Written by Licensed Professional Counselor Qiana Toy-Ellis, this blog offers heartfelt insights on mental health, emotional wellness, and personal growth from her practice in Columbus, GA. Whether you're navigating anxiety, processing trauma, or learning healthier ways to cope with burnout and emotional overwhelm, Qiana shares trauma-informed therapy tips, self-care strategies, and real-life encouragement to support your healing journey - all rooted in grace.
Recent Posts
Why Trust and Cultural Safety Matter in Mental Health Care
Care Cannot Exist Without Trust Mental health care is built on relationship. At its core, therapy asks people to share personal experiences, […]
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Mental Health, Identity, and the Black Experience: Why Being Seen Matters
The Human Need to Be Seen To be seen is more than to be noticed. It is to be recognized,
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When Valentine’s Day Brings Up More Than Love
A Holiday That Can Feel Heavier Than Expected Valentine’s Day is often framed as a celebration of love, romance, and
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Love Without Losing Yourself: Boundaries That Strengthen Relationships
Introduction: When Love Starts to Feel Like Disappearing Many people enter relationships wanting closeness, care, and connection. Over time, however,
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What Makes a Relationship Emotionally Safe?
Safety Before Intimacy Many people enter relationships hoping for closeness, understanding, and connection. Yet closeness does not automatically mean safety.
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Mental Health Is Part of Our History: Honoring Black Wellness, Resilience, and Healing
Expanding the Definition of History When we think about history, we often focus on visible milestones—laws passed, barriers broken, movements
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Reflections of Renewal: Cultivating Hope and Purpose in 2026
The beginning of a new year often brings a mix of anticipation, pressure, and quiet longing. Some step into January
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Resilience in the Winter Season: Building Emotional Strength Through Faith
Winter is a season of paradox. It brings stillness, and yet it magnifies what feels unsettled. It invites reflection, but it can awaken
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Faith, Mental Wellness, and Justice: Integrating Spiritual and Emotional Healing
Justice, healing, and mental wellness are often viewed as separate conversations — one spiritual, one social, and one emotional. But
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Healing Together: The Power of Connection on National Day of Racial Healing
The National Day of Racial Healing, first launched in 2017 by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, was created as a response
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Mind-Body Connection: How Movement Supports Mental Wellness
Movement is one of the most underutilized yet powerful tools for supporting emotional health. While our culture often focuses on
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Post-Holiday Anxiety: Finding Balance After the Rush
The holiday season often feels like a whirlwind—full calendars, disrupted routines, rich foods, increased social demands, and heightened emotions. Even
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Breaking the Cycle: Overcoming Seasonal Depression in the New Year
For many people, the start of a new year is energizing—a symbolic fresh start. But for others, particularly those who
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Building Momentum: How to Stay Consistent with Mental Wellness Goals
A new year brings possibility—a clean slate for routines, healing, growth, and renewed intention. But staying consistent with mental wellness
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Mental Wellness in the New Year: Setting Intentions for a Healthy Mind
Congratulations everyone. We all made it through the New Year celebrations. Everyone practiced their “letting go” rituals before they rang
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Letting Go Gracefully: Emotional Release and Renewal Before the New Year
New Year’s Eve celebrations are full of symbolism. The festivities incorporate promises for new beginnings, hope for the future, and
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Finding Hope When the Holidays Feel Heavy
For some individuals, it is harder to find hope during the holidays. Of course, if you judge the winter holiday
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Finding Peace in the Pause: Reflecting on the Year That’s Passed
Lest you think New Year’s Resolutions as a practice is a 20th-century innovation, the following information may surprise you. Over
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Grief, Guilt, and Grace: Healing After Loss Through Self-Compassion
Healing after facing a personal loss embraces initiative-taking behaviors intended to assuage grief. In some cases, grief healing must also
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The Empty Chair: Navigating Grief During the Winter Months
Many people look forward to the holidays during the winter months as a joyous time. Weeks filled with special foods,
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