Blog
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 to an inviting message from our Executive Director, Jim Hayes. 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
Mind & Spirit Counseling Center Awarded $75,000 Grant to Support Clinical Training Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:Heather StuyvesantDirector of DevelopmentMind & Spirit Counseling Center(515) 564-5122hstuyvesant@mindspiritcenter.org Urbandale, Iowa – December 18, 2024 – Mind & Spirit Counseling Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Maytag Family Foundation to support its Clinical Training Program in 2025. This transformative funding will enhance the…
Read More Mind & Spirit Counseling Center Awarded $75,000 Grant to Support Clinical Training Program
Spiritual Direction and the Dark Night of the Soul
Written by Paul Witmer, Co-Director of PrairieFire “Sometimes the best map will not guide you You can’t see what’s ’round the bend Sometimes the road leads through dark places Sometimes the darkness is your friend” Bruce Cockburn, Pacing the Cage As we make our way through these darkened days of the Winter Solstice, I…
Read More Spiritual Direction and the Dark Night of the Soul
Managing Children’s Stress & Anxiety During the Holidays
Written by Doug Aupperle, Licensed Psychologist & Health Service Provider in Psychology The holidays can be filled with joy, wonder, fun, and excitement, but for some children, it can also bring stress and anxiety with changes in routines, high expectations, decreased sleep and healthy eating, and sensory overload. Some signs that children may be struggling…
Read More Managing Children’s Stress & Anxiety During the Holidays
Executive Director’s Blog: A Season’s Yearning
Jim Hayes, Executive Director I recall a professor from my doctoral alma mater said something along these lines: The ache of the human heart for God is called hope. One of my favorite books that explores this sense of hope is The Holy Longing, by Ron Rolheiser. Yearning plays such a large role in motivating…
Boost Your Impact: How Donating Stock Can Maximize Your Giving and Strengthen Our Mission
If you’re looking for a unique way to make a difference, donating stock could be a great option. With the stock market performing well, many investors are seeing significant gains. Rather than cashing out, you might consider donating some of those appreciated stocks directly to a nonprofit like Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Here’s why…
Read More Boost Your Impact: How Donating Stock Can Maximize Your Giving and Strengthen Our Mission
Together, We Can Make a Difference.
A heartfelt letter written by our 2024 Women Helping Women Honoree and Author, Carol Bodensteiner. We’re grateful Carol chose Mind & Spirit Counseling Center as part of her journey. Dear Friends, If you’re anything like me, you believe that you should be able to handle whatever life throws your way. We all know there will…
When Life Turns You Upside Down in the Best Way Possible
Written by Andrea Severson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Spiritual Director A little more than a decade ago, I was a young pastor with two congregations, a husband and two small children. My churches and my family were all wonderful, but I struggled with finding balance and finding myself in the midst of my roles…
Read More When Life Turns You Upside Down in the Best Way Possible
Nurturing the Next Generation of Mental Health Professionals
Iowa faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals, ranking 45th in the nation for workforce availability, according to Mental Health America’s 2023 report. Nearly half of Iowans with mental health needs report challenges accessing care, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has noted a staggering 40% rise in suicides in Iowa…
Read More Nurturing the Next Generation of Mental Health Professionals
Gift of Grain: A Unique Way to Support Mind & Spirit Counseling Center
At Mind & Spirit Counseling Center, we are constantly exploring creative ways to empower our supporters to make meaningful contributions. One unique method that many may not be aware of is the option to make a gift of grain. Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, or simply have grain to donate, this option offers a distinctive…
Read More Gift of Grain: A Unique Way to Support Mind & Spirit Counseling Center
The Power of Being Seen
Written by Danielle Foreman, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist As the school year continues and kids and teens are busy participating in a variety of life activities and sports, it can be a challenge to find quality time together to stay connected. Luckily parents and caregivers have the ability to reaffirm and strengthen the connection…