10 Bucket Fillers for the Holidays from the "bucket lady”- Amy Cole of Life Tree Counseling Center

·       Take time for silence and solitude.  Be alone and embrace the silence and aloneness. In the middle     of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, take a few moments to just be.

 It is more blessed to give than to receive.  Do you remember how much fun it  was opening Santa     gifts from under the tree.  Some families cannot do that. If   you have the time and the extra money, make Christmas for another boy or girl. You may have fun remembering what is was like to wonder  the isles as a kid and look for what toys you wanted on your list to Santa.

 Take time to reflect on all the good things you have accomplished this year. Whether it was a new     job, losing some weight, running a 5k, walking a mile or  learning something new, relish in the fact   you accomplished a task this year.

 When family members disappoint you (and they will) remember they are human  too.  They have their fault just like you do.  Give them some grace. (Grace comes from Latin gratus, which is favor, kindness esteem or pleasing.)

 Also, slow down and do one item at a time instead of multitasking.  Ask for help from others as        needed.  Let the grocery store make the pie, or stuffing or even the whole meal.  

 If you do not have family in the area, get together with friends.  If that is not an option, go serve food to those in homeless shelters.  Giving of yourself helps defeat depression.

  Meditate, read, or listen to good music or books for tape to encourage yourself.

  Do your favorite activity.  Take a walk, photography, writing in a journal, playing sports outside,      playing with children, grandchildren, family members. Playing games with the family.

 “Don’t sweat the little stuff, and it is all little stuff.” Pick and choose what you  get upset over,           remember you control your emotions.  A mantra to use is “will   this matter next year?” or “will this   matter 3 years or 5 years from now?” Chances are you won’t remember anything from last year. 

 Remember the reason for the season. It is to be enjoyed and relished. 

Who am I and What do I do?

Hi, I am Amy.  I am a counselor.  I like to help people who have been beaten up by life. People who have wounded hearts.  Life is tough.  We get beat up by family issues and family members, sickness, divorce, loss of a job, loss of a friend, and ourselves.  I know.  I have been wounded before.  I bet you have too.  So, why come talk to me about it? Well, I keep secrets.  You can tell me anything (except for 5 things that I must report per ethics and law) and I won't tell anyone else.  I can listen to you and provide you with guidance.  I am trained and licensed to do this by the State of Texas.  I know you may be thinking, I can talk to my friend and they can do that.  Well, maybe they can but they may not be bound by law and ethics to keep your stuff quiet and secret like I am. I am also not emotionally close to you and sometimes can see things people can't see when they are emotionally close to you. Silly example but would your friend tell you that you look ugly in that dress when you have gushed on and on about how you love it and how it makes you feel?  Probably not because they don't want to hurt your feelings.  I will tell you if I feel it is important to your overall feeling better.  I will be brutally honest with you.

Now a little more about me: I am an empathetic, fun loving and compassionate counselor. I believe  people want to improve their situations. I have 20 years experience working with troubled teens in and out of juvenile court, domestic violence situations, CPS work that included assessment of home situations, homeless families training them in lifestyle improvements, individual with drug & alcohol recovery.  I have a warm and energetic style that has allowed my clients to share their victories, celebrate with laughter, allow the slow grieving to process, and I have had to show tough love moments with my clients.  My experience has prepared my to counsel adults, families, couples and children that have special set of circumstances. I have worked  and continue to work with individuals who are developmentally delayed in groups home and foster homes.  I use an integrated approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rogerian Therapy. I along with the client will use the therapy suited to the client where they are at in their time of need.  I have experience in a wide variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, grieving a loss, mood disorders, anger issues, PTSD, stress management, Trauma Focused CBT and self esteem.

As a former director of a delinquent girls halfway house and an assistance director to a shelter for homeless individuals and families,I know important it is to relate to individuals where they are at without judgement but with compassion and as equals.  I have been noted by others for going above and beyond in the counseling experience by linking with community resources to meet needs outside of the counseling purview. I guide my clients through their journey and assists them in finding joy in the journey. 

Licensure:

•    Licensed Professional Counselor, TX

Education:

•    B.S. -East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

•    M.S. in Counseling- Capella University, Minneapolis, MN.

Populations Served included children, teenagers, adults, couples and families.

Treatment Offered:

•    mood disorder/bipolar

•    depression/sadness

•    anxiety/panic/worry

•    PTSD

•    domestic violence victims

•    grief/loss

•    life transitions, divorce, breakup, job loss,

•    conflict resolution

•    communication skills, stress management, relaxation techniques

•    mood management

•    boundaries

•    parenting