Last month, I started a blog series on vulnerability and its impact on our mental health. In the first blog (which you can access here), we defined vulnerability (as best as one can define this dense topic!), discussed what it looks in everyday life, and how we can own it and engage with it in …
Adults
Beautiful and Human
This canvas hangs in our office suite. It’s a simple canvas – I did not purchase it for the office, but it looks to be one of the canvases you could find at Hobby Lobby or even Target. It’s nothing fancy. To be honest, I didn’t really pay much attention to it when I moved …
The Power of Validation
I’ll never forget the first time Chris* came into my office. The only word that comes to my mind to describe his appearance is bedraggled. He looked like he had either just rolled out of bed and come straight in for his afternoon appointment, or like he hadn’t showered or changed his clothes in a …
Introducing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
I’m excited to introduce you to a new mode of therapy that I’ve recently been trained in and that I’ve added to my therapy practice: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT. Why ACT? I was working with a client, who I’ll call Joe. Joe is 18, a senior in high school, and came to see …
Jesus and Mindfulness
Visit a yoga class, take any course on psychology or counseling, or crack open any “self-help” book these days, and you’ll be introduced to and/or encouraged to practice “mindfulness.” You may even be given a list of benefits for engaging in this practice, such as stress reduction, becoming more attuned to your body, and improving …
Things to Consider on That Tinder Date: Part 2
I think one of the hardest things about dating is figuring out if the conflicts and/or differences you’re having with your partner are the result of the fact that we’re all different/flawed human beings and no relationship is perfect, or if the conflicts/differences are signs that this relationship is not the right fit for you. …
Ghosting: Today’s Dating Phenomenon
Tell me if this sounds familiar… You meet someone. You talk, you text, you Snapchat. Maybe you even go out. Everything seems great, this person seems to be unlike the other people you’ve met (boring, rude, obviously not a good fit for you, etc). You feel excited and hopeful. And why wouldn’t you feel that …
What Is Play Therapy? And Is It Just For Kids?
What exactly is Play Therapy? I get this question a lot. And I get it. To some people, it may not sound like a real thing. But it is. And it’s valuable and effective! I am a member of the Association for Play Therapy, a national network of certified play therapists, and they have an …
What is Counseling?
I view the counseling process as forming a unique, dynamic, and collaborative relationship with you, the client, in attempt to help you reach your therapeutic goal(s) and address the concern(s) that brought you to the counseling office in the first place. Often, these concerns are much more complex than what you and/or I are aware …
About Abundant Life
Abundant Life Counseling St. Louis LLC is dedicated to helping individual women in the St. Louis area flourish in the midst of life’s perplexing struggles and challenges. I (Julie Williamson, LPC, NCC, RPT) seek to increase hope, embody empathy, and encourage authenticity by joining with you to collaboratively assist you in achieving your therapeutic goals. …