is Reina Papp, and I am currently completing my practicum internship in clinical mental health counseling. My passion lies in supporting children and adolescents, particularly those on the autism spectrum. This dedication is deeply personal; my journey was profoundly influenced by my daughter’s autism diagnosis, which spurred me to learn, advocate, and seek a deeper understanding of the unique strengths and challenges within the autistic community. Through this experience, I have not only found my calling but have also become a resource for other families navigating similar paths. I am committed to providing compassionate, informed, and individualized support that helps every child thrive emotionally and socially.

– Reina Papp Intern – Supervised by Ilse Sucely de Leon MABC, LCMHC-NC/QS, LPC-TX

LCSWs vs LCMHCs: Their Strengths and How Both Support You

wpsiteadmin — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 18:32:02 +0000

When someone decides to begin therapy, one of the first questions that comes up is, “Who should I see?” You might notice different letters after a therapist’s name, and two of the most common are LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor). While the titles may sound technical, the heart of both professions is the same: helping people feel better, heal, and move forward.

Even though LCSWs and LCMHCs come from slightly different training backgrounds, both bring meaningful strengths to the therapy room. Understanding those strengths can help you choose the therapist who feels like the right fit for you.

How LCSWs Are Trained to Support You

LCSWs begin with a master’s degree in social work, which gives them a broadcunderstanding of how a person’s life, relationships, and environment all shape emotional health. They’re trained to look at the “big picture” — not just what you’re feeling internally, but also what’s happening around you. That might include family stress, work pressures, health concerns, or major life changes.

Because of this, LCSWs are especially skilled at helping people who feel overwhelmed by multiple layers of stress. They’re comfortable sitting with complex emotions, but they’re also practical and down-to-earth. Many clients describe LCSWs as steady, approachable, and easy to talk to — the kind of therapist who helps you feel grounded when life feels tangled or heavy.

How LCMHCs Are Trained to Support You

LCMHCs earn a master’s degree in counseling, which focuses deeply on the process of personal growth and emotional healing. Their training centers on understanding people, building strong therapeutic relationships, and using proven counseling approaches to help clients make meaningful changes.

LCMHCs are especially skilled at helping people understand patterns in their thoughts and emotions, develop healthier coping skills, and build confidence in themselves. Many clients describe LCMHCs as encouraging, insightful, and skilled at helping them create new tools for everyday life.

What You Can Expect Emotionally from Each Approach

While LCSWs and LCMHCs may come from slightly different training backgrounds, both are grounded in compassion, connection, and the belief that people can grow and heal. No matter which type of therapist you choose, you can expect someone who listens closely, cares deeply, and wants to understand your experience.

An LCSW might help you explore how your past experiences, relationships, and environment are affecting you today. But they’re not just “big-picture thinkers” — they’re also warm, personable clinicians who know how to make clients feel safe and supported. Many people find that LCSWs bring a calming presence and a steady, reassuring way of helping them sort through complicated situations.

An LCMHC might help you focus more on what’s happening inside — your thoughts, feelings, and the patterns you want to change. They’re often described as encouraging and emotionally attuned, offering guidance that helps clients feel understood and empowered. Like LCSWs, they bring genuine care and presence into the room.

Both professions blend heart and skill. Both offer warmth, clarity, and support. And both are fully capable of helping you feel more grounded, more hopeful, and more like yourself again.

The Shared Heart of Both Professions

No matter which type of therapist you choose, LCSWs and LCMHCs share a commitment to helping people heal. They both work with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, and life transitions. They both believe in your ability to grow. And they both want you to feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout the process.

How CERE Counseling and Wellness Brings These Strengths Together

At CERE Counseling and Wellness, we believe clients benefit most when they have access to a variety of perspectives and strengths. That’s why our team consists of both an LCSW and an LCMHC, in addition to the LCMHC-A’s and interns. As the LCSW on the CERE team, I bring a thoughtful, whole-life perspective that helps clients feel grounded and supported through complex challenges. What drew me to social work and ultimately obtaining my LCSW is the same thing that drives me now, the desire to approach each client’s situation from a holistic perspective. This allows me to consider both internal and external pressures that cause challenges and limits to our client’s growth and sense of peace. Our LCMHC, who is the founder of CERE, brings a warm, growth-focused approach that helps clients build confidence and create meaningful change. As a team at CERE we have created a balanced, collaborative environment in which we learn from one another and share therapy tools and approaches to best meet your needs. It is our hope that at CERE, you can find the support that feels right for you

— and where your emotional well-being is always at the center.

