Seeking Clinician To Join Private Practice

May 15

Real Life Counseling is seeking a clinically licensed mental health clinician passionate about creating change in the lives of individuals, couples and families while impacting the community. We provide a flexible and rewarding environment for clinicians in which they can maximize creativity and focus on client care. Clinicians determine their own schedule, crafting a position that works for them while meeting their professional goals.

Interested applicants may contact us using the contact information below:

8911 E. Orme, Suite D, Wichita, KS 67207

(316) 425-7774

or use our contact form… Read more

Nutrition Class December 4: Is What You Eat Contributing To The Blues?

November 9

Registered Dietitian Amber Girrens will be hosting a class on nutrition and how it can affect our mood. The class will be held at Real Life Counseling Tuesday, December 4th at 6 pm. Learn about the gut-brain connection, vitamins and minerals linked to depression and helpful nutrition tips.

The class is $25 per person. Contact us here to confirm your seat.

Download a flyer about the class here.… Read more

Summertime Shame: Living with Skin Picking Disorder

May 25

By Krista Reed, LSCSW

Lemonade, swimming pools, baseball, and evenings on the porch.  Summertime is truly a loved season by many! Yet, for the 4% of the population suffering from Excoriation Disorder (skin picking disorder), summertime can be a nightmare. The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Disorders (BFRB’s) describes Excoriation Disorder this way: “the repetitive picking of one’s own skin. Individuals who struggle with this disorder touch, rub, scratch, pick at, or dig into their skin in an attempt to improve perceived imperfections, often resulting in tissue damage, discoloration, or scarring” [1]. Although Excoriation Disorder is common, most sufferers … Read more

Summer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Adult and Teen Groups Enrolling Now

April 23

LOOKING FOR A DBT GROUP JUST FIT FOR THE SUMMER?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training Group is now open for new members to join both our Family/Adolescent group and Adult group.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a broad-based cognitive behavioral treatment aimed to enhance your ability to regulate emotions, improve interpersonal relationships and crisis management skills.  Emotion dysregulation has been linked to a variety of mental health concerns stemming from patterns of instability in emotional management, lack of impulse control, ineffective interpersonal relationships, and a distorted self-image.  Helping clients find true balance in emotion, thoughts, and behaviors are the … Read more

Mass Shootings: How to Talk to Our Children

February 7

By Krista Reed, LSCSW

On October 13, 2017, I was in Las Vegas for a training that was across the street from the Mandalay Bay.  Approximately one week prior, a man opened fire on country festival, Route 91 Harvest, from a broken window at Mandalay Bay.  58 people were killed, 422 people suffered injuries from gunfire, and another 851 individuals had injuries as a result of the attack (Andone & Sidner, 2018) During my lunch break, I decided to walk over to the hotel and pay my respects.  I briefly spoke with a police officer who appeared exhausted and was … Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #11 – The Evolution/Development of The Self 2: Abiding Trust in Existence

January 7

Listen below to episode 11 of A Single Tree Podcast about being able to respond to what life hands us in a constructive way. Find all episodes of A Single Tree Podcast here and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes. Also, find the podcast on facebook here.

Description: In order to continue expanding our consciousness, we must have an abiding trust in existence itself. Amazingly, we can assimilate even the most difficult of circumstances into a resilient narrative. Life is there to shape us by transforming our “programming” so we can connect with the Largest Self or being-ness … Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #10 – The Evolution/Development of The Self: Assimilating Feedback from Our Environment

December 20

Listen below to episode 10 of A Single Tree Podcast about the development and evolution of the self. Find all episodes and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes. Also, find the podcast on facebook here.

Description: We form ideas of ourselves through interaction with our environment. The relationships we have with people around us and the feedback we get from our environment reflect back to us important information. We form impressions of ourselves which are discarded as we grow and develop. It’s important to know ourselves and be exactly who we are, and be willing to surrender these … Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #9 – Non-Dualistic Thinking 2: Accepting Ourselves and Others

December 12

Listen below to episode 9 of A Single Tree Podcast about accepting ourselves and others. Find all episodes of A Single Tree Podcast here and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes. Also, find the podcast on facebook here.

Description: We naturally judge ourselves and others based on the small self’s desire to be valuable, and create safety and control. The goal is that we would be able to suspend our constant judgments of ourselves, others and the world and simply accept ourselves and others, even in our “mistakes.”

