Counselor Off The Clock

EP 21 | Befriending Anxiety (with Amy Frew)

As the year ends and a new one begins, anxiety can feel like an unwelcome guest for many of us. In this episode of Counselor Off the Clock, host Lydia Thompson dives into the complexities of anxiety with special guest Amy Frew from Arcadian Therapeutic Services. Amy, a Marriage and Family Therapist and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, shares her insights on what anxiety is, why it spikes, and how to manage it with compassion and intention. Together, we explore: * The root causes of anxiety and how it manifests in the body and mind * Why the holiday season often exacerbates stress * Practical strategies for managing anxiety * The importance of befriending your anxiety and understanding its messages This episode is packed with actionable tips and heartfelt discussion to help you navigate stress and embrace the new year with confidence. Check out Arcadian Therapeutic Services [https://www.arcadiantherapy.com] Sponsor: Concord Family Counseling provides mental health counseling for the South Nashville area for children, teens, couples, and adults. They have trained counselors to help you reach your goals. Follow Counselor Off The Clock: * Instagram: @counselorofftheclock [https://www.instagram.com/counselorofftheclock] * TikTok: @counselorofftheclock [https://www.tiktok.com/@counselorofftheclock] * YouTube: @concordfamilycounseling [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCguRYq9sarMwGHZxmq_k0lw] * Website: www.concordfamilycounseling.com [http://www.concordfamilycounseling.com/] Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Review! Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review and share your favorite episodes with friends.

EP 20 | Food Allergies: The Invisible Struggle (with Heather Hargis)

This episode of Counselor Off the Clock explores the often-overlooked mental and emotional challenges of living with food allergies. While most people understand the basic need to avoid certain foods, few realize the far-reaching impact allergies can have on relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Developing a food allergy as an adult can turn your world upside down. Imagine having to re-evaluate your social life, your routines, even your most cherished food traditions – all because of a newly developed allergy. In this episode, we talk to Heather, a counselor who unexpectedly developed a severe food allergy as an adult. Heather emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system when living with food allergies. This is especially crucial for children who may feel isolated or "different" because of their dietary restrictions. Having understanding friends and family who are willing to accommodate their needs can make a world of difference. It's about more than just "safe food" – it's about feeling safe, accepted, and loved. Open communication and self-advocacy are also key to managing a food allergy. By being upfront about their allergies and clearly explaining their needs, individuals can help others understand how to keep them safe. Living with the constant worry and fear of judgment that often accompany food allergies can take a toll on mental health. Heather encourages listeners to seek professional help from therapists or support groups if they're struggling to cope with anxiety, isolation, or low self-esteem related to their allergy. Finding others who "get it" can provide invaluable support and a sense of belonging.Despite the challenges, Heather emphasizes the importance of finding joy and maintaining a positive outlook. This can involve focusing on the foods you can eat, discovering creative ways to enjoy meals with friends and family, and celebrating the small victories along the way. Ultimately, it’s about adapting to a new normal and finding ways to thrive, not just survive, with a food allergy. Whether you are personally affected by food allergies or simply want to be more informed and supportive, this episode will give you a new perspective on the challenges and triumphs of navigating the world with dietary restrictions. Find Heather Hargis: https://www.heatherhargismft.com [https://www.heatherhargismft.com] Counselor Off the Clock aims to make mental health conversations more accessible and keep you company while you grow. Join licensed counselor Lydia Thompson for thought-provoking discussions that blend professional expertise with a relaxed, off-the-clock vibe. Sponsor: Concord Family Counseling provides mental health counseling for the South Nashville area for children, teens, couples, and adults. They have trained counselors to help you reach your goals. Follow Counselor Off the Clock * Instagram: @counselorofftheclock * TikTok: @counselorofftheclock * YouTube: @concordfamilycounseling * Website: www.concordfamilycounseling.com

EP 19 | The Launch Phase (with Emily Kerlin)

In this episode of Counselor Off the Clock, we're diving into the crucial topic of the launch phase - a significant part of the transition into adulthood. Join host Lydia Thompson as she welcomes back Emily Kerlin, a clinician from Concord Family Counseling, for an insightful discussion on this important life stage. Together, Lydia and Emily explore the complexities of the launch phase, addressing both the challenges of "failure to launch" and the process of re-launching later in life. This episode offers a unique peek into the daily conversations and insights shared at Concord Family Counseling, providing valuable perspectives for adolescents, young adults, and anyone navigating major life transitions. Counselor Off the Clock aims to make mental health conversations more accessible and keep you company while you grow. Join licensed counselor Lydia Thompson for thought-provoking discussions that blend professional expertise with a relaxed, off-the-clock vibe. Sponsor Concord Family Counseling provides mental health counseling for the South Nashville area for children, teens, couples, and adults. They have trained counselors to help you reach your goals. Follow Counselor Off the Clock * Instagram: @counselorofftheclock [https://www.instagram.com/counselorofftheclock] * TikTok: @counselorofftheclock [https://www.tiktok.com/@counselorofftheclock] * YouTube: @concordfamilycounseling [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCguRYq9sarMwGHZxmq_k0lw] * Website: www.concordfamilycounseling.com [http://www.concordfamilycounseling.com/]

EP 18 | Playfulness in Adulthood (with Sheldon Clark)

In this episode of Counselor Off the Clock, we’re diving into the often-overlooked topic of playfulness in adulthood. As we grow older, the pressures of daily life can make it harder to connect with that carefree, silly side of ourselves. But tapping into playfulness is essential for mental health, creativity, and even building stronger connections with others. Join us as we chat with Sheldon Clark, an expert on rediscovering joy and play in our everyday lives. Together, we explore why being present is key to finding moments of silliness, how play can enhance our well-being, and practical tips for bringing more fun into your adult life. Whether you’ve lost touch with your playful side or you’re just looking for more laughter, this episode will inspire you to embrace the joy of being present in the moment. Check out Sheldon at New Moon Rising [https://www.sheldonclarkcounseling.com/] Listen to Sheldon Clark on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1blraju0vP9bWIWQLyL5PC?si=znbjP-uqRBqvcb8jlcnRfw] Listen to Iris and the Underdogs on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2GaiplVwI1HOmFzmVIRqbN?si=SryUiE14R5CnUKkkZ0GUcA] Concord Family Counseling [www.concordfamilycounseling.com] is the sponsor of this podcast. They provide mental health counseling for the South Nashville area for children, teens, couples, and adults. They have trained counselors to help you reach your goals.

EP 17 | Perfectionism (with Katherine Cain)

Welcome back to Counselor Off the Clock! I’m Lydia Thompson, your host and a licensed counselor, and I’m thrilled to kick off Season 2 with a topic that resonates with so many of us—perfectionism. In this episode, I sit down with Doctor Katherine Cain, an assistant principal who shares her experiences with perfectionism both in her professional role and personal life. We explore how perfectionism is often tied to loneliness and discuss the importance of striving for excellence while also recognizing where your true value lies. We also reminisce about my high school days when Doctor Cain was my teacher and how her influence helped shape my journey into counseling. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave a rating! It helps others discover the podcast. Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who might benefit from it. Find us on Instagram and TikTok at @counselorofftheclock.