{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Open Skies Counseling Services","home_page_url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com","description":"Open Skies Counseling Services","author":{"name":"Open Skies Counseling Services"},"items":[{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/living-in-washinton-state-accessing-mental-health-support-online","html_content":"

Washington State has a growing network of mental health providers, but access isn't always easy. Online counseling has changed that equation dramatically, making it possible for residents across the state to access quali...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/living-in-washinton-state-accessing-mental-health-support-online","title":"Living in Washinton State: Accessing Mental Health Support Online","summary":"Washington State has a growing network of mental health providers, but access isn't always easy. Online counseling has changed that equation dramatically, making it possible for residents across the state to access quali...","date_modified":"2026-04-11T19:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-meeting-you-where-you-are-really-means","html_content":"

You'll hear therapists say they 'meet clients where they are' but what does that actually look like in practice? It means that we don't start with an agenda or a predetermined pace. It you come in guarded; we start there...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-meeting-you-where-you-are-really-means","title":"What 'Meeting You Where You Are' Really Means","summary":"You'll hear therapists say they 'meet clients where they are' but what does that actually look like in practice? It means that we don't start with an agenda or a predetermined pace. It you come in guarded; we start there...","date_modified":"2026-04-09T19:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/why-i-became-a-counselor-a-note-from-sondra","html_content":"

I've always been drawn to people, to their stories, their struggles, and the quiet resilience that so often goes unnoticed. Long before I had the credentials, I was the person my friends called when things fell apart. I ...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/why-i-became-a-counselor-a-note-from-sondra","title":"Why I Became a Counselor: A Note from Sondra","summary":"I've always been drawn to people, to their stories, their struggles, and the quiet resilience that so often goes unnoticed. Long before I had the credentials, I was the person my friends called when things fell apart. I ...","date_modified":"2026-04-08T19:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/the-courage-it-takes-to-ask-for-help","html_content":"

Asking for help goes against the grain for a lot of people especially those who were raised to be self-sufficient, or who learned early that their needs were inconvenient, or who simply don't want to feel like a burden. ...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/the-courage-it-takes-to-ask-for-help","title":"The Courage It Takes to Ask for Help","summary":"Asking for help goes against the grain for a lot of people especially those who were raised to be self-sufficient, or who learned early that their needs were inconvenient, or who simply don't want to feel like a burden. ...","date_modified":"2026-04-06T19:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/how-to-know-if-therapy-is-working","html_content":"

This is one of the most common questions people have. Therapy doesn't always feel like progress in fact, some sessions feel harder than others, especially when you're working through painful seasons. Progress often shows...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/how-to-know-if-therapy-is-working","title":"How to Know If Therapy Is Working","summary":"This is one of the most common questions people have. Therapy doesn't always feel like progress in fact, some sessions feel harder than others, especially when you're working through painful seasons. Progress often shows...","date_modified":"2026-03-30T19:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/the-role-of-mindfulness-in-managing-anxiety","html_content":"

Mindfulness gets a lot of attention these days, and for good reason, when practiced consistently, it genuinely helps. At its core, mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment without judgement. For people wi...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/the-role-of-mindfulness-in-managing-anxiety","title":"The Role of Mindfulness in Managing Anxiety","summary":"Mindfulness gets a lot of attention these days, and for good reason, when practiced consistently, it genuinely helps. At its core, mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment without judgement. For people wi...","date_modified":"2026-03-27T19:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/young-adults-and-mental-health-the-pressure-nobody-talks-about","html_content":"

Young adulthood is often painted as the most exciting time of life and it can be but, it's also an era of enormous pressure: finishing school, launching a career, navigating relationships, figuring out who you are and of...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/young-adults-and-mental-health-the-pressure-nobody-talks-about","title":"Young Adults and Mental Health: The Pressure Nobody Talks About","summary":"Young adulthood is often painted as the most exciting time of life and it can be but, it's also an era of enormous pressure: finishing school, launching a career, navigating relationships, figuring out who you are and of...","date_modified":"2026-03-26T19:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/taking-the-first-step-how-to-schedule-your-first-session","html_content":"

If you've been thinking about starting therapy and you're not sure how to begin, the process at Open Skies Counseling Services is simple. Just send an email to sondra@openskiescounseling.com or openskiescouseling@gmail.c...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/taking-the-first-step-how-to-schedule-your-first-session","title":"Taking the First Step: How to Schedule Your First Session","summary":"If you've been thinking about starting therapy and you're not sure how to begin, the process at Open Skies Counseling Services is simple. Just send an email to sondra@openskiescounseling.com or openskiescouseling@gmail.c...","date_modified":"2026-03-23T19:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-is-a-licensed-mental-health-counselor-associate","html_content":"

