Welcome back to The Couch.  Join Calvin in this session as he explores the power of language.  How do your words impact your life and the lives of others?  Words have the power to be destructive or constructive - you decide.  How do the words we use in our self-talk influence the life we create?  Becoming self-aware of your word choices will assist you on the path towards creating the life you seek. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Welcome back to The Counselor's Couch.  Join Calvin as he shares his excitement and anxiety about new journeys in 2024.  Anxiety is a natural part of the change process, no matter who you are or what you are changing.  Is it possible that we may find a key to coping with the stress and anxiety we experience today in the Philosophical works of Ancient Stoics, like Xeno, Epictetus or Seneca?  What is Stoicism? Join Calvin, as he sets off on a personal journey to integrate the principles of ancient wisdom into his own life and the lives of others.  Why has there been a recent boost of people sharing the ancient wisdom of these philosophers, like we recycle ancient wisdom rather than create something new.  Perhaps, it is because in works.  Maybe we can even bring back the toga!  So, Join Calvin under the STOA  to embrace the virtues of Courage, Justice, Temperence and Wisdom in 2024. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Counselor's Couch.  It is the height of the holiday season, and you can feel the stress building.   The traffic, the crowds, the music and the EXPECTATIONS.  Don't get us wrong, we love the Silver Bells, White Christmas, Blue Ribbons all Wrapped in Red music of the Holidays.  Have you ever considered how it may be establishing some subconscious expectations for "the perfect holiday"?  Does such a thing even exist?  NO.  The stress experienced during the holidays is often attributed to the expectations placed on us and the Holiday itself.  Are the expectations realistic?  Join Calvin, as he unpacks the emotional impact expectations of a perfect holiday have us.  Take your Holiday back from the fears and stress.  Acceptance is the key to navigating this season.  A perfect holiday does not exist but we can have a joyful one and embrace it with gratitude. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Welcome back to The Couch.  Have you ever wondered why your life has turned out this way?  Do you continue to struggle with making the changes you truly want in life.  Are you looking for someone to rescue you from your patterns of repetitive self- sabotage?  People often spend their entire life waiting for the cavalry to ride in and save the day to finally reach the realization that they are the cavalry.  Join Calvin as he explores the power of creation.  Are you a passive creator or an active creator in your life?  Many people are surprised when they realize they are the content creator of their own story.  Stop being surprised and take action.  When you own it, you can change it.  When you are aware of your power to create, you can create something new.  Create the new life you want or live with the one you have already created.  The choice is up to you. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

"There is nothing more powerful in the world than a good story". Everybody has a story.  What does that really mean?  Our story is more than a historical reflection of our past.  Our story can shape our present and mold our future.  Our story can create an identity.  Many people struggle to make the changes they desire in their life because they allow their story to dictate their actions.  Join Calvin as he unpacks the power of a story as it leads to a belief, which becomes our truth and shapes our identity.  Why does it seem like everyone around you can make a change, accomplish goals, and have healthy relationships?  What makes them different from you?  It often comes down to the story.  Change your story and you can change your life.  Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

