Sequoia Counseling Center
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The human brain is inundated with vast amounts of data every second. To manage this overwhelming influx, the brain employs various shortcuts such as chunking (grouping information) and unconscious bias—tools that help us quickly determine what is relevant for our survival and what can be disregarded. As a result of these mental shortcuts, what we consciously perceive is only a small, filtered portion of the reality that originally enters our minds. This selective awareness me

It seems like the holidays have a way of always sneaking up on us. One minute it’s pumpkin-spice season and the next thing we know, there are twinkling lights everywhere, Christmas playlists in every store, kids running on sugar highs while parents are running on fumes, and everyone asking, “So… any exciting plans for the holidays?” For many people, this time of year feels warm and magical. For others, especially those who are grieving, it feels like walking through a place

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but in reality, it can also bring pressure, overload, and emotional strain. Between family expectations, social gatherings, travel, and end-of-year responsibilities, it’s easy to lose sight of your own needs. Practicing healthy boundaries and intentional self-care is essential for navigating this busy season with more peace and authenticity. Start by identifying what truly matters to you duri

As humans, we are all connected by what are called universal longings or universal needs. Examples of these needs might be safety, stability, connection, love and belonging, and purpose. When these needs struggle to be met whether due to societal culture, isolating events, or relationship issues, technology presents as a seemingly harmless solution. We might turn to social media apps, designed to interact with the reward centers in our brains, stream a movie or TV series for

The holiday season can be a wonderful time filled with celebration, family, and tradition. However, it's also notorious for bringing stress, anxiety, and overwhelming expectations. Whether you’re hosting gatherings, shopping for gifts, or balancing work and family, holiday stress can creep in and dampen your enjoyment. Data from the American Psychological Association indicates that 89% of individuals report heightened stress levels during this period, and approximately 64% of

We turn away from death.  Someone else  handles the dead.  Someone else  makes the arrangements.  Someone else  takes care of it.  We don’t deal with it.  This makes me wonder: Does turning away from the process of death hinder our grief?  She’s got a smile that it seems to me Reminds me of childhood memories  Where everything was as fresh as the bright blue sky  Looking death in the eyes was the most selfless thing I could have done. Instead of having the veterinarian deal w

We all carry pieces of our past with us. For some people, those pieces are light and warm, shaping happy memories and a sense of “I’m...

When we begin therapy, we often want to focus on what's happening right now — the anxiety, the relationship struggles, the patterns...

A Calling I Never Expected When I lost my job in June of 2017, I was feeling discouraged and disoriented. My career up until that point...