Authentic Connections Counseling Center

Breaking the silence and embracing therapy is a powerful step towards mental well-being. For men navigating societal pressures and emotional struggles, therapy offers a safe space to explore, understand, and grow. It’s not just for crises—it's a proactive tool for building resilience, improving relationships, and enhancing your overall quality of life. Seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care, paving the way to a healthier, more fulfilling future.

Read more here: https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/the-benefits-of-therapy-for-men

Your weekend lineup of fun!
Have a great weekend!
- Your AC3 Family

Visit The Castle Rock Chamber website for more info: https://visitcastlerock.org/events/

New blog: When the Weight of the World Feels Heavy: Understanding and Addressing Men’s Mental Health

Breaking the stigma around mental health begins with honest conversations. By openly discussing your challenges, you help create an environment where other men feel empowered to seek help too. Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength.

Read more here: https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/when-the-weight-of-the-world-feels-heavy-understanding-and-addressing-mens-mental-health

A team tailored to any individual, couple, teen/child's needs, your partners in resilience and recovery, bringing expertise and empathy to every session.

Read their bios here: https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/about

Hope Restored Wellness is hosting a Trauma Healing Retreat, for more information and to sign up please visit:
https://www.wellspringtherapyassociates.com/trauma-emdr-intensives/

☀️School may be back in session, but the summer fun is still here!

Stay up to date with events around town here: https://visitcastlerock.org/events/action~agenda/request_format~json/

Congratulations to Alexa for completing her EMDR training!

NEW BLOG: When the Weight of the World Feels Heavy: Understanding and Addressing Men’s Mental Health

Feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures is a common struggle, especially for men 😔. Societal expectations of strength and self-reliance can make it hard to pinpoint or express these emotional struggles 💪. This reluctance to seek help often comes from traditional notions of masculinity.

Breaking the stigma around mental health is essential 🗣️. Openly discussing struggles and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness 💪❤️, and can lead to improved mental health and overall well-being 🌟.

READ MORE HERE:
https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/when-the-weight-of-the-world-feels-heavy-understanding-and-addressing-mens-mental-health

Are you looking for opportunities to connect with faith-based practice owners, grow your business, and increase your faith?

If yes, make sure to check out the Wise Practice Summit, hosted by my friend and colleague Whitney Owens.

Join me this October in Charlotte, NC where I will be speaking at the Wise Practice Summit.

Here is what is included in your summit experience:

2.5 days of connection and content for faith-based practice owners

Earn up to 15 CE hours approved by the NBCC

Downtown lawn reception with food and drinks

Incredible Speakers:

Neal and Carly Samundre, Michael Diettrich Chastain, Julie Herres, Diana Rice, Brent Stutzman, Jeremy Sharp, David Frank, Juan Santos, Daniel and Liz Fava, Dawn Gabriel, Marcken Volmy, Gordon Brewer, Jane Carter, David Hall, Amy Dover, David Sturgess, and Whitney Owens

Special promotions from the best sponsors in the field:

Arc Integrated, RevKey Digital Ads, TherapyFlow, Practice Solutions, Navigator Bookkeeping, TwinOaks Medical Management, My Best Practice, CCFAM Training, Wealth-Worth Within, GreenOak Accounting, Private Practice Elevation, PsychCraft, Turning Point Financial, TheraSaas, Productive Therapist, Simplified SEO Consulting, PracticeVital, and SoulCare for Therapists

Limited to 100 attendees, to allow for greater conversations and connections

This event will bring lasting connections, business growth, faith inspiration, and fun memories to enjoy for years to come.

To grab all the details and save your spot, click here or visit https://www.wisepracticeconsulting.com/summit-2024

I cannot wait to see you in person this October in Charlotte!

NEW BLOG: Supporting you through Anxiety and Stress https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/how-a-castle-rock-counseling-center-supports-you-through-anxiety-and-stress

Stress is your body's reaction to challenges, while anxiety is a persistent worry without a clear cause. Both can disrupt daily life.

We offer therapy tailored to everyone's needs:

Individual Counseling: Personalized support for managing stress and anxiety through techniques like deep breathing and positive thinking.
Marriage Counseling: Helps couples improve communication and resolve conflicts to strengthen their relationship.
Teen Counseling: Offers tailored support for teens facing school stress, peer pressure, and identity issues, helping them build resilience and effective coping strategies.

If you’re ready to make the phone call, please reach out to us at 720-370-3010 or email us at [email protected] for more information. The right therapist can make all the difference in your path to improving your overall well-being and we would be honored to be that difference in your life!

