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.

“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

"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.”