I don't know if I have ever met a person that has never been asked this question, either by someone else or as an internal reflection.  What is WRONG with me?  This has become the mantra of many people we encounter today.  But why does it have to be wrong?  Although, it is common to ask the question, it is the manner in which you answer the question that truly matters.Join Calvin as he returns from a summer hiatus to explore his unique perspective on placing the concept of right and wrong on our humanity. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Momma is going to worry (and so is Daddy), the sooner you accept this, you will find peace.  Worrying about people is what we do as human beings, it is often a sign that we care about them.  So why do we try to tell ourselves or others not to do it?  Especially, since that never works out anyway.  Join Calvin, as he contemplates worry in our lives and how embracing it can actually help move us forward.  It is not about the worry, it is about what you do with the worry that really matters.  Worry by itself is not an effective problem solving paradigm.  However, when we can harness it as a call to action, the possibilities are limitless. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Hold on to your socks for this one!!  Join Calvin as he goes down the rabbit hole of what motivates our habit of making unacceptable behaviors, acceptable.  We do it all the time.  Some of us more often than others.  Unfortunately, we set ourselves up for disappointment because the reality is that we cannot truly make something acceptable that is unacceptable, despite our best efforts.  We will justify, rationalize and even settle for a life we don't want in an attempt to make something acceptable.  Why?  Join us on The Counselor's Couch to find out. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Have you ever looked for something that was never lost in the first place?  We all do it from time to time.  We look for the keys or the remote control that was never really lost, it was simply covered up by something else.  If something is never really lost, can it be found?  Join Calvin as he explores the simple truth we all need to hear - YOU ARE OF VALUE!  This is the truth, it was never dependent on what you do or do not do.  Unfortunately, somewhere we bought into The Great Delusion and attached our value to something other than the truth.  We then set off on a lifetime of looking for something that was never lost in the first place.  Stop acting on fear and start living your life based on your value. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Grab the green ribbons it is Mental Health Awareness Month all year long!!!  Or should I say every day is Mental Health Awareness Day.   Why dedicate a month to mental health when it is such an important part of your daily life.  Join Calvin as he explores the importance of self-care in maintaining your mental well-being.  What are some of the beliefs leading to our tendency to sabotage our own self care?  Explore the difference between self-care and selfishness.If you enjoy The Counselor's Couch, then let us know.  Take a moment to leave a review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts.  Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend and remember "you are not alone". Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Welcome Back to The Couch.In this episode, Calvin explains trauma and the impact it has on our development and our ability to function.  Whether it is trauma with a capital "T" or trauma with a lower case "t", it is still trauma.  Calvin explores how trauma is more than an emotional reaction to a disturbing event.  In fact, in many cases, it is not about the event at all, it is about the reaction to the event.  Trauma affects us emotionally, mentally and PHYSICALLY.  So, what are we doing to help people overcome the trauma they have experienced?  In this session Calvin provides a brief overview of the therapeutic tool known as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and how it can help clients process trauma and take back their lives.You are encouraged to share The Counselor's Couch with others and leave a review on whatever format you use listen.  If you would like to leave comments or suggestions for future episodes, please email calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.com.Remember, you are not alone and there is always room for you on The Counselor's Couch. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Nashville HOT chicken and who burned down the boat!!!  Nobody truly enjoys making mistakes.  We ALL make mistakes, period, end of sentence.  This is the simple honest truth.  Mistakes happen, for some of us more often than we prefer, but they happen.  It is not really about the mistake it is about what you do afterwards that truly matters.  Did you know that mistakes are how we as human beings learn?  Have you ever heard of the term "trial and error"?  Unfortunately, because of the shame and beliefs we attach to making mistakes in the first place we often fail to learn what is necessary to grow and change.  Which, ironically sets us up to make the mistake again.  Join Calvin as he unpacks the struggles we often face embracing our mistakes as opportunities and not a declaration of self value. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Welcome Back to The Counselor's Couch!  Pull up a cushion, kick off your shoes and grab a cup of coffee - Let's get started with the session.We all have relationships of every kind, romantic partners, coworkers, children, friendships and so many more.  It is simple a part of the human experience.  We are designed to be relational in nature.  So, why do we screw it up so often!  Many people struggle with navigating the most natural thing that we are designed to do - relate to other human beings.  Join Calvin as he unpacks and explores the complicated simplicity of relationships.  What drives our dynamics?  What are the metrics we apply to our friendships, spouses or children?  Do we simply not know how to be genuine?  Perhaps - or perhaps it is our human tendency to complicate things - it's not rocket science, it's relationships.Listeners are encouraged to follow The Counselor's Couch and please leave a review on whatever format you use to listen to podcasts.  Questions and comments regarding the show can be emailed directly to calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comRemember, you are not alone.  Live intentionally, Love Daily and Laugh Often. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

