The Colorado Counseling Podcast

Meditation for Mothers

Motherhood is a remarkable, yet demanding, journey. Balancing endless responsibilities often leaves little room for self-care. Our latest podcast explores how mindfulness can transform moments of overwhelm into opportunities for renewal. Experience the soothing power of our guided meditation, crafted to help mothers release stress, cultivate self-compassion, and reconnect with their inner strength. This episode is an invitation to pause, breathe, and remind yourself that you, too, deserve care. Tune in to uncover a nurturing space for emotional renewal and balance. Give yourself this gift of peace today, you deserve it.
Website - Overcomers Counseling

Couples in Conflict Affirmations

Tune in to The Colorado Counseling Podcast for an insightful episode focused on Couples in Conflict Affirmations. Find examples and learn about how affirmations can serve as powerful tools in navigating relationship challenges. This episode explores practical techniques couples can implement to foster positive communication, build stronger connections, and de-escalate conflicts. Learn how shifting perspectives and cultivating supportive mindsets contribute to healthier, more fulfilling partnerships. View all of our relationship services our Colorado counselors offer. 

Classroom Meditation

Classrooms can be filled with energy, curiosity, and connection, but they also come with their share of stress for students and educators alike.
On this episode of the Colorado Counseling Podcast, we explore how mindfulness can transform the classroom into a serene and focused space. Take advantage of the benefits of our free guided meditation, designed to reduce stress, boost focus, and foster emotional well-being for students and teachers.
Easy to use and adaptable for all grade levels, this resource is your tool for creating a positive learning environment. Tune in now and grab your meditation to bring calm and clarity to your classroom.

Overcoming a Self-Righteous Person

Join us as we think through the complexities of self-righteous behavior and discover ways to foster healthier, more understanding relationships.
We'll talk about the characteristics of a self-righteous person.  You will hear a discussion on the traits, and also how to deal with someone who has this kind of mindset. 
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Interacting with Self righteousness
Interacting with self-righteous people can feel overwhelming, as their behavior often projects an inflated sense of moral superiority. A self-righteous attitude stems from the belief in one's own righteousness, where their way seems like the only "correct" path. While their words and actions might appear off-putting, understanding these individuals can pave the way for navigating such interactions more effectively.
Recognizing Self-Righteous Behavior
Self-righteous individuals often exude an air of moral superiority, convinced that their beliefs, actions, or thinking are inherently "right." They may judge others harshly while excusing their own mistakes, leading to dynamics that feel one-sided. This behavior stems from a strong desire to protect a fragile sense of inner character, often paired with a mindset that ignores others' perspectives.
You may notice self-righteous people overlooking their shortcomings while hyper-focusing on others' flaws. This mindset can affect relationships at work, home, or within social circles, making interactions feel judgmental or dismissive. These individuals may appear inflexible, clinging to a fixed perspective of the world and resisting criticism or suggestions that challenge their beliefs.
The Impact on Relationships
A self-righteous attitude disrupts healthy connections, introducing themes of defensiveness and judgment. These tendencies can create barriers in relationships, hindering open dialogue and mutual understanding. Self-righteous behavior, left unchecked, may lead to criticism becoming a default response, overshadowing good points in someone else's efforts.
Family dynamics, in particular, can suffer due to a self-righteous person's need to assert their morality over others. For example, disagreements on parenting, values, or daily life choices may escalate into arguments. Rather than fostering shared growth, the focus shifts to defending one's opinions at the expense of fairness and understanding.
Practical Strategies to Navigate Interactions
1. Adopt an Open-Minded Approach
Though it can feel challenging, strive for open-mindedness when engaging with a self-righteous person. By intentionally focusing on their words without immediate judgment, you'll enable calmer, more meaningful conversations. Listening actively helps them feel heard, while offering you a chance to introduce your perspective thoughtfully.
For instance, use "I" statements like, "I feel unheard when my opinions are dismissed." Such phrasing avoids accusations and promotes dialogue. Practicing patience during these exchanges can help achieve productive outcomes without unnecessary defensiveness.
2. Establish and Maintain Boundaries
Setting boundaries serves as an essential tool when dealing with self-righteous behavior. It's crucial to communicate your limits assertively yet respectfully. Express what topics or behaviors are unacceptable, ensuring you stand firm without inviting unnecessary conflict.
If, for example, a discussion becomes judgmental, you might say, "I'm happy to continue this conversation respectfully, but I won't engage in personal criticism." Staying consistent in enforcing these boundaries helps limit harmful patterns of interaction over time.
3. Focus on Self-Care
Dealing with self-righteous individuals can undoubtedly feel exhausting. Prioritizing your emotional well-being allows you to maintain balance and avoid burnout. Engage in activities that recharge your energy, such as spending time outdoors, practicing mindfulness, or connecting with supportive friends.
Taking care of yourself, you'll strengthen your capacity to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively when their behavior becomes overwhelming. Remember, it's okay to step back if needed for your peace of mind.
4. Shift the Focus to Shared Goals
Aiming conversations toward shared goals or points of agreement can reduce tension. Highlighting common ground averts unnecessary power struggles, offering a path forward where mutual solutions matter more than personal dominance.
For example, if a disagreement arises over family values, redirect the discussion to priorities like creating a loving atmosphere for children. Finding these focal points reinforces collaboration instead of division.
5. Avoid Escalation
Self-righteous people often thrive in environments stirred by debate, so it’s essential to remain calm and composed. Refuse to engage in heated conflict or their need for external validation. Remaining level-headed interrupts the cycle of reactive discussions, leading to moments of constructive exploration instead.
6. Seek Professional Support if Necessary
Chronic exposure to self-righteous behavior within close relationships may feel unmanageable without additional help. Therapists or counselors offer guidance for navigating challenging dynamics, equipping you with strategies specific to your situation. They also provide a neutral space to explore unresolved feelings and build resilience.
Encouraging the self-righteous individual to attend therapy may help them confront the insecurities fueling their behavior. Professional assistance often helps uncover deeper truths that they may otherwise resist acknowledging independently.
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Self righteousness is a tough thing to deal with.
Learn how to deal with self-righteous individuals requires patience, empathy, and clear boundaries. Their actions often stem from personal fears or insecurities rather than malice. By practicing emotional awareness, maintaining fairness, and focusing on mutual respect, it’s possible to transform difficult interactions into opportunities for improved understanding.
The power lies in how you choose to respond. Navigating these relationships with kindness and strength can lead to lessons that enhance your perspective of human behavior and deepen your interpersonal skills. Above all, prioritize your well-being, and seek support when needed for a balanced and fulfilling connection with the world and those around you.
 