This weekend is the last weekend of the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo! It's also a First Fridays weekend, with live music from Spinphony, an all-female quartet that blends classical and pop music. Plus, don't miss The Petty Nicks Experience, playing Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac covers! And as always, you can join the free yoga class at the Philip S. Miller Amphitheater and grab your produce and goods from the Festival Park Farmer's Market!

Have a great weekend Castle Rock!
-Your AC3 Family

Wishing Derek a very Happy Birthday today!!

NEW BLOG: Stress Management 101: Strategies for a Balanced Life.
https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/stress-management-101-strategies-for-a-balanced-life

Managing stress is all about finding what works best for you. 🌟
Whether it’s deep breaths 🌬️, staying organized 🗂️, talking it out 🗣️, or spending time outdoors 🌳, there are many ways to reduce stress. Take care of yourself and make time for what makes you happy.

We are wishing Katie a very Happy Birthday today!

NEW BLOG: Stress Management 101: Strategies for a Balanced Life
https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/stress-management-101-strategies-for-a-balanced-life

🌟 Life can feel overwhelming with demands from school, family, and friends, but managing stress effectively can make a big difference. Stress is your body's response to demands or threats, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. 🚀

Recognizing Stress: Look out for signs like nervousness, sleep issues, headaches, or sadness. 🧠💤

Simple Stress-Relief Strategies:

Deep Breaths: Inhale through your nose, hold, and exhale slowly. 🌬️
Stay Organized: Use to-do lists to manage tasks. 🗂️
Talk About It: Share your feelings with others. 🗣️
Limit Screen Time: Balance with other activities. 📱
Get Outdoors: Connect with nature. 🚶‍♂️🌲
Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet. 🥗
Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 8-10 hours. 🛏️
Stay Active: Regular exercise helps. 🏃‍♂️
Counseling: Seek professional help for coping skills and stress management. 🌟🗨️

Find what works best for you, and prioritize activities that bring joy and balance. 🌟
💖

YEEHAW!
It's Fair and Rodeo Weekend!

Lots of family fun starting tonight with the Western Heritage Cattle Drive!
Tomorrow make your way to downtown Castle Rock to catch the Douglas County Fair Parade followed by Boots and Brews at Festiva Park!

The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo is here this weekend as well as next weekend, so plenty of chances to catch the Rodeo and get your Funnel Cake fix!

Have a great weekend!!

Check out Dawn's collaboration with Therapy Flow! They just released an article authored by Dawn on "Burnout Prevention: Self-Care Strategies for Practitioners"

Thanks Therapy Flow for the feature! Read the full article at:
https://mytherapyflow.com/burnout-prevention-self-care-strategies-for-practitioners/

Did you have time to check out last week's blog?

Overcoming depression starts with reaching out for help. We provide a safe space to understand your emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and develop strategies for a brighter tomorrow. You don't have to face this alone – take the first step towards feeling better today.

Read more here: https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/breaking-free-overcoming-depression-with-castle-rocks-top-counseling-professionals

NEW BLOG: Breaking Free: Overcoming Depression

🌟 Struggling with persistent sadness? It could be depression. Don’t face it alone—we are here to help you break free. Learn what depression is and discover ways to overcome it. You deserve support on your journey to feeling better! 🌳💬

Read more here: https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/breaking-free-overcoming-depression-with-castle-rocks-top-counseling-professionals

This weekends line up of fun!
Enjoy another beautiful weekend in Castle Rock!
-💚AC3 Team

It's world emoji day!
Could you use just 3 emojis to describe your day?

Hope your day is full of: 😀🤣🥰
-Your AC3 Team

NEW BLOG: Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety in Your Daily Life

https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/understanding-and-overcoming-anxiety-in-your-daily-life

Anxiety is a common feeling of worry and nervousness that many people, including kids and teens, experience. It can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety often arises from concerns about future events or new experiences. However, there are effective ways to manage it:

💨 Deep Breathing: Calm yourself by taking slow, deep breaths.

🗣️ Talk About It: Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can make you feel supported.

🏃‍♂️ Exercise: Physical activity helps release anxious energy.

🌟 Stay Present: Focus on the current moment to reduce worries about the future.

📝 Journaling: Write down your worries to gain perspective and clarity.

🎨 Engage in Enjoyable Activities: Doing things you love can distract you from anxiety.

📅 Establish a Routine: Having a predictable schedule can create a sense of control.

