The Colorado Counseling Podcast

Overcomers Counseling
The Colorado Counseling Podcast

Welcome to the Colorado Counseling Podcast by Overcomers Counseling, your trusted guide on a transformative journey through mental health education. Hailing from the heart of Colorado Springs, this podcast is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of issues like anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and more. Join us in our mission to overcome, as we explore, learn, and grow together in the realm of mental health. Your journey towards understanding and resilience starts here. Listen now and become an overcomer.

  1. APR 4

    Meditation for Athletes

    Athletes know that physical preparation is only part of the equation when it comes to peak performance. The mind plays a critical role in determining how you perform under pressure, how well you adapt to the demands of competition, and how confidently you step into big moments. Guided meditation for athletes can make a difference and help you improve sports performance. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to sharpen focus, build mental clarity, and calm pre-game nerves, all while fostering the confidence you need to compete at your best. Imagine going into your next competition with a steady mind and renewed sense of purpose. Meditation allows you to do just that. It’s not just about relaxation; it’s about cultivating self-belief and emotional control, helping you take control of your mental game as much as your physical one. This can give you an edge in your competitive performance. Find other mental preparation ideas, and schedule a counseling session at our Colorado Springs offices.      The Intersection of Mindfulness and Athletic Performance Mental resilience is one of the most underrated aspects of sports performance. While your body may be in top condition, if your mind feels crowded with self-doubt or negativity, it can affect how you feel and perform. Guided meditation helps clear mental clutter, steady your emotions, and bring your focus back to what truly matters. Through mindfulness meditation, you train your brain to stay connected to the present moment, eliminating unnecessary distractions and boosting emotional control. This kind of mental conditioning isn’t new to athletes. Many athletes have turned to practices like square breathing and visualization to stay calm under pressure and tap into their full potential, and research in sports psychology has shown the benefits of making meditation a regular part of training. Whether you’re stepping onto the court, the field, or the track, the mindfulness skills you develop in meditation allow you to manage expectations with grace and perform with clarity and poise. Setting the Stage for Your Meditation Practice Before you begin, it’s helpful to create an environment that feels calm, supportive, and personal. Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably—whether that’s on a chair, the floor, or lying down. Make a small ritual out of preparing for your session. You might dim the lights, stretch briefly, or take a moment to settle into the space around you. This isn’t just physical preparation; it’s also signaling to your mind that it’s time to focus inward. Close your eyes, and take a deep, steady breath in through your nose, followed by a long, calming exhale through your mouth. This process of slow breathing helps calm your nervous system and grounds you in the present moment. Each breath becomes an anchor. If your thoughts wander, gently return your focus to the rise and fall of your breath. Why Visualization Works for Athletes One of the most effective tools in guided meditation is visualization, a technique that’s been widely used in athletics for its performance benefits. Visualization allows you to mentally rehearse success long before you step into competition, helping build self-confidence and reduce uncertainty. It creates a mental roadmap for your body to follow. Picture yourself in your element, fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and sensations of gameday. Maybe you’re on a basketball court, brushing your fingers over the polished floor, or lacing up your cleats on a freshly lined football field. Engage all your senses—what can you hear, feel, and see around you? This process doesn’t just boost confidence; it activates the same neural pathways in your brain that light up during actual performance, helping you feel more prepared and in control. Once you’ve visualized your setting, take the scene a step further. Imagine each physical movement unfolding with precision and power. Feel the strength in your legs as you sprint forward, the steadiness