Clearing Negative Energy Meditation

Welcome to the Colorado Counseling Podcast with your host, Jenny. This episode invites you to release negativity and create space for peace through a guided meditation for clearing negative energy. Life's stresses and challenges can build up, leaving us feeling heavy and unsettled. Join Jenny as she leads you through a calming meditation designed to help you let go of tension, ease your mind, and welcome positivity into your life. If you’re seeking a fresh start or a moment of calm, then this practice is here to guide you toward inner peace and renewal. Take a deep breath, and let's begin.

What is Manipulation Exactly?

 
Let's chat about a topic that affects many, yet is often misunderstood: Manipulation.
We'll unpack what manipulation really is, how it operates in relationships, and its psychological aspects.
Manipulation is more than just exerting influence over others. It involves harmful tactics aimed at controlling another person's behavior, thoughts, or emotions, often to serve one's personal aims.
From subtle emotional exploitation to outright mental distortion, manipulation can take many forms and can significantly impact a person's well-being.
A particular focus of our discussion will be on narcissistic manipulation. Narcissists are often skilled manipulators, using various strategies to assert power and control.
We'll explore how narcissists manipulate their victims, providing insights to help you identify and navigate such situations.
We'll also discuss a common tool in the manipulator's arsenal - the emotionally manipulative apology.
Such apologies may seem sincere on the surface but are often designed to evade responsibility and maintain control.
Recognizing these apologies is key to protecting oneself from further manipulation.
So stay tuned as we talk about the world of manipulation, aiming to arm you with knowledge and tools to safeguard your emotional health and relationships.
Example
Manipulation is a powerful and often harmful tool used to control or influence others for personal gain. It involves tactics that exploit vulnerabilities, emotions, or trust, making it a deceptive and unethical behavior.
Manipulation can take many forms, ranging from emotional abuse in close relationships to social influence tactics in professional or public settings. Understanding manipulation and learning how to respond to it can help protect your mental well-being and foster healthier interactions.
Defining Manipulation and Its Impact
At its core, manipulation is a strategy for exerting control over someone by influencing their thoughts, feelings, or actions. Often subtle, these tactics distort the other person's reality to serve the manipulator's own needs. Manipulation can leave the victim feeling guilty, confused, or drained, as it undermines their self-confidence and challenges their ability to trust their own perceptions.
Manipulative behavior is prevalent in many aspects of life, from intimate relationships to workplace dynamics. Manipulative people often use guilt trips, passive-aggressive behavior, or silent treatment as tools to coerce others into compliance.
This not only creates emotional distress but can also lead to strained relationships and long-term mental health issues, such as anxiety or low self-esteem.
Common Types of Manipulation
1. Emotional Manipulation
This form targets emotions to achieve control. Emotional manipulators often induce feelings like guilt or fear to sway others. For example, someone might say, "If you really cared about me, you’d do what I ask." These guilt-inducing statements are a hallmark of emotional abuse and can chip away at self-confidence.
2. Love Bombing
A common manipulation tactic in the early stages of relationships, love bombing involves excessive attention, flattery, and affection to create a sense of dependency. Though this behavior might seem positive initially, it often serves the manipulator's goal of exerting control over their partner.
3. Passive-Aggressive Behavior
Passive aggression includes indirect expressions of hostility, such as sarcastic remarks, subtle insults, or cruel humor. This approach allows the manipulator to avoid direct confrontation while still exerting influence.
4. Gaslighting
A psychological tool, gaslighting creates confusion by causing the victim to doubt their own memory or perception of reality. For instance, a manipulative partner may deny past statements or actions, leaving the other person questioning their own recollection.
