Gainesville Community Counseling Center

🌈 Did you know? Over the past 5 years, mental health support among LGBTQIA+ young adults in the U.S. has significantly improved, with a 20% increase in positive well-being! This progress is a testament to the growing awareness and resources dedicated to mental health within the community. Continued efforts and support can help make even greater strides.

Meet Kerry Alyson Parks (ki/kin), a compassionate q***r, non-binary being devoted to holistic wellness and deep connection. As a mother, grief tender, medicine woman of the Sami peoples, and a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, Kerry helps others remember, reparent, and reclaim their sovereignty. With rich experiences from NYC to India, Kerry now calls Gainesville, FL home.

Specializing in mental health through a transpersonal, humanistic, and eco-conscious lens, Kerry offers a culturally responsive, person-centered approach. Their expertise covers depression, trauma, grief, and LGBTQ+ identities, among others. Kerry is also a massage therapist and lifelong learner in healing traditions like Reiki and sound healing.

Start your mental health journey today with someone who truly understands the importance of wellness in all spheres—mind, body, and spirit.

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Meet Eryan Johnson (they/he), a dedicated guide for those seeking healing and growth. With an academic background in Sociology and TEFL, Eryan’s passion for diverse perspectives led them into counseling. They specialize in anxiety, depression, relationships, and trauma, using Internal Family Systems (IFS) and mindfulness-based therapies (MBCT).

As a therapist who identifies as QTPOC, Eryan provides affirming and empathetic care to all clients. Their client-centered approach integrates various therapeutic models, ensuring tailored, non-judgmental support. Constantly enhancing their skills through ongoing education and community outreach, Eryan is also an advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQIA+ rights.

Beyond therapy, they find rejuvenation in mindfulness, creative writing, and nature. With deep empathy and a commitment to inclusivity, Eryan empowers clients to confidently navigate their mental health journeys.

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At Gainesville Community Counseling Center, we believe that everyone deserves a safe and welcoming space to thrive, no matter their background. This Pride Month, let's celebrate inclusivity and mental well-being together. 🌈 Your mental health matters, and we're here for you every step of the way. 🧠❤️

We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈 Let's continue to support one another and build a community of understanding and love.

Gratitude Journaling (10 Minutes)

Practicing gratitude can shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive aspects of your life, thereby improving your overall mental well-being.

How to do it: Set aside 10 minutes in a quiet space with your journal and a pen. Start by writing down three things you are grateful for today. These can be big events or small moments of joy. Reflect on why you are grateful for these things and how they impact your life. Take a moment to deeply appreciate each one before moving on to the next. If you like, you can also think of ways to express gratitude to others in your life.

Benefits: Enhances emotional resilience, improves mood, and reduces stress.

Each day, small steps can greatly impact your mental health. This Mental Health Month, let's put our well-being first! 🌟

Creative Expression (15 Minutes)

Engaging in creative activities can be a powerful way to express emotions and foster mental well-being.

How to do it: Set aside 15 minutes to engage in a creative activity such as drawing, painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument. Focus on the process rather than the outcome, letting your creativity flow without judgment. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the activity and express whatever comes to mind.

Benefits: Boosts mood, enhances self-expression, and reduces anxiety.

Don't forget, even tiny daily actions can greatly impact your mental well-being. This Mental Health Month, let's put our health first! 🌟

Walking Meditation (10 Minutes)

Walking meditation combines the benefits of physical activity with mindfulness, helping you stay present while you move.

How to do it: Find a quiet place where you can walk slowly and undisturbed. Start by standing still and taking a few deep breaths. Begin walking at a slow, deliberate pace, paying close attention to the sensations in your feet as they make contact with the ground. Focus on your surroundings, the rhythm of your steps, and your breathing. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to the act of walking.

Benefits: Improves mental clarity, enhances physical wellness, and reduces stress.

Prioritize your mental health daily for lasting benefits. Let's make well-being a priority this Mental Health Month! 💪

Visualization Exercise (3 Minutes)

Visualization can help reduce stress and anxiety by allowing your mind to focus on positive, calming images.

How to do it: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Imagine a place where you feel completely at ease—this could be a beach, a forest, or your favorite room. Engage all your senses: see the vivid colors, hear the soothing sounds, and feel the gentle textures. Spend a few minutes in this peaceful space before slowly coming back to the present.

Benefits: Reduces stress, improves emotional balance, and promotes relaxation.

Remember, even small daily actions can significantly improve your mental well-being. This Mental Health Month, prioritize your health! 🌟

Here's another quick exercise to help boost your well-being this Mental Health Awareness Month!

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (5 Minutes)

Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and then slowly releasing different muscle groups, which can help reduce physical tension and stress.

How to do it: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Start by taking a deep breath in. Choose one muscle group, such as your feet, and tense those muscles for about 5-10 seconds. Then, release the tension slowly and notice the sensation of relaxation. Move systematically through other muscle groups, such as your legs, abdomen, arms, and face, tensing and then releasing each one.

Benefits: Reduces physical stress, enhances relaxation, and can improve sleep quality.

