Balanced Mind, LLC

06/04/2026

Meet Ashley Rea, LPC, CAADC!!

Works with: adults, those in recovery from alcohol and/or drugs

Approach: Goal-oriented, motivated, client-centered

Why they do this work: I am grateful for the opportunity to be alongside clients on some of the high's and low's in their lives and work on becoming better versions of themselves

One thing they want clients to know: I will not judge you for whatever you talk about in my room

Favorite coping skill: practicing mindfulness outside

Book/Resource Recommendation: too many to count! But you are welcome to borrow them from my office if you see any that you find interesting

Outside the office: Hiking, camping, plants/gardening, reading, and playing with my dogs

Daytime availability Monday - Thursday 10 AM - 4 PM

06/02/2026

Today I'd like to share a tool I use in the office with my clients in Gifted Programs.

Just because your child isn't in the gifted program doesn't mean they don't have some of the traits. Gifted kids often have very intense emotions, feel different than their peers, and struggle when they feel challenged.

I use this book to help them cope with stress, gain social skills, and build healthy self-confidence.

You can use this book at home but if you think your child would benefit being led through by a professional, give our office a call!

05/30/2026

Strong emotions have a way of pulling you out of right now. Anger replays the past. Fear jumps to the future. Sadness can make everything feel heavy and far away.

One way to come back to the present: 5-4-3-2-1.

It is not about fixing the feeling. It is about reminding your brain that you are safe enough, right now, to notice what is around you.

Try it exactly where you are sitting:

👁️ 5 things you can SEE – the texture of your shirt, a shadow on the floor, a crack in the wall, your own hands, a speck of dust

✋ 4 things you can FEEL – the fabric of your pants, the cool air on your arm, the ground under your feet, the weight of your phone

👂 3 things you can HEAR – a fan, traffic outside, your own breathing

👃 2 things you can SMELL – coffee, a candle, soap, fresh air, or just the neutral smell of the room

👄 1 thing you can TASTE – a sip of water, a mint, or just the inside of your cheek

That is it. No solving. No fixing. Just noticing.

The feeling might still be there afterward. That is okay. You just gave your nervous system a small signal: I am here. I am paying attention. I can handle this.

👇 What is one thing you can sense right now?

💚
Crista, for the Balanced Mind team

05/29/2026

Come Join Doug's Wellness Group in Slippery Rock! It will be a great place for Men to discuss any stressors in their lives and learn effective coping strategies.

05/28/2026

Meet Doug Schomer MA, LPC!!

Works with: I’m experienced in helping family members and individuals address behavioral and emotional challenges associated with anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, substance use disorders, grief, and significant life changes.

Approach: Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed, and Solution-Focused

Why they do this work: “I love seeing clients grow stronger as they develop skills to overcome their challenges.”

One thing they want clients to know: I offer an open-minded, respectful, and empowering environment in which we can set goals and explore solutions.

Favorite coping skill: Acupressure tapping

Book/resource recommendation: The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.

Outside the office: I love being outdoors, whether working in the yard or relaxing by the lake. I am equally likely to go to a hockey game (Go Pens!) or go antiquing.

Doug works out of the Slippery Rock office Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday AM, and Friday, 8-5pm. To schedule reach out to our intake coordinator at (724) 991-1289.

05/26/2026

This is why it is so important to find a provider who can be empathetic. It is a deeply human quality that fuels connection.

188K likes, 2.4K comments. "Brené Brown on Empathy"

05/23/2026

Last week we talked about doing something pleasurable. This week is different: instead of changing what you are doing, try changing what you are thinking.

Same goal – interrupt the spiral. Different tool.

A few ways to try it today:

✈️ Plan a dream vacation – where would you go? What would you eat? What does the air feel like?

🎶 Run through song lyrics – pick a song you know by heart. Recite the chorus. Sing it in your head.

🌟 Remember a positive moment – not to minimize your pain. Just to remind your brain that it is capable of feeling more than one thing.

📖 Count backwards from 100 by 7s – it requires just enough focus to interrupt an intrusive thought.

🎬 Replay a movie scene in detail – the dialogue, the lighting, what the characters were wearing.

The goal is not to pretend everything is fine. The goal is to give your brain a short, intentional break so you are not fighting your own thoughts all day.

Try one of these today. Even two minutes counts.

👇 Which one are you willing to try – the vacation, the lyrics, or the counting?

💚
Crista, for the Balanced Mind team

Send a message to learn more

12/09/2024

04/24/2023

Coming soon! Contact [email protected] for more details and get started!

02/01/2023

Get some extra support with Virtual Groups. For more information or to enroll. Contact [email protected].