You may see the credential 'LMCHA' and wonder what it means. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in Washington State is a counselor who has completed a master's degree in counseling and is currently completing s...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-is-a-licensed-mental-health-counselor-associate","title":"What Is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate? ","summary":"You may see the credential 'LMCHA' and wonder what it means. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in Washington State is a counselor who has completed a master's degree in counseling and is currently completing s...","date_modified":"2026-03-21T21:37:21Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/setting-boundaries-why-its-hard-and-why-its-worth-it","html_content":"

Setting boundaries sounds simple in theory and feels almost impossible in practice especially for people who grew up equating self-sacrifice with love, or who fear conflict or rejection. A boundary isn't a wall or an ult...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/setting-boundaries-why-its-hard-and-why-its-worth-it","title":"Setting Boundaries: Why It's Hard and Why It's Worth It","summary":"Setting boundaries sounds simple in theory and feels almost impossible in practice especially for people who grew up equating self-sacrifice with love, or who fear conflict or rejection. A boundary isn't a wall or an ult...","date_modified":"2026-03-21T21:28:53Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-it-means-to-have-a-personalized-approach-to-therapy","html_content":"

No two people walk into therapy with the same story, and no two people should receive the same cookie-cutter treatment. A personalized approach means starting with genuine curiosity about who you are, your history, your ...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-it-means-to-have-a-personalized-approach-to-therapy","title":"What It Means to Have a Personalized Approach to Therapy","summary":"No two people walk into therapy with the same story, and no two people should receive the same cookie-cutter treatment. A personalized approach means starting with genuine curiosity about who you are, your history, your ...","date_modified":"2026-03-21T20:44:11Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/grief-doesnt-follow-a-timeline","html_content":"

We've all heard of the 'stages of grief' but the reality of grieving is far messier, more circular and more personal than any model can fully capture. You might feel fine for weeks and then be blindsided by loss in the m...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/grief-doesnt-follow-a-timeline","title":"Grief Doesn't Follow a Timeline","summary":"We've all heard of the 'stages of grief' but the reality of grieving is far messier, more circular and more personal than any model can fully capture. You might feel fine for weeks and then be blindsided by loss in the m...","date_modified":"2026-03-21T20:31:19Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/the-connection-between-stress-and-physical-health","html_content":"

Your mind and body are not separate systems. They are in constant conversation with each other. Chronic stress doesn't just feel bad emotionally; it has measurable effects on your physical health. Elevated cortisol over ...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/the-connection-between-stress-and-physical-health","title":"The Connection Between Stress and Physical Health","summary":"Your mind and body are not separate systems. They are in constant conversation with each other. Chronic stress doesn't just feel bad emotionally; it has measurable effects on your physical health. Elevated cortisol over ...","date_modified":"2026-03-21T20:26:08Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/raising-emotionally-healthy-kids-what-parents-can-do","html_content":"

Emotional health in children doesn't happen by accident, it's built through thousands of small moments of connection, validation, and modeling. When children see adults name their emotions out loud, manage frustration wi...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/raising-emotionally-healthy-kids-what-parents-can-do","title":"Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids: What Parents Can Do","summary":"Emotional health in children doesn't happen by accident, it's built through thousands of small moments of connection, validation, and modeling. When children see adults name their emotions out loud, manage frustration wi...","date_modified":"2026-03-18T00:17:35Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-accepting-insurance-really-means-for-your-therapy-costs","html_content":"

Navigating insurance for mental health services can feel confusing, but it's worth understanding because it can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. At Open Skies Counseling Services, I currently accept Kaiser, Regence and P...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-accepting-insurance-really-means-for-your-therapy-costs","title":"What Accepting Insurance Really Means for Your Therapy Costs","summary":"Navigating insurance for mental health services can feel confusing, but it's worth understanding because it can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. At Open Skies Counseling Services, I currently accept Kaiser, Regence and P...","date_modified":"2026-03-18T00:05:00Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/you-dont-have-to-be-in-crisis-to-seek-counseling","html_content":"

