First Avenue Counseling, LLC

First Avenue Counseling continues to see all clients via videoconference due to the risks of COVID-19.

For the time being, I've taken my practice entirely online. Though I know this doesn't come naturally to some, I encourage clients to give it a try as it usually becomes second nature after even a few minutes. Thanks to everyone for their patience during this difficult time.

On a recent trip to Moab, where we spent a couple of days exploring the nearby National and State Parks, I remembered the importance of rejuvenation. I often speak to groups about the importance of self-care, but I know I'm not always the best example of someone who cares well for himself. If you...

On our way back from Wyoming recently, we stopped to take photos of the bison near Interstate 80 and across the freeway from Evanston, WY. This one stood out as unusually bold, incredibly still, and standing as though he were the sentinel--the protector of the others.

These seem to be noble bea...

It definitely felt like spring today in Salt Lake City. We visited the Gilgal Park for lunch with a friend and his sister and children. What a treat! The sun was almost too warm, probably a first for this year.

But that's not what this post is about. I'm reading a book I'm recommending to you. ...

If you live in Utah, you know that it's taken an extra long time for spring to come to the Wasatch Front. I went out for a bit today and discovered it was snowing. Yes, you heard right, it's April 30 and it was snowing. Rather than getting exasperated today, however, I decided to say, "Thank you"...

I spent a Sunday morning in the Albion Basin up Big Cottonwood Canyon a few weeks ago. It was an amazing sight to see the wildflowers in bloom--later, of course, than in the valley, because it's colder in the canyon and the sun is restricted by the mountains. There was a variety of colors and man...

With springtime comes the chance to see the world in a new way. So much about therapy is "reframing." Taking what we see and looking at it a new way. I think this photo tries to do just that.

Trauma work can be difficult and time-consuming. What I have learned from my work with Mind-Body Medicine is that we have the power to activate the parasympathetic nervous system to calm our minds and bodies in order to improve the effectiveness of trauma therapy.