Fifteen years ago, River Counseling Services accepted an invitation from a group of area churches to provide integrated mental health care services to Platte and surrounding communities. Working alongside community partners to meet the needs of the community has been an honor. Today, we celebrate the fact that mental health care is readily available.

As we look toward the future, this will be our final “River Reflections” article. We will continue to support the community and invest in rural mental health initiatives but how we go about this work will change at the beginning of June. 

Samantha Booth, MA, will continue to serve clients through our River Counseling Services office and offer in-person and telehealth sessions. She will be backed by the expertise of our multidisciplinary team of marriage and family therapists, counselors, social workers, and psychologists at Sioux Falls Psychological Services (Sioux Falls) and Stronghold Counseling Services (Sioux Falls and Yankton). Members of the larger team will provide services to the community through telehealth sessions.

Our other three current River Counseling therapists--Bethany Eggers, Melanie VanderPol-Bailey, and Nicole VanZuidam--are launching individual practices within the community. Through the three of them, River’s Samantha Booth, Avera, and other partners, the future of clinical mental health services in the community remains bright.

We remain committed to meeting you where you are, offering hope. To learn more about our team of well-trained and experienced mental health professionals at River Counseling, Sioux Falls Psychological Services, and Stronghold Counseling, please visit offermehope.com or call 605-274-2716. 

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and it seems fitting to share some of the symptoms and common signs that someone may be struggling with their mental health.  We want to encourage you to take care of yourself and have the courage to reach out to someone you think may be struggling.  Many resources are available, but it can be difficult to ask for help.

It can be common for the individual who is struggling with mental illness to have the awareness that they are not well.  It can be tempting to say that someone is “in denial”, however someone with acute mental illness may not be thinking clearly enough to consciously choose denial.  They simply may not have the ability for insight or awareness.  The formal term for this medical condition is called anosognosia, from the Greek meaning “to not know a disease”.     This challenge can further isolate someone who is suffering. 

Signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include the following:

• Excessive worrying or fear
• Feeling excessively sad or low
• Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
• Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
• Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
• Avoiding friends and social activities
• Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
• Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
• Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
• Changes in sex drive
• Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don't exist in objective reality)
• Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality 
• Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
• Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
• Thinking about suicide
• Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
• An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.  Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.  At River Counseling we meet you where you are at, offering hope. You may schedule an appointment with the Platte office or with one of the therapists from our other locations, Sioux Falls Psychological Services or Stronghold Counseling in Sioux Falls or Yankton. To schedule an appointment please call 605-274-2716.

There is a children's book entitled "The Missing Piece Meets the Big O" written by Shel Silverstein.  The book depicts a triangle piece who is desperately trying to find the pac-man-looking circle to complete him.  Throughout the story, the missing piece encounters several incomplete circles that don't seem to fit.  The missing piece gets discouraged and tries to change himself or draw more attention to himself in order to find someone. Ultimately the wedge realizes the importance of personal development and not looking to others to "complete" him.

We all have felt left out.  We all struggle with feeling alone or like we don't belong.  The oddity is that we live in a time where we are more connected than ever, but loneliness is at its highest.  We may find ourselves asking questions like, "Why am I always ignored? Why does it seem like my opinion matters? What am I doing wrong?"

When these feelings become overwhelming we can have a natural tendency to change ourselves to be more attractive to others.  We attempt to be more like others in order to find acceptance and cure loneliness.  Sometimes these attempts work.  But despite our acceptance, we still feel like a part of us is missing.

As the story concludes the missing piece meets the Big O.  The Big O isn't incomplete but rather a full circle.  Big O teaches the missing piece that he doesn't need to fit with others to achieve his goals or dreams, he just needs to try to roll on his own.  

Through the booms and busts of life, there will indeed be times where we yearn for "completeness" or attempting to diminish the "gap" between ourselves and others while seeking belongingness.  Whether or not we choose to admit it, there has to be a time where you combat the "missing piece moment" Either from peer pressure or emotional downfall.  At some point, we must reflect and realize the importance of enriching ourselves not by other's approval or even companionship but rather self-development.