Faith Allman – MSW, LCSW

How to Reclaim Your Calm This Holiday Season

wpsiteadmin — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:12:15 +0000

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and celebration, of coming together with the people we love and making new, happy memories. For some people however, the holidays can be stressful and have many moving parts. Whether it be the idea of setting up a party at your own home and cleaning up the space, or simply coordinating schedules and buying gifts, getting things just right for the holiday season. It can all often feel overwhelming and take a toll on our mental health. So the question then is, how do we reclaim our mental health and calm in the middle of the coming holiday season?

I am excited to share some of the methods that have helped me personally. You may find something that works for you. These will also give you a direction to look in for mental health and relaxation in the future.

A relatively simple way to take back your day, despite a full schedule, is to take small breaks throughout. A small break in this case means 15 to 20 minutes of simply relaxing or doing some form of activity to calm down your mind. It does not matter what exactly you do, just taking the time for a brief mental reset can often allow you to breath and move forward with your day mentally refreshed and with much more energy than you would have had without the time to yourself. If you do wish to take part in an activity during those 15 or 20 minutes it could be things like listening to music, making a quick drawing or doodle, or even some simple grounding techniques.

Grounding techniques are a way to bring yourself away from the anxiety and stressful thoughts filling your mind and allow you to tie yourself more into the calm of the present moment. While there are many ways to do this, one that I prefer is known as the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. As part of this exercise, sit in a comfortable position with your eyes open and your breathing as even and relaxed as possible. You should then try to name out loud five things that you can see, like the color blue on the wall of the room you are in for example. Next, list four things you touch or feel, for example the air on your face from a fan in the room or the soft carpet under your feet. For number three, count three things that you are able to hear, like the ticking of a clock or the sound from a television. For number two, list two things that you can smell, like a candle in the room or your cologne or perfume. Finally, for number one, name one thing you can taste like a mint or water.

Keep in mind that you do not need to get the exact numbers for each sense, the point of this exercise is to call your attention to the physical world rather than the anxiety filled space inside your mind. I like this exercise because, while it may be complicated at first glance, once you become more used to doing it, it will only take around10 to 15 minutes. The fact that anyone can try this and that it is quick to complete makes it one of my favorite ways to fight anxiety, both for myself and for other people in my life.

Another small change that can make a big impact on stress levels is establishing a schedule. In terms of a schedule, having a general time that you do certain tasks throughout the day can enable you to have a good idea of what you will be doing when, therefore reducing unpredictability and anxiety in your day. Personally, I like to have lunch around twelve or one every day and stop work activities around 6pm if possible, that way I can begin to relax and decompress from my day. I also try to go to sleep and wake up around the same time each day if I can. If you are able to do something similar it could have a number of positive benefits beyond simply reducing your stress. Some of these benefits can include better cognitive focus, better memory and recall, and better physical wellness and immune system performance. Again, the main idea of establishing a schedule is not to have an exact idea of every moment in a given day, rather it is to let your body adjust to and become comfortable with doing certain things at certain times. For example, if you fall asleep at around the same time each day, your body will then become more used to sleeping at that time, allowing sleep to come easier and be more restful. The same principle also applies to any activity you plan throughout your day, so if you feel overwhelmed try to set a schedule for yourself to establish order and help both your body and mind improve.

I myself have used all three of these ideas as recently as last year. In order to prepare for holiday celebrations at my house, I slept and woke up around the same time for around 3 or 4 days before the party itself to make sure I had a good level of energy. Then I helped my family to set things up for the guests that were set to come over. While I was helping to set things up for the party, I began to think about how each guest would respond to my gifts and whether they would like them. These thoughts, combined with making sure my house looked good for the party, was slightly overwhelming for a moment. In order to counteract this stress, I went into my room, and completed the 5-4-3-2-1 technique to help control my thought spiral. I am unable to remember everything I used, but I know that I did take note of the color of the sky outside my window and the sound of a ticking clock. After doing this, I felt much calmer and was able to have a great time at the party with my family. As shown by my own experiences, these techniques can be used by anyone in their time of need.

