Anam Counseling March 2025 Newsletter
Processing Grief and Fear in Uncertain Times, Practice Updates/Reminders, 2025 Out-of-Office Dates, 2025 Rates
Jess Helle-Morrissey, MA, MSW, LICSW
March 2025
Hello, dear clients.
If the last couple months have been any indication, I know folks are really feeling the chaos and fear and grief of life in America right now. This comes up in nearly every session I’ve had since mid-January. If you’re feeling unmoored and scared, you’re not alone. And even if you’re not consciously thinking about it, it’s still present in the collective unconscious so if you find yourself feeling on edge and you can’t quite put your finger on why, the state of the country is a likely culprit.
As we balance action with self-care in the weeks and months and years ahead, here are some resources/ideas:
In the interest in sitting with the grief inherent in these times, I can’t recommend the podcast, “All There Is with Anderson Cooper” enough. While some of the podcast is dedicated to him encountering his own grief in a beautifully authentic way for the first time in his life, Anderson also has many experts on to discuss the many facets of grief and loss. It’s a phenomenal, heart-opening listen. A few other favorite podcasts and episodes:
10% Happier, in particular the episodes on Stress Reduction , The Science of Emotion Regulation , and The Science of Burnout
Being Well, especially the episodes Attachment Masterclass, Working with Your Parts: Complex PTSD, and The Fawn Response
Focus on community and relationship. Especially when it feels like so much is wrong in the world, it’s worth focusing our efforts within our own communities and with the folks we know and interact with on a regular basis. This is a time to strengthen those ties for a sense of groundedness and connection as well as act within our sphere of influence. I’ve so enjoyed hearing about the concept of getting a “weird little hobby” and seeing friends and clients engage in new activities like a group music class or community dancing or knitting circles. Be with your people - it’s good for you and it’s good for them!
Use your voice. We know from lots of psychological research that across many areas of life, folks have a greater sense of wellbeing if they feel like they have some sort of say or voice or input on what is happening to them and around them. As a licensed clinical social worker, part of my professional ethics code includes working for social justice and against social inequities. I’ve always found it grounding to know that I’m almost duty-bound to speak out in times like these and it helps me feel some sense of ability to navigate these hard times.
Finally, I want to express my deep gratitude for the understanding and compassion clients extended me during my unexpected family leave at the end of last year. It was difficult to step away but I’m grateful that I could take the time. Everyone’s empathy and understanding was felt and was deeply moving. I appreciate and love my clients so much and continue to be so happy to do this work after 20 years (20 years!!) in the field.
With warmth and compassion and solidarity,
Jess
PS: In the next month, look for an email from my client portal about updating the informed consent on file for folks who’ve been in my practice longer than a year
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 2025 OUT OF OFFICE DATES
Here are the dates I’m currently aware of where I will be out of the office for the coming year. There will be some others added here and there but these are the ones on my calendar so far. For folks with a regularly recurring weekly or bi-weekly appointment, mark calendars accordingly for no sessions on these dates!
April 1-3
June 12-26
July 24
Sept. 4th
October 16th
November 25-27
December 23 - January 1
Gentle REMINDER OF CANCELLATION POLICY
A gentle reminder that sessions canceled with 48 hours or less notice are billed the full session fee. Because of how full my practice is and how many folks are on a waiting list for cancellations I strictly adhere to this policy. Except for folks who’ve opted out of reminders, text and email reminders are routinely sent 50 hours ahead of session so that there is time to get a cancellation in. Everyone can self-schedule and self-cancel on the secure client portal, which is a more reliable way than email/text to get an appointment on the books or to cancel an appointment.
2025 RateS
Starting January 1, 2025, my rates are $175/session and $195 for intake for new clients. This rate will go into effect for existing clients April 8, 2025. As always, I am happy to provide folks with a monthly super bill to submit to insurance for any potential out-of-network reimbursement a given plan might offer.
EXPLORE ANAM COUNSELING’S WEBSITE
Anam Counseling
Practical Counseling with Heart and Soul
Jess Helle-Morrissey, MA, MSW, LICSW
www.anamcounseling.com