    12 min
  2. MAR 24

    Releasing Shame Meditation

    Shame is one of the heaviest emotions we can carry. It often sits quietly in the background, influencing thoughts, behaviors, and the way we perceive ourselves. While everyone experiences shame at some point, it’s easy to forget that this feeling doesn’t define who we are. Releasing shame requires curiosity, patience, and self-compassion. Through a guided meditation for releasing shame, you can create a safe space to explore this emotion, untangle its hold, soothe compulsions (if any), and replace it with understanding and kindness. This process is not about silencing shame or forcing it to disappear but about transforming it into something lighter, an opportunity for healing. Guided meditation becomes your tool for navigating this path, offering rest, perspective, and the chance to reconnect with the worthiness already within you.   What Does Shame Feel Like in the Body? Shame doesn’t just stay in the mind; it finds a home in the body. For some, it feels like tightness in the chest or a knot in the stomach, while others experience a lump in the throat or a sensation of weight on the shoulders. These physical manifestations are the body’s way of releasing signals that something needs attention. Take a moment to gently notice where shame resides in your body. This isn’t about judgment or trying to fix anything. It’s about curiosity and awareness. When we approach shame with compassion, we allow it to loosen its grip, making space for release. Why Guided Meditation Helps Releasing shame is no easy task, but meditation provides a framework for approaching it with care. Guided meditation offers a structure to help you stay in the present moment while exploring your feelings. It anchors you with tools like deep breathing, body scans, and visualizations, empowering you to process shame by observing instead of judging. What makes this practice so effective is its focus on mindfulness. Mindfulness teaches you to focus on your experience as it is, without criticism. When shame arises, guided meditation reminds you, “This is a feeling, not who I am.” With consistency, this practice transforms shame into clarity and compassion. Exploring and Releasing Shame Imagine sitting quietly in a space that feels safe and supportive. You’re breathing slowly, letting your body relax and your mind settle. This is the foundation of guided meditation—creating a sanctuary where you can gently connect with your emotions. Start with your breath. The rhythm of inhaling and exhaling becomes a steady anchor. Feel it filling your lungs and creating room to process whatever arises. Bring awareness to the shame you may be carrying. Does it have a shape, a color, or a texture? Visualize wrapping this feeling in warmth and care, letting each breath soften its intensity. One powerful exercise involves picturing shame as a cloud. This cloud may have been following you, heavy and persistent. But with each breath, the edges start to dissolve. You can imagine it shrinking, dissipating into a clear blue sky, leaving behind lightness and calm. Self-Compassion as a Path to Freedom A guided meditation for releasing shame doesn’t just help you notice and process the emotion—it teaches self-compassion as the ultimate act of healing. Shame often arrives with self-judgment or guilt, making it easy to feel stuck. Compassion helps change the narrative. Consider a moment when you felt overwhelmed by shame. Instead of resisting those feelings or harshly critiquing yourself, gently ask, “What do I need most right now?” This question brings kindness into the experience. Maybe you need acknowledgment or validation. Perhaps it’s the reminder that feeling shame doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong, it simply means you’re human. You might use the metaphor of the adult chair model in your practice. Picture yourself stepping into a chair of understanding and wisdom, one that exists to hold space for emotions without letting them consume you. This allows shame to lose it

    12 min
  3. MAR 21

    Meditation for Gratitude

    Cultivating Gratitude Through Guided Meditation Gratitude is a powerful force. It reminds us to pause, to reflect, and to focus on the richness of life, even in its simplest moments. Practicing gratitude daily—through a guided meditation for gratitude—can shift your mindset, strengthen your well-being, and leave you feeling grounded, joyful, and more connected to yourself and others. This meditation isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges but about giving equal attention to the gifts and blessings that often go unnoticed. Gratitude helps balance the mind, quiet negativity, and cultivate positive feelings like kindness and joy. Maybe it’s a quiet morning moment or a chance to reflect before bed, I think you'll find this practice can help transform the way you interact with the world. Why Practice Gratitude? There are many resources in Colorado Springs to help with mental health. I'm grateful to know that our community is committed to helping those with their mental health needs.  It’s easy to focus on what’s missing, on mistakes, or on stress—allowing the good things to fade into the background. Gratitude meditation provides a moment to pause and reflect. It’s not just about the grand gestures; it helps us notice the small, meaningful moments like a smile from a friend, the smell of fresh air in the morning, or the warmth of a cozy blanket. Research has shown that practicing gratitude can improve mental health, increase happiness, and strengthen self-compassion. It’s a way to reconnect with the present and build a foundation of positive emotions over time. Even just a few minutes a day of focused mindfulness can bring lasting benefits. Centering on Gratitude Through Meditation Imagine taking a moment to sit quietly, your body relaxed, and your breath steady. You reflect on what makes you feel grateful. It might be something as simple as a morning cup of tea, a meaningful conversation, or a memory of laughter with loved ones. These reflections matter—they’re the small building blocks of happiness and mental clarity. Guided gratitude meditation takes you a step further. Through mindfulness, you focus on the blessings that surround you, helping you step out of negative thought patterns and into a space of appreciation and calm. This practice helps deepen your connection to yourself and others, nurturing a greater sense of joy and contentment. The Power of Mindful Awareness Gratitude meditation often begins with deep breathing, allowing the mind to quiet and the body to relax. This simple act opens the door to mindful awareness—the ability to fully notice and appreciate each moment as it unfolds. Instead of rushing past your feelings, you pause and reflect, creating space to truly feel gratitude for your life. Each breath becomes a tool for connection. With every inhale, you invite a sense of appreciation to bloom. With each exhale, you release stress and distractions. This steady rhythm anchors you in the present moment, where gratitude can flourish. Extending Gratitude to Others Much of gratitude meditation focuses on fostering positive feelings toward others. As you sit in quiet reflection, you might visualize the people who have supported you—family, friends, or even strangers whose kindness made a difference. Take time to mentally thank them, recognizing their unique role in your life. This practice can also include extending gratitude to the neutral people you meet in daily life, like a helpful barista or a patient coworker. Some meditations even go one step further by encouraging you to feel gratitude toward those you’ve experienced conflict with. While this step may feel challenging, it can inspire a sense of inner peace and emotional freedom, reminding you that gratitude transcends circumstances. Gratitude as Body Awareness Your body is one of the greatest gifts you have, and gratitude meditation invites you to honor its role in your life. Through a gentle body scan, you can thank your eyes for the ability to

