The Subtlety Of Therapy Just Might Surprise You: Mental Health Awareness

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. And therapy is often life-changing.

Sitting down with a counselor, and basically talking to a stranger about what is bothering me -and why -has helped me in ways I never imagined. I'm one of those people who needs to understand why things bother me the way they do. And what my feelings stem from.

I’ve gone to therapy off and on throughout my life. I started, for a short while, when I was a teenager. Yes, I was a bit of a rebellious teen. For some reason, my parents thought it would be good for me to talk to somebody. I, of course, thought THEY were nuts. I was just a typical teenager!

So I talked to a counselor for the first time when I was 16 years old. I made a remarkable discovery talking to that stranger. I discovered I was a perfectly normal rebellious teen. Yes, just what every parent wants, right? A typical teen, who didn't like authority. Who does?? But I also found a few other things out.

Number one, my parents were right - it really was good for me to talk to a counselor. And yes, I did tell them many years later that I was thankful. Number two, EVERYONE can benefit from therapy.

The subtlety of therapy has helped me so much over the years. I often don’t even know that it's helping me, or that it eventually will. Until I have that “a-ha” moment. It’s not a big BOOM revelation, but a slight - but powerful - realization.

For me it's about why things bother me the way they do. And why I deal with them in the way that I do – or DON’T.

As I've gotten older, I’ve dealt with very different things from when I was that 16 year old rebellious teen. And I've gone back to therapy as I feel I need it. For "fine tuning."

Loss has become a lot more prevalent in my life as I've gotten older. And it's hard, and it's sad.

I've lost a lot of family members over the last few years. Sadly, we will all go through that. And we will all deal with it differently. There is no “right“ or “wrong“ way to deal with loss. But I needed to speak to a therapist to figure that out.

I was very sad after losing my mother, my father, and then one of my brothers. But I never really dealt with it. I'm a comedian, and I do morning radio. So I did what comedians do. Just got back on stage, was funny, and kept everyone laughing - except me. I had this overwhelming sadness.

I lost my "bar" when I lost my parents. Even as an adult. By "bar," I mean my level of right and wrong. The "ok" from those who were my biggest cheerleaders. The ones who told me I could be anything I wanted to be, and encouraged me to do just that..

And when I lost my oldest brother, after a very short, and horrible battle with cancer, felt like I lost the whole order of my family. I came to find out, through the subtlety of therapy, that these feelings were normal.

I realized that I had never really let myself grieve. I know - how cliche. But it was true. And it was a thing. I had to talk about it - with a stranger - and deal with it. And I still am, and it has helped - tremendously.

Therapy, counseling - it is much more commonplace now than it was not so long ago. But it's often still hard to take that step, and to talk to someone. And let's face it - health insurance still isn't very friendly towards it. And finding the right therapist could take a minute. But it is so important that you do, if you feel you need it.

The subtlety of therapy has increased my self-awareness, because I understand where my emotions come from, and why. And I can control those emotions better knowing that. My thought process has shifted. There are a lot of things we know, but don't always do. I now try my best do them. I try to tackle those things that directly affect me, and not those things I have no control over.

I know - "therapy speak," right? Maybe so. But that is what I mean about it being subtle. I've heard a lot of these things said, but now I've learned how to do them, and live them.

If you're considering talking to someone, definitely do it. Insurance will generally cover a certain number of visits a year. And many therapists will work with you on a 'sliding scale,' to help it work for you, if insurance does not cover it.

I keep referring to the subtlety of therapy, because that is exactly what it is. Talking to a therapist helps you dig a little deeper than just talking to your friends, or family. And frankly, even as much as they love you, they probably don't want to keep hearing it.

Talking to a professional has been invaluable to me. I hope if you are considering therapy, that it will help you just as much as it did - does - me.

Contrary to many people, and media reports - Lake Las Vegas businesses are open for business!

The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs teams stayed out at beautiful Lake Las Vegas, while in town for the Super Bowl. The 49ers were at The Hilton, Chiefs were at the Westin. Fans saw a lot of players out and about at the properties, and Lake Las Vegas businesses, and residents loved it.

But according to Fox 5 Las Vegas. things were a little quiet out at LLV. That was because wrong information was given out on social media as to what was open, and what was not.

Kendra Daniels, the entertainment director at Lake Las Vegas, says “... I feel it has been slow is because we have had rumors circulating all over social media, stating that the Lake Las Vegas village is closed to the public as well as the Hilton parking garage, which is not the case whatsoever. We are fully open for business and want everyone to come on down and enjoy the magic.”

I am a Las Vegas local, and Lake Las Vegas is one of my favorite places in southern Nevada. It truly is a hidden gem, and I do staycations there as often as possible. It reminds me of being in Italy. And if you haven't been to Italy, just go out to Lake Las Vegas!

I love kayaking on the lake in the summer, and taking the yacht for the party cruise in the evening. Renting bikes, and taking in the whole area is a lot of fun, because it is so beautiful. And the the restaurants in the Village, and at the Hilton, and the Westin, are fabulous.

There are also two incredible golf courses nearby: Reflection Bay Golf Club and South Shore County Club.

Honestly, if you're coming to Las Vegas, make the short drive to Lake Las Vegas, and take it in. You won't be sorry. Here are some of my favorite places at LLV.

(updated 2/21/24)

Luna Rossa is actually one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Las Vegas. The "feel" of Italy is felt throughout Lake Las Vegas Village, and at Luna Rosa. But it's that understated feel of Italy at the restaurant. There is also a really beautiful patio, to enjoy your lunch or dinner al fresco. Start with the Caesar salad, then go with the Penne Al Pollo E Broccoli. Penne pasta in a light cream sauce with chicken, broccoli, shallots and sun dried tomatoes. Finish it off with a canoli, or the chocolate truffle mousse. Oh - and they have a great wine selection, and a full bar.

The game is always on at The Pub! Nibble on some garlic parmesan chips, and try a fun flight of beer. Then get the 1/4lb Beer Bratwurst Sandwich: A quarter pound brat with sauerkraut, on a hoagie roll, with spicy brown mustard. Also has a fun corner patio, for people watching, and just hanging out.

Sonrisa Grill is not only a fantastic Mexican restaurant, but it is always so much fun! Honestly, ANYTHING on the menu is a sure bet, and you won't go wrong. But don't leave without trying a margarita or two. Or even a mojito. Then you can walk it off in, and around the village.

It's pretty warm in Las Vegas several months out of the year. So get out to Lake Las Vegas Water Sports, and rent a kayak or paddleboard, or an electric boat - or even a yacht. Yes I said yacht! You can also flyboard, and E-Foil. You'll get instructions, and a lesson get an E-Foil lesson. Then you are flying off, and on the water! There are all sorts of fun packages, so definitely take it in!

You won't go wrong at the Hilton. And MonteLago village is right out the door. The bar is a lot of fun - with a huge patio off of it, to enjoy the sunrise or sunset. A beautiful spa, and the restaurant downstairs is really good. And - Las Vegas locals a get a little discount at the restaurant!

Another beautiful hotel option at Lake Las Vegas is the Westin Resort. The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa is all about recreation and relaxation. Take it easy, and take it all in, because the property is beautiful, and their spa is also world class! Just a few minute, and beautiful walk to the village.