Emergency and Crisis Support Contacts
If you're experiencing emotional distress or facing a crisis, free and confidential support is available 24/7. If this is an emergency, please call 911.
National Support Lines:
◉ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
◉ Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
◉ SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
◉ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255
◉ National Depression Hotline: Call 630-482-9696
Florida State Resources:
◉ Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline: Call 1- 800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)
◉ 211 Helpline for Florida: Dial 211 for local resources and community mental health services.
Web-Based Resource Links:
◉ MentalHealth.gov
◉ Ok2Talk.org or Call 800-273-TALK (8255)
If you or someone you know is navigating questions or challenges related to sexual orientation or gender identitiy, these resources may offer helpful guidance and support:
◉ Glaad.org
◉ Itgetsbetter.org
◉ Glsen.org
◉ Thetrevorproject.org
Remember:
If you are suffering, please reach out to a loved one, your safe person, or go to the nearest hospital and ask for help. Your well-being matters, and you are not alone.
Reputable tools that complement therapy:
◉ Calm or Headspace for guided meditations.
◉ MindDoc or CBT-i Coach apps for mental health tracking.
◉ Better Sleep for improving sleep hygiene.
Educational Articles & Guides
At Lending Ears, we understand that knowledge is power. Below, you’ll find practical tips and trusted resources to help you navigate common mental health challenges. Explore strategies for improving your well-being and strengthening your relationships.
Understanding Anxiety:
Signs and Coping Strategies
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Here are some quick tips:
◉ Recognize symptoms: Racing thoughts, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
◉ Ground yourself: Try naming five things you can see around you to stay present.
◉ Breathe mindfully: Practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique to calm your mind.
Want to dive deeper? Visit these trusted resources for more insights:
◉ Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): Comprehensive guide to anxiety and coping strategies.
◉ National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Evidence-based information on anxiety disorders and treatments
Effective Communication in Relationships: Tips For Couples
Healthy communication is the foundation of strong relationships. Try these
strategies:
Focus on your partner’s words without interrupting.
◉ Active listening:
◉ Use “I” statements:
Express feelings without assigning blame (e.g., “I feel upset when...”).
◉ Schedule regular check-ins:
Create time to discuss feelings and concerns openly.
Discover more ways to strengthen your connection by exploring these resources.
Renowned relationship advice and strategies.
Articles to enhance relational skills.
Managing Grief: What to Expect and How to Heal
Grief is a natural response to loss, but healing takes time. Here’s how to start:
◉ Acknowledge your feelings: It’s okay to feel sadness, anger, or confusion.
◉ Lean on your support system: Share your thoughts with trusted friends or family.
◉ Create rituals to honor your loss: Journaling or keeping mementos can be comforting.
Looking for additional support? Check out these expert resources:
◉ HelpGuide: Coping with Grief and Loss: Evidence-based tips for navigating grief.
◉ American Psychological Association (APA): Grief: Insights and resources for the grieving process.
Stress Reduction Techniques: Mindfulness Exercises and Breathing Tips
Stress can take a toll on your mind and body. Try these exercises::
◉ Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment without judgment.
◉ Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and relax each muscle group to release tension.
◉ Try box breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and repeat.
For more mindfulness and relaxation techniques, explore these resources:
◉ Mindful.org: Practical tools for stress management.
◉ Harvard Health: Relaxation Techniques: Evidence-based breathing exercises.
Self-Help Tools & Worksheets
Take charge of your mental health journey with these free, easy-to-use resources. Each tool is designed to help you build self-awareness, develop coping strategies, and achieve your personal goals
Free Downloads to Support Your Journey
◉ Daily Mood Tracker: Log your emotions to identify patterns and triggers.
◉ Gratitude Journal Template: Reflect on moments of gratitude to boost positivity.
◉ CBT Thought Record Worksheet: Challenge unhelpful thoughts and reframe them with this simple template.
◉ Goal-Setting Template: Break down your aspirations into actionable steps.
◉ Mindfulness Meditation Guide: Practice mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve focus.
Download All Tools Now and start your journey toward emotional well-being today.
Downloadable Items
◉ Daily Mood Tracker
A one-page log where clients can note their daily moods, triggers, and coping strategies
◉ Gratitude Journal Template
A three-page template with prompts to encourage daily reflections of gratitude.
◉ CBT Thought Record Worksheet
A structured worksheet to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts.
◉ Goal-Setting Template
A clear template for breaking down long-term goals into smaller, manageable steps.
Download Goal-Setting Template
◉ Mindfulness Meditation Guide
A guide to mindfulness with step-by-step instructions for simple exercises.
Books:
◉ "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund J. Bourne
◉ "Hold Me Tight" by Dr. Sue Johnson (for couples).
◉ "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown.
◉ “Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength” by John Tierney and Roy Baumeister
Podcasts:
◉ The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos.
◉ Unlocking Us by Brené Brown.
◉ Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel (for couples and relationships).
FAQs
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Your first session is an opportunity to share your story in a supportive, judgment- free space. We’ll discuss your goals for therapy and work together to create a personalized plan.
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Find a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection. A comfortable chair, headphones, and a charged device can help ensure a seamless experience. If you are in your car, please park in a private place with windows rolled up where other people cannot hear you.
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We kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Missed sessions without notice may incur a fee.