    13 min
  4. MAR 19

    Emotional Healing Meditation

    I find that experiencing life’s emotional ups and downs can get so very exhausting as I get older. Often, we carry the weight of unresolved feelings, grief, frustration, sadness, or even moments of joy that pass too quickly. Emotional healing doesn't happen overnight, but it’s a process of tending to yourself with care and patience. Guided meditation for emotional healing offers a safe and nurturing space to connect with your emotions, gently process them, and rediscover your inner balance. The Courage to Heal Choosing to dedicate time to emotional healing is an act of courage and self-love. It’s not about forcing yourself to “move on” or ignoring what you’re feeling, but about meeting yourself where you are, with all the complexities and beauty of being human. This is the essence of a healing meditation practice. It invites you to pause, to breathe, and to gently allow yourself to be present with everything you’re experiencing. Our therapists in Colorado Springs help people who experienced trauma. We know the importance of having courage.  Imagine taking a rare moment to sit in stillness, hands resting lightly, as you close your eyes and focus inward. You might feel the rhythm of your breath, the gentle rise and fall of your chest, or the warmth of your hands placed over your heart. These small acts of presence and care open the door to emotional clarity and healing. Why Guided Meditation Supports Emotional Balance Our emotions aren’t meant to be buried or ignored. They’re messengers, each one pointing to something within us that deserves attention. Guided meditation creates a compassionate space to explore these feelings without judgment. Instead of avoiding difficult emotions, this practice teaches us to acknowledge them, hold them gently, and release their weight when we’re ready. For example, if you’ve been feeling anger or sadness, meditation allows you to observe these emotions as they arise, much like clouds drifting through the sky. You don’t have to change them or make them go away—you simply notice, breathe, and allow. This awareness helps break cycles of overwhelm, replacing them with moments of calm and clarity. Starting Your Healing Journey To create the ideal environment for emotional healing, find a space where you can feel supported and undisturbed. This might be a quiet corner of your home, a room with soft lighting, or even the comfort of your bed. Close your eyes or lower your gaze, and take a few slow, deep breaths. With each inhale, invite a sense of calm into your body. With each exhale, release tension bit by bit. Try placing one or both hands over your heart, tuning into the gentle rhythm of your breath. This simple act helps deepen your connection to yourself, reminding you that you are safe and supported in this moment. A Glowing Light of Self-Compassion One powerful meditation exercise for emotional healing involves visualizing your heart as a glowing light. Imagine this light radiating warmth and compassion, spreading throughout your body. It grows brighter with each breath, reminding you of your inner strength and your ability to heal. If emotions surface during this practice—whether they come with tears, tightness in the chest, or even a sense of relief—welcome them. These feelings are part of your healing process. You’re not trying to fix or change anything. You’re simply allowing yourself to be present, just as you are. For moments when a particular emotion feels overwhelming, picture it as an object you can gently place down, like setting a heavy backpack on the ground. You’re not throwing it away; you’re just allowing yourself a break, even if only for a moment. Releasing Stress With a Body Scan Stress and unresolved emotions often settle in different areas of the body. A guided body scan helps bring awareness to these spaces, encouraging relaxation and release. Start at the very top of your head, noticing if there’s any tension. Then, move down through your face, shoulders, che

