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It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Volunteer work of some kind is one of my most often prescribed remedies for a wide range of symptoms. The reason: more and more research is showing an inverse relationship between happiness and thinking about yourself. What better way to think about others than to serve them in some way? Emotionally speaking we all exist on multiple continuums. One of these is the space between feeling helpless and feeling helpful. It’s not hard to imagine how brooding about your real (or perceived) shortcomings for an extended period of time could zap your happiness. Getting involved as a volunteer for an organization or cause you are passionate about provides an opportunity to feel (and actually be) helpful.

I recommend that you start small, but I would also suggest that you stay small in the time and effort you donate as a volunteer. I donate one session of counseling per week to current or former military veterans for an organization called Give An Hour. Not only do I enjoy the benefits of feeling good about giving back, but I can give one hour per week endlessly without suffering burn out. If you try to give more time than you can truly afford, it could backfire in the form of you eventually feeling resentful of the perceived demand on your time. It could also have a similar effect on your relationships as others feel they are no longer your priority. Either of these outcomes would negate all positive gains achieved through volunteerism. So be careful to consider how much time you can give while still maintaining other relationships, responsibilities, and personal time. If one hour per week is all you can give, then give it happily. Some charity, organization, or group would be glad to have your contribution.

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icon Jessica H.

If you want a counselor that is not just going to teach your child a few coping skills, but is really invested in working with the family to sustain positive outcomes you need to check out Julie and Winter Garden Kids. Julie was a colleague of mine and former supervisor who’s top priority has always been working in cooperation with the child and family to help maximize positive counseling outcomes. Positive encouragement, open listening, and gentle guidance are characteristics of Julie's professionalism that I love about her approach. Julie has a contagious passion for life and enhancing the child and family relationship. Encouraging growth, exploration, and learning are all a part of what Julie does effortlessly when you work with her. For me, meeting and working with Julie has been a huge bright spot in my career as she has taught me what an exceptionally proficient, moral, ethical, Clinical Counselor truly looks like. I would highly recommend taking a look at Julie and Winter Garden Kids if you are looking for Counseling services.

icon Lauren C.

I highly recommend Bryan for individual and couples therapy. He always made me feel comfortable and I felt like I could be myself which is super important when going to counseling.

icon Adriana R.

Samantha’s massages always relieve my shoulder pain and IT band tension. She targets problem areas and has greatly improved my mobility. Thank you, Sam – you’re amazing!

icon Tessa L.

I met with Bryan for about 8 months. I began meeting with him individually (for about 5 months) and for the final 3 months, my partner and I went together. We cannot be any more emphatic when we say that our experience with Bryan was wonderful.

Bryan demonstrates a superb level of care and commitment to his clients. He fosters an environment of openness, honesty, and acceptance that allows clients to confront their flaws and limitations in order to heal and make changes for the better. It is clear that Bryan is in this profession for all the right reasons and is gifted as a counselor. I would strongly recommend him to anyone.

Thank you Bryan!

icon Brett L.

To put it simply Bryan is a superstar! Yes, he is an excellent therapist...I have several family members and friends who have been referred to him, and he is absolutely wonderful. He has and uses a Christian foundation with his counseling and has a calm, pleasant demeanor that puts his patients at ease. He is insightful with his approach to therapy and I would recommend him to any colleague, friend, or patient without reservation.

icon Ashley M.

I started working with Bryan 7 months prior to writing this review. I went alone in hopes that he could help with some relationship issues I was unable to solve on my own. Bryan has been nothing short of a miracle in my life. My story is still being written, but I look forward to my appointments with him. He is calm, kind-hearted, and genuinely wants me to succeed. He looks at every angle and gives guidance/suggestions that only betters my situation. Bryan is extremely intelligent and knows how to help people. Better than that he enjoys helping people. I will continue to refer him to anyone and everyone. True companionate people are not just hard to find but he does with the intent of actually building his patients up. I can not say enough great things about him, and strongly recommend him to anyone in need.

icon Maria F.

My husband and I met with Bryan for about 5 months. The time and money we spent were without a doubt, one of the very best investments we have made for our marriage. The care and commitment with which Bryan treats his clients are outstanding. He patiently, kindly, and honestly helps clients understand situations or wounds with clarity to which he offers sound and concrete steps towards healing. Bryan helped my husband and I to grow as individuals as well as together as a couple, and our marriage was strengthened tremendously.

After our marriage counseling concluded, I continued to meet with Bryan individually for about 3 months. Bryan helped me to understand my need for a better relationship with God which sent me on a journey that completely changed my life. I continue to live with the same struggles (from an incurable medical issue) yet I no longer suffer from the debilitating depression it used to cause me. I will never be able to adequately thank Bryan for the gift his counseling gave me and my marriage.

I would highly recommend Bryan to anyone.

Thank you, Bryan!

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