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Mind & Spirit Counseling Center Blog
Welcome to the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center blog, your go-to destination for insightful and supportive content on mental health and well-being. Our posts are dedicated to exploring a wide range of topics, from practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety to the latest research on emotional wellness, or updates about what is going on at the Center. Whether you’re seeking guidance on personal growth, tips for maintaining a balanced lifestyle, or information on the benefits of therapy, the Center aims to provide valuable resources and thought-provoking articles to support your journey towards a healthier, more fulfilled life.
The Center Blog
Pursuit of Perfect Pictures Prohibits Productivity
In his book, Atomic Habits, James Clear shares the story of Jerry Uelsmann, a professor at the University of Florida. Dr. Uelsmann divided his film photography students into two groups. He told one half of his class that they had to produce only one photo but to get an “A” it had to be of…
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With Gratitude and Confidence in the Future
Written by Reo Menning, Outgoing Board President As my two-year term as President of the Board of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center comes to a close, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude—gratitude for the people, the purpose, and the shared commitment that make this Center such a vital part of our community. Serving in this…
Understanding Psychological Testing: What to Expect
Written by Haley Williamson, MD, Predoctoral Psychology Intern & Provisionally-Licensed Psychologist One of the biggest sources of anxiety I hear from clients isn’t the testing itself; it’s not knowing what to expect. Psychological testing can feel mysterious if you’ve never experienced it before. In hopes of easing this anxiety, let’s explore what psychological testing is,…
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Billie’s Blog: The Honor of Your Presence
“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our Presence.” Thich Nhat Hanh Have you ever agonized over what to give someone as a gift? Are you puzzled when someone asks what you want for a gift? How about giving them a hand-written “gift card” for your Presence to be “cashed” whenever the recipient…
Paris Trip
Late October is a good time to visit Paris. It is less expensive, less hot, and there are fewer tourists, like me. I began planning this trip six years earlier after an impromptu day trip from London with my son, who wanted to see the Eiffel Tower. Until then, I had no desire to go…
When Coverage Becomes Complicated, We Are Standing with Families Through the Change
In recent months, more families have come to us with a quiet, growing worry:“I’m anxious about upcoming changes and whether my coverage will continue to support the care I depend on.” At Mind & Spirit Counseling Center, we want our clients to know this clearly: we continue to accept Medicaid and Medicare, and we will…
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Billie’s Blog: 20 Ways to Ease Loneliness
Living alone can lead to feelings of freedom and independence or trigger feelings of loneliness and isolation. While aloneness and loneliness are often used interchangeably, and often travel together, they are different.
Picture Perfect Is Only Pretend
I know someone who has a very interesting set of pictures hanging in her living room. The couplet is framed side by side and at first glance they look like identical pictures of a familiar Norman Rockwell family Thanksgiving scene. Both family portraits sport large roasted turkeys with all of the trimmings, and in both…
Mind & Spirit Counseling Center Announces Amy Doyle as New Executive Director
Urbandale, IA – October 15, 2025 The Board of Directors of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Doyle as Executive Director, effective November 1, 2025. Doyle brings over 20 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, corporate, and start-up sectors. She most recently served as Chief Development Officer…
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Make Your Gift Go Further in 2025
The countdown is on! As 2025 winds down, we have some good news (and some “better-give-now” news) about charitable giving. Thanks to recent changes in federal tax law, the rules are shifting in 2026, which means your generosity this year could pack an even bigger punch. Here’s the scoop on why 2025 is the year…