At River Counseling we meet you where you are at, offering hope. You may schedule an appointment with the Platte office or with one of the therapists from our other locations, Sioux Falls Psychological Services or Stronghold Counseling in Sioux Falls or Yankton. To schedule an appointment please call 605-274-2716. Please note that River Counseling’s phone number has changed to 605-274-2716 and the 337-3444 phone number is no longer in service.

I don’t know about you, but I am getting pretty tired of being teased by the weather. So far this year we have had several accounts of clear skies and warm sunshine followed by an abrupt downpour of rain or drifts of snow. Washing my car on a really nice day only to have it covered in mud a day later or taking my lawn and garden supplies out only to have to tuck them back away. On the days that we are forced back inside by the elements, it is easy to get sucked back into a slump of thinking “is this ever going to get better?” 

Emotions are oftentimes experienced in a similar way. We can have several days or weeks in a row that feel good, motivating or calm only to feel as if they got swept up in a storm, leaving us feeling lost or confused. It can be easy to have thoughts like, “Why does this always happen to me?” or “I just had a good day, what is wrong with me?” The more we try to rack our brains and figure out what must have gone wrong, the louder the negative voice speaks in our minds and the harsher the messages. 

I love this quote by Susan Cain which reads, “We live in a culture that only wants to talk about what’s going well. Anything that’s not going well is positioned as a detour from the main road. The truth is that pain is not a detour from the main road. Pain is part of the road we walk as human beings.” It can be easy to think that this pain and the bad days “only happen to us,” but we need to keep the journey in perspective. Not all days are going to have sunshine, but not all are going to have rain either. 

If you are having trouble seeing past the dark days, at all four of our locations - River Counseling Services in Platte, Sioux Falls Psychological Services, and Stronghold Counseling Services in Sioux Falls and in Yankton, our mission is this- we meet you where you are, offering hope.  You may schedule an appointment at the Platte office at 605-274-2716 or meet with one of our Sioux Falls or Yankton based therapists from your computer, smartphone, or in person at any of our clinics. To schedule an appointment, please call 605-334-2696.

As humans, we can get caught up in our injuries, our thoughts and our emotions.  Many of us hang on to things from the past that may not be helpful to living and being the best version of ourselves now.  We keep holding on and until the holding begins to have a hold on us. 

Sometimes the thing or things we hold on to are not our fault.  Yet all parts of our lives are our responsibility to discern.  Our lives have value, as we have value.  There are many paths to healing and forgiveness is one of the most precious gifts we have been given. 

In Henri Nouwen’s daybook, Bread for the Journey he writes:

“Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting. When we forgive a person, the memory of the wound might stay with us for a long time, even throughout our lives.  Sometimes we carry the memory in our bodies as a visible sign.  But forgiveness changes the way we remember.  It converts the curse to a blessing.  When we forgive our parents for their divorce, our children for their lack of attention, our friends for their unfaithfulness in a crisis, our doctors for their ill advise, we no longer have to experience ourselves as the victims of events we had no control over. 

Forgiveness allows us to claim our own power and not let these events destroy us; it enables them to become events that deepen the wisdom of our hearts.  Forgiveness indeed heals memories”. 

Therapy can be an invitation to be seen and heard.  It can be a safe space to discern areas in your life that may be difficult or causing you distress.  At River Counseling we meet you where you are, offering hope. You may schedule an appointment with the Platte office or with one of the therapists from our other locations, Sioux Falls Psychological services or Stronghold Counseling in Sioux Falls or Yankton. To schedule an appointment please call 605-274-2716. Please note that River Counseling’s phone number has changed to 605-274-2716 and the 337-3444 phone number is no longer in service.

If one has not spent much time by the ocean, the water can be very intimidating.  With its undertows, strong waves, riptides, and sea creatures, there are a lot of things to be on the lookout for.  For some, admiring from a distance feels more comfortable than stepping in.  Either way, many have experiencing the ocean on their bucket list as it is one of God’s many wonders. 

There is a certain level of respect that we hold for the ocean with all of its mystery, beauty, and power.  The power and sound of the waves is mesmerizing to the point of causing many to be reflective when observing them.  To wade into the water can bring varying experiences depending on the state of the water.  Life experiences and especially it’s challenges, can be compared to this wonder.  

