We Are Here To Help
Thereβs Always Another Option. β‘
- Β© Copyright 2025 Alternative Options Counseling Center, Inc | Site Map
This year the theme for Mental Health Awareness Month was βBack to Basics,β which makes me think about the basics of how we cope. Often times in treatment I hear the following statement, βI donβt know what to do, I have no coping skills.β Most people have coping skills but they are not aware of them, and often times we need to utilize them prior to hitting rock bottom. We have to work on changing our mindset regarding waiting until we are at our absolute worst to seek support, and instead seek support the moment a change, or struggle begins to be noticed. It is pertinent that we acknowledge, validate, and cope even when small triggers ensue to allow us to stay on top of our mental health care.
Let us get to the basics of how we cope! Below we are sharing 10 perspectives on coping, from 10 of our employees.
βBeing intentional with scheduling my week, I schedule time for Pilates, to meet with friends, and days where there is nothing scheduled so I can watch Netflix, be on the couch, and do nothing but watch a storyline unfold.β βBrigit Aroz, Clinical Director
βGratitude list, I list 3 things a day, and I challenge myself to not repeat the same 3 things, that’s how you strengthen your gratitude muscle and it helps with perspective and gratitude in the future.β βMonica Olivares, CADC II
βThe beach is my coping, I go on a Friday night and I go by myself, then I take myself out to dinner and go home. I call it Beach Therapy! I also swim at the gym three days a week. All of these things center me and bring be back to calm.β βKathy Belanger, CADC I
βGrounding techniques at the beach are my favorite and breath work. I also enjoy making Charcuteries boards, I like the detail and time that goes into it, and then I get to enjoy them with a group of friends, family, or co-workers. Time by myself and time to connect with others.β βShelly Pine, AMFT & Case Manager
βUnwinding in my backyard watching the sunset, because that color isn’t in a crayon box, as I do this I ground myself bare feet on grass or dirt to receive the ions from the earth. My backyard is my coping zone, I ground or I grill in my backyard kitchen, plus can’t get in trouble in my backyard.β βDanny Abagian, Case Manager
βI do urge surfing, I ride the waves of my emotion and visualize my emotions as a wave and let it pass over. I acknowledge the emotions, and the visualization allows the emotions to pass by.β βMary Dunnavant, Case Manager
βI do box breathing in three intervals, check on my anxiety and if it is still there I do it again. This is also something I utilize with my son, which allows me to get him to a calm state so he can tell me what he is feeling, or tell me what he needs, which helps me as a parent too!β βChristiane Arevalo, LMFT & Huntington Beach Program Manager
βI like to do puzzles and coloring, walk my dog and play with my dog, and baking, it all helps with relaxation and decompressing. I like self-care to be me time.β βJacqueline DeLuca, MSW, ASW
βI like doodling, zentangle, and painting, these are some of the things that help me with mindfulness and comfort. Movie night too, it helps me to take a break. Now, if I’m in a stressful moment and I instantly need some relief I’ll count down from 100 by 7s.β βKelsey Gavin, LMFT
βI like to spend time with my pets, my birds, cleaning up and teaching them new words which is self-care for me. I like gardening, and using the safe place technique. I self-soothe with the senses, smell essential oils, and I exercise to get my body moving. It all helps to calm myself and regroup.β βStephanie Giammichele, AMFT & Case Manager
If any of these coping skills resonate with you try one out today! If not, find what works best for you.
Serving Los Angeles and Orange County Areas
We Are Here To Help