SOON

8/7/23- 

"Empowering Together: Lion's Den, Life Align Coaching, and Mind Align Counseling Join Forces to Normalize Sex-Positive Conversations and Sexual Wellness Education!"

We are delighted to announce the powerful collaboration between Lion's Den, Life Align Coaching, and Mind Align Counseling as we unite in our shared mission to promote open and informed discussions surrounding sex, sexuality, sexual expression, gender, gender identity, and gender expression.

As leading advocates in the realm of sexual health and wellness education, our collective efforts aim to create even safer and more inclusive spaces for individuals to explore their identities and express themselves authentically. Through collaborative events, programs, and resources, we strive to remove the shame and taboo often associated with conversations about sex.

Together, we are committed to offering a diverse range of engaging events and workshops, led by expert educators, therapists, and advocates. From interactive sessions on consent and communication to inclusive discussions on sexual orientation and gender diversity, we seek to foster a community that celebrates diversity and embraces the rich tapestry of human experiences.

Our working partnership envisions a future where sexual health and wellness are embraced with understanding, compassion, and positivity. By combining our resources, expertise, and passion, we are dedicated to making a lasting impact on society, empowering individuals of all backgrounds to explore their sexuality and find their path to sexual well-being.

Join us on this transformative journey as we break down barriers, challenge stigmas, and create a more open, sex-positive world. Lion's Den, Life Align Coaching, and Mind Align Counseling are here to support you, educate you, and advocate for a future where everyone can embrace their true selves without judgment or fear.

Stay tuned for upcoming events, workshops, and resources that will empower you to lead a fulfilled and authentic life. We invite you to become a part of our collective efforts in sexual health and wellness by reaching out to us through our respective websites. Together, we can create a network of support and understanding, making a significant impact in promoting a more inclusive, accepting, and positive world.

Your sexual well-being matters, and we are here for you every step of the way. Let us shape a world where love, acceptance, and understanding reign supreme, breaking free from societal norms that may hinder us from fully embracing our authentic selves.

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6/3-4/23 9:30-1:30pm Retreat for LGBTQ+ Teens (14-18) that includes: 

Breakfast

Trivia with Prizes

Yoga with a certified Yoga instructor 

Collage making and mug decorating

Psychoeducation and discussion groups

** This will be a safe and affirming space to build community and have fun!

-Register: visit equalshares.org or http://tinyurl.com/bdh8avdy

It's Free to Register 

 

4/8/23 Easter in the Park with Diego Ranch at Craighead Forrest Park

This is a free community event! We will be having vendors, outdoor activities, free horse rides, and of course the easter egg hunt and bunny! We will be located at Pavilion's 3 and 4 from 11-2pm...Additional information to come shortly..Special thanks to Craighead County Parks Department!

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2/8/23 St. Bernards Auditorium- Transitions Job Fair 830-230 pm

Presented by Project Care and Craighead County Schools

Will be catering to the special needs students in the NEA area focusing on providing assistance with entry-level jobs & continuing education opportunities for the youth.

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2/4/23 Craighead County Library - Large meeting room 10-12 and 2-3 (Host is Engaging Arkansas with Mind Align Counseling as a Co-Host)

Will be sharing educational information on safe sex education and include free testing for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Hepatitis C. They will also be providing additional resources, grab bags, and resources. Then during the second half of the day, they will be providing education on drugs and drug overdoses and they will be providing Narcan supplies. A light lunch donated partially by Subway will be provided as well. 

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12/10/22  We're partnering with 10Fitness to promote and discuss how mental health and physical health go hand in hand. This event will start at 10 am at 10 Fitness on Caraway. Everyone is welcome to attend their new fitness class with a small stretching discussion with tips and tricks on how to incorporate mental health practices including trauma releases into exercise. This is for every fitness level!

 

12/9/22 This will be a very special community event presented by Black Arrow and Mind Align Counseling at the Recovery Room Downtown starting at 6pm. This will be the year anniversary of our Mental Health Awareness event with Freddie Bowers's spin on it. We will have a self-care gift basket giveaway and several special guests and artists discussing Live, Laugh, Love, and Deconstruction. 

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11/11/22 Stop by Texas Roadhouse for their Veterans Day event and speak with our clinicians and pick up some goodies.

 

10/12/22 

Come by the clinic this Saturday, October 15th, from 2-4 pm for free coffee and cookies! Get a chance to see our clinic and meet the providers.

