Mental Health Blog · Billings, MTPerspectives on Healing

Evidence-based insight, practical guidance, and honest conversation about mental health, written by the licensed therapists at Brighter Sky Counseling.

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The Brighter Sky Counseling blog is written by our licensed therapists in Billings, Montana. We cover anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationships, parenting, athlete mental health, and self care, with evidence-based guidance designed for real life. Whether you’re exploring therapy for the first time or looking for practical tools to support your mental health, you’ll find honest, clinically grounded perspectives here.

Latest Articles

What “I’m So OCD” Gets Wrong About OCD

Why “I’m so OCD” quietly stereotypes people with OCD, and what the condition really looks like, from a Billings, MT therapist. In-person and telehealth.

Does Your Therapist Have a Therapist? | Brighter Sky Counseling Billings MT

Do therapists go to therapy? Usually yes. Erin Bratsky, LCPC in Billings, MT explains why, and why at Brighter Sky we say we all could use a therapist.

What to Say to Someone Who Might Be Suicidal | Billings MT Therapist

Billings MT therapist Erin Bratsky explains what to say to someone who might be suicidal, what to avoid, and how to help. Includes the 988 Lifeline.

Back to School Transition Tips for Kids | Billings MT Therapy

BSC owner Erin Bratsky, LCPC, and a Billings middle school teacher share how to help kids ease back into the school year routine and calm first-week nerves.

Is ChatGPT a Good Therapist? A Billings MT Therapist Weighs In

More than 1 in 5 Americans use AI chatbots for mental health support. Erin Bratsky, LCPC, on what AI can and cannot do for you, from Billings, MT.

Is It Anxiety or Is It the Heat? | Brighter Sky Counseling, Billings MT

Billings therapist Erin Bratsky, LCPC, on why extreme heat mimics and worsens anxiety, plus what actually helps during a Montana heat wave.

Was It Real Enough? How Trauma Responses Hide Behind Anxiety and Depression | Brighter Sky Counseling Billings MT

Erin Bratsky, LCPC explores how trauma responses often show up as anxiety or depression, and why your experience is real enough to deserve attention. Billings, MT.

What PRIDE Really Means | LGBTQIA+ Therapist in Billings, MT | Brighter Sky Counseling

Kendra Herlyn, LCPC at Brighter Sky Counseling in Billings, MT, shares a personal reflection on PRIDE, coming out, and what it means to live authentically.

Ten Years of Private Practice in Billings MT | Brighter Sky Counseling

Erin Bratsky, LCPC, looks back on a decade of building Brighter Sky Counseling, from a rural Montana school to a group practice in Billings.

Mom Burnout in Billings, MT: What It Really Looks Like | Brighter Sky Counseling

Mom burnout is more than tired. Erin Bratsky, LCPC, on what burnout really looks like for moms in Billings, MT, and what helps when you slow down.

Supporting Survivors During National Crime Victims' Rights Week | Brighter Sky Counseling Billings MT

Therapist Angie Fox Wahl explains victims' rights in Montana and how trauma-informed mental health support helps survivors heal. Brighter Sky Counseling, Billings MT.

What Trauma-Informed Care Means for Survivors | Brighter Sky Counseling Billings MT

Therapist Erin Bratsky explains what trauma-informed care really means for sexual assault survivors, and how BSC supports healing in Billings, MT.

Why a Group Therapy Practice Benefits Clients | Brighter Sky Counseling Billings MT

An Invitation from March

Therapy often mirrors the quiet transition from winter to spring, where growth begins slowly and subtly after seasons of emotional heaviness. It reminds readers that healing does not happen all at onc...

Valentines Mental Health

An exploration of healthy, non traditional ways to approach Valentine’s Day with intention and self compassion. It offers a grounded perspective on reducing pressure, honoring emotions, and choosing p...

Valentines for Couples

Valentine’s Day can bring connection to the surface or highlight areas where couples feel stuck. This brief guide explores how February can be used as a thoughtful relationship check-in to support com...

January Mental Health

If January feels heavier than expected, you are not alone. This blog explores why mental health symptoms often increase in January and offers practical, compassionate ways to support yourself during t...

Resolutions

If the new year already feels heavy, you are not alone. This blog explains why New Year resolutions can increase stress and how mental health goals can be approached in a more supportive, realistic wa...

Holiday Burnout for helpers

This piece explores the reality of holiday burnout for helpers and caregivers and offers simple ways to stay grounded during a demanding season. It encourages parents, adult children caring for aging...

Holiday Grief

Explore why holiday traditions often feel different after loss and how transforming them can create space for both memory and healing. Find gentle guidance for navigating a tender season with warmth a...

Stress Management Techniques

Discover practical, evidence based techniques to manage stress and build resilience. Learn how mindfulness, movement, sleep, and connection can help you find calm and balance in everyday life.

