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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 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
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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
Thank God for Disillusionment
Parker Palmer suggests that it is actually a good thing to be “disillusioned.” So, whenever I find myself saying “I feel disillusioned,” I am learning to say, “Thank you,” because I do not believe my life is better in any way by living in an illusion. One of the gifts of meeting with a Spiritual…
Together for Mental Health: How the 2024 Women Helping Women Luncheon Raised Nearly $290,000 to Support Families in Need
Over 500 attendees joined the Center’s 26th annual Women Helping Women event on May 17, 2024, raising nearly $290,000 to support vital mental health counseling, education, training, and services for underinsured women, children, and families in need. Carol Bodensteiner, the 2024 Women Helping Women Honoree, delivers an inspiring speech to a supportive crowd at Mind…
2024 Women Helping Women Donors and Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors and donors who helped the 26th Annual Women Helping Women event raise nearly $290,000. Your contribution ensures mental health services for women, children and families who are uninsured or underinsured.
Honoring the Spark of Creativity
As we said goodbye to our dear colleague, friend, and talented artist, Emily Lovell, we reflect on the remarkable impact she’s had at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Emily’s journey with us began in a role far removed from the artistic realm—she started as our Administrative Assistant. Little did we know then that she would…