"What do you want for dinner?  I don't know what do you want for dinner? I don't know."  Have you ever had this familiar conversation?  Probably in one form or another.  Every evening across the world this conversation or a similar one usually takes place.  What makes a simple decision such a perplexing wonder to capable adults? What could be at the heart of this indecision?  DECISIONAL FATIGUE.  It finally makes sense.  Join Calvin as he breaks down the psychological phenomenon of decisional fatigue and offers skills to protect the valuable resources associated with your decision making. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Let's talk about FEAR.  Fear can be overwhelming.  It can drive behavior, make decisions, avoid opportunities and stir up self-doubt.  It confuses, conflicts and controls - but only if you give it power in your life.  Join Calvin as he unpacks fear in order to help you find a true meaning behind your emotion creating an opportunity to grow through self-awareness, self-acceptance and emotional empowerment.You are encouraged to share The Counselor's Couch with others and leave a review on whatever format you listen.  If you would like to leave a suggestion for future episodes or if you have questions or comments, please email them to calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comRemember, you are not alone.  There is always room for you on The Counselor's Couch Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Do you ever feel like your fire within is going out?  Perhaps you are struggling with the psychological phenomenon known as BURNOUT.  In this episode, Calvin will explore the difference between stress and burnout, how stress leads to burnout and some helpful hints to develop a Self-Care Plan. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Welcome Back to The Couch.  Calvin returns for Season 2 with the goal to empower listeners to take an active role in their life.  This session explores the true definition of Hope as a cognitive process.  Accepting the fact that life will bring problems and struggles allows us to navigate them more effectively.  When we understand that hope is a way of thinking we can then take an active role in developing hope for ourselves, others and our world.Join Calvin on the journey of developing a Hope Mindset.You are encouraged to share The Counselor's Couch with others and leave a review on whatever format you listen.  If you would like to leave a suggestion for future episodes or if you have questions or comments, please email them to calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.com.Remember, you are not alone and there is always room for you on The Counselor's Couch Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Buckle Up and Hold On!!  We are pulling back the curtain and giving you a glimpse behind the scenes of Calvin's life.  As we prepare for Season 2 of The Counselor's Couch, we are leaning into the courage of vulnerability.  Join Calvin as he introduces you to his primary support group - the family.  Calvin is joined by Cindy, his wife of 25 years, a Nationally Certified Counselor and National Certified School Counselor and his son Ethan, a college student with a passion for life and music.  Together they will explore relationships, connection, infertility, quarantine and so much more.  So come on over, pull up a cushion, kick off your shoes, grab a cup of coffee and spend some time with family. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

Do you remember learning in school that there was no such thing as a stupid question?  It's true.  Questions are how we learn, change and grow as a human being.  But when does questioning become something else?  When does it become an excuse to beat ourselves up.  When does questioning become condemnation.  Join Calvin as he explores the true meaning of questioning self.  Are you really questioning your value?  Is it really a question if you have already determined the answer?  You may actually be looking for a confirmation of a pre-existing belief or doubt you have about yourself.  You may actually be practicing  condemnation of self. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".

In this episode, Calvin challenges the practice of blaming by exploring what motivates this behavior in many of us.  Blaming as an attempt to avoid personal responsibility establishes and maintains a victim role.  Calvin will address the concern that many people revictimize themselves by participating in the blame game years after experiencing abuse in their lives.  It is not about what happens to you, it is about what you do with what happens to you that really matters.  The practice of avoidance through blaming never results in the outcome we are seeking, unless you are looking to create the exact thing you are trying to avoid.  To grow as an individual and make changes in our lives we must embrace personal responsibility and ownership of our life in the current moment.  You are not responsible for what happened to you, but you are responsible for where you go from here. Thanks for listening and if you have enjoyed The Counselor's Couch, then let us know. Take a moment and leave a quick review of this episode or any episode on Apple Podcasts. Your review really does make a difference and they help us know if we are heading in the right direction.Comments, questions or topics of interest can be emailed to: calvin@calvincwilliamslpc.comShare an episode with a friend or family member and remember "You are not alone and You are of Value".