Stress is a normal part of life, but when it starts to feel overwhelming, it can affect both your mental and physical health. Whether it’s related to work, relationships, school, or health concerns, too much stress can leave you feeling stuck, exhausted, and even burned out. While you can’t always avoid stressful situations, there are ways to manage how stress affects you—and you don’t have to do it alone. Individual counseling and group therapy at Catalyss Counseling are two great ways to learn how to manage stress and take care of yourself.
What is Stress, and How Does It Show Up in Our Lives?
Stress is your body’s response to a perceived challenge. In small doses, it can help you stay focused and motivated. But when stress becomes chronic, it can take a toll on your body and mind. Physically, stress can lead to headaches, muscle tension, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. Emotionally, it often shows up as anxiety, irritability, or feeling overwhelmed.
Managing stress doesn’t mean eliminating it entirely (because, let’s be real, that’s not possible!). Stress management is about building skills that help you reduce your stress response and feel more in control of your life.
How Individual Counseling Can Help You Manage Stress
Individual counseling is a supportive, one-on-one space where you can explore what’s contributing to your stress and figure out ways to feel better. Working with a therapist allows you to process what’s going on in your life, reflect on patterns, and learn new coping skills that fit your needs.
Some of the ways individual counseling can help with stress management include:
Personalized strategies for handling stress that work for your life.
Increased self-awareness to recognize patterns that might be contributing to your stress.
Coping tools that help reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being.
A safe space to share your experiences and feelings without judgment.
Our therapists use different approaches to help with stress, like Internal Family Systems (IFS), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness practices, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These tools help you better understand your stress and respond to it in healthier ways.
The Benefits of Group Therapy for Stress Relief
If you’re looking for connection and community, group therapy can be another powerful option for managing stress. At Catalyss Counseling, group therapy provides a space to meet with others who are experiencing similar challenges, guided by a skilled therapist. It’s a space to share, listen, and practice new skills in real-time.
Here’s what makes group therapy so helpful for stress:
You’ll feel less alone: Stress can be isolating, but hearing others’ experiences reminds you that you’re not alone.
You’ll get new perspectives: Group members often share ideas and strategies that can inspire you to try something new.
You’ll learn practical skills: Many groups focus on specific tools to help manage stress, like mindfulness or communication strategies.
You’ll find support and accountability: Being part of a group helps you stay committed to your goals.
At Catalyss Counseling, we find that combining individual and group therapy can be one of the most effective ways to manage stress, as each offers something unique. Individual counseling provides focused, personalized support, while group therapy offers connection and shared learning.
Tips for Managing Stress in Your Everyday Life
Even small changes can make a big difference in how you handle stress. Here are a few tips to get started:
Notice your stress patterns: What tends to trigger your stress? What does it feel like when stress builds up?
Take care of your body: Make time for sleep, movement, and nourishing meals—your body and mind are connected.
Practice self-compassion: Stress can bring up a lot of self-judgment. Be kind to yourself as you learn to manage it.
Reach out for support: Whether it’s a therapist, a friend, or a family member, connection can go a long way.
Finding Support at Catalyss Counseling
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, individual or group therapy at Catalyss Counseling can help you feel more grounded and confident in how you handle stress. Our therapists are here to support you in building coping skills and finding the relief you deserve.
You don’t have to navigate stress on your own. With the right tools and guidance, reducing stress and finding more peace in your day-to-day life is possible.
How We Can Help
Feel free to also schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to learn more about your options. You deserve to feel supported, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Author Biography
Megan Berry is a student intern and a provider for the Affordable Counseling Program at Catalyss Counseling. She works with women, caregivers, and anxious adults to navigate grief, depression, and chronic illness to alleviate stress, boost confidence, and restore hope so that they can enjoy what matters most to them in life. Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Other Therapy Services Available at Catalyss Counseling:
Here at Catalyss Counseling, we want to meet all of your counseling needs in the Denver area. Our supportive therapists provide depression counseling, therapy for caregiver stress, grief and loss therapy, stress management counseling, and more. We also have specialists in trauma and PTSD, women's issues, pregnancy and postpartum depression or anxiety, pregnancy loss and miscarriage, and birth trauma. For therapists, we can also provide clinical supervision! We look forward to connecting with you to help support your journey today.
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