An Interview with Caroline Rickson, Creative Life Coach at Move Forward Counseling

life coach Lancaster, PA

Published on: October 25, 2018

Meet Caroline Rickson, our first Creative Life Coach. We are pleased to offer this new service to our clients. What inspired you to pursue a career as a Creative Life Coach? When I was in high school and college I had a poster in my bedroom. It read “Climb High, Climb Far. Your Goal, the Sky. Your Aim, the Star.” This poster reflected, and still reflects, my goal to go after my dreams and live a life that provides me purpose and meaning, creativity, stability, growth, and connection. My road has had many winding turns. At times I thought I… Continue Reading This Article

An Interview with Laura Dyott, LSW, Therapist at Move Forward Counseling

therapy Lancaster, PA

Published on: October 15, 2018

We interviewed our newest therapist, Laura Dyott, LSW, who specializes in teen issues as she joins the Move Forward Counseling team. What inspired you to pursue a career as a therapist? I initially wanted to be a school psychologist, but when I realized that school psychologists focus on testing and creating education plans, I lost interest. At the same time I had began working in an adolescent residential program and I enjoyed working with the clients on a one-on-one level and helping them tackle their issues across all environments. With that experience, I switched masters’ programs and decided to pursue… Continue Reading This Article

Is Social Media Good or Bad For Your Mental Health?

therapy Lancaster, PA

Published on: October 3, 2018

The quick rise in the use of social media has changed the landscape of mental health. I am sure you have already heard some of the arguments of why it is bad, how much is too much, and maybe some of the positives. I am not here to swing one way or the other, except to stress the importance of limits. Everything in moderation.  It is my tendency in life— and in practice— to first focus on the positives. Social media was created for one simple reason— to bring us together. Having access to others who think and feel the… Continue Reading This Article

How Do You Help Your Perfectionistic Child?

therapy Lancaster, PA

Published on: September 20, 2018

Children hear it all the time “practice makes perfect.” In our minds, we are encouraging our children to keep trying. We are telling them they will get better at a task the more they give it a shot. We are teaching them to not give up. But, some children are hearing they need to be perfect, they should be perfect, there is no room for failure.  Most parents who have perfectionistic children report they don’t teach their children to perform at high standards, but that the child is putting those standards on themselves. It seems for some children perfectionism is… Continue Reading This Article

Why You Should “Trust Your Gut”

Therapy Lancaster, PA

Published on: September 7, 2018

We have all heard the expression “trust your gut,” but how often do we really listen? It turns out there is science behind following your gut, and we should be taking notice. It all has to do with how our brains develop memories. There are two different types of memories—implicit and explicit. Explicit memories are the things we have consciously crammed into our brains—like studying for a test. Implicit memories are things that are formed in our minds without our conscious effort, for example getting a song or a movie quote stuck in your head. When the two types of memories… Continue Reading This Article

Rediscovering Yourself After Baby

Therapy Lancaster, PA

Published on: August 15, 2018

Having a child changes everything. As a new mom, you expect to come home after delivery to more laundry, sleepless nights, and a whole lot of adjusting as you figure out your child’s personality and what works for your family. But, what many don’t expect is a loss of self. In the midst of all the chaos and change and this little bundle of joy that requires so much of yourself, many moms lose sight of who they once were. They struggle with not fitting into their own skin—both physically and emotionally. They don’t recognize themselves in this new role…. Continue Reading This Article

Summer is a Time for Sun, Swimming and Self-Care

counseling Lancaster, PA

Published on: August 1, 2018

The sun is out, the weather is warm, and the kids are off of school. Summer is in full swing. It is the perfect time to take the opportunity to care for yourself and make great strides in improving your mental health. Being cooped up in your home for the last few months, escaping the elements, has probably left you feeling not so great. Chances are you haven’t really felt like getting out or doing much. You have been immersed in the stress of school, work, and life. Summer is a great time to put those stressors on hold and… Continue Reading This Article

Overcoming the Quarter Life Crisis

therapy Lancaster, PA

Published on: July 16, 2018

You graduate from college expecting to find your way quickly. You imagine yourself in your dream job, a stable relationship, and living in a home all your own. You thought you were going to have everything you wanted.  But, the reality is you walked across that stage at graduation and moved in with your parents and settled for your old barista job—just to “hold you over.” Or maybe you got a job in your major but you aren’t quite sure if this is where you belong. You long to be successful and fear making mistakes. The stuff you did as… Continue Reading This Article

How to Stay Sane While Planning a Wedding

counseling Lancaster, PA

Published on: July 3, 2018

You got the ring and the fiancé, now it is time to plan the wedding. Chances are this is the day you have dreamed about since you were little. You have high expectations. You want it to be perfect.  The only problem is perfection is a hard thing attain. The stress of planning the big day has the tendency to lead to tension and strain between a couple and their families — it seems a little counterproductive if you ask me. You are planning this day for one reason — to commit yourself to the person you love and want… Continue Reading This Article

When “Self Medicating” Means Something More

Therapy Lancaster, PA

Published on: June 18, 2018

You had a “bad” day, week, month, or year. Maybe you are feeling anxious, sad, or have this longing desire to feel better, do better, or be better. You take those feelings and decide to try to “cure” them by using alcohol or drugs. Or maybe it is going shopping or gambling. At first this works. You do feel better and you think you can control your use. But, substances can quickly take over your life. Often times they turn into addictions in an attempt to treat another mental condition. This is called dual-diagnosis. Dual-diagnosis is when a person who… Continue Reading This Article