"At Peace Family Counseling, we believe each client's the expert regarding their own lives and keeper of their story. When life’s circumstances leave someone feeling defeated, we help them find tools to get clarity and balance in their life, including navigating holiday stress," says director Lisa Franklin, LCSW.
Lisa says Peace therapists commit to helping everyone find the right words to tell their personal story to restore peace in their life and relationships. "We're dedicated to healing the mind, spirit, heart and human relationships. And we're passionate about helping people go from feeling overwhelmed and shut down to empowered and in control."
The team says they pride themselves in walking alongside others without critiques or judgments.
"We provide therapy services for individuals, couples, children, teens and families, through a team of highly trained therapists whose values and vision of health are rooted in the Christian tradition," explains Lisa, who also conducts workshops for school teams, educators, pastors and parents.
Areas of the Peace team's expertise span anxiety/panic/depression; OCD; trauma/EMDR; grief/loss; sand tray/play therapy; spiritual formation/development; anger issues; substance abuse; abuse-related matters; relationship issues; and Highly Sensitive Persons (those who have an increased or deeper central nervous system sensitivity).
Sessions are 50-55 minutes in what Lisa assures is a safe, confidential environment to process and heal at 48 N. Emerson Ave., Ste. 650 in Greenwood.
Lisa assures the staff knows asking for help can be difficult or embarrassing, so most people avoid it for as long as possible. "We often tell clients a paraphrase of what Franciscan priest and author Richard Rohr says, 'what isn’t transformed is transmitted.' We know there's real courage in people deciding to face the pain of their past or present circumstances, and each therapist at Peace Family Counseling see it as a great honor to be invited into people’s pain so they can feel better as soon as possible."
An additional way through which these professionals help others is by giving away a complimentary book of the month to those who register online for that opportunity.
317.881.0409
PeaceFamilyCounseling.com
Lisa Vanek, LCSW
"During holidays, maintain consistent routines even amid chaos. Give children advance notice before transitions, create a quiet space where they can decompress when overwhelmed and lower your expectations — behaviors often escalate when kids are overstimulated. Remember, connection before correction always works best."
Grace Patterson, LMHCA
"Concerned about your kids and cellphone use during the holiday season? It’s the right time to set and model expectations that might include tech-free time. Discuss genuine, in-person connections and what that looks like with family and friends."
Luke Harty, LCSW
"Couples can promote healthy connections during holidays by communicating expectations early, setting shared priorities and protecting couple time. Be a united team through family and financial stress. Show small acts of affection, check in emotionally, manage expectations, practice self-care and focus on meaningful traditions over perfection to nurture closeness during the holidays."
Stacy Weadick, LMHC
"Holidays often stir emotional wounds from relationship ruptures and unmet expectations with family, friends and loved ones. Practicing emotional awareness, honoring your own needs and extending self-compassion can help soothe distress, fostering healing and balance during times of connection and transition."
Katelyn "Kate" Hunter, LMHC
"Dealing with perfectionism during holidays can ruin the fun. Set a 'good enough' goal for holiday tasks, like decorating or gift wrapping, and stop when it’s done, even if it’s not perfect. Your loved ones won’t remember the perfectness, they'll remember your joy and presence."
Darin Hays, LSW
"During the holidays it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or frustrated due to unmet expectations or highly stressful situations. This is especially true for those dealing with addictive behavior. My pro tip is to practice communicating your expectations and needs early to avoid the higher risk of unhealthy coping that leads to relapses."
Lisa Franklin, LCSW
"Holidays can be particularly stressful for Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) because overstimulation can happen quickly with hectic schedules. My pro tip? See if you can cut expectations in half. Expected to be somewhere 6 hours, see if staying 3 would also work."