Imposter syndrome doesn’t care how educated, experienced, or kind you are—it shows up anyway, whispering that you don’t belong. But here’s the truth: You do. You belong in the room, in the conversation, and in the life you’ve built. Confidence doesn’t come from perfection—it grows in motion, breath by breath, truth by truth.

Presence isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a relationship skill—and one most of us forget to practice. In a world full of distractions, being truly present with someone is rare… and deeply healing. Whether it’s pausing to meet your child’s eyes or actually listening when a friend shares something tender, those small moments matter. They build trust. They build connection. And maybe—just maybe—they’re what the world needs most right now.

Anxiety can leave your body in a constant state of tension, even when nothing is “wrong.” But research shows that practices like a 20-second hug or a 6-second kiss can actually calm the nervous system. These moments of intentional connection stimulate oxytocin release, lower cortisol, and activate the vagus nerve—helping your body shift from stress to safety. And if you’re single? Hugging yourself mindfully works, too. This blog explores how these small acts can have a big impact on nervous system regulation and emotional healing.

“Sometimes someone sits down in my office and just stares, eyes wide or brimming. Other times, their story pours out in a rush, like if they don’t say it fast enough, it might swallow them whole. It’s in those moments that people whisper, ‘Is this PTSD?’ Or say quietly, ‘I think I’m just really stressed.’

The truth is—both could be true. But understanding the difference can be a powerful first step toward healing.”

Read the full blog at Moonstone Wellness to learn the signs of acute stress vs. PTSD, and a grounding practice to carry with you through hard days.

At Moonstone Wellness, we are honored to support our community’s mental health needs. However, there are times when our clinic is at capacity, we have a waiting list, or we may not be the best fit for a particular client’s needs. Counseling is a deeply personal process—much like finding the perfect pair of jeans. Sometimes, you have to "try on" a few before discovering the perfect fit. Because of that, I want to provide you with a list of clinicians I have personally worked with, supervised, or formed a friendship with here in the Albany County community— these are all professionals I would confidently recommend to those I care about. If Moonstone is unable to meet your needs, I hope that one of these many qualified caregivers will.

www.Moonstone-Wellness.com

Make mealtimes more meaningful with conversation starters that strengthen family bonds and boost emotional intelligence. Research shows that family dinners help kids develop resilience, succeed in school, and manage stress. Learn how to turn everyday meals into opportunities for connection, laughter, and personal growth. Moonstone Wellness, a trusted counseling clinic in Laramie, Wyoming, offers resources to support your family's emotional well-being.

Plus, download a free set of fun mealtime questions in PDF form!

"Real strength isn’t about bottling it up—it’s about being honest, open, and vulnerable. At Moonstone Wellness, we offer counseling for men seeking deeper connections, better mental health, and the freedom to be their authentic selves. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Reach out today for a free consultation and discover how powerful emotional growth can be."

"Taking the step to begin therapy is a significant one, and it's completely normal to feel unsure about what will happen in your first session. At Moonstone Wellness, we understand how important it is to feel comfortable and informed as you begin this journey. In your first session, you'll be greeted with warmth in a safe, welcoming space where your clinician will take the time to get to know you, answer any questions, and discuss your goals. We believe in creating a space where you can feel heard, respected, and supported from the moment you walk through the door."

Life often leaves us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and struggling to find balance. But what if I told you there's a tool within your body that can help restore that sense of calm and control?

Enter the vagus nerve—our hidden ally in nervous system regulation.

In this Moonstone Mindset post we explore how tuning into this powerful nerve can improve your emotional resilience, help you manage stress and conflict, and restore a sense of peace & calm. We also share a practical technique to begin incorporating this wisdom into your daily life.

It’s not about someone telling you what to do—it’s about helping you discover your own answers. That’s the magic of Person-Centered Therapy: it doesn’t just treat the symptoms; it helps you heal from the inside out.

“…I don’t have to explain why someone was cruel. I just have to keep going. To keep moving. To keep healing and growing—and to keep loving. And I suppose that also means daring to date again—trusting myself enough to open my heart, knowing I am no longer the person who accepts pain as love.”

"Healing from trauma is possible. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) helps children and teens process difficult experiences, build resilience, and reclaim their sense of self. At Moonstone Wellness, we offer compassionate, trauma-informed care where families can feel supported on their path to healing."

"Empathy is different from sympathy. While sympathy is feeling sorry for someone, empathy is the ability to deeply understand and share in their feelings without judgment. It’s about stepping into their shoes, feeling their emotions, and offering a compassionate response. When we show up for others, we’re often showing up for ourselves in the process."