This weekend we started our involvement in these incredible walks and runs for mental health! ☀️ Shelane's Run is a 5k founded in honor of Shelane, a mom of three, who tragically took her life amid an episode of postpartum psychosis. Shelane's Run helps to raise awareness and community support for postpartum mood disorders, something that so desperately needs to be brought to the forefront during the isolation of the pandemic. The run partner's each year with Postpartum Support VA. The run is happening virtually this year, you can participate anytime between October 17th-31st by posting a pic of yourself and tagging @shelanesrun and @postpartumsupportva (just as @mjharfordcounseling did this weekend!) ☀️ Following in line with this, We have joined a community of people from @afsp_ncac in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Please help us reach our fundraising goal by donating to a team member. To donate online, please visit our page https://afsp.donordrive.com/team/263614 Once you're on their page, click "Donate Now." Donations can only be made to individuals, but the total each participant raises goes toward our team goal. All donations will help bring AFSP one step closer to achieving their bold goal to reduce the suicide rate 20% by 2025. ☀️ We also are walking with @naminorthernva to promote awareness of mental health and reduce stigma, in this difficult year more than ever by sharing stories widely. Please support us by making a donation to our team by visiting our page https://www.namiwalks.org/team/40114

Today, we remember the horrific day 19 years ago, and honor all those who were affected by the tragedy of 9/11. Thank you to those who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our country. #neverforget

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone. It is important to know the warning signs and how to get help. Read our newest blog post on how to recognize the signs, and what you can do to help prevent further suicides. #endthestigma #suicideawareness #suicideprevention https://www.sunstonecounselors.com/2020/09/08/why-its-important-to-talk-about-suicide-and-suicidal-thoughts/

For many, thinking of someone they love ending their life or even struggling with thoughts of ending their life is horrifying. Because of this, people rarely feel comfortable talking about suicide. The stigma around mental health and suicide contributes to the neglect of discussing this important topic. Being able about to talk openly about suicide and the many ways it impacts those involved is important for preventing further suicides and ending the stigma around this topic. #theworldisbetterwithyouinit #suicideprevention #suicideawareness

The holiday weekend is now behind us, summer has ended, and a new season is beginning with a lot of uncertainties ahead. Looking for guidance on how to kick start the beginning of this new season? Check out our newest blog post written by Amy Clay, LPC, co-owner of Sunstone Counseling as she provides four strategies for managing stress and challenges, making a fresh start, and recognizing when you need professional guidance. https://www.sunstonecounselors.com/2020/09/08/labor-day-brings-new-beginnings/

How are you celebrating this Labor Day Weekend? Barbecue, poolside, curled up on the couch? We hope you're able to enjoy some hard-earned rest and soak up the end of summer!

Good morning! ☀️ Our next episode of Couch with Counselors is up and live on our YouTube channel! This week we met Amy Clay, LPC and Co-Owner of Sunstone Counseling! Visit our YouTube page to watch! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPvm5xSmPDA YOUTUBE.COM Couch with Counselors with Hugh Pinnock - Ep. 2 Amy Clay

This weekend we aired our first episode of Couch with Counselors! Check out our Youtube page weekly to watch more episodes! This week we met Elizabeth Moyer, Resident in Counseling! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ6MicbhM48 YOUTUBE.COM Couch with Counselors with Hugh Pinnock - Ep. 1 Elizabeth Moyer

Welcome Melissa Johnson! Our Falls Church office gained a new resident counselor. Melissa works with adolescents, young adults and adult women with a focus in anxiety, attachment and women's issues. She is available to see clients on Mondays and Saturdays! To schedule an appointment email melissa@sunstonecounselors.com

We have INCREDIBLE graduate interns at Sunstone☀️☀️☀️ Sunstone Counseling October 2 at 3:40 PM · Top 7 Reasons to See a Graduate Intern at Sunstone Counseling Affordability: The rates of graduate interns are significantly lower than licensed professionals, allowing many clients to receive mental health counseling that they may not otherwise be able to access. Flexibility: Most graduate interns offer evening and weekend hours, allowing clients to see a therapist when it’s convenient for their schedule. Convenience: Graduate interns are available and eager for new clients, providing quick access to appointments. Up-to-date: Graduate interns are update-to-date with new and current treatment interventions and recent research, bringing fresh, current perspectives to the counseling relationship. Supervision: Graduate interns participate in weekly supervision, integrating a supportive treatment team approach to each client relationship. Dedication: Graduate interns are excited to assist clients and will be committed to the counseling process. Professionalism: Sunstone Counseling accepts graduate interns who possess professional standards and go above and beyond. Contact appointment@sunstonecounselors.com to schedule a session with one of our graduate counseling interns today! ☀️

Divorce can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. This group is for women who are recently separated, in the middle of a divorce, or who are divorced and want support from others who can relate in a nonjudgmental space. Starting October 21st, two different session times of the 8 week Separation & Divorce Support Group for Women will begin. A couple spots are remaining for members to join either the session from noon-1:30pm on Wednesdays or from 5pm-6:30pm on Wednesdays. Interviewing new members now, contact julia@sunstonecounselors to learn more.