We often prefer to look at the beauty of life from the safety and tranquility of the beach when things seem to go without a hitch.  There are times we choose to put our toes in the water and then other times we feel we are being drug in, kicking and screaming.   Even though it comes with risk, when we are willing to step into the water facing potentially challenging waves that we can experience the excitement of the power and beauty of change.  

When we find ourselves in turbulent waters, we can feel inadequate, not knowing what to say or do and want to avoid the discomfort of the disruption and the emotions that come along with it.  There can be skills learned and for communication and coping that can help us sit in the difficulty when things get a little wavy.  

We all likely have a time when we went in fighting against it. Even though we might tend to avoid remembering or revisiting those experiences, there can be great value in exploring those moments to give us a better understanding of ourselves and maybe some behaviors that were a result of that experience.  Reflecting on these experiences as well as learning the skills to navigate the waves can give us the ability to appreciate the beauty and power of the water without as much fear or anxiety.  

If you find yourself struggling to navigate the waters or finding the beauty amongst the difficulties of life, therapy can be a helpful space. At River Counseling we are here to meet you where you are, offering hope.  You may schedule an appointment with the Platte office at 605-274-2716.  You can also meet with one of the therapists from Sioux Falls Psychological Services or Stronghold Counseling from your own computer or smartphone.  

Experimentation with alcohol and drugs during adolescence can be common.  Unfortunately, teenagers often don't recognize the link between their actions today and the consequences that happen tomorrow or later on in life.  They also can feel indestructible to problems that they may experience.  

Using alcohol and tobacco at a young age has negative health effects.  Some teens will experiment and stop, or continue to use occasionally without significant problems. Others will develop a dependency and potentially move on to more dangerous amounts or substances that can cause significant harm to themselves and possibly others.  It is difficult to know which teens will be more at risk for developing dependency.  It is also difficult to know at what point in life dependency becomes prominent.  Teenagers at risk for developing serious substance dependency include those:

• with a family history of substance use disorders
• who are depressed
• who have low self-esteem, and
• who feel like they don't have a community of people in which they fit and belong.

Parents can educate and help prevent their children from using substances by talking to them about drugs and alcohol, having open communication, role modeling, encouraging responsible behavior, and recognizing if problems are developing. 

At River Counseling we meet you where you are, offering hope. That is our mission. You may schedule an appointment with the Platte office or with one of the therapists from our other locations; Sioux Falls Psychological Services or Stronghold Counseling in Sioux Falls or Yankton.  To schedule an appointment please call 605-274-2716. Please note that River Counseling’s phone number has changed and the 605-337-3444 phone number is no longer in service.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Sexual assault remains a widespread issue in our society, with individuals of all ages and backgrounds falling victim to this heinous crime. It is an act of violence that violates the core principles of consent, respect, and human dignity. To combat this silent epidemic, it is important that we raise awareness about sexual assault, empower survivors, and foster a culture of prevention and support. 

Statistics reveal a startling reality. According to the statistics gathered by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 53% of women and over 29% of men reported experiencing contact sexual violence in their lifetime. Most women and men across all sexual identities who experienced contact sexual violence reported that the person who harmed them was someone they knew. Many incidents remain unreported due to fear, shame, or a lack of trust in the justice system. 

The consequences of sexual assault are profound and far-reaching, impacting survivors physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Survivors frequently suffer from a range of adverse effects, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal ideation. By shedding light on these consequences, we can begin to combat the prevailing stigma surrounding sexual assault and provide survivors with the support they desperately need.

 By educating ourselves and others, we can foster a more compassionate and understanding society. By promoting open conversations about consent, boundaries, and respect, we empower individuals to foster mutually respectful and consensual interactions. By raising awareness about the resources available, survivors are more likely to seek the help they need and take steps toward healing and recovery. By emphasizing the importance of consent and teaching healthy boundaries, we can reshape cultural norms and create a society in which sexual assault is no longer tolerated.

The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline number is (800) 656-HOPE(4673).