Thanks for your input and questions on facebook and Soundcloud… Read more

Practicing Empathy and Differentiation When Helping

December 11

By Joel Ybarra, LCMFT

Some would say the largest part of being able to help others is empathizing with them, but it’s important we’re able to do this in a helpful and constructive way. Empathy is often defined as being able to see through another’s eyes. It’s amazing – we’re able to “read” and recreate the internal experience of another within ourselves by observing their facial expressions and imagining what we might feel in their place. You can see how it may be easy to get too emotionally involved.

There are some different ways we get “too involved.” Sometimes we … Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #8 – Non-Dualistic Thinking: Receiving the Whole of Our Experience

December 6

Listen below to episode 8 of A Single Tree Podcast about non-dualistic thinking – learning to receive our experience as it is without all the judgments we are used to levying. Find all episodes of A Single Tree Podcast here and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes. Also, find the podcast on facebook here.

Description: We have a tendency to analyze and categorize our experiences – of ourselves, others and the world around us. This is a necessary function our brains have, but if we are constantly approaching life just dividing what we see into “good” and “bad” … Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #7 – Resilience: Holding Desire Despite Our Grief

November 29

Listen below to episode 7 of A Single Tree Podcast about resilience and desire despite our grief. Find all episodes of A Single Tree Podcast here and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes. Also, find the podcast on facebook here.

Description: People’s ability to be resilient despite their loss and pain is amazing. How do we continue to move forward and want anything when we are constantly experiencing grief?

We are grateful for your input and questions on facebook and soundcloud. They help us shape this discussion and make it richer!

… Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #6 – The Role of Our Grief 2: Connecting Us to the Larger Self

November 22

Brandon and Joel recorded Episode 6 of A Single Tree Podcast about grief’s role in connecting us with something deeper. Listen below, find all episodes of A Single Tree Podcast here and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes. Also, find the podcast on facebook here.

Description: The discussion of grief continues. This episode is about connecting with the Larger Presence through our grief. There is something larger than just the attainment of our desires or being guided by our ego’s agenda. We would love to have your comments and questions!

… Read more

6 Tips for Handling the Holiday Hullabaloo

November 15

We all encounter it – the craziness of the holidays. They’re upon us, and we wanted to share a few tips for looking after yourself and your loved ones these holidays. The world around you will speed up and there’ll be pressures and stresses that come around each year about this time. Maybe do a few of these things this year to stay healthy, and make your holidays better!

  1. Acknowledge how you are feeling – if you recently experienced a loss, trauma, or other difficulty, let those who care about you know how you are feeling. We all need support.
… Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #5 – The Role of Our Grief: Uncovering Joy

November 14

Brandon and Joel recorded Episode 5 of A Single Tree Podcast about grief’s role in uncovering gratitude and joy in our lives. Listen below, find all episodes of A Single Tree Podcast here and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes.

Description: We are constantly in grief – not just when we have experienced “big” losses. Any time we experience any kind of change or even just unmet expectations in our lives, grief is active. In our culture, we orient ourselves toward having what we consider “the good life,” but there is wisdom in being oriented toward and in tune … Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #4: What You Can Learn from A Tree

November 7

Brandon and Joel recorded Episode 4 of A Single Tree Podcast about trees as a pattern for our growth personally and organizationally. Listen below, and find all episodes of A Single Tree Podcast here and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes.

Description:

Amazing trees are a pattern for our growth personally and in our organizations and communities. They effortlessly demonstrate that growth is a natural part of the world around us and the wisdom of realizing our existence is equal parts life and death. Pruning and a little death are necessary for health and growth.

… Read more

Should I Try to Change My Partner? The Paradox in Couple Relationships

November 5

By Joel Ybarra, LCMFT

It is common for couples to wonder whether they should try to “change” one another. At times, partners are merely making simple requests of one another, such as asking for a hand with the groceries, but other times, it may seem like they’re asking their partner to change part of their personality. Couple relationships are a delicate balance between accepting our partners for who they are and seeking to get our own “needs” met. The best relationships are the ones in which there is unconditional acceptance, so where do our needs and desires (or even simple … Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #3: Connecting with The Larger Self: The Practices

November 2

Brandon and Joel recorded Episode 3 of A Single Tree Podcast about some of the practices that help us connect with the “Larger Self.” You can find all episodes of A Single Tree Podcast here and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes. You can also listen to the latest episode from October 31, 2017 below.

