The Science of Gratitude on Mental Wellbeing

As we enter the season of thanks, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the power of gratitude, not just as a holiday sentiment, but as a practice grounded in research that strengthens our mental and physical well-being.

Research has found that regularly acknowledging what we’re grateful for can:

• Boost happiness by up to 25% — People who regularly record their blessings experience sustained increases in positive mood and overall well-being. (Emmons & McCullough, UC Davis)
• Reduce symptoms of stress, depression, and physical complaints — Those who keep gratitude journals report fewer physical symptoms and lower negative moods. (Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley)
• Improve resilience and outlook — Practicing gratitude helps us notice life’s positive “tailwinds,” countering our natural negativity bias. (Mindful)
• Support better health and longevity — Individuals with higher gratitude levels show improved overall health and even a lower risk of mortality over time. (Harvard Health)

As you move through November, we invite you to try small, intentional gratitude practices and notice how they shape your sense of peace, connection, and hope.

Donor Thank You: Dogwood Health Trust

All Souls Counseling Center is excited to share that our partnership in bringing licensed mental health services to those with barriers to care has again been bolstered by Dogwood Health Trust through to a new, multi-year, unrestricted grant. “Receiving this grant will have a tremendous impact on our ability to be responsive and well-resourced in meeting the growing need for mental health care and education in Western North Carolina,” said Meredith Switzer, the Center’s executive director.

Our entire team wishes to thank and recognize Dr. Susan Mims and the Dogwood Community Investment Team for their continued and collaborative dedication to the wellbeing of the people of WNC. 

Celebrating 25 Years of Service in WNC: A recap of our Green Ribbon Society Fall 2025 Reception

On Thursday October 16, All Souls Counseling Center gathered with longtime supporters, community partners, therapists, and Green Ribbon Society members for our Fall Green Ribbon Society Reception at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. The evening was a meaningful celebration of ASCC’s 25 years of service to Western North Carolina—an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honor those who have shaped our mission, and look toward a future of continued community care.

Executive Director Meredith Switzer opened the program with remarks of gratitude and recognition for Pam Penland, ASCC’s Clinical Manager, who has served the organization in many roles for over 20 years and will be moving to coastal North Carolina while continuing to support ASCC remotely.

Guests also heard from The Very Rev. Todd Donatelli, former Dean of the Cathedral of All Souls, who reflected on the question “Where are you from?”—connecting the organization’s roots to its ongoing mission and identity. Casey Callahan, Coordinating Pastor at First Baptist Church, shared a story of hope and healing through mental health support, as well as the importance of the partnership between First Baptist’s Hot Meal Ministry and ASCC’s on-site therapist, Shawna Ohle, LCMHC. Shawna spoke about the value of meeting clients where they are, both literally and emotionally, and the impact of accessible, community-based care.

Rusty Edwards of First Bank closed the evening, highlighting the bank’s ongoing commitment to ASCC as the 2025 Presenting Sponsor of the Green Ribbon Society.

Together, these stories and reflections honored the legacy of ASCC and celebrated the many ways our community continues to grow, heal, and thrive together. The reception was catered by the Equal Plates Project, featuring delicious bites including pimento cheese with crackers, apple butter BBQ chicken sliders, deviled eggs, crudité, smoked trout dip, and stuffed mushrooms.

Honoring Longtime ASCC Therapist, Sherry McCreary-Luft, LCMHC, with 2025 Mental Health Champion Award

Sherry McCreary-Luft, LCMHC awarded the 2025 Pam Penland Mental Health Champion Award

Last month, All Soul’s contract therapist, Sherry McCreary, LCMHC, was bestowed with a 2025 Pam Penland Mental Health Champion Award. Pictured here at the Center with the award’s namesake and All Soul’s champion herself, Pam, Sherry received a locally crafted acknowledgement of her commitment and service to this nonprofit and its clients since 2003. Sherry holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling from California State University and practiced in California prior to coming to the Asheville area in 2000. Her extensive experience includes family systems, individuals from diverse populations, health-related issues such as addiction and chronic illness, grief and loss, and group facilitation (just to scratch the surface!).

Executive Director Meredith Switzer noted that this honor is given annually to someone who has shown unwavering dedication to enhancing mental health services to our community and expressed deep appreciation for Sherry’s steadfast service to this mountain community. Sherry shared that it has been a privilege to work with All Souls therapists, staff, board members, and supporters to grow a counseling center that is a model of compassionate, inclusive, and quality mental health services.

Because 2025 was such a unique year, two champions were recognized. Local business owner and founder of the Linked4Life Foundation (providing funding for counseling care to food & beverage workers), Cheryl Antoncic Suess was recognized at Hope is in Bloom last May. 

Meet Our New Contract Therapists!

ASCC Hosting Community Dinner in Barnardsville, North Carolina

Come enjoy a delicious meal and meaningful conversation as we gather to explore themes of resiliency and recovery following Hurricane Helene. All are welcome! Join us for connection, community, and hope.

Barnardsville Community Dinner

📍 Barnardsville Fire Department

100 Dillingham Rd, Barnardsville, NC 28709

🍽 Catered by BBQ Blues

🗓 Monday, November 17, 2025 | 6:00–7:30 PM

RSVP: Click here to let us know you’re coming

Locally Made Non-Alcoholic Beverage Supports Mental Health in Asheville

New Local Beverage Alert! Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. have teamed up to create a Sparkling Blackberry Blueberry Lemonade. A portion of proceeds supports Linked4Life, which funds 6 free sessions of mental health counseling for Asheville’s food & beverage workers through All Souls Counseling Center.

Since April 2025, All Souls Counseling Center has provided over 150 counseling sessions to food and beverages workers from over 34 restaurant establishments in Asheville.

If you or someone you know in the food and beverage industry is seeking affordable counseling services, please call our center at (828)259-3369 to get connected with a therapist.

New Soul Sessions Podcast Episode: ADHD and Focus

Episode 5 of Soul Sessions is now available, featuring ASCC therapist Adam Lewis. This month’s episode explores ADHD, focus, and the everyday challenges many of us face in maintaining attention and getting things done.

Adam offers a compassionate look at how factors like executive functioning and distraction impact our ability to focus—and shares practical tools and strategies to help.

Listen to Soul Sessions Episode 5, “ADHD and Focus,” wherever you get your podcasts.

The Mountain XPress Give!Local Campaign is Now Live Through the End of December!

All Souls is honored to be included again this fall in the Give!Local campaign (coordinated by Mountain Xpress) to highlight ways to support our local non-profits! As part of this program, anyone who gives $100 or more to All Souls between now and the end of the year will be entered into a drawing. One lucky winner will receive $125 in gift certificates to area food & fun destinations (donated to us by area businesses!). We'd love for you to share this opportunity with your friends. Pick up a copy of Mountain Xpress and learn more about the wonderful service agencies in WNC. And, while you are at it, consider honoring us with a gift. Your support helps us to provide hope and healing to our neighbors experiencing a difficult time in their lives. 

Thanksgiving Message and Holiday Closures

This Thanksgiving, we’re pausing to reflect on the strength, compassion, and resilience that define our community. We’re deeply thankful for every client, partner, supporter, and friend who helps make hope and healing possible throughout the year.

At All Souls Counseling Center, our commitment remains the same: to provide accessible, compassionate mental health care so no one has to face life’s challenges alone.

Please note that our Center will be closed Thursday, November 27th, and Friday, November 28th, and will reopen for regular hours (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM) on Monday, December 1st.

From all of us at All Souls, we wish you a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving surrounded by those who bring you comfort and connection. 🍂🦃

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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