In this episode, I share more about how this podcast came to be, the start of my journey in private practice, and my journey into counseling. We talk about the origins of the name of Abide Counseling and the difference between a Catholic counselor and a counselor who is Catholic. We also discuss the journeyContinue reading “The Heart of a Counselor”
Author Archives: kelseycjo
A Counselor’s Guide to Lent
Lent is a beautiful season of the Church where we unite ourselves to Christ’s suffering and take an honest look at what we want to purge from or add to our lives. For me growing up, Lent was the season where I walked around with a smudge on my head for a day, couldn’t eatContinue reading “A Counselor’s Guide to Lent”
What Matters Most
In this episode, I talk with my uncle and godfather Gary Drapela. Gary shares the birth story of his twin sons and the emotional roller coaster of having premature twins. We talk about how his faith and support from others sustained him during this formative time. This was a special conversation for me where IContinue reading “What Matters Most”
How to Let Yourself be Loved
In this episode, I talk with my friend and fellow counselor Tyler Kilbane. Tyler is a counselor in the midwest who currently works with clients struggling with substance use. Tyler shares about his own struggle with depression and suicidal ideation and his journey into the Catholic faith. We talk about struggling with feeling unlovable, theContinue reading “How to Let Yourself be Loved”
Confessions of a Recovering People Pleaser
In this episode, I talk with my sister Ashley Ricketson about her battle with anxiety. We talk about her experience with performance anxiety in high school, the pressure to “do your best,” and where anxiety comes from. We also discuss the difficulty in being assertive and struggles with people pleasing and how it affects relationships,Continue reading “Confessions of a Recovering People Pleaser”
It’s okay to disagree with your counselor
Something I say to every client that walks in my door is that counseling is a collaborative process, and I believe that you know yourself best. Counseling presents a unique dynamic in that clients are coming to a professional seeking perspective and guidance on a particular emotional or behavioral issue. In this dynamic, there isContinue reading “It’s okay to disagree with your counselor”
Delighting in the hard seasons of life
In this episode, I talk with my friend Sarah Sullivan about the joys and struggles of motherhood. We talk about caring for our mental health as mothers, finding the balance between self care and selfishness, toxic positivity, decision making in parenting, and giving permission for our feelings.
Everything is not alright
With the holidays approaching, I feel a very strong desire to hang the decorations, make everything feel festive, and create some semblance of normal in this very abnormal year. I have a feeling that I’m not alone in wanting to forget about all the hardship of 2020 by covering up the pain with Christmas lightsContinue reading “Everything is not alright”
Manhood & Mental Health
In this episode, I interview my husband, Joshua, about his take on mental health as a man. We discuss expectations put on men and the difficulties that come with caring for our emotional health. We also talk about transgender issues, parenthood, teaching our kids about their emotions, and vulnerability in friendship.
A Counselor’s Guide to Advent
Advent is a season of preparation and waiting for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. In what the world views as one of the busiest times of the year, Advent stands as a welcome contrast, inviting us to slow and pause. Advent is an invitation to let go of striving, to let go of theContinue reading “A Counselor’s Guide to Advent”
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