Mental Health Blog

Advanced Counseling of Bozeman believes you are your own best healing resource — and you don’t have to do it alone.

Explore our blog for perspectives and tools to support your journey toward better mental health and lasting wellbeing. We believe in using evidence-based, heart-centered methods and trusted, effective modalities to achieve the peaceful, purposeful, and fulfilled life that you deserve.

Acquaint yourself with the work of our experienced clinicians and see if their work speaks to you.

Navigating Life with Level 1 Autism
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Navigating Life with Level 1 Autism

Living with Level 1 Autism, (also known as high-functioning autism or formerly diagnosed as Asperger's syndrome,) presents unique challenges, especially for those whose traits may not be immediately apparent to others.

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Understanding Glimmers
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Understanding Glimmers

What are glimmers and how can they benefit us? Deb Dana, a licensed clinical social worker and author of “Polyvagal Theory in Therapy”, describes them as “small moments when our biology is in a place of connection or regulation, which cues our nervous system to feel safe or calm” (Jelenjev, 2023).

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Making Mindfulness Manageable
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Making Mindfulness Manageable

Many of us have heard of the benefits of meditation and mindfulness yet still struggle to incorporate this healthy practice into our daily lives.

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ADHD and Shame
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

ADHD and Shame

There is a recognized link between ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and shame. Individuals with ADHD may experience shame due to inability to manage symptoms, consequences of the inability to manage, and the nature of societal expectations.

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In a Rut? How to get Unstuck
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

In a Rut? How to get Unstuck

Ever feel like you are ‘just existing?’ Like your everyday routine is, just that, a routine and you can’t get yourself out of the rut? It happens to everyone!

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Supporting Your Teen Experiencing Suicidal Ideation
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Supporting Your Teen Experiencing Suicidal Ideation

It can be a scary and stressful situation for all parents wondering if their child is suicidal or supporting them when they do experience suicidal ideation. We do know that this is becoming a more common issue our teens are facing, especially in Montana.

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The Negative Cycle of Relationships
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

The Negative Cycle of Relationships

The negative cycle in a relationship can be an exhausting and damaging pattern that often emerges when partners get caught in a cycle of unproductive communication and behaviors.

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Can We Misuse Therapeutic Language?
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Can We Misuse Therapeutic Language?

With the surge in mental health awareness and access to information online and through social media, therapy terms have become more widely known and used in everyday conversations.

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What does it mean to be Neurodivergent?
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

What does it mean to be Neurodivergent?

The definition of Neurodivergent is an adjective meaning, “differing in mental or neurological functioning from what is considered typical or normal; Not neurotypical”. However, this is a simple meaning that spans a wide range of things that can at times seem overwhelming to grasp.

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A Guide to Strengthening Your Relationship
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

A Guide to Strengthening Your Relationship

Relationships are intricate tapestries woven from the threads of love, communication, trust, and understanding. However, every tapestry encounters frays, tears, and knots along the way.

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Seasonal Changes and Mental Health
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Seasonal Changes and Mental Health

Seasonal changes can significantly impact mental health and wellbeing, and especially living in Montana we know that winters can be particularly brutal.

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How to Have the Hard Conversation About Suicide
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

How to Have the Hard Conversation About Suicide

It can be difficult to have an honest conversation with someone if you suspect they are struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings, or if they come to you expressing suicidal ideation. However, if you have some conversation tools in hand, hopefully the conversation will be productive, and you are confident in knowing that you helped. 

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Book Review: What My Bones Know
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Book Review: What My Bones Know

The book, What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo, is a memoir of Stephanie’s journey to understand and heal from childhood abuse and trauma.

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A Path to Relationship Healing
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

A Path to Relationship Healing

If you've found yourself facing challenges in your romantic relationship, you're not alone. Couples therapy, also known as marriage or relationship counseling, can be a beacon of hope for those seeking to mend and strengthen their bonds.

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Coping with Chronic Pain
Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Coping with Chronic Pain

Having a constant flow of pain surging through your body every day, all day long, can be both physically and mentally exhausting and stressful. While healthcare professionals can prescribe medications and other alternatives to reduce physical pain, treating the mental and emotional side of chronic pain can be equally as important. 

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