There's a persistent myth that therapy is only for people at their lowest point. The truth is, the best time to start therapy is often before things get critical, when you have enough bandwidth to do the work, reflect on...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/you-dont-have-to-be-in-crisis-to-seek-counseling","title":"You Don't Have to Be in Crisis to Seek Counseling","summary":"There's a persistent myth that therapy is only for people at their lowest point. The truth is, the best time to start therapy is often before things get critical, when you have enough bandwidth to do the work, reflect on...","date_modified":"2026-03-17T23:58:33Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/anxiety-in-women-why-it-often-goes-unrecognized","html_content":"

Anxiety in women is frequently overlooked and mislabeled. Women are often praised for being high-achieving, detail-oriented, and conscientious. These traits can also mask a constant undercurrent of anxiety. What looks li...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/anxiety-in-women-why-it-often-goes-unrecognized","title":"Anxiety in Women: Why It Often Goes Unrecognized","summary":"Anxiety in women is frequently overlooked and mislabeled. Women are often praised for being high-achieving, detail-oriented, and conscientious. These traits can also mask a constant undercurrent of anxiety. What looks li...","date_modified":"2026-03-17T23:45:38Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/depression-is-more-than-feeling-sad","html_content":"

When most people think of depression, they picture someone who can't get out of bed. But depression wears many faces. It can look like irritability, numbness, exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix, loss of interest in things...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/depression-is-more-than-feeling-sad","title":"Depression is More Than Feeling Sad","summary":"When most people think of depression, they picture someone who can't get out of bed. But depression wears many faces. It can look like irritability, numbness, exhaustion that sleep doesn't fix, loss of interest in things...","date_modified":"2026-03-17T19:06:26Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/supporting-educators-why-teachers-need-counseling-too","html_content":"

Educators pour themselves into their students every single day - often at the expense of their own mental health. Teacher burnout is real, and it goes far beyond being tired. It looks like dreading Monday mornings, feeli...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/supporting-educators-why-teachers-need-counseling-too","title":"Supporting Educators: Why Teachers Need Counseling Too","summary":"Educators pour themselves into their students every single day - often at the expense of their own mental health. Teacher burnout is real, and it goes far beyond being tired. It looks like dreading Monday mornings, feeli...","date_modified":"2026-03-13T00:32:30Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/navigating-life-transitions-with-grace","html_content":"

Life is full of transitions - some we choose, like starting a new job or getting married, and some that are thrust upon us, like a loss, a divorce, or an empty next. Even positive changes can bring unexpected waves of gr...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/navigating-life-transitions-with-grace","title":"Navigating Life Transitions with Grace","summary":"Life is full of transitions - some we choose, like starting a new job or getting married, and some that are thrust upon us, like a loss, a divorce, or an empty next. Even positive changes can bring unexpected waves of gr...","date_modified":"2026-03-13T00:27:49Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/an-introduction-to-dbt-skills-for-emotional-balance","html_content":"

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, was originally developed for people who experience emotions very intensely. Today it's widely used for anxiety, depression relationship difficulties and anyone who wants to better ma...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/an-introduction-to-dbt-skills-for-emotional-balance","title":"An Introduction to DBT: Skills for Emotional Balance","summary":"Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, was originally developed for people who experience emotions very intensely. Today it's widely used for anxiety, depression relationship difficulties and anyone who wants to better ma...","date_modified":"2026-03-13T00:13:16Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-is-cbt-and-how-can-it-help-you","html_content":"

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is one of the most well-researched and effective forms of therapy available. The core idea is straightforward: our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all connected. When our thinki...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-is-cbt-and-how-can-it-help-you","title":"What is CBT and How Can It Help You?","summary":"Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is one of the most well-researched and effective forms of therapy available. The core idea is straightforward: our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are all connected. When our thinki...","date_modified":"2026-03-12T23:28:47Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/understanding-anxiety-what-it-is-and-why-it-happens","html_content":"

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges people face, yet it's also one of the most misunderstood. At its core, anxiety is your nervous system's way of trying to protect you - a built-in alarm system th...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/understanding-anxiety-what-it-is-and-why-it-happens","title":"Understanding Anxiety: What It Is and Why It Happens","summary":"Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges people face, yet it's also one of the most misunderstood. At its core, anxiety is your nervous system's way of trying to protect you - a built-in alarm system th...","date_modified":"2026-03-12T22:54:10Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/5-signs-you-might-benefit-from-talking-to-a-therapist","html_content":"