ADHD Awareness Month

October is ADHD Awareness Month. Join us as we debunk common myths, explore the lived experience behind the diagnosis, and offer practical, compassionate strategies for navigating life with ADHD.

Athletes mental health

Explore the mental health challenges athletes face beyond performance, including identity, perfectionism, and transitions. Learn how therapy supports athletes as whole humans — on and off the field.

7 types of rest

Discover the 7 types of rest beyond sleep that can help prevent burnout and restore your mental health. Learn how physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rest support true well-being and how therap...

Supporting a loved one in crisis

Learn how to support a friend in crisis during Suicide Prevention Month—without burning out yourself. Practical steps, crisis resources, and community support in Billings, MT.

School Year

Struggling to stay connected as the school year ramps up? This blog shares three strategies to help families reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and support mental and physical health during busy...

Welcoming whats next

Brighter Sky Counseling reflects on the emotions of moving offices and the deeper meaning of relationships beyond physical space. Learn how we are honoring the past, embracing change, and welcoming cl...

embracing change

Discover how to embrace change and find new beginnings in life’s transitions with practical strategies rooted in psychology and mindfulness. This blog explores why change feels stressful, how to accep...

Parenting Screentime

In a world where screen time is skyrocketing, this blog explores how parents can guide their kids toward healthier digital habits through a balanced approach of monitoring and mentoring. Learn how to...

Blog Allyship for Pride

This Pride Month, we explore the intersection of mental health and LGBTQIA+ identity and how therapy can serve as both a safe space and a sanctuary. Written from the perspective of an ally, this blog...

When my therapist hat meets my mom bun

Balancing therapy with the beautiful chaos of motherhood, this blog explores how these dual roles create both challenges and unexpected gifts. With warmth and authenticity, our therapist shares how em...

Mental Health Awarness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Through personal perspectives and practical guidance, we challenge persistent stigma while offering hope that with the right support, better mental health is with...

Daily Anchors

In honor of Stress Awareness Month, we're exploring how small, consistent habits can create powerful anchors throughout your day to manage stress more effectively.

Counseling Month

As we celebrate Counseling Awareness Month, we're reflecting on the values that make Brighter Sky Counseling special: growth, community, imperfection, and harmony. These aren't just words on a wall bu...

Community Connection

At Brighter Sky Counseling, we believe in supporting our Billings community both inside and outside the therapy room. We were honored to attend the Dress for Success Billings Gala, supporting their mi...

Random Acts of Self Love

In a season often focused on showing love to others, we explore how small acts of self-love can transform both our relationship with ourselves and our connections with others. At Brighter Sky Counseli...

Navigating uncertainty

In times of uncertainty, finding spaces that feel safe and grounding becomes essential for our mental well-being. Whether through personal practices, community connection, or professional support, Bri...

New Year Resolutions

As we enter the new year, finding balance between growth and self-compassion can feel overwhelming. At Brighter Sky Counseling, we help you navigate change in a way that feels authentic and sustainabl...

Holiday Self Care

At Brighter Sky Counseling, we understand that the holiday season can bring both joy and challenges to your mental health. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, experiencing grief, or just need extra su...

Therapy is for Everyone

Addressing common questions about starting therapy. There’s no “right” way to do therapy

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Explore what Seasonal Affective Disorder is, common symptoms, and practical ways to cope, including light therapy, vitamin D, and structured routines to counteract the emotional impact of shorter days...

Creativity and Wellness

Creativity supports mental health by reducing stress, promoting self-expression, and enhancing emotional well-being!

Teen Wellness

Exploring common teen mental health challenges as well as strategies for parents to support their child’s emotional well-being. Written by Erin Bratsky, MSW, LCPC at Brighter Sky Counseling

Back to School

Tips for supporting your adolescent going back to school. Written by Erin Bratsky, MSW, LCPC at Brighter Sky Counseling

Suicide Prevention Month

September is suicide prevention month! Written by Erin Bratsky, MSW, LCPC at Brighter Sky Counseling

Couples Counseling, Gaining Insights

Have you ever wondered if Couples Counseling is right for you and your partner? What can you expect from the process and how can it help? Written by Kendra Herlyn, LCPC at Brighter Sky Counseling

Self Care Lessons

Two self care lessons from the Garden, written by Grady Johnson, LMFT at Brighter Sky Counseling

Celebrating Pride: Embracing Self Love and Self Care in the Face of Adversity

Discover the importance of self-love and self-care for the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month with Brighter Sky Counseling. Learn how to navigate adversity, build resilience, and create safe, suppo...

Embracing Summer Chaos

The expectations and reality of summer months as a working mom can lead to anxiety and burnout. Find balance amidst the chaos of summer. One working moms story. Written by Erin Bratsky, MSW, LCPC a...