As I embark on this new year, I reflect most on the poignant lessons learned the last three months of 2024, as well as the brightest examples of selfless service and heroism manifested in the wake of the most significant natural disaster our region has ever experienced. I've never been more proud to live and lead in Western North Carolina – where neighbors, friends, community partners, and countless strangers have come together to tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges. 

Above all, I am honored to be a part of a community that truly cares for its people – where compassion and support are at the heart of everything we do. In our precious mountain home, HOPE is the greatest fuel, guiding us to a stronger, healthier, and recovered version of ourselves. Thank you for being a part of this beautiful tapestry and the unfolding story of our recovery.

Here's to the promise of 2025...a year of growth, connection, healing, and continued hope.

A Mindful Moment to Start the New Year

Start the New Year with box breathing! 🧘‍♀️✨ Box breathing is a simple, yet powerful technique that helps reduce stress, calm your mind, and improve focus. By slowing down your breath and creating a steady rhythm, this exercise activates your body’s relaxation response, lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and brings you back to the present moment.

🔹Inhale for 4 seconds

🔹Hold for 4 seconds

🔹Exhale for 4 seconds

🔹and hold for 5 seconds

Repeat as needed to feel centered and grounded. Whether you’re dealing with daily stress, anxiety, or just need a moment to reset, box breathing can be an easy tool to improve your mental well-being. 💙

ASCC Therapists Supporting the Community in the Wake of Hurricane Helene

Photo featuring ASCC therapist, Susan Elaine, and UNCA volunteers at the Christmas outreach event in Hot Springs, NC.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, All Souls Counseling Center (ASCC) has been deeply committed to supporting those impacted by the storm. Our therapists have been on the front lines, offering compassionate care and mental health support to help individuals and families navigate the challenges of recovery and displacement.

One particularly meaningful moment came during a Christmas event for families in Hot Springs. Susan Elaine, one of our dedicated therapists, shared her experience:

"Thinking I would provide support for the families at the Christmas event in Hot Springs, I was instead deeply moved and overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the volunteers, the abundance of the gift donations, and the mood of joy and hope that this event provided. It was a deep act of healing for our broken community."

ASCC Donor Appreciation

We are so excited and humbled to start a New Year with the tremendous support of local and national foundations. Meeting the pressing needs of mental health services in WNC was already complex and challenging prior to Hurricane Helene. We know when looking through the lens of disaster response and recovery, the needs of communities across our region will be even greater, more acute, and particularly critical in rural locations where counseling services are limited or no longer available.

Thanks to all of our generous donors, we are thrilled to share that we will continue to waive our sliding scale counseling fees through March 31st and All Souls is positioned to fill the growing gap in need for accessible, affordable mental health services. Below, we recognize the charitable foundations that have provided grants during the last 18 months toward our mission, including many that have provided immediate and/or additional support toward our hurricane response work. 

Would you like to learn more about how your generosity can help WNC neighbors in need? Contact Mary Waller, mary@allsoulscounseling.org or (828) 259-3369, ext 109. We'd love to hear from you and share how this work is making positive impacts on the lives of others. 

Due to Inclement Weather, ASCC Will Be Closed on Friday, January 10th

In anticipation of tomorrow's winter storm, we are prioritizing the safety of our staff and clients. The Center will be closed on Friday, January 10th, and all scheduled therapy sessions are encouraged to transition to a virtual format.

If you have an appointment scheduled, your therapist will reach out with details on how to connect virtually. In addition, we will be monitoring calls to our Center remotely. Please stay safe and warm! 

ASCC will be Closed Monday, Jan. 20 in Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

All Souls Counseling Center (ASCC) | 828-259-3369 | allsoulscounseling.org

ASCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (EIN: 56-2200862).

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