Sometimes it's hard to know when everyday stress has crossed into something that deserves more attention. A few signs that it might be time to reach out include feeling overwhelmed a majority of your days, struggling wit...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/5-signs-you-might-benefit-from-talking-to-a-therapist","title":"5 Signs You Might Benefit from Talking to a Therapist","summary":"Sometimes it's hard to know when everyday stress has crossed into something that deserves more attention. A few signs that it might be time to reach out include feeling overwhelmed a majority of your days, struggling wit...","date_modified":"2026-03-07T02:41:56Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/parenting-in-the-hard-seasons-you-are-not-alone","html_content":"

Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles a person can take on - and yet it's often the area where people feel the most pressure to appear like they have it all together. Maybe you're in a season of na...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/parenting-in-the-hard-seasons-you-are-not-alone","title":"Parenting in the Hard Seasons: You Are Not Alone","summary":"Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles a person can take on - and yet it's often the area where people feel the most pressure to appear like they have it all together. Maybe you're in a season of na...","date_modified":"2026-03-07T02:28:26Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/why-online-counseling-works---especially-for-busy-people","html_content":"

One of the biggest barriers to getting mental health support used to be logistics. It's hard to find the time to drive across town, sit in an office waiting for your turn and carve out more than an hour during your alrea...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/why-online-counseling-works---especially-for-busy-people","title":"Why Online Counseling Works - Especially for Busy People","summary":"One of the biggest barriers to getting mental health support used to be logistics. It's hard to find the time to drive across town, sit in an office waiting for your turn and carve out more than an hour during your alrea...","date_modified":"2026-03-07T01:56:40Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/the-difference-between-therapy-and-life-coaching","html_content":"

People often wonder whether they need therapy or life coaching - and the answer depends on where you are and where you are and where you want to go. Therapy tends to look backward: it explores how past experiences, traum...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/the-difference-between-therapy-and-life-coaching","title":"The Difference Between Therapy and Life Coaching","summary":"People often wonder whether they need therapy or life coaching - and the answer depends on where you are and where you are and where you want to go. Therapy tends to look backward: it explores how past experiences, traum...","date_modified":"2026-03-05T02:26:32Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-to-expect-from-your-first-therapy-session","html_content":"

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you have never been before. Your first session is designed to be a comfortable, judgement-free introduction for us to get to know one another. I'll ask about what bro...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/what-to-expect-from-your-first-therapy-session","title":"What to Expect from Your First Therapy Session","summary":"Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you have never been before. Your first session is designed to be a comfortable, judgement-free introduction for us to get to know one another. I'll ask about what bro...","date_modified":"2026-03-05T02:09:56Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/5-reasons-parent-coaching-can-help","html_content":"

Parenting is one of the most meaningful roles we’ll ever hold—and also one of the most demanding. Even the most loving, attentive parents can feel unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck when challenges arise. That’s where parent ...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/5-reasons-parent-coaching-can-help","title":"5 Reasons Parent Coaching Can Help","summary":"Parenting is one of the most meaningful roles we’ll ever hold—and also one of the most demanding. Even the most loving, attentive parents can feel unsure, overwhelmed, or stuck when challenges arise. That’s where parent ...","date_modified":"2026-02-26T21:51:04Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/anxiety---understand-it-and-simple-steps-to-manage-it","html_content":"

Anxiety is a common experience for many people, but understanding its origins and developing effective management strategies can significantly improve our daily lives. As a mental health therapist, I often work with clie...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/anxiety---understand-it-and-simple-steps-to-manage-it","title":"Anxiety - Understand It and Simple Steps to Manage It","summary":"Anxiety is a common experience for many people, but understanding its origins and developing effective management strategies can significantly improve our daily lives. As a mental health therapist, I often work with clie...","date_modified":"2026-02-16T23:59:42Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/the-power-of-going-non-toxic-how-clean-living-impacts-you","html_content":"

In a world full of chemical-laden products, making the switch to non-toxic laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, makeup and cookware might seem like a small choice but it's one that can make a big impact, especially on ...

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/the-power-of-going-non-toxic-how-clean-living-impacts-you","title":"The Power of Going Non-Toxic: How Clean-Living Impacts You","summary":"In a world full of chemical-laden products, making the switch to non-toxic laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, makeup and cookware might seem like a small choice but it's one that can make a big impact, especially on ...","date_modified":"2025-08-06T01:24:12Z"},{"id":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/recommended-books","html_content":"

The following are books that I recommend to clients.

","url":"https://openskiescounselingservices.com/f/recommended-books","title":"Recommended Books","summary":"The following are books that I recommend to clients.","date_modified":"2025-08-05T23:52:06Z"}]}