5. Guilt Trips and Silent Treatment
Both guilt trips and silent treatment are common manipulation tactics used to make someone feel responsible for the manipulator's feelings or actions. These methods can leave the victim emotionally paralyzed, unsure of how to proceed.
Recognizing Manipulative Behavior
Identifying manipulation in relationships often requires careful observation. Signs of emotional manipulation may include feeling guilty or second-guessing your decisions after interactions with a certain person. Manipulative individuals may use exaggerated praise, twist facts to suit themselves, or exploit trust to achieve their own benefit.
If you find yourself frequently doubting your own feelings, feeling blamed for things outside your control, or tolerating unfair treatment, you may be dealing with a manipulative relationship. It's important to recognize red flags and take the necessary steps to protect your mental well-being.
Strategies for Dealing with Manipulation
1. Set Healthy Boundaries
Clearly communicate your limits to manipulative people and stand firm in upholding them. For instance, if a manipulative partner attempts to exert control through guilt trips, calmly state that you won’t tolerate such behavior moving forward.
2. Maintain Self-Confidence
Manipulators often target those with low self-esteem, using their insecurities to exert control. Building self-confidence and trusting your instincts can help you counter these tactics. This might include developing self-compassion and practicing positive self-talk.
3. Respond with Honest and Direct Conversation
Manipulation thrives in ambiguity. Having honest and direct conversations can disrupt a manipulative person’s control. Use "I" statements to express how their behavior affects you without blaming. For example, say, "I feel disrespected when my opinions are dismissed."
4. Delay Your Responses
Manipulative individuals often pressure others into quick decisions for their own advantage. Delaying your response gives you time to assess the situation and ensure your choices align with your own needs and values, rather than theirs.
5. Seek Professional Support
If you're dealing with a chronically manipulative person or feel overwhelmed by the challenges of handling manipulation, seeking professional support is key. A mental health professional or trained advocate can help you establish firm boundaries, regain emotional strength, and develop strategies to manage manipulation effectively.
6. Know When to Walk Away
Some situations, especially those involving emotional abuse or narcissistic personality disorder, require creating physical or emotional distance. If manipulation in relationships—be it with a family member or a manipulative partner—continues to harm your mental health, it’s okay to step away for your own well-being.
7. Tap into Your Support System
Rely on trusted friends, family members, or professional resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline. These connections can provide the validation, assistance, and strength you need when dealing with manipulation in relationships.
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
Trait emotional intelligence is essential for recognizing manipulation and responding assertively. Emotional intelligence allows you to understand your emotions and those of others while maintaining control over your responses. Developing this skill can help you identify emotional manipulators more easily and protect yourself from their tactics.
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Manipulation may appear in various forms, but the impact it leaves is universally damaging. By learning to recognize signs of emotional manipulation and setting firm boundaries, you can take the first steps toward regaining control. Remember, tolerating manipulation is not your responsibility, and your mental well-being should always take precedence.
Equipped with self-awareness and the right strategies, you can foster healthier relationships and build a life where your needs and boundaries are respected. If you need extra support, reach out to a mental health professional who can guide you on the path to self-respect and resilience.
The power to overcome manipulation lies within you. Trust yourself, set limits, and take action to create a life grounded in honesty, respect, and emotional well-being.
 