    9 min
  5. MAR 16

    Relaxation Meditation

    Finding Calm With Guided Meditation for Relaxation Over the years, I find that life keeps moving faster, pulling my mind in all directions. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and forget to simply pause. Guided meditation for relaxation provides that much-needed pause—a moment to step off the treadmill of daily life and just be. Open awareness needs practice, and guided meditation is the perfect tool for that. With its gentle guidance, it helps you focus on the present moment and become more in tune with your inner self. It’s a powerful way to find calm amidst the chaos of everyday life. After so many years helping Colorado Springs with anxiety issues, sometimes a relaxation meditation can be a powerful tool to explore.   Imagine pressing a reset button for your mind and body, letting go of tension and rediscovering calm. This meditation practice offers a gentle invitation to slow down and reconnect with yourself. Why Relaxation is Essential Stress can manifest in so many ways—tight shoulders, restless nights, or even a buzzing mind that won't quiet down. These physical signals are your body’s way of asking for a break. Deep relaxation isn’t a luxury but a necessity for your well-being. It helps reset your nervous system, lowers cortisol levels, and allows you to approach life with a clearer, more focused mind. Meditation creates a pathway to this kind of deep relaxation. Through mindfulness and awareness, it quiets the mental chatter and brings you into the present moment. There are many strategies to calm one's mind. For example, sometimes people use sensory toys to calm a child. And a meditation for one's mind is another tool to learn and practice as one matures.  Instead of being lost in a whirlwind of thoughts or worries, you can simply exist in a state of calm—fully connected to your breath and body. It’s an act of kindness you give to yourself, and the benefits ripple into every area of life. The Gentle Power of Deep Breathing One of the simplest yet most powerful tools in relaxation meditation is deep breathing. The act of taking slow, intentional breaths signals your body to relax, releasing built-up stress. With each inhale, you’re inviting peace and clarity into your mind. With each exhale, you’re letting go of tension and mental clutter. Imagine sitting quietly, your hands resting softly, as you take a deep breath in. Your ribcage expands gently, your body fills with fresh energy. Then, as you exhale, your shoulders soften, and your muscles release their grip. It’s a small moment that holds incredible power—a reminder that breath is a constant anchor to calm no matter what’s happening around you. Visualization to Create Inner Peace Guided meditation often incorporates visualization to deepen relaxation. Imagine yourself floating on a calm ocean, the gentle waves rocking you into stillness. The warmth of the sun shines on your skin, and a light breeze carries away any stress you’ve been holding. This simple imagery invites your mind and body to align with a state of ease. Visualization isn’t just about escapism; it’s a tool to train your mind toward calmness. Your brain can’t always distinguish between an imagined experience and a real one, so these peaceful mental pictures allow you to feel grounded and centered even when life feels chaotic. Teturn to these soothing visuals regularly, so you create a mental sanctuary you can visit whenever needed. Scanning the Body to Release Tension Stress has a way of creeping into the body, sometimes without us even realizing it. That tightness in your jaw or that weight in your chest might feel so normal that it goes unnoticed. Meditation helps shift attention inward, giving you the opportunity to gently scan your body and release areas of tension. Start at the top of your head, noticing any tightness there, and then slowly work your way down. Relax the forehead, unclench the jaw, and allow your shoulders to feel heavy and soft. When you arrive at your ches

    11 min
  6. MAR 13

    Guided Meditation for Letting Go

    Join us in this deeply calming and transformative guided meditation designed to help you reconnect with the present moment and release the burdens that weigh you down. If you're just beginning your meditation practice or are an experienced practitioner, then this session introduces meditation tools to cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness. Think of it like a support group for your mind.  We’ll start by inviting you to sit quietly and relax, grounding yourself in the here and now. Through gentle breathing exercises, you’ll connect with your body and explore your thoughts and emotions with compassion, creating space for inner peace and a sense of lasting happiness. This episode focuses on the art of letting go—helping you release attachments tied to past experiences and uncover patterns rooted in the subconscious mind. Observing thoughts and feelings as they arise helps you begin to build a greater sense of presence and clarity, unlocking the freedom that comes from staying rooted in reality. Stay in the Present Moment Key elements of the practice include a grounding breath meditation, a full body scan, and a visualization exercise where you’ll release negativity, symbolized by letting go of a balloon. This symbolic gesture guides you to realize that holding on to pain or fear limits your potential. Instead, you’ll cultivate lightness and a deeper connection to life’s richness. During this practice, you’ll learn to feel emotions fully, without judgment, while shifting your focus back to the present. You’ll discover that freedom from old patterns allows you to welcome joy and clarity into your life. Through mindfulness, reflection, and self-compassion, this episode offers a guide to building a healthier relationship with yourself, others, and the world around you. Designed to help you relax and create peace within, this meditation gives you the tools to move toward self-growth and healing. Maybe your desire is to reduce stress, find clarity, or deepen your connection to the present, and this practice empowers you to make space for what truly matters. Subscribe to Our Meditation Practice Podcast Episodes Join us on a transformative journey to explore the art of mindfulness and letting go by subscribing to our Meditation Practice Podcast. Each episode is designed to help you relax, find peace, and reconnect with your breath as you create space for growth and healing. Find how to ground yourself in the present moment, cultivate awareness, and realize the freedom that comes from understanding the forms and emotions shaping your life. Through guided meditation, we explore the meaning of existence, offering tools to feel lighter, find joy, and surrender to life’s natural flow. If you're seeking to reflect on the past, ease concerns, or strengthen your relationship with yourself and the world, then our podcast brings insights that resonate immediately. Notice the beauty of being aware, free yourself from the weight of worry and suffering, and take the first step toward inner enlightenment and happiness. Subscribe now and allow the comforting energy of compassion and mindfulness to guide you on your path.

