Anna Thames Counseling PLLC

You start setting boundaries…
and suddenly everything feels different.

You’re not fixing everything.
You’re not keeping the peace the same way.
You’re showing up differently.

And then…

People react.
Things feel tense.
You start questioning yourself.

It’s easy to think you’re doing something wrong.

But what if you’re not?

What if this is just the domino effect—everything adjusting because you changed your role?

Learn More today: https://www.annathamescounseling.com/blog/family-roles-domino-effect

You start to change… and suddenly everything feels off.

You’re not reacting the same.
You’re setting boundaries.
You’re not stepping into the same role you’ve always played.

And then…

People respond differently.
There’s tension where there wasn’t before.
You start to wonder if you’re doing something wrong.

But what if that discomfort isn’t a sign that you’re messing things up…

What if it’s the domino effect?

In our newest blog, I break down family roles and why stepping out of them can feel so difficult—even when it’s exactly what you need.

👉 Read here: https://www.annathamescounseling.com/blog/family-roles-domino-effect

Anxiety often gets a bad reputation, but anxiety itself isn’t the problem.

Anxiety is your body’s warning system.
It’s designed to help keep you safe by alerting you when something feels uncertain, unfamiliar, or potentially dangerous.

That system is incredibly helpful when there is real danger.

But sometimes our body reacts even when we’re safe.
When that happens, anxiety can make us freeze, avoid situations, or believe something is wrong.

What if anxiety isn’t a stop sign?

What if it’s simply a signal that something feels uncomfortable?

Understanding anxiety differently can change the way we respond to it.

Sometimes the hardest part of healing is that the past doesn’t always stay in the past.

Trauma, anxiety, and painful experiences can continue to show up in our thoughts, emotions, and even our bodies years later. Many people try to push through or “move on,” but their nervous system is still holding onto the experience.

EMDR therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming.

https://www.annathamescounseling.com/blog/emdr-therapy-monroe-nc

When people hear “trauma,” they often picture one big event. But complex trauma usually doesn’t look dramatic.
Swipe through to learn what complex trauma actually looks like →
Save this if it resonates.

Meet Two of Our New Team Members

Kathryn is definitely a night owl — no amount of coffee makes mornings feel early enough! She enjoys unwinding in the evenings and brings a calm, thoughtful presence to her work with clients.

Julie, on the other hand, is a true morning person. She loves early starts, fresh coffee, and the quiet energy that comes with beginning the day before the world gets busy.

Different rhythms, same commitment — both Kathryn and Julie are passionate about supporting clients with warmth, connection, and care.

To Learn more about them visit: https://www.annathamescounseling.com/team

We’re excited to introduce Kathryn, LCSW, who works with teens, couples, and families at Anna Thames Counseling.

Kathryn believes therapy should feel supportive, grounded, and collaborative. She enjoys helping clients better understand their emotions, strengthen relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and connection.

We’re so glad to have her on our team. 💚