Understanding Tokophobia: The Fear of Pregnancy

In the latest episode of the Colorado Counseling Podcast, brought to you by Overcomers Counseling, we get into a topic that's not often discussed but affects many women around the world - Tokophobia: The Severe Fear of Pregnancy.
Tokophobia is more than just a fear; it's a pathological dread of pregnancy that can lead to avoidance of childbirth. This condition can be classified as primary or secondary, and it's estimated to affect around 10% of women worldwide.
Throughout our discussion, we aim to shed light on this debilitating fear, exploring its symptoms, causes, and potential treatments. We discuss why tokophobia isn't talked about as much as it should be, despite causing severe psychological distress and having far-reaching consequences.
https://overcomewithus.com/relationships/parenting-counseling
 
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Overcoming Tokophobia
If you or someone you know is struggling with this intense fear, you’re not alone. We’re here to break down what Tokophobia is, its symptoms, causes, and how you can overcome it for a healthier, more positive experience.
 
What is Tokophobia?
Tokophobia is a pathological fear of pregnancy and childbirth. Unlike general anxiety that many women feel as they approach labor, Tokophobia involves extreme fear or dread that can interfere with everyday life. It goes beyond nervousness—it’s an overwhelming and paralyzing fear of giving birth that can lead to women avoiding pregnancy entirely or requesting elective cesarean sections to sidestep vaginal birth.
This fear has a worldwide prevalence and can negatively affect pregnant women’s lives, relationships, and mental health. Whether the anxiety stems from a past history of trauma, the anticipation of labor pain, or imagined childbirth risks, dealing with Tokophobia requires compassion, understanding, and often professional intervention.
 
Causes of Tokophobia
Tokophobia can result from a wide variety of factors, many of which are deeply personal. Some of the most common causes include:
Previous Traumatic Events - For women who have experienced sexual abuse, traumatic childbirth, or distressing medical interactions, the prospect of giving birth can reignite buried fears.
Hearing Stories - Many women develop Tokophobia just by hearing frightening or exaggerated stories about labor and delivery.
General Anxiety or Psychiatric Disorders - Underlying anxiety disorders, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can increase a woman’s vulnerability to Tokophobia.
Young Age and Lack of Support - Younger women and those with little or no social support—such as a partner, family member, or trusted friend—may feel overwhelm and fear when faced with the realities of pregnancy and childbirth.
For some, the fear is heightened by medical or family factors, such as a family history of mental health conditions or prior complications during pregnancy.
 
Types and Symptoms of Tokophobia
Tokophobia manifests in two forms.
Primary Tokophobia occurs in women who have never given birth. Pregnant women identified with this fear may have heard distressing stories about labor or developed a strong fear of childbirth at a young age. They may even avoid pregnancy entirely despite wanting children.
Secondary Tokophobia occurs in parous women—those who have already given birth. Often tied to traumatic childbirth experiences, it can develop after severe complications, pain, or emotional distress during labor.
 
Tokophobia symptoms can include.
Severe anxiety and panic attacks when thinking about childbirth.
An avoidance of pregnancy or sexual activity due to the fear of conception.
Persistent intense fear of labor or a refusal to plan for vaginal delivery.
Other symptoms of mental health conditions, such as insomnia, fatigue, or the need to control every aspect of the pregnancy.
Requests for medical interventions, such as elective cesareans, even when medically unnecessary.
It’s essential to differentiate normal childbirth apprehension from Tokophobia. While it’s natural to feel some concern about pregnancy and childbirth, women battling Tokophobia experience an overwhelming fear that negatively affects their emotional and physical well-being.
 
The Impacts of Tokophobia
Tokophobia can ripple through every aspect of a woman’s life.
Mental Health - Women may develop postpartum depression, severe anxiety, or other mental health conditions as a result of their significant fear.
Relationships - Couples may experience strain due to a woman’s avoidance of sexual intercourse or disagreements over family planning.
Physical Health - Prolonged anxiety can lead to stress-induced health issues, such as chronic fatigue or difficulty maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Family Dynamics - Fear of childbirth often leads to distressing internal conflicts for women and their loved ones. A lack of understanding from family and friends can exacerbate feelings of isolation and make it harder to seek support.
Tokophobia is not something women can “just get over.” It’s a deeply rooted fear that requires compassion, validation, and a committed effort to address its causes and effects.
 
