Colors of Austin Counseling Blog

Practice Vulnerability. Reclaim Your Story. Cultivate Joy.

At Colors of Austin Counseling, we are dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest best practices and insights in the mental health community, especially as it applies to making mental health support and resources more available and destigmatized. Here in our blog, our practitioners share thoughts, reflections, research, experiences, and tips to help support both patients and fellow professionals in their mental health journeys.

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Balancing Cultures, Building Boundaries: Navigating Guilt, Identity, and Emotional Well-Being Across Generations

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Navigating the challenges of balancing collectivist and individualist cultures, this post explores how setting healthy boundaries can ease acculturative stress, honor your identity, and promote emotional well-being across generations.

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Celebrating Women's History Month A Focus On Mental Health And Well Being

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Every March, we take time to celebrate Women's History Month, recognizing the many contributions women have made on all aspects of society. This month highlights the many women who have played a part in an ongoing fight for diversity, inclusion and equality.

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What Does It Mean To Be Present?

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While I appreciate material presents, they can sometimes feel transactional and fleeting. A gift without meaning is just another object. What if the most valuable present is actually our presence—the quality of our attention when we truly connect with others?

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Giving And Receiving Communication

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I noticed how many times miscommunication happens or how often defensiveness comes up due to core beliefs. It got me thinking of how many couples want to connect yet at times miss the mark when communicating due to their own internal experience.

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Honoring Life and Healing Through Dia de los Muertos

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As we approach Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), we are reminded of the power of tradition, culture, and spirituality in processing grief and loss. This beautiful holiday, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, offers a space to honor the lives of loved ones who have passed on.

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Holding Tension: How Politics, Paradox, and Contradictions Impact Your Mental Health

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I had the opportunity to attend an annual restorative justice practitioners retreat. It was located at a gorgeous resort in the Hill Country, where the hustle and bustle of city life diffused into sounds of cicadas, crickets, and the swishing of large Texas oak tree leaves.

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Mindful Living: Prioritizing Your Needs in Busy Seasons

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As the summer months have been in full swing, I have felt the weight of nonstop plans, summer projects, vacations, and time with family. The summer months can be full of fun and exciting adventures, but can also lead to a sense of overwhelment and exhaustion.

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Embracing Diversity And Intersectionality In BIPOC Mental Health A Path To Resilience

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At Colors of Austin Counseling, we create a supportive space that honors BIPOC experiences, fosters connection through storytelling, and helps individuals build a deep sense of self-belonging.

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Beyond World Cancer Day: Where Personal Connection Meets Professional Passion

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World Cancer Day is held every year on February 4th. This international day is focused on raising awareness and education, in addition to calling on individuals and governments worldwide to promote health equity.

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Signs Your Teen Is Struggling

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As a parent, I can't imagine how hard it is to always recognize when your teen is struggling. The parents I work with often shame themselves for "not catching it sooner." My response usually is, "I'm so glad she asked and I'm so glad you listened."

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Thriving In Diversity: The Power of Minority-Majority Organizations in Mental Health

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At Colors of Austin Counseling, diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's the foundation of this organization. As a Latina-owned therapy practice, we've crafted an environment where individuals from marginalized communities aren't the exception—they are the majority.

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Executive (Dys)function: Demystifying decision-making and focus challenges

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This particular stretch of weeks can be extremely demanding and overstimulating, not to mention charged with complex emotions, memories, and relationship dynamics.

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The Healing Power Of Nature: An Introduction to Nature-Based Therapy

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The holidays are quickly approaching which can be a stressful time for many of us. It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and forget to give ourselves the self-care we need.

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Rewriting The Narrative Lessons For My Younger Self On Eating Disorders

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As we approach the Holiday season, it is important to be mindful of language used towards food and body as there could be someone you love struggling with disordered eating or body image issues.

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Reflections On Suicide Prevention Month

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Recognizing triggers and warning signs is important, but I wanted instead to elaborate on what to do when someone has already disclosed their suicidal thoughts.

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Farewells And New Beginnings

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Change is exciting and change is oftentimes difficult. I love this team. I love what we are about and I love what this practice stands for in our community.

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New To Counseling Here's What To Expect And Look Forward To As A Client

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Practices and activities that normally help us cope during times of stress might not be as effective as they once were, or may not be accessible at all during quarantine. Fortunately, counseling exists for moments and periods of life such as this.

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Technology I Rely On To Help Run My Business

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Being a business owner means that you have a lot of hats to wear. It’s easy for things to get lost in the mix and when you don’t have a business partner like me, it can also leave you feeling a little cuckoo if you don’t have systems in place to help move things along.

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5 Steps To Enhance Your Relationship

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It’s happened, your relationship has officially gone from HOT, to NOT. It happens… to everyone. Relationships take work, especially the longer you are in one. For some, you don’t see the decline for years but for others you see the decline 6 months in.

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Art Journaling

Art Journaling: What Is It?

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Have you ever wondered, "What is art journaling? How do you use it in therapy?" Let me walk you through a therapeutic activity that I frequently use with clients and in my groups.

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Introducing Colors Of Austin Counseling, PLLC

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Hi everyone! Welcome to a brighter and more updated look for the 2018 year. I hope you'll take some time to watch this video that explains why I decided to change the name of my practice and what it means to me and the community.

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What Is The Daring Way?

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For people who don't know Brené and her work, they often want to know, "What is the Daring Way™? What does that mean? What would I be doing in one of these workshops?" These are great questions that are important to ask before committing to such a great investment.

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Hi! My Name Is Vanessa And This Is My Story.

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Hi Y'all! It's been a while since I've introduced myself to those new to the blog and reintroduced myself to those of you have been following for a while. So here it is. An all about Vanessa and why she does the work she loves.

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Are You Paying Attention?

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For those of you who have a hard time being "mindful" I'm going to invite you to try to "pay attention" instead. I don't know about you but it's really helped me reframe the way I think about calm and stillness.

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