Shannon Mick, NCC, LPC Finish Stronger Counseling

09/03/2026

Exercise, Yoga, and Qi Gong for Managing Anxiety and Depression

I'm going to be sharing with everyone some recent research findings on a few exercise-based therapies for depression and anxiety.

Hopefully some of this will be useful.

Mental health, which includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affects the way that a person acts, thinks, and feels.

It is now well-established that mental health issues can increase a person's risk of physical health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke....

I'm going to be sharing with everyone some recent research findings on a few exercise-based therapies for depression and anxiety. Hopefully some of this will...

08/28/2026

I have counseling spots available:

- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Eds
- Runners
- Age 22+
- Must be in Pennsylvania

For all of the details, head to my website 😊

Shannon is providing telemental health services to Pennsylvania residents. She specializes in treating anxiety, trauma and eating disorders.

08/11/2026

Owning Your Story: How Self-Compassion and Self-Love Lead to Healing

It isn’t always easy to own our story and to love ourselves, but the process of acceptance and moving forward with healing is one of the most important things we can do.

It takes courage (real courage) to look honestly at the chapters we’d rather close forever and still choose to write the next ones with intention.

You don’t have to carry the past with you into the future. The past does not get to define you.

We all go through incredibly painful experiences. Trauma, loss, betrayal, disappointment… these things change us.

The change often feels negative at first: We may become more guarded, more anxious, and more self-critical.

But hidden inside that pain is also the potential for growth. We learn, grow, and become more resilient, more empathetic, and sometimes even more purposeful than we ever were before the hurt.

The key is refusing to let the pain be the only voice that gets to speak.

Change is hard. That’s why self-compassion matters so much.

When the road feels steep, the kindest thing you can do is stop beating yourself up for struggling. Self-compassion isn’t about making excuses…

it’s about treating yourself with the same patience and understanding you would offer a dear friend who is hurting. It’s saying, “This is really difficult right now, and it’s okay that I’m not okay, yet.”

Go to the article to read why we self-criticize, why it doesn't work, and how to practice having self-compassion.

It isn’t always easy to own our story and to love ourselves, but the process of acceptance and moving forward with healing is one of the most important...

08/10/2026

Beach Ball Metaphor for Coping with Emotional Dysregulation

I first heard of the beach ball metaphor while watching a video through PESI (one of my continuing education providers). Arielle Schwartz, Ph D uses the beach ball metaphor to explain how we can manage our dysregulated emotions.

Arielle Schwartz, PhD provides a mind-body healing exercise that can help trauma survivors process their negative emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.

I hope that you find this metaphor helpful in understanding how we can better regulate our emotions and nourish our nervous systems.

Go to the article to learn about how you can use the beach ball metaphor (many of my clients have found it helpful) and read related articles on emotion regulation, nervous system regulation and habits.

Imagining something that we don’t want to hold or feel. – This is the beach ball. We’re pushing it down and trying to hold it under water. It wants to come...

08/07/2026

Hyperarousal vs. Hypoarousal: How trauma keeps your nervous system stuck… and what you can do about it.

Trauma isn’t “over” when the event ends. Its effects often live on in the body, narrowing your Window of Tolerance (a concept from Dan Siegel, MD).

Outside that optimal zone you may land in:

Hyperarousal → agitation, anxiety, anger, overwhelm, racing thoughts, hypervigilance

Or

Hypoarousal → numbness, dissociation, exhaustion, shutdown, “no feelings,” low energy

The good news? You can gently expand your window and regulate your nervous system.

For hyperarousal try:

Deep breathing
Progressive muscle relaxation
Mindfulness
Singing/humming
Nature time
Better sleep hygiene

For hypoarousal try:

Grounding exercises
Engaging the five senses
Gentle movement/yoga
Listening to music
Creative activities
Building support

Learn the full breakdown, more strategies, and resources in the complete article on my website:
https://finishstrongercounseling.com/2024/10/30/hyperarousal-vs-hypoarousal-regulate-your-nervous-system-after-trauma/

You’re not broken, your nervous system is doing its best to protect you. Regulation is a skill you can practice.

08/04/2026

Mindset matters.

What you think about yourself shapes how creative, successful, and capable you feel.

In my latest article, I share simple ways to challenge negative self-talk, practice self-compassion, and treat yourself with the kindness you deserve.

You are worth the effort.

Read it here:

How you think about yourself shapes your life. Learn simple ways to challenge negative self-talk, practice self-compassion, and treat yourself with kindness.

07/21/2026

Good morning, runners.

If you’ve ever felt like your body is “not enough” no matter how strong or fast you are, this one’s for you.

One client recently shared how these journal prompts helped them move from constant self-criticism to real self-acceptance, and finally start fueling consistently without shame.

The difference in their training and recovery has been huge.

The body image journal prompts:

- Unpack performance pressure.
- Help build self-acceptance.
- Tools to fuel consistently without guilt.

Want the resource? It’s waiting for you in the subscriber library.

https://finishstrongercounseling.com/2022/07/13/body-image-journal-prompt-for-athletes/

Which slide resonates most? Drop a number below.

07/14/2026

It's Tiger Lilly season! I love when I see them on my runs, what a cool looking flower. And the tiny mushrooms growing up around the root tickled me.

I was having a "bad" day; sometimes it's the smallest things that can make you feel a little happier or a little more peaceful.

Ask yourself, the last time that you were feeling down or having a bad day, what was that one thing that boosted your mood a little?

07/09/2026

Looking for affordable counseling but keep hitting roadblocks?

You’re not alone. So many people hang up or stop replying the moment they hear “We don’t take your insurance” or “My full fee is $150+.”

But that’s exactly when the conversation should continue, not end.

- Ask about sliding-scale fees
- Ask about reduced or pro-bono spots
- Request a Superbill for out-of-network reimbursement (some get 50-80% back!)
- Get therapist recommendations
- Explore free resources they offer

Pro tip: Steer clear of big mental health tech apps and platforms.

For real depth and continuity, independent private practice counselors are usually your best bet.

I just updated my guide with practical, hopeful steps (including the excellent, low-cost network Open Path Psychotherapy Collective), so you can find a counselor who actually fits your needs and your budget.

Therapy with the right person is worth it. Laughter is even allowed.

Read the full updated article here:

https://finishstrongercounseling.com/2021/07/30/finding-affordable-mental-health-counseling/

Share this with anyone who’s been struggling to find affordable care. You (or they) might be one brave conversation away from the right support.

Finding quality, affordable mental health care is possible, especially through independent outpatient private practice counselors. Many people successfully...