Healthy Roots Counseling

08/22/2026

08/21/2026

“What do I even talk about in therapy?

This is such a common worry—especially if you’ve never been to therapy before.

But here’s the thing: **you don’t have to come to therapy with everything figured out.**

You don’t need a perfectly organized list of problems.
You don’t need to know what diagnosis you have.
You don’t need to know what you need to work on.

You can simply start with:
“I don’t really know where to start.”

Your therapist can help you from there. ❤️

Sometimes the most important thing you bring into the room is simply your willingness to be curious about what’s going on beneath the surface.

And yes, sometimes you’ll have a lot to talk about. Other times you might say, “Honestly, I have no idea what to talk about today.”

That’s okay, too.

Therapy is a process—not a performance.

08/19/2026

Back-to-school mornings don't have to be perfect.

There will be forgotten shoes.
Missing water bottles.
Tears.
Frustration.
Someone who suddenly can't find their favorite sweatshirt.
And yes… someone may completely lose it because their toast was cut the “wrong” way. 😅

But underneath the morning chaos, there may also be a child who is anxious about a new school year, overwhelmed by the transition, tired, or simply having a hard time regulating their emotions.

That's why sometimes our kids need something more than another morning routine.

🌿 **Connection before correction.**
🌿 **Curiosity before assumptions.**
🌿 **Regulation before problem-solving.**
🌿 **Listening before fixing.**

This doesn't mean there aren't boundaries or expectations.

It means we remember that **behavior and connection can coexist.**

Your child doesn't need a perfect morning.

They need to know that when things feel big, difficult, or overwhelming…

**you are a safe place to land.**

And honestly? Sometimes that's the most important thing we can give them as they head into a new school year. 🤍

08/19/2026

Bringing a baby home is supposed to be pure bliss, but what happens when the overwhelming emotion isn’t instant joy, but intense anxiety, anger, or feeling completely checked out? This week, Megan sits down with licensed perinatal mental health counselor Katie Gerwel from Healthy Roots Counselin...

08/17/2026

In this episode of Therapists Unplugged, hosts and therapists Katie Gerwel and Emily McCarty catch up after a break in episodes as they continue their series on social media and mental health. They shift the conversation toward practical strategies listeners can use to develop a healthier relationship with social media. Katie and Emily encourage listeners to become more aware of how social media affects their emotions, self-worth, attention, and relationships, emphasizing that social media is not inherently good or bad, but rather a powerful tool that can be used more intentionally. They close by inviting listeners to reflect on their own digital habits and share their experiences and coping strategies.

08/17/2026

We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Hayden Panettiere 💙

Hayden used her platform to speak about her experience with postpartum depression at a time when few public figures did. Her honesty about the stress, the anxiety, the isolation of feeling like "nobody around understood" gave voice to what so many new parents feel but rarely say out loud.

By sharing her story, Hayden helped normalize the conversation around perinatal mental health and let countless parents know they weren't alone in their struggle. That kind of courage leaves a lasting impact.

Our thoughts are with her family, her daughter, and everyone who loved her.

If you are struggling, please know help is available and you don't have to carry it alone. We are here for you, always.
🔵 Call or text the PSI HelpLine: 800-944-4773
🔵 Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262
🔵 In a crisis situation, call or text the National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988
🔵 Visit Postpartum.net for free perinatal mental health resources and support programs
🔵 Download the Connect by PSI app

08/17/2026

Therapy that works with your schedule 💚

We’re excited to share that Chelsea Koenig, LPC is now in-network with Anthem/BCBS, Cigna, Aetna and is accepting new clients!

She offers:

✨ Telehealth-only sessions — therapy from the comfort and privacy of home
✨ Weekend availability — because finding time for therapy can be hard when life is already full
✨ In-network care with BCBS, Cigna & Aetna
✨ $120 self-pay rate for those who prefer to pay out of pocket or whose insurance isn’t currently in-network
✨ More insurance networks coming soon— additional plans will be added over the coming months

If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy but haven’t found a therapist who fits your schedule, insurance, or needs, we’d love to help you get connected. 💚

📩 Send us a message to learn more or get started.

08/15/2026

💼 I’m happy to offer a health seminar for your employees — because a healthy team is a strong team.

Health education isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s one of the most effective ways to build a workforce that’s energized, informed, and supported.

A seminar can cover topics like:

Holistic wellness

Stress management

Nutrition basics

Preventive care

Healthy habits at work

Healthy employees create a healthier company — and we’re here to help you make that happen.

📍 281 US Hwy 60, Republic, MO
🌐 riverbranchhealthcare.com

08/14/2026

Will therapy make things worse before they get better?

Sometimes, therapy can feel harder before it feels better. 🌿

When we begin talking about things we’ve avoided, recognizing patterns, or processing difficult experiences, emotions can come closer to the surface.

That doesn’t necessarily mean therapy is making you worse.

But therapy also shouldn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsupported all the time.

A good therapist will help you move at a pace that feels manageable, build coping skills, and check in along the way about how you’re doing.

Healing isn’t always comfortable—but you shouldn’t have to navigate the uncomfortable parts alone.

If therapy feels like it’s becoming too much, talk to your therapist about it. You may need to slow down, shift the focus, or build more coping and grounding skills before going deeper.