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.

Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

TV Through a Therapist’s Lens: Shrinking

If you've ever wondered whether a therapist would actually do what Jimmy does in Shrinking, the short answer is no. But beneath the ethical chaos is a thoughtful portrayal of loss, community, and the long road through grief.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Draco Malfoy and the Psychology of Survival

When we look beyond behavior and ask what someone learned they needed to do to feel safe, characters like Draco Malfoy become much more human. Explore how therapy helps us understand the protective patterns that often exist beneath fear, insecurity, and emotional walls.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Creating A Menu of Relaxation Skills

When your nervous system is activated, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Having a personalized menu of relaxation skills can make it easier to find your way back to the present moment. Explore a variety of grounding, breathing, and self-soothing practices to discover what works best for you.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Montana Pride: Support, Resources, and Community

Feeling connected to others is a powerful protective factor for mental health. This Pride Month, we're highlighting organizations across Montana that offer community, support, resources, and opportunities to belong.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Why Constant Responsibility Feels Exhausting

Being responsible is a strength, but carrying everything alone can become exhausting. Learn what the mental load is, why it impacts mental health, and practical ways to create more balance.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Summer Sadness: When the Brightest Season Feels Heavy

In a culture that celebrates making the most of every summer moment, it can feel isolating to struggle during this season. This post reminds readers that human emotions don't follow calendars—and that enough can be beautiful.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Helpful Tips for Parenting Neurodivergent Kids

Parenting a child with ADHD or AuDHD often requires flexibility, patience, and creativity. This post explores practical ways to support neurodivergent kids while creating more calm and connection at home.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Cedric Diggory and Why Kind People Struggle to Put Themselves First

Cedric Diggory resonated with many people not because he was perfect, but because he reflected the quiet pressure so many kind people carry every day: being strong, easy-going, and there for everyone else. This post explores people-pleasing, emotional overextension, and learning to offer yourself the same compassion you give others.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

What is AuDHD?

The combination of ADHD and autism can create unique experiences that are often misunderstood or overlooked. This post explores what AuDHD can look like, from struggling with routines to masking traits in different environments.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

Understanding Rejection Sensitivity

For many neurodivergent individuals, rejection doesn’t just sting, it can feel immediate, consuming, and hard to regulate. This post breaks down what rejection sensitivity is, why it happens, and tools that can help reduce the intensity of those emotional reactions.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

ADHD and Substance Use in Adolescents

Teens with ADHD may face a higher risk of substance use due to impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and dopamine-seeking behaviors. This post explores ways parents can support prevention through connection, communication, and healthy coping skills.

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Ashlee Owens Ashlee Owens

My Therapist is Leaving…Now What?

Finding out your therapist is leaving can bring up a mix of emotions and questions. This post walks through what that transition can feel like, what your options are, and how to move forward with support and intention.

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