Overall, whether it be through taking small breaks, using grounding techniques, or setting a schedule for yourself, you have many ways to reduce anxiety this holiday season. These do not need to be complex or time consuming and can in reality be simple and quick to use in your day. Now that you have seen some I use in my own life, I hope you have been able to find one that works for you and take back your peace of mind. I wish all of you a calm and happy holiday season and a great start to your new year.

Chase Taylor – LCMHCA – Supervised by Ilse Sucely de Leon MABC, LCMHC-NC/QS, LPC-TX

My Journey as a Massage Therapist and a Healer Through Experience

Cere Office Manager — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:03:02 +0000

Being a massage therapist for the past eight years has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life. But my path here wasn’t just about learning techniques or earning certifications—it’s been about understanding people, their pain, and the different ways life can shape us.

I’ve lived through my own share of challenges, losses, and turning points—moments that tested me, broke me open, and helped me grow. Those experiences taught me how trauma shows up in the body, how emotions can settle deep into our muscles, and how important it is to feel safe enough to release them. Because of what I’ve been through, I don’t just see people’s pain—I feel it with them, and I hold space for it with compassion and care.

When someone comes to me for a massage, I know they’re trusting me not just with their body, but with their energy and emotions too. My goal is to create a space where they can breathe, relax, and just be. No pressure, no judgment—just peace, safety, and presence. Every person carries their own story, and I approach each session with the understanding that healing looks different for everyone.

Over the years, I’ve learned that touch can be incredibly powerful. It can calm the nervous system, release tension that words can’t, and remind someone that they’re cared for. Sometimes, it’s not just the massage itself—it’s the energy behind it, the genuine intention to help someone feel seen and supported.

I’m grateful for every person who’s let me be a part of their healing journey. Whether they’re dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, or just need a moment to reset, I do my best to meet them where they are. My hands may do the work, but my heart is what truly guides me.

This isn’t just my job—it’s my purpose. Through every experience, every challenge, and every client, I’ve learned that healing happens when we connect—with our bodies, our emotions, and each other.

Ty’Ara Wagner, LMT

Unlocking Healing with EMDR Therapy

Cere Office Manager — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:57:32 +0000

One of my greatest passions as a counselor is continuing to learn and grow so that I can better support the people I work with. One of my specialties is trauma therapy, and because trauma work can be so complex and sometimes overwhelming, I am always seeking out approaches that can make the healing process more supportive and effective. That’s why I am so excited to be an EMDR therapist-in-training and to share a little about the EMDR process with you. My name is Leann Shoffner, and I am a pre-licensed counselor currently working toward full licensure.

You may be wondering: Why EMDR therapy? Beyond the strong evidence supporting it, one of EMDR’s greatest strengths is that it is non-invasive. Unlike some forms of therapy, EMDR does not require you to share every detail of your traumatic experiences in order to be effective. You get to choose how much or how little to disclose, which often makes the process feel safer and more empowering. Since trauma can be difficult to revisit, a therapy that honors your pace and your boundaries can be especially meaningful.

How does EMDR Work?

Although EMDR often allows people to process memories more efficiently than traditional talk therapy, it is never rushed. We take time to prepare by building a strong therapeutic relationship, learning coping tools, and helping you understand your “window of tolerance.” This foundation is essential because my priority is always to ensure you feel safe, supported, and fully prepared before we begin processing.

I believe deeply in the transformative power of EMDR and the way it is reshaping treatment for trauma, anxiety, depression, and many other challenges. As a counselor, I am committed to continually learning and expanding the tools I can offer. EMDR has become one of the most meaningful tools in my practice because it meets clients where they are and helps them take steps toward lasting healing.

I am currently conducting virtual EMDR sessions. My training has been tailored specifically for online delivery, ensuring that EMDR is just as effective in a virtual format as it is in person. Offering EMDR remotely also provides flexibility and accessibility, making it easier to prioritize your mental health from the comfort of your own space. Here at Cere Counseling and Wellness, we have a passion for serving the needs of our clients. Therefore if you have questions and may be interested in EMDR please feel free to reach out.