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10/11/22  

Podcast Interview

 

Name: Amanda Emerson, LCSW, Owner

 

Business phone number: 870-206-8212

 

1.  Please give a description of your company and the products/services you offer.

 

Mind Align Counseling is an outpatient behavioral mental health clinic. Currently, I provide counseling services, but I will soon provide wellness, medication management, and coaching services. My specialties include working with those with complexities in almost every aspect of one's life and over the life cycle. I believe that we should treat individuals as a whole, including mind/body/ and soul- whatever that means to the person. I can list all of the areas in which I have expertise and many years of experience and study if you would like or you can find those on the website at www.mindaligncounseling.net .

 

I will say that I take a very nonjudgmental approach to people and treatment. It has been a long process and journey to get over my own ego and pride and let me tell you, I’m no angel…we’re all human, and we all make mistakes. Usually, we judge ourselves harder than anyone else ever will, and I want to create at least one place in someone's life where they can feel safe to lay everything out without fear or the thought of someone judging them. Life is about exploring and learning. I want to be someone who helps guide others along their personal process and journey, as it is and can be a vulnerable struggle.

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2.  How long have you been in business?

 

I opened for business on September 25, 2022

 

3.  Tell us about your business..

 

 I provide a variety of services to assist individuals, families, relationships, and couples.

 

4.  What inspired you to pursue your profession?

 

I think everyone in this profession has a reason for choosing this field, and mine stems from childhood trauma….I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life other than to help people and figure out what made them do or choose to do the things that they did…what motivated them and their behavior, and how I could figure that out. I was never told what there were in terms of career options, I started out taking classes to become a lawyer, and my major was supposed to be in Political Science. I decided to try working at a law firm during this time and, after about three months, realized that was not what I wanted to do, and that attorney was not the type of person I wanted to be or be around.

 

 I started to think more about how I could study people and the intricacies of the mind, and I landed on Psychology. Then as I was graduating, I met a professor who asked me what I wanted to do with my degree. I said I wasn’t sure, but I thought therapy would be a great idea and aligned with my feelings on wanting to help empower others. He told me that I should look into getting my Master's Degree in Social Work instead because I would have many more options in life, and I decided I wanted to have as many options as possible as I’m not one to feel constrained. I did end up finding through my healing journey that what I was honestly searching for were the answers as to why people chose or did the things that they did to me, as I never felt like I deserved any of it.  
 

5.  What would you like the listeners to know about you?

 

Hmmm this is a loaded question. I would say that if they planned on coming to see me for services or if they wanted to recommend me for services, then they should be aware that I am very direct, my face is loud, and I don't sugarcoat things. I truly care about their progress and that it won't be an easy process. As much as I would like to help them, I am not able or willing to do the work for them as I’m meant to be more of a guide on their journey. I’m here to create a place of nonjudgmental acceptance, a sense of security, and a place/feeling of unconditional support.

 

 Additionally, most people who go to therapy learn how to deal with their thoughts and feelings from individuals who should be or should have been in therapy. Certainly, I am not implying that other professionals whose approaches differ from mine do not care about their clients. In my experience, this approach works best for me and gives my clients the healing results that they're coming into the clinic for. 

 

The topic that keeps coming to mind from this interview and the questions that we’re presented to us, I feel like, surrounds FEAR. I’ve got to say that FEAR tends to dictate most of our thoughts and feelings. Still, we need to strive as humans to work through our fears because our brains are hard-wired to protect us even if something is wonderful and healthy for us; if we haven’t learned or tried it, it will be unfamiliar to us, and our brains tell us that it’s scary or uncomfortable.

 

 If I had listened to the people that I was around growing up or even the majority of my Mental Health supervisors and CEO’s I would not be anywhere near where I am today. 

 

Around my Birthday last year, I came up with a mantra based on my childhood wound: I said you know what? If everyone else is going to choose someone or something other than me. Then I choose myself. Everything I thought was fearful, if I knew it was good but scary, I fought through the feelings and faced them, Including this interview, as I’m generally not an eloquent public speaker.

 

 On the offset, If I thought things or people were draining my energy or putting their feelings or wants’ above my own, then I put in boundaries and would say no. I am so glad that I did. Even though it was extremely hard to do at the time. Now here we are in this interview where you’re asking me about the business and company I created with a wonderful colleague…You can’t get much more validation or confirmation than that. 

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I believe as humans we all have unique experiences that have shaped who we are. I'm both sensitive to the needs of others, and I want to help, but more than anything, I want to empower clients to advocate for themselves. When clients meet with me, my goal and hope is that they feel seen, heard, secure, and accepted for who they are.