Justin C. Ford, MA, LPC

12/31/2025

Humans are amazing creatures. Even though we may finish growing physically, we always have the chance to grow personally. We have the opportunity to consistently grow out of one thing and into something else. As we move into 2026, what do you need to grow out of, and what do you need to grow into? The answer to this could be any number of things. It could be personal, financial, professional, or relational. Is it time to grow out of unhealthy or immature behaviors that have stuck around for far too long? Are these things serving you in a healthy way? Maybe it’s time to grow out of an unhealthy or toxic relationship. Maybe it’s time to grow out of the job that you've stayed in because you’re comfortable. Growing out of these things would give you an opportunity to grow into a healthier version of yourself. Here's to 2026! I hope you choose to grow.

03/17/2025

How we respond is how they will engage. That may sound backward or confusing, but it isn't. If someone brings us something difficult and we respond harshly or impulsively, they may think twice before talking about something else, even if they need to speak to us. I have told many clients, "Don't give your kid a reason to want to lie to you." This applies to your spouse and everyone else in your life, too. That's not to say that we can't have feelings about what they bring us, but it's important to be responsible with those feelings because how we respond will influence how or if they talk to us next time.

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01/09/2025

This has come up in a lot of sessions lately. Whether it’s a yes or a no, we answer these questions everyday.

Every meaningful relationship asks two questions; Are you available and are you reliable? Many of us would respond with the word yes, but do your choices and actions say yes as well? Are you there for them, or are you preoccupied with work? Are you available, or are you distracted by your phone? Are you reliable, or are you unavailable because of substances?

Do you show up?

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12/14/2023

You have survived 100% of the hard seasons in your life. You have always figured it out. You are carrying a lot, but you are strong and you are capable. It's who you are.

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10/10/2023

We all know that person. They have it all together. They’re killing it at work, and their family is picture-perfect. They can even make minute rice in 57 seconds. Except they can’t, and they don't. That person doesn’t exist. Despite what we hear or see on social media, everyone we know experiences hurt. They all worry, and they all despair over life, just like we do. Behind the carefully curated posts and polished images, we all face battles and insecurities. But because we want to avoid vulnerability, we carefully edit what we present to those around us. Our authentic selves tell a different story, however. Beyond the facade, lie tales of pain, resilience, and growth that deserve recognition. These experiences help make us who we are, and when we hide them behind the facade, we rob ourselves of the truth that tells us and the world that we are greater than the battles we have faced. In the light of authenticity, judgment loses its grip, and empathy takes its place. Through authenticity, we recognize that each person, including us, carries their own story, their own battles, and their own triumphs. By living authentically, we create a space where connection flourishes.

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08/15/2023

There is an undeniable link between our mind and overall body wellness. Mental health issues can affect us physically, relationally, and professionally. Therapy can help you learn ways to better cope with depression and anxiety by building coping skills and managing stress levels. Women and men alike experience relational challenges. By working to better understand your loved ones with the help of an objective third party, therapy can also help improve your relationships.

Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues, therapy can lead to improvement in all areas of life by providing you with insight, coping skills, and support.

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06/28/2023

Emotional responsibility is being accountable for our emotions and their impact on ourselves and others. Being emotionally responsible means recognizing that our emotions are our own and it involves taking ownership of our responses and reactions. Understanding that we have control over how we choose to express and channel our emotions is another important piece of emotional responsibility. Therapy can help develop self-awareness, where we take the time to reflect on and understand our emotions, their triggers, and their underlying causes. By gaining insight into our emotional landscape, we can better regulate our responses and make conscious choices about how to express ourselves. By practicing emotional responsibility, we can create a more compassionate and connected world. Let's foster emotional intelligence within ourselves and our communities through reflection, communication, support, and self-care.

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06/13/2023

We are in the process of becoming. With every difficult experience and challenge we encounter we grow toward the person we are meant to become. This growth can be painful. Depression and anxiety attempt to hide this growth in the fog of emotions. It can cause us to feel isolated and, in turn, hopeless, but this growth is an essential element of every life on earth which means we share this element with one another. We don’t have to do this alone! Connecting with one another allows us to grow together and this connection with a community of people who are growing with us can make these difficult experiences less painful.

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05/17/2023

Let's do something today that we can be proud of.

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04/25/2023

Keep working. Keep moving forward. Don't give up! The people telling you you're going to fail are the same people who will tell everyone they know you when you prove them wrong.

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