The Power of Kindness to Yourself (& Others!) - Your Journey to Wellness
- Counselor Keri Aschoff, LPC, NCC
- Oct 21, 2023
- 4 min read
Thoughts from Counselor Keri at KindWorks Counseling: In the busyness of our daily lives, we often underestimate the profound impact of a simple act of kindness towards ourselves and others. I am on a mission to show the world that kindness is not just a feel-good sentiment - it is a transformative force that has the potential to heal and nurture the mind, body, and soul.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Kindness is like a pebble dropped into the still waters of a pond – it creates ripples that extend far beyond the initial act. When we choose to be kind, we not only make someone else's day a little brighter but we also experience a positive shift in our own well-being.
The act of kindness triggers a release of "feel-good" hormones like oxytocin, reducing stress and boosting our mood.
The Kindness-Wellness Connection
My mission at KindWorks is to promote holistic well-being, and kindness is at the core of that approach. Kindness is not only about how we treat others but also about how we treat ourselves. In the world of mental health, this is paramount. It is about understanding that to be well, we must be kind – both to ourselves and others.
Kindness to Ourselves
Self-compassion is also an essential aspect of well-being. In our fast-paced lives, we often forget to extend the same kindness to ourselves that we readily offer to others. We may be too self-critical, setting unrealistic standards, and dwelling on our imperfections. One of my common reminders to my clients during their healing journey is to emphasize the importance of self-kindness. By learning to treat ourselves with compassion and empathy, we can then embark on a journey to better mental health.
The Holistic Impact of Kindness
When we approach life with kindness, we nurture not only our minds but also our bodies and souls. The stress-reduction and mood-boosting benefits of kindness have a tangible impact on our physical and mental health.
Kindness, compassion, and empathy are not just trendy words - they are the guiding principles to KindWorks counseling practice. They are the tools that I use to create a nurturing environment where you can explore your inner world, find solace, and build resilience.
They are the values that encourages me to prioritize the mental well-being and dignity of all individuals. Kindness, in essence, is our path to a more compassionate and kind world for ourselves and others.
Are you considering therapy for yourself? Feeling unsure or nervous? As we embark on this journey towards holistic well-being, remember that you are not alone. At KindWorks, I am here to support you, to guide you, and to celebrate the incredible transformation that kindness can bring into your life.
I would be honored to be on this path with you, where kindness is the key that unlocks the door to a brighter, healthier future.
Kindness to Others
Kindness is not just a solitary endeavor - it is also about fostering connections and building a supportive community. I aim to create a space where kindness and empathy are the cornerstones of all interactions --- believe in the transformative power of listening, understanding, and extending a helping hand to those in need!
One way I promote this is to advocate for two charities that are near and dear to my heart -
one local and one international charity non-profit organization
that I am passionate about their cause, mission & the people they serve.
The local (Houston, Tx) charity is called Autism Rescue Angels and the international charity organization is called StreetHearts Haiti.
(More details to come soon about these two amazing organizations that is having a kindness revolution in the people they serve! Stay tuned for future blog post!)
Want to pass kindness forward? Then please go learn more about these two life-changing organizations!
References
Aliouche, H. (2023, March 13). The science of kindness. News.Medical.Net. https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Science-of-Kindness.aspx
About the Author - Counselor Keri Aschoff
Keri Aschoff, founder and counselor at KindWorks Counseling, is dedicated to helping adults and adolescents through a whole-body integrative therapy approach to heal emotional wounds from their life's hardships and traumas.
She specializes in transforming adversity into hope and healing. Specific areas of expertise are adults and adolescents who have experienced trauma (including betrayal, childhood abuse, and medical/illness), C-PTSD, Chronic/Serious Illness (especially dysautonomia/POTS/EDS) and Borderline Personality Disorder.
Keri is a self-professed neuro-science research nerd who loves to use her free time to read the latest research and deep dive into additional training to help her clients even more effectively. She is EMDR trained, certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and currently pursuing her PhD in Health Science Trauma Informed Care at Liberty University. She also integrates DBT, IFS parts work, somatic therapy, polyvagal theory, and Structural Dissociation Model in her work.
Keri Aschoff, LPC-Associate, NCC - Kind Works Counseling Supervisor: Jackeline Hurtado, LPC-S - License Texas 65735 at The Lotus Circle Counseling
929-777-5463 (KIND)
Helping clients in-person Katy & Cypress Tx and online throughout Texas
Follow us on Facebook: Kind Works Counseling
Instagram: @KindWorksTherapist
Psychology Today Profile: Keri Aschoff
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