How to Overcome Tokophobia
Overcoming Tokophobia fear of childbirth is a personal yet achievable goal, especially with the right support. Here are some tokophobia treatment strategies to help you move forward:
1. Seek Professional Help
The guidance of a mental health professional or mental health provider is pivotal in managing this fear. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are highly effective. CBT helps women examine and reframe their anxiety symptoms, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and reduce their overwhelming fear about childbirth. Working with a mental health specialist ensures an individualized approach to healing.
2. Educate Yourself
Knowledge can greatly reduce childbirth fear. Attend prenatal classes to learn about labor, delivery options, and newborn care. These sessions address common areas of fear, such as labor pain or unexpected complications. Books and educational videos are also effective tools to demystify the birthing process.
3. Establish a Support System
A robust support group can make all the difference. Whether it’s a partner, family member, or fellow pregnant women, having people who listen to you without judgment eases your burden.
4. Create a Birth Plan
Work with healthcare professionals to develop a detailed birth plan that aligns with your comfort level. This can include personalized preferences for pain relief, delivery method, and the presence of supportive individuals during labor.
5. Explore Mind-Body Techniques
Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are excellent ways to reduce tension and promote relaxation before childbirth. Techniques like hypnobirthing, which combines breathing exercises with guided imagery, can shift perceptions of birth, making it feel more manageable and even empowering.
6. Engage in Therapy After Traumatic Events
Women who have experienced secondary Tokophobia after a traumatic care event or birth may want to consider seeking help. Working through the trauma with a mental health provider specializing in diagnostic and statistical manual mental disorders, such as PTSD, will provide healing and closure, reducing the cycle of fear.
7. Lean on Medical Professionals
Your healthcare team, including doctors, midwives, or doulas, are crucial in helping manage Tokophobia. They understand the unique challenges women face and can offer personalized care options. Doulas, in particular, are excellent sources of physical and emotional support during labor.
8. Exercise Regularly
Gentle physical activity, like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, not only boosts mood through endorphins but also prepares your body for childbirth in a healthy and stress-free way.
9. Use Positive Affirmations
Replace fears with empowering thoughts like, “I trust my body,” or “I am capable.” These affirmations build confidence and reduce general anxiety over time.
10. Join Support Groups
Sharing experiences with other women who truly understand your fears can be comforting. Support groups remind you that you're not alone, offering a safe space to exchange stories and coping strategies.
 
Final Reflections
Tokophobia is a complex, deeply personal challenge, but it is not insurmountable. Understanding the causes of primary Tokophobia or why secondary Tokophobia occurs allows women to take intentional steps toward healing. With a mental health specialist's help, a solid support system, and actionable strategies, this intense fear can be overcome. No woman should suffer in silence—compassion and help are always available for those who reach out.
At Overcomers Counseling, we’re dedicated to empowering women to face their fears and live full, happy lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with the fear of childbirth, call us today at 719-345-2424 or visit us at OvercomeWithUs.com. Together, we can pave the way for a more confident and supported birthing experience.
You're not alone on this path—and with the right support, you can overcome it.

Boost Your Game: Mental Training Exercises for Athletes

Welcome to another episode of the Colorado Counseling podcast, brought to you by Overcomers Counseling. Today's episode is all about "Developing Mental Training Exercises for Athletes".
Are you curious about how to develop mental toughness in sports for kids? Or perhaps you're wondering how you can support your child with sports anxiety? Well, you're in the right place! Our experts will delve into these topics and provide valuable insights to help you navigate these challenges.
In this episode, we'll be focusing on exercises for mental toughness for sports. We understand that physical strength alone isn't enough to excel in sports - mental resilience plays an equally important role. We've got a goldmine of information for you, as we explore practical ways to cultivate mental toughness in athletes.
We'll also touch on sports counseling in Colorado, and how it's helping athletes manage anxiety, perform better, and overall improve their mental game.
And for the parents listening in, we haven't forgotten about you! We'll share strategies on how to develop mental toughness in sports for kids and discuss ways you can help your child deal with sports anxiety.