Dr. Matt Morris & Associates

09/08/2026

The Pursuit For Meaning In Loss

When we experience a life-altering loss, the outside world often expects us to simply find "acceptance." But true healing goes deeper.

Drawing from the work of renowned grief expert David Kessler, our latest blog post explores how we can transform our pain by discovering meaning after a loss—and why telling your story is a vital part of that path

"Only by excavating the pure emotion will you find love on the other side of pain. It is in that love where we find meaning, the sixth stage of grief."

If you are currently navigating a loss, remember that you do not have to carry the weight alone. Discover how transforming your pain through meaning can help you gently move forward.

https://drmattmorris.com/2026/07/06/the-pursuit-for-meaning-in-loss/

09/08/2026

Clinician Spotlight: Frazier Woods Jr., LPC

My counseling approach is centered on creating a safe and non-judgmental space for those I serve. I focus on prioritizing your unique perspective and individual needs while providing practical, action-oriented steps to help you navigate life’s complexities.

For those who don't know me, my journey actually began in education. A deep period of reflection eventually led me to follow my calling into clinical mental health counseling. Since graduating from Loyola University, I’ve focused on helping clients manage depression, anxiety, and relationship conflicts. As a licensed professional, we will work collaboratively to develop and reach the goals that matter most to you.

I count it a privilege to sit across from you as you share your story. It’s truly an honor to partner with you in reshaping how the story ends.

09/08/2026

Clinician Spotlight: Crystalyn Aucoin, MHS, PLPC, NCC

If we haven't met yet, I'm Crystalyn Aucoin. I'm grateful to be part of the team at Dr. Matt Morris & Associates, where I work with adults and couples navigating life and relationship challenges.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent nearly two decades in family business and entrepreneurship before discovering my passion for helping people through counseling.

One of the things I value most about this work is the therapeutic relationship. I believe there is something uniquely powerful about having a safe and confidential space where you can simply show up as you are, feel truly seen and heard, and explore your experiences without judgment. It's often within that sense of safety and connection that insight, healing, and meaningful change begin.

When I'm not in the office, you'll find me playing basketball in the driveway with my son, attempting to train our new Cavapoo puppy, or trying to wrap my brain around the game of Mahjong with friends.

If you're looking for support, I'd love to connect. You're welcome to schedule a complimentary 10-minute phone consultation to ask questions, learn more about my approach, and see if we're a good fit.

09/08/2026

“Few of us ever live in the present. We are forever anticipating what is to come or remembering what has gone.”

― Louis L’Amour

If you’re like a lot of folks, you sometimes find yourself caught up in ruminations about the past or worries about the future. It’s natural, and not always inappropriate (if, for instance, you’re about to skydive for the first time, a little worry makes sense!).

But when nagging thoughts of past events, or overwhelming worries about the future take over, they can leave us struggling to stay focused on the task at hand or even get through the day.

https://drmattmorris.com/2026/09/02/how-mindfulness-can-help-you-and-your-relationships/

05/01/2026

“Discernment counseling creates a holding environment for the couple to develop clarity and confidence in deciding on the next step for their relationship, whether it is divorce or a shared commitment to couples therapy to repair the relationship.”

– William Doherty and Steven Harris, Helping Couples on the Brink of Divorce

The decision to begin therapy and repair your relationship or to end your relationship is one you don’t have to make alone. If discernment counseling seems like a good fit for your situation, schedule a consultation call with one of our therapists and we will be glad to help you decide.

Read more on the blog: https://drmattmorris.com/2026/05/01/should-i-stay-discernment-counseling/

03/20/2026

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
– Will Durant (paraphrasing Aristotle)

One of the first things I do every morning after I wake up is make a pot of coffee. If I have the luxury of a decent roast on hand, I’ll drink it black. Often though I will have a less fresh roast requiring some oat milk and honey. I’m faced each time with a minor annoyance, squeezing the 32oz bottle of bulk Costco honey, which is cumbersome and usually a little messy. I’ve had this bottle for a couple months, and it’s been bothersome most mornings.