Leann Shoffner – Supervised by Ilse Sucely de Leon MABC, LCMHC-NC/QS, LPC-TX

Mental Health Awareness After a Natural Disaster: What We Do Not Think About

wpsiteadmin — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:39:01 +0000

With the month of June being the start of hurricane season here in North Carolina, I wanted to take a moment to talk about something that many do not think of. How can natural disasters impact our mental health? Understandably, the first thought that most people have shortly after a natural disaster happens is about the physical safety of any people in the impacted area, as well as any damage to buildings or infrastructure. Something that is not as prominent when it comes to natural disaster impact is the thought of “now that the survivors are physically safe, what about their mental health?”, this is the question I plan to explore some basics of today.

In terms of mental health there can be various different issues that may arise after a natural disaster strikes. According to the American Psychiatric Association, these issues can include stress and feeling numb or angry in the wake of the event. A survivor feeling stress is a normal and expected reaction, but it may have many different impacts for each individual, ranging from depression to anxiety and even longer term Post-Traumatic Stress for some people. These issues, combined with grief from the loss of a home or even loved ones can be overwhelming for survivors.The feeling of being overwhelmed can then result in various physical problems.

Some of the physical issues brought about by the mental pain and trauma of a natural disaster can include difficulty in falling or staying asleep, confusion or feelings of low energy, and lack of or increased appetite. Furthermore, survivors can also experience illness such as headaches or stomach issues from high stress levels. Many survivors say the pain they go through is often amplified by the thought that they alone are facing these issues. However, these kinds of experiences can be common for many after a natural disaster.

The idea that what we are going through can be common for other people is often very hard for us to think about. However, sharing your pain and stresses with others can be vital. Things like support groups, churches, or even just talking with neighbors and other friends or family can often help survivors to find their bearings. These community supports help not only in terms of physical supplies such as food and water, but also in allowing the survivor to begin to process the aftermath of the event. Group or individual therapy can help survivors address their stress, grief, anger, and sadness in a healthy manner. Often, just having someone willing to listen to their challenges and allow them to feel heard without judgement can be a very healing thing for survivors. Connection with others can also allow survivors to reduce feelings of isolation and a lack of social connection. Improved social connection aids in mental resilience and improves mental health through sharing struggles and a feeling of increased belonging with others in the same situation. I myself have been indirectly impacted by a past natural disaster and had to find ways to deal with the anxiety of the destruction and the unknown.

My example begins when some of my family were impacted by hurricane Helene. My aunt and uncle were camping in the mountains when the flooding caused by the hurricane hit the campground they were staying in. We did not know if they were okay and could not get in touch with them, which led my family and I to become very on edge and anxious, especially because no one thought flooding would happen in the mountains well away from the coast and were confused on exactly how much damage had occurred in their area, only hearing the word “catastrophic” on the news. Finally, we got word they were okay and had evacuated, the camper was totaled and the mountain communities were devastated. With this stress and feeling helpless, my family and I decided to do something. We donated food, baby needs, and animal care products through a local church to help others. I was not involved directly in the disaster but even my stress and anxiety from having a family member experience it has taught me about the need to manage many different forms of health in the wake of a natural disaster.

Overall, there are many facets of health to be taken into consideration when you survive a natural disaster. Firstly, are you physically safe and healthy at the current time? Beyond that however, you must also think about your mental health and how the disaster impacts other sections of your life. One important part of mental health is investigating what mental health challenges you are facing. Are you experiencing stress, grief, anger, or a combination of emotions? One possible solution is finding someone to share these experiences with, such as support groups or some form of therapy. If you are involved in a disaster, you have undergone great trauma but have survived, and you can not only survive but thrive if you receive the help you need.

Chase Taylor – LCMHCA – Supervised by Ilse Sucely de Leon MABC, LCMHC-NC/QS, LPC-TX

Trauma

Cere Office Manager — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:18:50 +0000

Understanding trauma is a huge aspect of being able to understand oneself better and how experiencing trauma affects you as a whole person. As a counseling intern, I am passionate about understanding trauma on a deeper level, helping others understand it, and helping my clients heal from the consequences of trauma. I believe that education is key when it comes to treating something as complex as trauma. I recently had the privilege of hosting a psychoeducational group on trauma, where I taught those in attendance about the foundational and basic principles of trauma, as well as how trauma permanently changes us as individuals.