It’s Friday! That means we have a new episode of Couch with Counselors up on our YouTube channel! This week we have Heidi Elliot on the show! Go check us out! https://youtu.be/XptvEEVR8IU YOUTUBE.COM Couch with Counselors with Hugh Pinnock - Ep. 4 Heidi Elliot

Sunstone Counseling October 22 at 5:15 PM · October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Courage is often needed to take a stand and seek help. Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. Let's break the cycle and have the courage to end the silence. If you or someone you love are in need of help or support got an abusive relationship, the 24/7 national hotline will connect you to your local resources 800-799-7233. Sunstone Counseling offers free 15-minute consultations for anyone who is interested in learning more about counseling. Email us at appointment@sunstonecounselors.com to schedule a consultation today.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Courage is often needed to take a stand and seek help. Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. Let's break the cycle and have the courage to end the silence. If you or someone you love are in need of help or support got an abusive relationship, the 24/7 national hotline will connect you to your local resources 800-799-7233. Sunstone Counseling offers free 15-minute consultations for anyone who is interested in learning more about counseling. Email us at appointment@sunstonecounselors.com to schedule a consultation today.

We have launched a new YouTube series called Couch with Counselors led by Hugh Pinnock, Resident in Counseling. Each week we have been sharing interviews done by our counseling team discussing self-care, what brought them to this profession, working with specific populations and more! This week we have Charlie Clark, LPC, discussing his experience as a male therapist! Like and subscribe to our YouTube Channel and stay tuned for more episodes!

Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. It is a day of remembrance to parents, family, and friends for pregnancy loss and infant death. 1 in 4 women will lost a baby during pregnancy, birth, or infancy. Many families know the grief of this kind of loss. It’s often not spoken about, and yet, those who mourn often need support and understanding. The experience is painful and sometimes overwhelming. This year, Sunstone is showing their support and hope to bring awareness to pregnancy and infancy loss, postpartum depression, and mental health for new parents by participating in Shelane's Run. If you would like to donate to our team or join us, please visit https://www.moremilesraces.com/shelanesrun

Read our latest blog by Dan McDonald, Resident in Counseling, who wrote a witty comparison on therapy and plumbing. If you know someone who would enjoy this incredible read, have them reach out to one of our great male therapists. https://www.sunstonecounselors.com/2020/10/07/men-its-okay-to-ask-for-help/

#WellnessWednesday Here are a few tips on how to help with every day anxiety. ☀️

This week is National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Mental health conditions are highly prevalent in homeless populations. Further research and advocacy are needed to address the obstacles that homeless individuals encounter in accessing mental health care. Here are a few ways you can help: Donate food or clothing to your local homeless shelters (listed above) Volunteer at your local homeless shelter (listed above) Serve meals at your local food or homeless shelter (listed above) Make winter care packages with snacks, hand warmers, soap, etc. Sign up to sponsor a family for holiday meals/gifts

Our latest episode is up on YouTube! Check us out! https://youtu.be/qUgifaMfR7o YOUTUBE.COM Couch with Counselors with Hugh Pinnock - Ep. 6 Laken Thomas

Today is World Kindness Day. What are some ways you like to show kindness towards others? ☀️

With COVID limiting many students to distance learning this fall, many high schoolers have lost their daily social connections and may feel like they are struggling to connect. In this ASD (Autism Spectrum Diagnosis) inclusive course, students will learn social skills to help apply in their daily lives, connect with peers, and process how COVID has affected their social lives. Contact Cassie Keim or Georgie Whatmore for more information.

Thank you to all those who have served to protect our country and defend our freedom. We thank you and honor you today and everyday.

☀️ Sunstone Counseling 9 hrs · Play is crucial to children's mental health. They need to be able to communicate their emotions even when they are unable to verbalize them.

Play is crucial to children's mental health. They need to be able to communicate their emotions even when they are unable to verbalize them.

Welcome Catherine Crowe! ☀️ Catherine joined our team as a Licensed Professional Counselor based virtually in Loudoun County, VA. She works primarily with females ages 15+ with a variety of interests in anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum, parenting, and life transitions. She is now accepting clients! Visit our website for more information or contact her at catherine@sunstonecounselors.com to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

Are you looking for a new employment opportunity in the mental health field? Do you hope to find a site that can provide supervisory and peer support, professional development opportunities, and a flexible schedule while working with your population of choice? Sunstone Counseling is looking for motivated, collaborative individuals for several positions and locations throughout Northern Virginia! We are looking for graduate counseling interns, residents in counseling, supervisees in social work, LPC, LMFT, LCSW, and Supervisors. Contact us at career@sunstonecounselors.com with a letter of interest/cover letter, resume, and two professional references. Visit our website for more information.

Welcome Jennifer Miller! ☀️ Jennifer joined our team as a graduate counseling intern based virtually in Richmond, VA. She works with a variety of ages and has a passion for working with depression, divorce, grief, parenting, self-esteem, career counseling, and life transitions. She is now accepting clients! Visit our website for more information or contact her at jennifermiller@sunstonecounselors.com to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

New year intentions are wonderful for inspiring or motivating us to do better, be better, and live better. But why is it so hard to stick to them long term? We often go into these intentions with high expectations for ourselves and no room for failure. If we allow ourselves to be softer and less judgmental when we slip - we are more likely to achieve long-term changes. Here are 5 ways to utilize self-care with your new year intentions: 1 - Be kind with yourself, remember that you tried your best for that day. 2 - Remember even small steps get you to where you are going. 3 - Be present in that moment for that day. 4 - Know your limits and say no when you need to. 5 - Know that you are deserving of the goals you want to achieve.