Keep in mind, even small daily actions can greatly impact your mental health. Let's commit to our well-being this Mental Health Month! 🌟

Please share with those who might be interested in this service

https://www.southernlegal.org/news/registration-open-for-free-statewide-legal-name-and-gender-marker-change-clinic-on-june-6-2024?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2zZTi65rkzpDrJW7C0BuyzR2wBIx1H0uFiwHO2pnZgZf8b1fGdpHkBRhA_aem_AT9mg5qKK8AumEmeIAZenDPLWd2ppwjWExQ_jqFZO8hHvaMKJh4ml-zaaJ__I6FOOu6mMyyYcKxCGpYZwSvHR5uB

Registration Open for Free Statewide Legal Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic on June 6, 2024 — Southern Legal Counsel SLC’s Annual Pride Month LEGAL Name Change Clinic is TAKING PLACE ON Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm THE DETAILS : WHAT: A free legal name and gender marker change clinic for transgender Floridians WHERE: The c

This Mental Health Awareness Month sign up for Larry Green's
"7 Principles for Making Marriage Work" workshop that will be held on June 8th at 9:30 am! This is an opportunity for all couples in committed relationships to learn, gain new insights, and dramatically improve the intimacy and friendship in your relationship. Learn effective communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connectivity skills. Don't miss out—secure your spot now! The link to sign up is in our bio!

Join us this Mental Health Awareness Month for an enlightening workshop on horticultural therapy with Joseph Fuhrmeister. Discover how gardening can nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

Joseph Fuhrmeister's Horticultural Therapy Workshop Recorded on Friday, March 29th at 12pm EST, this Zoom workshop features therapist Joseph Fuhrmeister as he delves into the basics and benefits of horticultur...

This Mental Health Awareness Month, empower yourself with simple yet profound tools like the "5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique". 🌱✨

It’s designed to bring you back to the present, helping you find balance amidst life's chaos. Remember, taking a moment to refocus and engage your senses can pave the way for improved mental well-being. Try it anywhere, anytime, even at work, and see the difference it can make. Together, we can spread awareness and support each other in our journeys toward mental health. 💚

Did you know?

Up to 86% of employees treated for depression report improved work performance. 💚

Depression is a serious issue impacting workers worldwide. However, with proper treatment and support, the vast majority of affected individuals can regain their well-being and thrive in their careers.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let's create supportive work environments and ensure accessible resources for all.

Together, we can foster a healthier, more productive workforce. 💪🏽

The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years

We are here to help! We have sliding scale fees and appointments available as early as this week.

352-448-9120
gainesvillecounselingcenter.com

If you're experiencing a mental health crisis: Call, chat or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

It's Mental Health Awareness Month, and we're on a mission to spread knowledge, compassion, and hope.

Throughout the month, we'll be sharing mindfulness exercises, eye-opening statistics, and more to help break the stigma surrounding mental health. 💚

Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year? It's time we start talking openly about mental health, supporting each other, and creating a community of understanding. 🌍

Join us in making a difference. By donating to our mental health non-profit (link in bio), you can help provide vital resources and support to those in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, can change lives. 💛

Together, we can create a world where no one feels alone in their struggles. Stay tuned for more mental health content throughout the month and let's start conversations that matter. 💬

The Amazing Give is coming up soon (April 25). This one day event is focused on providing financial support to non-profits who provide much needed services to our community. Donations made to our organization help us to provide low-cost mental health services to the community. Every dollar you give goes directly to providing those services. We hope you will donate -- every donation matters!

Support Gainesville Community Counseling Center | The Amazing Give I’m ready to support Gainesville Community Counseling Center on April 25, 2024 during The Amazing Give. Learn more about Gainesville Community Counseling Center and all the other organizations participating in The Amazing Give.

This year we wanted to add something new to our waiting room to make it a more interactive & colorful space. We put up a blank coloring poster and left a few markers and crayons nearby to encourage folks to color while waiting for their therapist! We just put up a new one, so be sure show us your coloring skills on this next one!

We are always happy to partner with the Pride Community Center

The Pride Community Center of North Central Florida (gainesvillepride.org), Equality Florida (eqfl.org) and other local LGBTQ+/allied organizations are co-hosting this event at the Hippodrome Theatre (25 SE 2nd Place Gainesville) on Thursday, April 11th at 6:00-8:00 pm (cash bar available for adults 21+ w/ ID).
Leaders will be discussing the ramifications of recently passed anti-LGBTQAI+ laws to educate the community, offer support and build resistance so we can continue to rise together. This panel of experts will provide insight and updates on the legal challenges to the laws and regulations that negatively impact our state, particularly those affecting the transgender community.

Join our therapist Joseph Fuhrmeister's Horticultural Therapy Workshop next Friday March 29th at 12pm EST via Zoom! The link is in our bio!

Join us in celebrating and supporting The Pride Community Center

First Magnitude Brewing Company and the Pride Community Center present: 🏳️‍🌈 Pride Party Drag Show and Q***r Makers Market 🏳️‍🌈 an evening filled with community, entertainment, love, and PRIDE!
From 5-8 PM come shop the Q***r Makers Market where we’ll line the beer garden with local LGBTQ+ artists, makers, doers, and shakers, highlighting the creativity and talent of our vibrant q***r community!
Then, from 8:30-10:30 PM, enter 🌈 First DRAG-nitude 🌈 for a fierce and fabulous Drag show hosted by Gainesville’s favorite queens Emma Gration and Inertia Summers Darling.
This is a fundraiser for the Pride Community Center. Make a donation of $10 or more and receive a wristband for $1 off full pours, all night long!
If you’d like to apply to be a part of our market, please fill out the application form: https://forms.gle/zACkKUBgpeLxJ9SDA