Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and for many, it brings a mix of excitement and stress. Hosting Thanksgiving can feel like a juggling act, managing cooking, schedules, and family dynamics. Here are some practical strategies to make your holiday less stressful and more meaningful. 1. Plan Early and Delegate Start with a plan. Decide on the menu, seating, and activities you’d like to include. Don’t be afraid to delegate! Ask family members to bring a dish or handle details like setting the table. Using a shared grocery list app can simplify coordinating contributions. Delegating not only lightens your load but creates a collaborative holiday atmosphere. 2. Set Boundaries Ahead of Time If family gatherings stir up tension, setting boundaries can help. For instance, if Aunt Mary often brings up politics, kindly let her know ahead that this year will focus on positive topics. Setting these expectations in advance can help avoid conflicts and make everyone feel more comfortable. 3. Practice Self-Care Being a great host doesn’t mean sacrificing your well-being. Take time before guests arrive to relax, whether through meditation, a quick walk, or simply some deep breaths. Staying centered helps you manage holiday stress and stay present with guests. 4. Encourage Meaningful Conversations Thanksgiving is a chance to bond. Consider starting a gratitude circle, where each person shares something they’re thankful for. This simple activity promotes connection and positive conversations. 5. Embrace Imperfection Remember, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. Embrace the unexpected, whether it’s a kitchen mishap or a last-minute change of plans. By letting go of perfection, you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday more fully. At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center, we understand the unique challenges family gatherings can bring. Need help preparing for the holiday season? Reach out to schedule a session with one of our counselors. Wishing you a warm, joyful Thanksgiving! For more information or to seek help, visit Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center.
If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131. To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page. Halloween can be a fun and festive time, but it’s also important to prioritize both emotional and physical safety. At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center in Pleasant Hill, California, we believe that a balanced approach can help families and couples enjoy a stress-free holiday. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 1. Stay Aware of Emotional Safety For families, Halloween can bring excitement, but also anxiety for children who may be scared by costumes or events. Validate your child’s feelings if they express discomfort and encourage open communication. Creating a safe word that children can use if they’re feeling overwhelmed can help them feel secure. For couples, this is a great opportunity to bond and engage in fun activities together. However, conflicts can arise if one partner’s idea of fun doesn’t align with the other’s. Be mindful of each other’s comfort zones and try to find activities you both enjoy. Setting expectations in advance can help ensure everyone has a good time. 2. Practical Physical Safety Tips If trick-or-treating is part of your family’s plans, make sure children are visible with reflective gear or glow sticks. Stick to well-lit areas and familiar routes, and remind children to check in if they get separated. For adults, avoid overindulging in alcohol, as it can lead to unsafe situations for yourself and others. 3. Promote Self-Care Halloween can sometimes be overwhelming with all the sensory stimuli. Encourage self-care by taking breaks, choosing quieter activities, or planning a cozy night in if that feels more comfortable. It’s okay to skip events that don’t feel right for you. By being mindful of both physical safety and emotional well-being, families and couples can make Halloween a fun, safe, and stress-free holiday. For more tips on creating a safe and supportive environment, contact us at Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center. For more information or to seek help, visit Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131. To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a critical time to raise awareness about the widespread issue of domestic violence and show support for survivors. The theme for this year is #Every1KnowsSome1, underscoring the reality that domestic violence touches every community and social circle. At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center in Pleasant Hill, CA, we join the national conversation to shed light on this pervasive issue. Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse—it can include emotional, verbal, financial, and sexual abuse, all aimed at gaining power and control over another person. It affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced severe physical violence from a partner in their lifetime. Additionally, over half of LGBTQ+ individuals report experiencing intimate partner violence. At Oak Creek, we believe in creating a safe space for survivors to heal and rebuild their lives. It’s essential to remember that support is available. Whether you’re a survivor or know someone who is, resources are available to help navigate the challenges of domestic violence. Everyone deserves healthy relationships and safety in their homes. We not only support survivors of domestic violence but also work with those who have caused harm, helping offenders understand their triggers and delve into the underlying anger and mistrust driving their behaviors. By addressing these issues, we guide them toward creating healthier patterns in relationships, fostering long-term change. Through this dual approach—supporting survivors and working with offenders—we aim to break the cycle of harm and promote healing for all involved. If you or someone you know is in need of support, we’re here to help. Together, we can create healthier futures. You can be part of the solution by staying informed, supporting local programs, and advocating for survivors. Visit our website to learn more about domestic violence and how you can get involved. Let’s come together this DVAM to show that no one has to face domestic violence alone. #Every1KnowsSome1 who needs support. Together, we can make a difference. For more information or to seek help, visit Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center.