Until this morning, when it occurred to me that there is probably an easy solution to this habit that I’ve found myself engaging in without realizing it. I could just purchase a better bottle that causes less mess! I laughed at myself when I realized how simple the solution was, and how I had almost unconsciously chosen to continue putting myself through the frustration.

Humans are creatures of habit, which is actually a great benefit to us as we navigate life’s complexities. Actions that otherwise might require cognitive energy can become second-nature, leaving mental bandwidth for more important things. But sometimes we find ourselves engaging in habits that hold us back, often without realizing it. We default to negative self-talk when someone critiques our work. We lash out at our spouse without thinking because we’re so used to the fight. And sometimes the solutions, alternative habits, are staring us right in the face if we’re willing to pause, do some self-reflection, or seek outside perspective (like that of a therapist).

If we can train ourselves to continue in patterns of behavior that don’t work for us, we can also retrain our habits to benefit us. Simple adjustments can reduce friction and lead to positive change in our lives, and you have everything you need to begin.

03/11/2026

We are excited to highlight Dr. Reshelle Marino, a dedicated mental health professional specializing in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. With advanced training in EFT, Dr. Marino brings compassion, skill, and deep understanding to couples navigating some of the most challenging seasons in their relationships. Whether it’s rebuilding trust, improving communication, or addressing long-standing emotional wounds, Dr. Marino is committed to helping couples move toward healthier, more fulfilling connections.

Beyond the therapy room, Dr. Marino is passionate about ongoing professional growth. She frequently presents at professional conferences, sharing insights and contributing to the broader counseling community. Most recently, she presented an engaging session on Self-Care for Your Body: Thoughts on Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise for a Sustainable Career in Mental Health at the state counseling conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

What truly sets Dr. Marino apart is her genuine care for the couples she works with. She believes that even in the hardest moments, there is hope for healing and growth. If you and your partner are looking for support in navigating your relationship’s complexities, Dr. Marino offers a welcoming space to explore, heal, and thrive. At Dr. Matt Morris and Associates, we provide individualized care for individual sessions, family sessions, and all-day family therapy intensives. We are happy to customize a therapeutic plan for you.

Now accepting new clients. Schedule your first session with Dr. Reshelle Marino today and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier relationship.

03/11/2026

True gratitude is a mindset, an attitude, as well as a practice of living with a deep appreciation for the goodness in life. A grateful person recognizes that positive things come from sources outside of themselves, whether it be other people, nature, or a higher power. This appreciative mindset acknowledges life’s gifts, connects us to others and cultivates deeper happiness and contentment, making life richer. This very sense of acknowledging something gratifying is truly life enhancing.

How has gratitude evolved? Researchers have traced this emotion way back to primate behavior. Robert Trivers introduced the theory of reciprocal altruism in 1971, suggesting that “gratitude is the emotion that regulates our response to altruistic acts by others and motivates our response in kind”. In this way, gratitude helps build social bonds and friendships between individuals.

https://drmattmorris.com/2026/03/02/gratitude-and-mental-health/

01/13/2026

Every January, many of us set goals with genuine motivation—only to feel discouraged weeks later when life intervenes. That doesn’t mean you’re bad at goal setting. It usually means the type of goal you’re setting isn’t doing the work you need it to do.

In my work as a counselor, I often encourage people to think about goals in several distinct categories, each with different strengths and limitations. When these categories are used together, they tend to support change rather than create pressure.

Learn how to categorize your intentions into four distinct areas: Outcome, Process, Aspirational, and Constraint goals. By understanding the difference between the "destination" and the "daily work," you can build a sustainable rhythm that emphasizes consistency over perfection.

https://drmattmorris.com/2026/01/05/four-and-a-half-ways-to-think-about-goals-that-actually-help/

01/07/2026