The foundational principle to understanding trauma is understanding what it is in its most basic state. Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience or emotional shock following a stressful event or a physical injury. There are 3 primary different types of trauma: acute, chronic, and complex trauma. The issue with trauma is that it doesn’t always look the same; therefore, sometimes traumatic experiences may not seem traumatic at all, but the way our bodies respond is an indication of a traumatic experience. Acute trauma is defined as any one isolated event such as a child losing a parent. Then you have chronic trauma, which means there is repeated exposure to a traumatic event; the best example of this would be a child living in a home where domestic violence is repeatedly happening. Lastly, complex trauma is when multiple traumatic events occur that may or may not be related. An example of this could be childhood abuse and neglect. From a therapeutic standpoint, this is a more difficult and complex form of trauma to treat.

Trauma can be broken down into two primary categories: little traumas and big traumas. Little traumas are smaller, more personal events. This could be as simple as a child losing a personal stuffy that she carried around everywhere. This seems insignificant but to the child this is devastating, which could lead to attachment issues for the child. Examples include a breakup, the death of a pet, bullying, academic struggles, emotional abuse, chronic illness, etc. Then we have big traumas, and these are going to include large life events like the death of a parent or sexual abuse. These are typically life-threatening events such as the death of a parent, a natural disaster where the family loses everything, or 9/11 for everyone impacted. What’s important to remember is trauma, whether little or big, should be processed and taken care of to limit the consequences of the trauma on the mind, body and emotional state of a client.

These are mere basics when it comes to understanding the world of trauma and understanding that trauma impacts our entire being, including our mental, emotional, and physical body. One of my favorite books and a book I recommend if you are wanting to learn more about trauma is called The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. In this book, van der Kolk emphasizes the mind-body connection, highlighting that trauma is not just a psychological experience but one that is deeply rooted in the body. This is the view I, as a counseling intern, operate from when tackling trauma with my clients. We must treat trauma holistically, reaching below the surface to treat the roots but also tending to the body and the mind. My first priority, is that clients feel safe and secure in the therapy space. Once this is established, and the client gives the “go” we will begin to process trauma in session. As mentioned before, I approach trauma from a holistic standpoint, as a counseling intern, I believe the best approach to treating trauma begins at the roots and progresses from there. I believe treating trauma in the mental, emotional and physical sense is most valuable to my clients as they begin to process and heal.

“The body keeps the score and it always wins.” – Bessel van der Kolk in The Body Keeps the Score.

Blessings,

Leann Shoffner – Counseling Intern Supervision by IIse Sucely de León,MABC, LCMHC-NC/QS, LPC-TX

That is Exactly What I Thought!

Cere Office Manager — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:21:44 +0000

“I knew it was going to rain today; it always rains when I wash my car!”, said cross Carl.

“I just read this article on deer ticks and now my neck is itching! I am sure my dog picked up ticks when she ran outside!”, said anxious Annie.

What is confirmation bias? Confirmation bias (CB) is the tendency to place more stock into information that matches what we already believe while ignoring or disbelieving contradictory evidence. For example, CB can be excruciating for medical students who begin to wholeheartedly believe that they have contracted every new disease that they study!

Confirmation bias can also affect mental health. If you are depressed or anxious, you believe that tragedy is everywhere. Watching the evening news, true crime stories, or social media “proves” what we already think is true. We are not safe! Danger is everywhere! The result is…. symptoms of anxiety and your depression increase.

How can we use CB for our own good?

Limit the amount of negative news that you watch. If you watch negative news stories (and 99.9% of them are) you will increasingly feel that the world is a treacherous place.

During the pandemic, I looked forward to the weekly installment of a web series called, “Some Good News”. John Krasinski an actor known for his roles on the Office and as Jack Ryan (among other things) created this series to help others make it through the uncertainty and darkness. John’s opening line from the first episode was something like, “We are all going through an incredibly trying time, but through all the anxiety, through all the confusion, all the isolation, and all the Tiger King, somehow the human spirit found a way to break through and blow us all away.” One segment of the show featured a 99 year old British WWII veteran named Tom Moore. Mr. Moore set out to walk 100 laps around his back garden with his walker. He wanted to raise money for COVID relief. What started out as a goal to raise 1250 dollars turned into 9 million dollars!

Feed your mind and soul with positive news, happy pet videos, baby pictures, and encouraging and uplifting stories! You may begin to develop the CB that the world is a hopeful place.

Good news can be found at….
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/
https://www.biblegateway.com/
https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/15/834831575/99-year-old-british-veteran-raises-9-million-for-health-service-by-walking-laps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5pgG1M_h_U
https://guideposts.org/