If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131. To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page. At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center, we understand the importance of early social and emotional development. That’s why we’re excited to offer a new group designed specifically for children ages 6-9. This 8 week session workshop focuses on building social skills, emotional regulation, and forming meaningful friendships, all within the engaging context of Play Therapy. Play Therapy is an evidence-based approach that uses the natural medium of play to help children express themselves, work through emotions, and develop essential life skills. Through play, children often find it easier to navigate complex feelings, learn how to communicate with others, and practice managing their emotions. Our group sessions are designed to foster these developmental milestones in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Children in this age range are at a critical stage of learning how to relate to their peers, which is why group settings are particularly beneficial. In the workshop, kids will participate in a variety of structured and free-play activities, allowing them to build relationships and gain confidence in social interactions. Group activities focus on teamwork, empathy, and conflict resolution, providing children with the tools to form positive, lasting friendships. Whether your child is shy, struggles with managing big emotions, or simply needs a supportive space to enhance their social abilities, this group can provide valuable growth opportunities. If you’re interested in learning more or enrolling your child, please contact Stacey Watson at 925-289-8434 or via email at [email protected]. Location: Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center 2001 Monument Blvd., Suite 7 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Let’s work together to help your child thrive in a supportive and fun setting! We are thrilled to welcome Molly Neach to the Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center in Pleasant Hill, California, as our newest Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainee. Molly brings a deep passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with empathy and understanding. Her approach is grounded in the belief that every person deserves a supportive, non-judgmental space to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Molly’s therapeutic style is a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and person-centered therapy. She tailors each session to meet the unique needs of her clients, aiming to uncover the strengths that will empower them to overcome obstacles. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship issues, or simply need a space to process your emotions, Molly is dedicated to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. “Life can often feel overwhelming, and finding the right path forward might seem difficult,” Molly shares. “Through therapy, I aim to assist you in identifying the obstacles that stand in your way and developing practical strategies to move past them.” Please join us in welcoming Molly Neach to our community. We look forward to the positive impact she will make in the lives of our clients and the continued growth of Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center. Molly is supervised by Stephen Polin, LMFT #7861 If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131. To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page. We are thrilled to introduce you to the new blog of Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center in Pleasant Hill, CA. Our center is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy to individuals, couples, and families. We believe that healing and growth are possible for everyone, and our goal is to support our community in navigating the complexities of life with resilience and understanding. At Oak Creek, we specialize in trauma-informed care, understanding that past experiences can deeply impact our present lives. Our therapists are trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a highly effective treatment approach for managing intense emotions and building healthier relationships. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, our team is here to provide the tools and support you need to move forward. Our blog will be an extension of our commitment to the well-being of our community. Here, we will share insights and resources on a variety of topics relevant to mental health and relational dynamics. From understanding the benefits of EMDR therapy for trauma recovery to exploring strategies for improving communication in relationships, our posts will offer practical advice and evidence-based information to help you on your journey. We also recognize the importance of staying connected and informed, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Our blog will be a hub for the latest updates on mental health trends, therapeutic approaches, and community events. We aim to create a space where you can find support, learn new coping strategies, and feel empowered to take charge of your mental and emotional well-being. We invite you to join us on this journey of growth and healing. Follow our blog for regular updates, and let’s continue to build a stronger, healthier community together. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131. To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page. |
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Our therapists place a high value on the dignity and worth of all people. We embrace the richness brought by identities and expressions at the intersections of ethnicity, race, nationality, sexual/affectional orientation, gender, size, age, physical and mental abilities, religion/spirituality, socioeconomic status, and immigration status. We also recognize the immense impact that systemic racism and oppression have on mental health and well-being. In this spirit, we strive to foster cultural humility through ongoing training and professional development.
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