Calm Minds, Grateful Hearts: November Updates from CPJ Counseling Services
- CPJ Counseling Team
- Nov 4
- 3 min read
Finding Your Calm When Life Speeds Up
The holiday season is a beautiful mix of connection, gratitude, and celebration, but it can also feel like too much all at once. Between family gatherings, work deadlines, and endless to-do lists, our minds and bodies can start running on overdrive.
At CPJ Counseling Services, we believe you deserve more than just getting through the season you, deserve to feel steady in it. This month, we’re focusing on how to manage holiday stress, care for your nervous system, and find peace in simple, steady ways.
Coming Soon: The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
We’re preparing to introduce something new to help you feel calm from the inside out: the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).
SSP is a gentle listening therapy that uses specially filtered music to help your body relax and regulate your stress response. It’s backed by research and has helped people dealing with anxiety, trauma, sensory sensitivities, and chronic stress.
As the holidays approach, SSP can be a powerful tool for grounding and balance. When your body feels safe, it becomes easier to enjoy family time, handle stress, and stay present in moments that matter.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming SSP information sessions to learn how this new service can support your mental health.
Holiday Stress is Real, But So Is Peace
It’s common to feel both thankful and tense this time of year. Between travel, finances, and family dynamics, even small things can start to feel big. The truth is, anxiety doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful, it means you’re human. You might notice it through restlessness, tension, or feeling easily overwhelmed. These are gentle reminders to pause and care for yourself.
Here are a few simple ways to ease your mind this season:
Notice when your anxiety starts to rise, and take a few slow breaths
Give yourself permission to rest, even if it’s just a short walk or a quiet moment
Set limits without guilt, your peace is worth protecting
Try pairing therapy with tools like SSP to help your body stay calm
With awareness and support, peace is possible even in the busiest months.
Meet Our Clinicians: Sharing Calm and Courage
Our clinicians are here to walk with you through this season with care and compassion. This month, each one shares a few words on managing stress and finding stillness:
Mayelyn Matos Medina, MSW
Adults & Seniors | Bilingual Counselor |Trauma-Informed Care
"You don’t have to fix everything at once. Sometimes, peace begins with simply noticing how you feel." - Mayelyn
Cherrelle Davis, LRIC
Young Adults & Teens
"Breathe and stop, for real and give it what you got" - Q-Tip, Rap Artist
Carlissa Fennell, LPC
Teens & Young Adults| SSP Practitioner
“Problems can be experienced as … a chance for renewal rather than stress.” – Marilyn Ferguson
Dr. Carlton Henderson, LPC
Individuals & Couples
"Peace doesn’t come from avoiding stress but from learning how to steady yourself when it appears." - Dr. Henderson
Jettie Norfleet, LPC
Clinical Supervisor & Integrative Therapist
“I don’t have to carry tomorrow’s worries today. I’ll face what’s in front of me, one day at a time, because today has enough on its own.” - Jettie
Our team provides therapy for clients ages 13 and up, helping teens, adults, and seniors navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Now is a great time to schedule your sessions before the holiday season begins.
A Simple Reminder This Thanksgiving.
You don’t have to have it all together to be grateful. Gratitude also lives in the moments you pause, breathe, and take care of yourself.
At CPJ Counseling Services, we’re here to help you feel grounded, grateful, and connected one calm moment at a time.
Every journey begins with a single step. Reach out and discover the support and care you deserve. Call 804-322-7185 or visit cpjcounseling.com to get started today.
Comments