Meeting Your Therapist Match: Tips for Starting a Successful Therapy Journey
Austin Family Counseling | Child, Couples, Individual, Family Counseling/Therapy
by Lora Ferguson
6d ago
In successful therapy, you probably haven’t heard someone say, “I hate my therapist, but the therapy works.” I certainly haven’t. Usually, when I hear or read comments to the effect of “I disliked my therapist,” the story ends with the client having left therapy. At best, they leave feeling frustrated and misunderstood; at worst, they feel hopeless or disillusioned with therapy as a practice. It makes a lot of sense why some people who have had that experience don’t try therapy again. Who could blame them? On the other hand, when I do happen to meet the client in my practice who’s been burned ..read more
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In The Here and Now: How to Practice Mindfulness When You Don’t Like Meditation
Austin Family Counseling | Child, Couples, Individual, Family Counseling/Therapy
by Lora Ferguson
2w ago
There have already been many, many posts, articles, and blogs written about mindfulness, so I won’t keep you long. As some of you may already know, though it is perfectly okay if you don’t, mindfulness is the practice of being focused, non-judgmental, and in the present moment. Mindfulness can be practiced in meditation or in day-to-day life.  Now, why am I telling you this when there have already been many posts written about mindfulness? I believe I have a unique perspective that may not be often discussed (though maybe it is, I’m not entirely sure). The perspective is simply this: I su ..read more
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Family Therapy for Adults
Austin Family Counseling | Child, Couples, Individual, Family Counseling/Therapy
by Lora Ferguson
3w ago
A friend recently asked me, ‘does family therapy work for adults?” I laughed, as I regularly work with adult families. However, that question made me realize that many people aren’t aware it’s an option. The short answer is yes, it’s a viable option. Adult Family Therapy can offer significant help to families facing various challenges, including: Family estrangement: When one family member begins to stop communicating with the family as a whole or with another member. Cultural/religious differences: Between parents and children, among siblings, or even with in-laws or grandparents. Financial ..read more
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Supporting Young Children During Divorce
Austin Family Counseling | Child, Couples, Individual, Family Counseling/Therapy
by Lora Ferguson
1M ago
In my work in the family counseling setting, I have learned some valuable tips in helping children navigate divorce. Sharing the news with children is never easy. Most parents have shared with me that it is one of the most difficult days of their lives. I often meet with parents who are looking for extra support for their children in this challenging time. Depending on age, there are different ways to support young children during this transition.  Play Therapy I have found play therapy to be quite helpful with younger children. The sand tray is a great way to help children express themse ..read more
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Fostering Lifelong Commitment – Key Questions to Ask Before Marriage
Austin Family Counseling | Child, Couples, Individual, Family Counseling/Therapy
by Lora Ferguson
1M ago
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in premarital counseling, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of asking the right questions before making a lifelong commitment. It’s helpful for couples to approach their union with open eyes and honest communication, which is why I frequently suggest the SYMBIS (Save Your Marriage Before it Starts) assessment as a valuable tool for those contemplating premarital counseling. Premarital counseling is designed to help couples explore important aspects of their relationship and identify potential areas of strength and growth. Through ..read more
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How to Best Support Your Child “Coming Out”
Austin Family Counseling | Child, Couples, Individual, Family Counseling/Therapy
by Lora Ferguson
2M ago
Hello friends! I am passionate about working with children of all ages, but I find that preteens especially experience many complex transitions that serve as catalysts for their future growth. In particular, most children ages 9-12 begin puberty and therefore begin exploring their sexuality*. I wish to provide a helpful framework for parents in preparation of their child potentially “Coming Out” as a member of the LGBTQ+ population so that they may best support their child with compassion. Try to remember the 3 L’s when your child opens up to you: Listen, Learn, and above all Love. *NOTE: In ..read more
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Embracing Anger: Dispelling Misconceptions for Mental Well-Being
Austin Family Counseling | Child, Couples, Individual, Family Counseling/Therapy
by Lora Ferguson
3M ago
In the realm of emotions, anger often carries a negative connotation. It’s frequently viewed as a destructive force, a feeling that should be suppressed or avoided at all costs. However, within the context of psychotherapy, it’s crucial to debunk these misconceptions and recognize the value of embracing anger as a normal and even beneficial aspect of the human experience. One common misconception about anger is that it is always harmful, leading to regrettable actions and damaged relationships. While unchecked and unexpressed, anger can indeed have detrimental effects, it is essential to under ..read more
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How Therapy Can Help People with High Sensitivity and High Empathy
Austin Family Counseling | Child, Couples, Individual, Family Counseling/Therapy
by Lora Ferguson
3M ago
Do you or your child experience high sensitivity or high empathy? Sometimes people with these traits identify as “Highly Sensitive People, “Empaths” or “HSPs.” Here’s some common traits or experiences of people with high sensitivity and high empathy: -Highly intuitive -Very aware of incongruences in other’s energy versus their behavior -Deep thinker, and deep inner life -Nurturing/compassionate -Strongly feel other’s emotions -Deep connection to nature and animals -Need a lot of stillness and solitude -Easily overstimulated -Feel drained in crowded places -Easily overwhelmed by violence or n ..read more
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Creating a Resilience-Focused Resume for Your Anxious Child
Austin Family Counseling | Child, Couples, Individual, Family Counseling/Therapy
by Lora Ferguson
4M ago
Navigating the intricate world of raising an anxious child can be a challenging journey, especially when it comes to ensuring that teachers, babysitters, and other caregivers understand the unique needs of your little one. A powerful tool in fostering understanding and cooperation is the creation of a personalized resume for your child. This document serves as a comprehensive guide, offering insights into your child’s personality, strengths, challenges, and the strategies that work best in supporting them. Let’s explore how to create this invaluable resource. A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words ..read more
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This Year, I Am Thankful For Pain
Austin Family Counseling | Child, Couples, Individual, Family Counseling/Therapy
by Lora Ferguson
4M ago
This year, I’m thankful for pain I am thankful for the deepest sorrows I am thankful for my losses, big and small I am thankful for the hardest trials I’ve faced I am thankful for the resentment of unrecognized labor I am thankful for the frustration of being so constantly resilient I am thankful for the anxieties, the depressions, the angers I am thankful for the meltdowns, the tears, the shouts I am thankful for each prickle of uncertainty I am thankful for the aches in my heart These pains remind me I am human I am here Because I can be thankful for the pain, I know I can also feel the plea ..read more
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