📵 Limit Screen Time: Reduce exposure to stressful content online.

🥦 Eat Well and Hydrate: A balanced diet and staying hydrated contribute to overall well-being.

If anxiety persists and affects daily life, we are here to support you in overcoming these challenges. If you are searching for a therapist to help navigate through anxiety please call us 720.370.3010 or email us at [email protected]

This weekend in Castle Rock!
🎸Tonight the Gin Blossoms and Fastball are featured for the Summer Series Concert at Philip S. Miller Amphitheater! What a nostalgic 90's night! Tickets are on sale through the Town of Castle Rock!

🍷Tomorrow is the Castle Rock WineFest. Tickets online!

🧘‍♀️🧘And as usual don't forget yoga and the Farmer's Market on Sunday for a great way to start your week!

Have a great weekend!!
-AC3 Fam

Excited to add Derek to our team! He starts July 29th!!!

Join us in welcoming Derek to the AC3 Family!

Derek thrives on those "Aha!" therapy moments, where clients find clarity and renewed hope. He's all about deep connections 💖, guiding clients through struggles to rediscover healing. With a blend of faith-based insight 🙏 and DBT skills 🧠, Derek creates a warm, humorous 🤣environment for clients to feel understood and uplifted. His impressive background includes a Master's in Divinity 📜 and certifications in trauma therapy 🌱. When not in the office, you'll find him skiing ⛷️, woodworking 🪚, or enjoying family time in beautiful Colorado 🏔️.

We are excited to have Derek join our team, read his bio here: https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/staff/derek-laughlin

If Derek aligns with your values and beliefs and you are interested in scheduling an intake session with Derek please reach out to Lauren, our Client Care Coordinator at 720.370.3010 or [email protected]!

Join us in welcoming Derek to the AC3 Family!

Derek thrives on those "Aha!" therapy moments, where clients find clarity and renewed hope. He's all about deep connections 💖, guiding clients through struggles to rediscover healing. With a blend of faith-based insight 🙏 and DBT skills 🧠, Derek creates a warm, humorous 🤣environment for clients to feel understood and uplifted. His impressive background includes a Master's in Divinity 📜 and certifications in trauma therapy 🌱. When not in the office, you'll find him skiing ⛷️, woodworking 🪚, or enjoying family time in beautiful Colorado 🏔️.

We are excited to have Derek join our team, read his bio here: https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/staff/derek-laughlin

If Derek aligns with your values and beliefs and you are interested in scheduling an intake session with Derek please reach out to Lauren, our Client Care Coordinator at 720.370.3010 or [email protected]!

✨THERAPIST SPOTLIGHT✨
Meet Jessie! Jessie is a Colorado native and proud to call it home, even though she could do without the snow! If it were up to her, every day would be a Colorado summer, except for a white Christmas. She loves a good vanilla latte and has a soft spot for breakfast treats like pastries and donuts.



As a therapist who works with children and teenagers, she employs various techniques such as art, humor, and games to improve coping strategies and resilience. Her aim is to inspire hope and deepen their comprehension of inner struggles, empowering them to make positive choices. Beyond helping children/teens she also loves working with adults, especially pregnant and postpartum women, guiding them to regain balance and triumph over life's challenges. Jessie helps seek understanding, self-compassion, and the cultivation of healthier coping mechanisms, leading to a more harmonious and grounded life.

NEW BLOG: Navigating Life's Challenges

Life can often feel like riding a rollercoaster.🎢 There are moments of pure joy and excitement, but there are also times when it feels like everything is upside down and you just want to scream. 🙃 But guess what? That's completely normal! 😌

Here at Authentic Connections Counseling Center, weunderstand the highs and lows of life, and we've got some fantastic tips to help you navigate through them. 🌟 Whether you're looking to reduce stress, establish healthy boundaries, or enhance your emotional intelligence, we're here to guide you every step of the way on these important aspects of personal growth and well-being. 🧘‍♂️🚧🧠

Read more here: https://authenticconnectionscounseling.com/navigating-lifes-challenges-expert-tips-from-castle-rocks-premier-counseling-center

#

A fun packed weekend here in Castle Rock!
As we spend the weekend with friends and family don't forget to add these events to your calendar!
-Castle Rock fireworks show (Weather permitting)
-First Fridays at Festival Park with The Williams Brothers Band - a blend of blues, rock, and country!
-Festival Park Farmer's Market: Don't miss your chance to stock up on local goods and the $15 fill your bag veggie stand!
Have a safe and wonderful weekend from all of us here at AC3!