From the desk of Counselor Dawn Echols: “Social Media and Private Pain” Several weeks ago, a friend called me out of the blue. Even though we have some common interests and don’t live terribly far apart, our paths don’t often cross, so when this person’s number appeared in caller ID, I made a point to […]
In this video interview, professional counselor Dawn Echols advises us about communicating effectively when tragic events surround us.
Powerfully to the point; this TED talk is timely during Domestic Violence Awareness month. Some of the comments in the feed are well worth additional reading. Be sure to listen to this brief TED talk: “I never once thought of myself as a battered wife. Instead, I was a very strong woman in love with […]
Are you interested in fitness and nutrition, as well as working in occupations that allow more control over your potential income and day-to-day choices at work? Dawning Phoenix LLC offers: Coaching Services Work-Life Balance Personal Growth Self Esteem Life Satisfaction Career/Job Performance We utilize lower fees through a reduced cost model by not accepting insurance, […]
Dawn M. Echols, M.S., LPC – Owner & Executive Director Dawning Phoenix, LLC – counseling, coaching & conflict resolution Voluntarily Clinically Qualified (NCMHCE/Exam), March 2014 Member – LPCA of Georgia, Board Member/Volunteer Member – North American Society of Adlerian Psychology, Georgia Society of Adlerian Psychology Formerly registered mediator, trained in mediation/conflict resolution Specialties include anxiety, aggression, domestic […]
The Illusion of Safety – contributed by Leslie Dinkins-Perez, LCSW People LOVE their bubbles; the bubbles that make them FEEL safe, even if they aren’t ACTUALLY safe. This bubble is created by their belief system that usually includes thoughts such as, “My experience is the only one that’s real”, “If I don’t/do _______, then -insert […]
Individuals experiencing toxic behavior(s) in a relationship, especially those in relationships with an (un)recognized abusive partner, can experience many of these destructive behaviors. This article (and the books referenced in the article) is not only a thorough introduction to recognizing toxic behaviors in all kinds of relationships, but it offers PRACTICAL responses: 20 Diversion Tactics […]
Anxiety seems to be a common malaise and presents frequently in counseling, and often in a variety of contexts, not just individual therapy & “generalized anxiety disorder“. Someone said to me recently: “Anxiety is culturally induced!” and that statement really resonates. Discussions in a therapy session can range from a) what to do about […]
Attending a Victim’s Rights Ceremony in Hall County recently turned my thoughts to the dynamics of abusive relationships, as well as the tragedy of domestic homicide and the triumph of individuals who escape a hurtful intimate partner or parent. As a culture, we can be tempted to “explain away” bad behavior, when the necessary response […]
Personal trainer, nutritionist, author, and health blogger Jenay Green often writes about the importance of good nutrition (www.tipsonlivinghealthy.com ) and the value of exercise. Here at Dawning Phoenix, we support our psychotherapy clients in the quest for better mental health, including improving the physical body. Exercise and physical activity are strongly supported by research for […]
Everyone wants to know what makes couples happy, what contributes to successful relationships that last a lifetime, or what contributes to the break down, and unfortunately, the break up, of a previously loving partnership. At Dawning Phoenix, we provide couples or partners counseling, brief solution-focused therapy for resolving conflict or improving communication, pre- or post- […]
When considering psychotherapy (or counseling), a person often is at a point of some urgency, or possibly even crisis. Not every therapist is going to be a fit for the problem at hand. Sometimes getting help immediately is more important than looking for “the perfect fit”, but when possible, asking a few key questions can […]
Many areas of our lives are fast-paced; as a result, individuals feel chronically stressed. A body in constant pressure mode breaks down; suddenly a person becomes physically ill, or chronic worry develops into severe anxiety, where your body’s alarm system just won’t turn off. When this happens, a professional counselor can assist someone with learning […]
Depression and anxiety can sometimes, but not always, be experienced as two sides of one coin. One way to describe anxiety is “overworrying” while depression could be briefly described as overburdened or very tired. Frequently, individuals experience both anxiety and depression at the same time or anxiety can create fatigue, mimicking depression. Symptoms of depression […]
As a domestic violence researcher, it is difficult to dismiss concerns about literature and movies that might promote the acceptance of aggression and violence, especially in significant partnerships (i.e. “romance”). Younger individuals or people struggling to find healthy love relationships can be particularly at risk during times of transition or difficulty. This article highlights several […]
Divorce takes a toll on each individual and has an effect on the wider circle of family, friends, coworkers, and even neighbors. It is not only an ending, but an unraveling – of connections, of trust, of habits, of lifestyle. Divorce support groups can be an important part of recovering from the wounding that is […]
Events and rituals help us focus, adjust, adapt, and move forward in our lives. Instead of New Year’s Resolutions (which can be very good things), I suggest goal setting, using every 3 months as benchmarks. Effective goal setting is specific, concrete, and time limited. Set some goals for your year today! At the beginning of […]
In recent years, the annual holiday season, historically called Christmas, has become a political, social, and cultural debate within the United States. Different sides of the argument hotly debate the appropriateness of certain words, symbols, figures, and traditions. Often, when “Merry Christmas” is spoken, it is intended simply as warm wishes arising from cultural habit. […]
Gratitude: As Thanksgiving approaches, we often hear the word “gratitude”. Many of us have a lot for which we are thankful. Sometimes, during historically traditional holidays, people experience sadness and have difficulty with expressing or experiencing gratitude, because holidays bring back memories of times past. Sometimes those are difficult or painful memories and sometimes they […]