    14 min
  7. MAR 10

    Guided Meditation for Productivity

    Welcome to this special episode designed to transform the way you approach both your professional and personal life. Today’s meditation session is all about harnessing the power of mindfulness meditation to unlock increased productivity and mental clarity in your everyday life. If you're looking for a way to overcome distractions, manage stress, or enhance creativity, then this episode will guide you through simple yet highly effective meditation techniques that can bring balance and focus into your daily routine. Learn how the regular practice of meditation can inspire enhanced creativity and foster increased focus, helping you find balance in your day. You're likely seeking better sleep and aiming to boost your overall well being like the world's high performers. This episode will guide you through empowering techniques. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and gently return to yourself as we explore how to meditate for clarity, calm, and growth. Meditation Practice for Productivity This episode centers around the concept of productive meditation, a practice that not only helps you stay focused on your goals but also provides a moment of calm within the busyness of life. Together, we’ll explore how regular meditation practice can serve as a powerful tool for creating space, cultivating self-awareness, and eliminating distractions. You’ll learn how guided meditations can anchor you to the present moment, allowing you to reclaim serenity and enhance your decision-making abilities, even as new challenges inevitably arise. Through this session, you’ll discover the many benefits of a morning meditation routine, as it sets the tone for your day by helping you cultivate a focused mind and develop a clear intention for what truly matters. We’ll guide you through steps to activate your prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for focus, decision making, and creativity, to help you achieve high-quality work and a more productive day. Imagine starting your day with a sense of calm, purpose, and sustained attention—this is the potential of integrating daily meditation into your life. Check Out Our Other Guided Meditations Meditation Sessions This episode also gets into the physiological effects of meditation. You’ll learn how mindfulness meditation can reduce stress by lowering the release of stress hormones, creating an overall sense of well-being and helping you manage emotional processing more effectively. Pausing for these quiet moments during a busy day can be a game-changer, offering the opportunity to mentally regroup and stay focused on the tasks at hand. The connection between meditation and increased productivity is undeniable—by cultivating a sense of concentrated calm, you can approach every task with clarity and confidence. Today’s practice is designed to encourage a regular meditation habit. Meditation helps build resilience and focus over time, allowing you to gradually increase your capacity to stay calm and productive through sustained effort. This is not about perfection—it’s about creating a mindful mindset that supports your goals, one short burst of focus at a time. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to meditation, these techniques can help anchor you to a daily practice that benefits both your personal life and your professional aspirations. Visualization We’ll also touch on visualization and positive affirmations to help you stay grounded while maintaining a creative mind. You’ll envision your day ahead, mapping out tasks with ease and imagining yourself tackling them calmly and deliberately. This practice isn’t just a productivity tool—it’s a way to connect deeply with your purpose and sustain a sense of serene attention as you move through your day. At the end of this session, you’ll feel refreshed, with a greater sense of self-awareness and a renewed motivation to achieve your goals. You’ll leave with tips on how to incorporate productive meditation into your daily routine to el

    14 min

    About

    Welcome to the Colorado Counseling Podcast by Overcomers Counseling, your trusted guide on a transformative journey through mental health education. Hailing from the heart of Colorado Springs, this podcast is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of issues like anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and more. Join us in our mission to overcome, as we explore, learn, and grow together in the realm of mental health. Your journey towards understanding and resilience starts here. Listen now and become an overcomer.

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