Health as a Guide

Stephanie Strouth • June 27, 2025

Have you ever tried snowboarding? How about in your 30s? Well… that’s an experience I’d like to discuss with you today. 

I deal with vasovagal syncope which causes symptoms including briefly losing vision, sometimes fully passing out, drained energy, confusion, etc. when triggers occur. The easiest way to trigger an episode is for me to get overheated and do squats. Now… let’s set the scene.

It’s 40* outside. I had two pairs of socks, pants, 2 tops, a toboggan, face mask, and goggles with snow pants and a ski jacket on too. I’d never snowboarded before (although I’m a decent skier). Read: I fell down… a lot! Have you ever tried standing up with a snowboard attached to your feet? It’s not easy (kudos to all the boarders out there)! I essentially did a bunch of sit ups, very quickly, causing most of the above symptoms. They happened over and over until I finally realized… I needed to stop.

At that point, there were two ways to view the situation:

1.) I had failed.

2.) I was respecting my body and its limits by listening to it.

Notice how differently those messages hit. Notice what happens in your body when you read each. A simple change in mindset can reframe an entire situation. 

Sometimes in life, we’re going to face challenges. Sometimes, we will need to listen to our bodies, or our gut, or our heart, and we will need to stop. Our culture so often tells us to go, then go, and then go some more. Push yourself. Ignore how you feel. Go until you are completely depleted of energy. It’s easy for us to get trapped in feeling like failures or not good enough when those are the messages we’ve received for years! 

Let’s start listening to our bodies. Maybe it’s okay to push yourself, but also pace the push. We don’t have to do everything right now in this world of instant gratification. Pace, build slow. Take your time and listen to your body along the way.

As for me, I might try snowboarding again one day, but it won’t be for an entire day, and it definitely won’t be a day when the bunny slope is crowded again. I will pace the push!
By Stephanie Strouth June 27, 2025
Emotional meltdowns can feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure of how to regain control. Whether triggered by stress, anxiety, or past trauma, these intense moments can make it difficult to think clearly.
By Stephanie Strouth June 27, 2025
Finding the right therapist is an important step in taking control of your mental health…
By Stephanie Strouth June 27, 2025
For women, the journey to diagnosis is often a hidden battle, tangled in stereotypes and subtle symptoms that are easy to dismiss.
By Stephanie Strouth June 27, 2025
parenting, holidays, coparenting, divorce, two families, parental alienation
By Stephanie Strouth June 27, 2025
Learn how to understand the root of your trauma and how to discover how to grow from it.
By Stephanie Strouth June 27, 2025
“There is no “right” or “wrong” way to feel during the holidays.”
By Stephanie Strouth June 27, 2025
“Recognizing these gifts fosters contentment and can lead to greater resilience and happiness.”
By Stephanie Strouth June 27, 2025
“Your attachment style is shaped by how responsive, nurturing, and emotionally available your caregivers were during your early years.”
By Stephanie Strouth June 27, 2025
Telehealth can be used for counseling sessions at Anchoring Hope Counseling and can be provided across the state of Virginia!
By Stephanie Strouth June 27, 2025
“Anxiety is a natural response from our body and mind, preparing us for situations that may bring uncertainty or fear, often triggered by stress, but sometimes, it can feel like it’s controlling us more than we are controlling it.”
More Posts

From Overwhelmed to Empowered, We’ll Help You Get There

You don’t have to navigate life’s chaos alone. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we guide individuals across Virginia, just like you, who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving. Whether you're seeking therapy, mental health medication, or simply a fresh start, we’re here to help you reconnect with your most authentic self and reclaim your peace of mind.


We Have Physical Locations in Abingdon, Pennington Gap, & Wise, Virginia.

You’re Not Alone, Let’s Start Healing, Together.

What If Peace Wasn’t Just Possible, But Within Reach?

When life feels chaotic or heavy, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and what you need. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, and help you reconnect with your strength, clarity, and self-worth.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationships, or simply feeling stuck, we offer personalized care that empowers you to take control, feel grounded, and move forward with purpose.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let us walk beside you.

  • We Accept Most Insurances (Not Medicaid/Medicare)

    We accept Anthem, United/Optum, Cigna, and Aetna (plans through an employer, family member, or marketplace).  If you check your insurance portal to see if we accept your insurance, we may not show up on that directory. We do use insurance for individual sessions, but not for true couples/family therapy. If you wish to check your benefits prior to scheduling, you may complete a profile HERE. Call us at 276-298-5034 if you have additional questions. We also provide counseling at a private pay rate and can check your out-of-network benefits for policies we are not in network with. Unfortunately, Medicaid/Medicare does not have out-of-network benefits and will only pay for in-network providers. We are NOT in network with Medicaid/Medicare. 

  • 24/7 Support with Our Exclusive Mental Health App

    Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.
  • Comprehensive Care with On-Site & Virtual Medication Management

    Now offering psychiatric medication services through our compassionate board-certified PMHNP, available in-person in Abingdon and Wise, and by telehealth for clients across Virginia, including Pennington clients. Whether you're exploring treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma, you’ll receive personalized care that puts your voice first—never rushed, always respected.

  • A Truly Holistic Approach to Mental Health

    From Soundbed sessions and local wellness discounts to counseling, supervision, and engaging seminars, our services go beyond the norm. We care for the whole person, mind, body, and spirit, so you can experience lasting change, not just temporary relief.

10,000+

Therapy Hours Completed

89%

of Clients Achieved Their Goals

3

Physical Locations In SWVA

1,000+

Clients Recommend AHC

Exclusive Benefits for Your Holistic Well-Being

As part of our commitment to your overall well-being, we offer more than just counseling and medication management. Enjoy exclusive perks like free access to our Anchoring Hope app, discounts with our trusted partners, and savings on transformative Soundbed sessions. We believe in a holistic approach to care, ensuring that you receive a truly unique and enriching experience every step of the way.

Perks to Support Your Journey

We understand that true healing involves more than just the time spent in session. That's why we provide our clients with awesome extras designed to enhance your overall experience. From tools to manage everyday stress to special offers that promote relaxation and wellness, our perks are crafted to meet your unique needs. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we’re here to ensure that your path to well-being is as smooth and supportive as possible. With us, you have access to:


  • In-house mental health medication management services
  • Free access to our Anchoring Hope app for coping skills
  • Special discounts with our trusted partner companies
  • Savings on relaxing Soundbed sessions


Our perks are designed to complement your counseling journey, providing additional tools and resources to help you achieve lasting peace and balance.


Psst! Not a client and still want the app?

Purchase it on the Apple app store!

Remember those “what color are you” quizzes?

Do I Need Counseling?