Basic Steps Mental Health

To be blunt, our relationships are in chaos because we’re in chaos. Since mental health has not been a priority in school, this is probably the reason so many relationships are suffering. Until people are taught the tools to keep their emotions in check, relationships will suffer. Not knowing the proper tools, instead of focusing on cooperation, couples focus on competition. Another problem is couples getting locked into the “I’m right, and you’re wrong,” mindset.

Read Dr. Scott's Insights HERE:
https://basicsteps.life/2026/08/relationship-101

Visiting my best friend, he asked what the biggest issue in my life was. Not being used to taking on the role of the client was refreshing, and my answer surprised him – fear, I told him. Fear of my body, the pains, would I get over ailments, would I die. The other was fear of finances and preparing for retirement. Also, fears in my relationship – would unresolved issues remain or even get worse? I realized I was familiar with fear but pushed them all down.

What about you? What is your biggest issue?

https://basicsteps.life/2026/07/the-big-issue

We are only as strong as our emotional make-up. If it crumbles, we go into a crisis. For eleven years, I worked at the first Mental Health Urgent Care Center, seeing over 7,000 people there, before moving up to this area to run a clinic. At the crisis center, problems too difficult to deal with caused problems ranging from manic episodes, psychosis, suicidal ideation, and above all – hopelessness. Our job was to piece people back together.

Read Dr. Scott's Insights HERE:
https://basicsteps.life/2026/07/creating-a-strong-inner-foundation

If you have chosen to be a counselor – fasten your seatbelt, because every issue you have ever had will be triggered. This is the good news, because as you process through the wounds of your past, it makes it easier to help others.

Read Dr. Scott's Insights HERE:
https://basicsteps.life/2026/07/advise-for-budding-counselors

Often, people enter treatment looking for quick results. Yes, there is medication that takes the edge off; however, the problem can still remain. This is because there are reasons for depression, anxiety, mood swings, or anything else. According to Spiritual Psychology, your ailments have educational value for the soul. If we process through these issues, they are gone forever. If not, they have a way of returning because Spirit wants us to grow.

The quick fixes put a Band-Aid over the thorn, but if you bump against it, pain flares. Therapy is incredible for removing the thorn right at the root. However, pain can be part of the removal process, but you are big enough to handle that.

Read Dr. Scott's Insights HERE:
https://basicsteps.life/2026/07/a-few-basic-steps

As we kick off the holiday weekend, Basic Steps Mental Health wants to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day!

We’re proud to celebrate America’s 250th with our community and hope your weekend is filled with family, friends, fireworks, and a little time to relax.

https://basicsteps.life

Today, we honor the fathers who show strength not just in what they provide, but in how they support, nurture, and love. Being a dad comes with its own challenges, and it's okay to ask for help along the way. Taking care of your mental health is one of the strongest steps you can take for yourself and those you love.

Here’s to the dads who lead with heart, who show up, and who grow. We see you. We support you.

https://basicsteps.life

It takes real commitment to change old habits and familiar ways of looking at life. Our brains hardwire automatic responses, which we often experience as our personality. So often in sessions I hear people say, “That’s just the way I am,” or “I’m just an angry, anxious, or depressed person.” If you continue to convince yourself that this is who you are, how can you possibly change?

Life is hard... I get it. Nobody goes through life without facing difficult situations and needing to take action. But what do we usually do? Most often, we fall back on what’s familiar because, “This is the way you’re supposed to handle it.” But is it? When we question our beliefs and behaviors, and pay close attention to the outcomes of our actions, amazing change can take place if we are willing to see the faults in our approach.

Read Dr. Scott's Insights HERE:
https://basicsteps.life/2026/06/the-dynamics-of-change

There are many counseling approaches practiced in the field. Because of this, take the time to research which approach(es) the person provides. Next, ask yourself if their approach seems like something you will follow. The key is asking, before the first visit, what the person’s theory of healing is. Researching counselors can save you a lot of headaches.

Read Dr. Scott's Insights HERE:
https://basicsteps.life/2026/06/what-to-look-for-in-counseling

I believe one of the benefits of running your own counseling center is the freedom to adjust your approach and emphasize what is the most effective way of obtaining the proper results you would like to see in the clients. One way I do this is by applying the approaches to myself.

Read Dr. Scott's Insights HERE:
https://basicsteps.life/2026/06/enhanced-healing