Description:

Connect with the Larger Self through contemplative and meditative practices. The goal of connecting with the Larger Self is to be more in touch with ourselves, others and a larger meaning. We hope you will join us in this process of discovery. As

… Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #2: Small Self, Large Self

October 25

Brandon and Joel recorded Episode 2 of A Single Tree Podcast about the “small self” and how to connect with the “Large Self.” You can find all episodes of A Single Tree Podcast here and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes. You can also listen to the latest episode from October 24, 2017 below.

Description: More about the “small self” (or ego) and how we can take a proper stance toward it to shed layers and become our fullest selves, connecting with the “Large Self,” where we find connection and wholeness.

… Read more

A Single Tree Podcast #1: The Larger Context of Which We Are A Part

October 22

Brandon and Joel recorded their first podcast! It’s called A Single Tree Podcast and you can find all episodes here and subscribe on Soundcloud or iTunes. You can also listen to the first episode from October 17, 2017 about connecting with “the larger consciousness” below.

Description: We all search for context to help us find meaning in our circumstances. The largest context that exists is consciousness itself. We are all a part of it and it is that from which we came. If we go back and connect with this largest context which we can call “being-ness,” then we … Read more

Therapy vs. Coaching for Eating Disorders or Disordered Eating

October 16
Which one is the right fit for you?

Whether you are struggling with an Eating Disorder or disordered eating, it’s easy to wonder what the next step is…is it therapy or is it coaching? This article explains the differences between therapy and coaching for these issues to help determine which one is the best fit for you.

Disordered eating falls on a spectrum. All of us struggle to eat in a way that is nourishing to our bodies and minds from time-to-time. Research suggests that up to 50% of the population demonstrate problematic or disordered relationships with food, body, and … Read more

Common Questions Couples Ask And How We Can Help

September 15

By Whitney Mosier, LMFT

“Is this normal?”

“What’s wrong with us?”

“Where are we going?”

These questions often plague individuals in emotionally committed relationships when they run into issues that, on the surface, seem impossible to overcome. What is it that finally propels couples to take the step into couples therapy? Many couples decide to enter couples therapy as a final step before separation or divorce. Others just hit points in their relationship when they experience frequent and unsolvable conflict.

Whatever the reason for seeking out couples therapy, it is an important decision – one often rife with anxiety. Whether … Read more

Lives Left Behind: Stories of Suicide Survivors

September 10

By Krista Reed, LSCSW

The American Association of Suicidology (AAS) defines a survivor of suicide as, “a family member or friend of a person who died by suicide” [1]. AAS estimates that over 41,000 suicides occur annually in the U.S. and for each 1 suicide, there are approximately 6 survivors, which is a modest estimate.  Based on this data, there are approximately 6 million Americans who are survivors of suicide from the last 25 years [1]. To honor Suicide Prevention Week 2017 (Sept. 10-16), I was fortunate enough to interview three different survivors of suicide: a friend, a … Read more

Childhood Cancer Awareness Celebration at Wesley Children’s Hospital September 8th

September 1

Members of our team will be at Wesley Children’s Hospital next Friday, September 8th for a Childhood Cancer Awareness Celebration. We want to support all those childhood cancer has touched, and celebrate with survivors and their families. There will be giveaways, art and entertainment, including movie characters, as well as a chance to meet the pediatric oncology staff. We are grateful for all the Wesley staff do to help kids with cancer and their families! The event starts at 6:00 pm September 8th in the Children’s Hospital Lobby, and is open to the public. Stop by and see us!… Read more

Dealing with Trichotillomania And Other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB’s)

July 30

By Krista Reed, LSCSW

Trichotillomania.  Say that word 5 times as fast as you can.  Not only is it a tricky word to say, it is a challenging behavior to overcome. Pronounced “trick-o-till-o-may-nee-uh,”  “TTM” or “Trich” is also identified as the ”Hair Pulling Disorder.”  It is part of a group of behaviors referred to as Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB’s), in which a person pulls, picks or bites his or her hair, nails, or skin causing injury to him- or herself.  TTM is currently categorized in the Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders section in the DSM 5; however, it is not … Read more

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Adult and Teen Groups Enrolling Now

July 17

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Training Group is now open for new members to join both our Adult and Adolescent groups!

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a broad-based cognitive behavioral treatment aimed to enhance your ability to regulate emotions, improve interpersonal relationships and crisis management skills.  Emotion dysregulation has been linked to a variety of mental health concerns stemming from patterns of instability in emotional management, lack of impulse control, ineffective interpersonal relationships, and a distorted self-image.  Helping clients find true balance in emotion, thoughts, and behavior and/or choices is the fundamental practice of DBT.

DBT Skills Training Group is … Read more