In the News
Montel Williams
After a pandemic of a year, we are starting the see the impact on mental health. In this interview, Christy Pennison sits down with Montel Williams to dicuss how to take care of your mental health and create community while living through COVID-19.
Stephanie Konter-O’Hara
In this podcast interview, Christy Pennison talks about ways to recover from perfectionism and how to live a life that is full, messy and imperfect.
Dana McMahan
“We’ve kind of been like Tom Hanks in Castaway … We’ve just got to find our way off the island to reconnect with community.”
Michelle Croyle
Do you fall apart when things don’t go as planned? What do you do next? How can you move forward when it seems things are falling apart?
Christy Pennison shares with us her recent bout with the unexpected and how she turned it around for the positive in her life in today’s episode.
NBC
Jen Glantz
“With many people’s lives running at full speed and in different directions, it’s hard to slow down long enough to find and develop new friendships,” says Pennison. “We are more connected than ever on our devices or social media, but finding someone in real life to connect with can be a challenge.”
So how do we make new friends in 2020? Pennison says it starts with the word intention because friendships don’t just appear. We have to be intentional about making them happen.”
Hello Giggles
Brianne Hogan
“Pennison also recommends taking ownership of what you did in the friendship that made it go sideways. “Friendships are always two-sided, so it’s important to acknowledge what you did,” she says. “Start off the conversation acknowledging what you did and what new outcome you would like for your friendship. Acknowledge any hurtful feelings you may have caused and listen to what your friend has to say. Listen and don’t react. Validate how they feel, and, whatever you do, don’t become defensive. Reflect back to them what you hear them saying, even if it’s something you don’t like hearing.””
Exploring the Seaons of Life
Cynthia Macmillan
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” ~ C.S. Lewis
“I have really realized that… we really do go through seasons. And some seasons are times where when we’re growing. Sometimes we’re being still, sometimes we have just different things that we go through or challenges that we’re facing.”
The Washington Post
Kelly Glass
“Dogs can provide a safe haven and emotional support for children who may not always know how they feel or where they fit into the world around them,” said Christy Pennison, board-certified licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with children and families. “There is something special to be found between the connection a child can develop with a dog.”
Thrive Global
With Beau Henderson & Christy Pennison
“During this time, we are all experiencing the same reality, but in different ways. To offer support to others, we must lead with kindness. Before you talk to those who are feeling anxious or worried, ask yourself, “Is what I’m about to say kind?””
Bridal Guide
Kristen Klein
“Stay in the moment. “If you find yourself getting caught up in worrying thoughts, try to write them down. Ask yourself out of the things you are worried about, what can you control? Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, focus on what you can do,” says Christy Pennison.”
The Week
Claire Gillespie
“Pennison suggests directing praise towards the effort, not the result. “This allows children to build confidence in themselves despite the outcome,” she explains. “Sometimes when we put so much pressure on the outcome, we don’t allow children to have the space to fail forward, which can adversely affect their perceived self-worth or self-confidence. Acknowledging the effort it took to at least try gives children permission to try new things without fear of failure.” And the bigger picture is that the development of the mindset, “I’d rather try and fail than not try at all,” helps them foster a belief in themselves past the outcome, which expands their world of possibilities.”
Byrdie
Marris Adikwu
“Christy Pennison “suggests in times like these where young people, especially millennials, struggle with anxiety and doubt, it is important to pause and take an inventory of your life.
“Identify whether or not you are taking time to do the things that can help relax your body or calm your mind,” she says. “Find time to engage in things that support your mental health, and avoid the things that trigger anxiety in your life. A great way to do this is by minimizing social media use, and finding other healthy ways to deal with stress.””
Shape
AnnaMarie Houlis
“It’s okay to feel a little disappointed that your dating life—or lack thereof—may have been put to a grinding halt, and it’s okay to feel like that sucks because, let’s be honest, it does,” adds Christy Pennison… “Let go of some of the expectations you have for yourself.”
Acknowledging your feelings, accepting them as valid, and letting go can provide some serious relief during this overwhelming time, she says.”
Theravive
Tina Arnoldi
“The more efficient the systems, the more effective the workplace,” says Christy Pennison, LPC-S, owner of Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting. “A workplace is built up of people, and with each person, different habits. Helping individuals learn ways to build healthy habits around organization and decluttering creates a more aligned workplace, decreasing the stress disorganization breeds.”
Redfin
Mekaila Oaks
“Create a place where things go. Purchase organizational tools for papers, pens, and all the other items that live on your desk or in your home office setup. Then, at the beginning or end of each work session, make sure your items go back to their “home”. This daily habit of decluttering will help you feel mentally ready to tackle the tough tasks that may come your way.”