Karuna Counseling

We at Karuna Counseling mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Micky O’Leary. Micky joined Karuna in 1998, and retired in 2016. Over the years, she provided comfort and healing to so many in her care, with great wisdom, deep compassion, and an extraordinary sense of humor. This world is a better place because of Micky. Obituary: https://www.asturner.com/obituaries/michal-oleary

Does it seem like every day brings a news headline or social media post that makes you feel overwhelmed or anxious? If so, you’re not alone. Just hearing and seeing what is going on in the world can have a direct effect on your mental health. Read our latest blog. https://www.karunacounseling.com/protect-your-mental-health-from-stressful-news-media/

Managing grief and loss of a loved one during the holiday season can be painful, especially when the world around you seems focused on celebration, connection, and joy. Here are some gentle, practical ways to support yourself (or someone you love) through this emotionally complex time. Read our latest blog post on our website. https://www.karunacounseling.com/grief-during-the-holiday-season/

Feeling overwhelmed by anger? Mindfulness can help you manage it. Recognize triggers, breathe deeply, & explore the emotion with curiosity. Anger is a messenger—not the enemy. Learn strategies to cool the flames in Karuna Counseling’s blog. 🔗 https://www.karunacounseling.com/cooling-the-flames-of-anger/

At Karuna, we stand with transgender individuals facing unique struggles in a challenging world. Our clinicians offer affirming support to celebrate your resilience and nurture healing.

Read our latest blog to learn how therapy and connection can rebuild hope and empowerment: https://www.karunacounseling.com/finding-hope-and-healing-in-a-hostile-world-karunas-commitment-to-supporting-transgender-individuals/

Finding Hope and Healing in a Hostile World: Karuna’s Commitment to Supporting Transgender Individuals - Karuna Counseling At Karuna, we recognize the unique challenges faced by transgender people. Recent legal rulings are creating a society where acceptance and safety can feel increasingly out of reach for transgender individuals. Karuna knows that the journey of self-discovery and authenticity is deeply courageous—a...

When was the last time you had a good laugh?

A Time to Laugh - Karuna Counseling Whether it’s cat videos, laughter yoga, watching a comedy show or hanging out with a fun person, invite some fun and frivolity in your life. Connect with the playful part of yourself. Don't wait for this world to shape up before you give yourself permission to laugh again.

Surrender to Joy

Ok, full confession: I sat down to write some words because this month is my turn to do so. Without any other grand intention, I put myself in front of my computer and waited for inspiration to strike me. And then, somewhat literally, ‘a little birdie whispered in my ear’. Most accurately, I heard the bird calls coming from outside my window. I paused to just listen for some moments. And then I noticed the smile that had made its way to my face. And then I sat and smiled even bigger.

I became aware that the outside world had fallen silent, but by then it was too late. I’d surrendered to joy. The sweet songs were still in my mind’s ears, and I imagined the birds now bringing those songs to a somewhere else and smiled for the folks that were hearing them directly in that moment. I felt connected to those people and, yep, another smile and more joy.

We are alive in arguably super-hard times. Hard in big ways for many of us. Plus all the small and regular-sized hards we often have. But that doesn’t mean we are obligated to struggle or bear witness to suffering (our own or others’) 24/7. If anything, it is likely more important than ever to stay connected to - to sit a spell now and again with, if you will - that which lights us up. However small or big (spend a week on that beach or take the three-minute dance break). The hard will likely still be there when you’re done, but maybe you’ll meet that hard - or that dark - from a lighter or fuller place within you. Maybe it won’t look or feel quite as hard or dark from this new place. Or maybe it will, but you gifted yourself a break for even a little bit and reminded yourself of what else also exists in your world.

I encourage you to reflect on and write a list of the things that bring you joy; the things that make your heart smile and light you up, even just a little bit. Consider if it might be possible to commit to finding time daily for at least one smaller thing on your list, and make a real plan for any bigger ticket item.

Surrender to joy. You’re allowed. A little birdie whispered in my ear…

Check out Melissa Kulick's newest post!

Surrender to Joy We are alive in arguably super-hard times. Hard in big ways for many of us. Plus all the small and regular-sized hards we often have. But that doesn’t mean we are obligated to struggle or bear witness to suffering (our own or others’) 24/7.

Check out this new post from Karuna clinician, Lisa Anyan Smith!

To sleep, perchance to dream… A good night’s sleep is closely tied to physical and mental health. Proper sleep is shown to improve attention and concentration, assist in converting short term memories to long term memories, keep your heart healthy and immune system strong, reduce stress responses, and improve mood.

Karuna Counseling wishes you a Happy New Year.

Making SMART goals Do you make Resolutions or set Intentions for the upcoming new year? If you are interested in doing this, it's important to set a goal/resolution in ways that support your success.

November is National Native American Heritage Month

November is National Native American Heritage Month Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash As we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving this November, we reflect with thankful hearts on

We recently celebrated our 50th birthday!

Karuna Celebrates its 50th Anniversary Karuna Counseling celebrated its remarkable 50th anniversary with a September 14th reunion event, bringing together therapist members from across its five-decade history.