A2Z Trauma & Counseling Services

08/25/2026

The reality is that you have emotions. Accept it, embrace it, and learn to appreciate them.

People often say, I don't wanna feel (insert your emotion of choice) anymore. And yet, those emotions/feelings are a part of your life and being. No matter how great things are... you will experience sadness/anger/irritation again at some point in your life.

While you may not like these emotions, you can change the way you view these emotions. Imagine being able to think about something that has happened to you, have an emotional response to the memory, and yet not be overwhelmed or disturbed by it. This is possible.

If you are interested in learning more about this, reach out to me and we can discuss what this might look like for you. a2ztrauma.com or 701-401-6117.
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Staying positive doesn't mean you don't feel sad or angry sometimes, it just means you keep on going anyway.

08/21/2026

Minimizing our growths and invalidating our successes is a wonderful way to feel good about something we have accomplished... said no one ever.

Take the time today to appreciate something you have done without saying, "Yeah, but I...."

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08/19/2026

It is hard to believe a year has passed since I had the opportunity of a lifetime to receive training from Elan Shapiro. Elan developed two amazing EMDR protocols which have helped so many people around the world.

Have you been considering counseling? If you have, please feel free to reach out to me at 701-401-6117. I currently have a couple openings in my schedule and would be happy to help you work through the challenges you are experiencing. You can also find more information at a2ztrauma.com

06/21/2026

Pride month is about more than parades, celebrations, and rainbows. It is a month where people unite to acknowledge, validate, and support each other.
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Happy Pride Eve! 🎉🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️✨

06/20/2026

Mental health struggles do not discriminate. Any person can experience struggles which impact their mental health.

While mental health can affect anyone, individuals within the LGBTQ+ community experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and thoughts of su***de than their straight identifying individuals.

If you are struggling with mental health issues, please know that you are not alone. AND, there are people who will and can support you. It takes a lot of courage and asking for help from friends, family, or a professional can be helpful.

Allen at A2Z Trauma & Counseling Services can provide counseling to help you address and overcome your mental health concerns. If you are considering counseling, please reach out at 701-401-6117.

If you are in immediate need and need to talk to someone please call:
988 - the national mental health hotline
866-488-7386 - The Trevor Project National hotline (LGBTQ+)

06/14/2026

Did you know that EMS (ambulance, fire, police ect) professionals have higher prevalence of PTSD? This may be due to the frequent exposure to highly emotional and stressful situations which they are required as the role of their jobs. One study from 2019 indicate that between 6% and 32% of EMS professionals experience PTSD at some point during their career*.

Experiencing mental health struggles as a result of your job is not a weakness. Counseling can help you work thru these struggles. If you are considering counseling and not yet ready to commit, reach out to Allen at A2Z Trauma & Counseling Services to learn about options with a free 15-minute phone consultation.

* Lewis-Schroeder NF, Kieran K, Murphy BL, Wolff JD, Robinson MA, Kaufman ML. Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment of Traumatic Stress in First Responders: A Review of Critical Issues. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2018 Jul/Aug;26(4):216-227.

Whether you’re in EMS, fire, dispatch, or law enforcement, After the Call is your powerful, no-nonsense PTSD survival guide.

It explains:
• Why PTSD is more common in first responders than anyone wants to admit.
• What symptoms to watch for in yourself or your partner.
• The science behind evidence-based treatments that actually work.
• How to build resilience without pretending everything is fine.
• How families can support the healing process without feeling helpless.

Written by a trauma therapist who understands the emotional weight you carry.
It offers straight talk on the realities of trauma, burnout, and PTSD - and, more importantly, what you can do about it. Let this guide be your first step toward real recovery.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B14564WJ

06/13/2026

Why don't you just get over it? I mean, it happened so long ago!
This phrase is so helpful to so many people..... Said no one EVER.

When a person experiences a traumatic event it is important to remember that it is not what happened to you that causes the struggles. It is the emotional, mental, and/or psychological wound(s) which are created as a result of the experience.

Our lived experiences influence us in ways that we are not always aware of. While it is PTSD awareness month, please know that experiencing a traumatic event doesn't always result in PTSD... sometimes is results in depression or anxiety or other mental health struggles.

You no longer just have to get over it! You can reach out where support, encouragement, and growth can happen. But you must be the one to take the first step. If you are struggling with mental health concerns please reach out and talk to a friend, family member, or a professional. If you need someone to talk to immediately please call 988.

If you are thinking about counseling please call Allen at A2Z Trauma & Counseling Services at 701-401-6117 or email him at [email protected] with your inquiry.

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend,
Allen

06/12/2026

PTSD awareness month information:
While we have been told there are "Big T-traumas" and "small t-traumas", the reality is that trauma is trauma. Our brains and bodies do not distinguish personal experiences the way that society does. Experiencing a traumatic event is a trauma no matter if it involves gunfire, a bicycle accident, or bullying. Let's end the comparison act because it is not beneficial or helpful.

When bringing awareness to PTSD it is important to remember that we all respond to experiences in different ways. And just because you may be having more challenges overcoming an experience than someone else, doesn't mean that your struggles aren't valid and/or real.

If you are struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety or other mental health struggles, remember that there are people and services to help you through your struggles. A2Z Trauma & Counseling Services is one of those places and if you are interested in counseling and would like a free 15 minute consultation please reach out and contact Allen at 701-401-6117.

06/09/2026

Did you know anyone can develop PTSD?
This challenging mental health issue is not limited to those who have experienced "the worst of the worst".
I hear at times -- "But, I don't have it as bad as some people."
And yup, you may not... that doesn't mean you aren't still struggling.
EMDR is a research based modality which helps reduce symptoms and allows a person to overcome events which continue to impact their lives.

Trauma Awareness

Trauma comes in many different shapes and forms.. 🫶🏻

Katie

🩵

05/25/2026

Today we take a moment to honor those who have given the ultimate price to serve our country.

I have not served in the military and yet many people in my family have. My father enlisted to go to Vietnam, I have a brother who was in the Navy, another who served with the ND National Guard, and countless uncles and cousins who have also served to protect this country.

While we use today to remember the fallen, remember and thank all those that have and/or currently protecting our freedoms as well.

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Today, we remember the brave men and women who gave everything for something greater than themselves.

Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering love for this country will never be forgotten.

This Memorial Day, we honor the fallen, stand beside their families, and carry forward the freedom they fought to protect. 🇺🇸

Land of the free, because of the brave.