The Convenient Counselor

Ever have those moments when you just don't feel anything...except for complete numbness?! With continual stress/expectations/things to do, sometimes we are operating in "auto-pilot" and don't even take the time to feel our feelings. This episode offers four ways to combat feeling numb, as well as normalizes this common behavior.

Research referenced:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature

In what could be described as a "permission" episode, Briana explores the concept of "both/and" with conflicting emotions. Can you be both happy and sad at the same time? Do you tend to pick just one emotion at a time? Learn more about conflicting emotions in this brief episode!

Continuing on the idea of spiritual dismissal introduced in Episode 32, this episode dives into how we can often dismiss/ignore our own feelings before we give them a chance to be investigated a bit more! Have you spiritually dismissed emotions or thoughts in your own mind? Where did you learn to do that? Learn more about how to stay curious!

Episodes referenced:
The "GIFT" of Anger - Episode 6: https://www.brianaleach.com/post/episode-6-the-gift-of-anger

Spiritual Dismissal Part 1 - Episode 32: https://www.brianaleach.com/post/episode-32-emotional-invalidation-spiritual-dismissal

"Let Go and Let God"..."Too Blessed to be Stressed"...wait, what? When you share your emotions/thoughts with someone and you are met with avoidance by means of a Christian cliche or misused scripture, you may have experienced "Spiritual Dismissal," which is what this episode is all about. Listen to some real-life examples, the negative effects of invalidated emotions, and how to view these responses a little differently.

"Marriage has NEVER brought out the worst in me," said no one ever. Times of crisis (and especially quarantine) can put an interesting pressure on your marriage, and sometimes it helps to take a step back and ask yourself the five questions presented in this episode to focus on what is important.

There is no "perfect way" to parent your children on a normal day, let alone during a crisis or global pandemic! In this episode, we dive into four questions you should be asking yourself in moments of overwhelm. We will get through this together!

Contrary to popular opinion (or memes floating around), now is not the time to be setting new, lofty goals in your life, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed. What is the "minimum viable product" needed for each day that will help you feel like you can deal with the situation you are in, yet still feel accomplished? Learn more about this tool that Briana uses with clients as well as in her personal life in this episode.

We all NEED connection...and while in a unique season of quarantine and social distancing, sometimes we have to get creative in how we connect with others!

Whether it's mandated "shelter in place" or a season of life where you are "planted" where you might not want to be, you can still bloom. This episode covers three ways to bloom where you are planted, and ways to learn more about yourself, including StrengthsFinder: https://amzn.to/2UgcwyB

To schedule a coaching session with Briana, you can get more information at brianaleach.com

I KNOW. We are all exhausted from hearing about anything with the word "virus" involved. And thankfully this episode does not even mention the word Corona! :)

What is something we CAN be doing (besides washing our hands/social distancing) during this unique time in our world? We are instructed in the Bible to "guard our hearts," but maybe you haven't taken much time to think about what that really means. This episode explores that idea a bit more, and offers encouragement through scripture and advice.