At all four of our locations - River Counseling Services in Platte, Sioux Falls Psychological Services, and Stronghold Counseling Services in Sioux Falls and in Yankton, our mission is this- we meet you where you are, offering hope.  You may schedule an appointment at the Platte office at 605-274-2716 or meet with one of our Sioux Falls or Yankton-based therapists from your computer, smartphone, or in person at any of our clinics.

In community weather is often a common topic,  one which can be overheard in circles after church services, at the safe barn, in passing at the grocery store or at school events.  As I write this article there is some question about a future spring storm in the ever-changing forecast.  The weather can impact us all very differently, depending on a variety of things like occupation, age, health issues, etc.  For example, if you are an elementary student, you may super excited about an impending snow day.  But if you are calving, work for the city or county maintaining the roads, employed as a first responder, or if you are a parent working from home, you may feel very differently.  Our perspective often depends on our own reality and life.  How often do you pause to practice empathy by considering and being mindful of the experience or perspective of the other?

Being mindful of others and their unique experiences keeps us connected to each other.  We are living in a time of instant and constant connectability, yet more and more humans feel somewhat lost in their connections with others.  Many relationships may feel distant or may feel as though they are in need of repair.  People may feel as though they are connected because they follow someone’s socials, but struggle in face-to-face conversations or “making time” for connections with others.    

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern life.  Practicing a bit of mindfulness can help us connect with the present moment and with those around us.  Mindfulness is the art of paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity and acceptance.  It involves deliberately directing our awareness to our thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the environment, without judgement or attachment.  Mindfulness can make moments precious, because we notice the intricate web of relationships that bind us to nature and the world around us.

The land we live on is deeply rooted in this way of being.  Mitákuye Oyás'iÅ‹ (All Are Related) is a phrase from the Lakota language. It reflects the world view of interconnectedness held by the Lakota people.  Mindfulness can be a bridge that connects us to others on a deeper level.  When we are present to the here and now, we recognize that we are all connected.  We begin to listen more attentively, speak more authentically, and empathize more deeply.  We increase our awareness of ourselves and become more attuned to the connections with others and everything around us.   

If you are struggling with connections or in any area of life, at River Counseling we meet you where you are at, offering hope. You may schedule an appointment with the Platte office or with one of the therapists from our other locations, Sioux Falls Psychological services or Stronghold Counseling in Sioux Falls or Yankton. To schedule an appointment please call 605-274-2716. Please note that River Counseling’s phone number has changed to 605-274-2716 and the 337-3444 phone number is no longer in service.

Trying new things is part of growing up and evolving. Consider the value of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to try something entirely new or stretch yourself with a familiar activity.  Being open to something new can create opportunities for kindness and connection with others. Reflect on "firsts" in your life and any emotions connected to them.

New adventures involve risk and uncertainty. You may be at a phase in your life where you are seeking stability. At some point, you may feel you are spending too much effort on keeping things "as is" and not enough striving for what could be.

If you are feeling ready to embark on a new adventure or shake up the same 'ol same, try these tips to help gear up for the challenge!

1. Choose what inspires you.  This is where you get to dream and answer the question of what you want life to be.  Intrinsic motivation will get you started and help you overcome challenges.

2. Remember it is OK to be scared.  Trying new things is exhilarating for some, scary for others.  Whether you are truly thrilled or totally intimidated, don't let fears stop you.

3. Get advice or do your research.  Talking with someone who has had a similar experience or has expertise in an area that you are trying to challenge yourself can help ease some of the anxiety you may feel.  Additionally, researching and making plans can help guide you through potential "stuck" points.

4. Take small steps. Be patient with yourself and just keep moving forward. Setbacks and mistakes make new tasks or challenges more daunting, but continue to put one foot in front of the other, learning as you go.

Trying new things is its own reward, freeing you to have the experiences that you long to enjoy.  Along the way, you may learn to navigate new situations, overcome fears, cultivate patience, show humility, and deepen friendships.

At River Counseling we meet you where you are,  offering hope. That is our mission. You may schedule an appointment with the Platte office or with one of the therapists from our other locations, Sioux Falls Psychological services or Stronghold Counseling in Sioux Falls or Yankton.  To schedule an appointment please call 605-274-2716. Please note that River Counseling’s phone number has changed and the 605-337-3444 phone number is no longer in service.