Anchoring Hope Counseling of Wise and Abingdon, VA Competes on The Blox Online Series
Stephanie Strouth • June 27, 2025
In February, I (Stephanie) had the opportunity to compete for a week on a show called The Blox.
If you want to know how this applies to you as a client, skip to “Counseling For You”. The show is hosted by Wes Bergmann (The Real World, The Challenge, & House of Villains) is for entrepreneurs and basically makes business concepts fun by gamifying and filming the experience as a competition. Let me tell you, it was the most exhausting yet beneficial experience I’ve had in my professional life. Anchoring Hope Counseling and southwest Virginia was represented in Season 13 of the show and, in my humble opinion, did fairly well for a lady from a small town! You ate breakfast at 8am and laid down at 10pm (if you weren’t up til 3am tweaking your website because of the stuff you learned that day). I competed. I made connections and friends, and I left feeling not so alone on the entrepreneurial journey.
The competition setup was extremely fast-paced. You learned as a large group of about 100 people for two hours each morning on that day’s topic. After lunch, we were given a challenge for that day’s topic and typically had about 15 minutes to prepare. We were split into “pods” of about 10 people and each pod had a judge. Much of the time in the afternoon was doing your pitch, listening to others, and speaking with the judges. After dinner, there was… The Blox Off. Each judge scored us on a rubric we could not see and chose their winner for the day. Then, the top 9 or 10 people competed in the Blox Off that night. Points were kept the whole week and the winners were announced the final evening! Let me tell you, there are some awesome people out there. Some I saw on the stage, and others weren’t on the stage at all, but every single person who attending this thins is a winner to me. Just like the bravery it takes to do counseling, there are some brave people to take the leap we did… mainly because it could’ve been a huge human trafficking ring and we literally signed up for it. Okay, for real though- I’m proud of everyone and so thankful I got to meet some amazing people.
Counseling For You
How the experience translates for you… my favorite class at the show was Customer Success. Basically, its about retention (I will never forget that dang word) for most companies, but for Anchoring Hope, our goal isn’t to retain our clients forever. We want you to thrive and move forward on your own after we help you as much as you need and then send you to step into your next chapter with confidence. To increase our client experience, we started developing partnerships with local companies that offer complimentary services that pair nicely with therapy and self-care. Need a massage? Here’s a discount card. Need a gym? We got you covered!
But we ran into another problem. How could we give our clients better access to us without burning ourselves out in the process? The answer: an app. We developed an app with helpful coping skills conveniently located in one place just for you AND all of our clients get access for FREE! We want you to feel supported any day/any time and know that you are not a number. You are a human with amazing capabilities, so we hope to match your energy. If you can take the incredibly brave step to do counseling and take a risk on us as your provider, then we can take steps to ensure your success not just with your individual counselor but with our company as a whole. We want you to have a great relationship with your therapist, but we also want you to know AHC has your back… and your cousin’s back… and your mom’s back… and, well, you get the point.
Next Steps
As a result of the experience, I will be attending their “grad school” program because while you cover 5 classes at The Blox, there are actually 17 classes in total! I’ve already started on the content and am implementing what is covered, and let me tell you, if you completed our online new client form before, I’m so sorry. I really am. The new client form is now SIMPLIFIED and just as powerful as it was before. You can also take our “Do I Need Counseling” quiz to find out about options available even without becoming a client! I will be learning even more on my trip to Kansas City in September, so keep an eye on how we evolve moving forward.
Also, if you want to watch the show, they’ll drop it on “The Blox” app Sept. 1st- look for the astronaut! AND follow us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes footage and discussions about the experience! OR join us for our watch party on September 8th at 4pm at AHC in Wise!
Anxiety can show up in many different ways. For some people, it feels like constant worry. For others, it may look like racing thoughts, tension, trouble sleeping, irritability, difficulty focusing, or a sense that something bad could happen. Sometimes anxiety is obvious, and other times it works quietly in the background of daily life. It can be frustrating when anxiety affects you but feels hard to explain. You may know that you are worried, tense, or overwhelmed, but not fully understand why. You may also feel confused when anxiety shows up during moments that should feel calm or safe. Anxiety is not a sign of weakness. It is often a signal that your mind and body are responding to stress, uncertainty, pressure, or past experiences. Understanding anxiety can help you respond to it with more compassion instead of judgment. Therapy can help you explore what anxiety looks like in your life and what may be contributing to it. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, individuals can work with providers to identify anxious thought patterns, develop coping tools, and learn healthier ways to feel grounded. You do not have to manage anxiety alone. Support can help you better understand what you are experiencing and begin taking steps toward greater calm and stability. At Anchoring Hope Counseling: We Accept Most Insurances Therapy & Mental Health Medication Management 24/7 Access To Our Wellness App Telehealth Option Available For VA Residents Physical Locations in Abingdon, Wise, & Pennington Gap, VA 📞 Call us or visit our site for a free consult today: (276) 298-5034 | www.ahchope.com
Many people wait until stress feels overwhelming before they talk about it. They may tell themselves that they can handle it, that things are not bad enough, or that they should be able to push through. Because stress often builds slowly, it can be easy to minimize how much it is affecting your daily life. Stress does not have to become unmanageable before it deserves attention. It may first show up as trouble sleeping, feeling more irritable, losing motivation, struggling to focus, or feeling emotionally tired. You may still be showing up for your responsibilities, but inside, you may feel stretched thin. Talking about stress early can be difficult because many people are used to carrying it quietly. You may not want to burden others or may feel unsure how to explain what you are feeling. But keeping stress inside can make it feel even heavier over time. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to talk through stress before it reaches a breaking point. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, individuals can work with providers to better understand what has been weighing on them and begin building healthier ways to manage life’s demands. You do not have to wait until you are overwhelmed to ask for support. Your mental health matters in every season, including the ones where you are still holding things together. At Anchoring Hope Counseling: We Accept Most Insurances Therapy & Mental Health Medication Management 24/7 Access To Our Wellness App Telehealth Option Available For VA Residents Physical Locations in Abingdon, Wise, & Pennington Gap, VA 📞 Call us or visit our site for a free consult today: (276) 298-5034 | www.ahchope.com
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Many people spend a lot of time saying they are fine when they are not. You may answer messages, go to work, care for family, and keep up with daily responsibilities while quietly feeling anxious, overwhelmed, sad, burned out, or disconnected. From the outside, life may look normal, but internally you may feel like you are carrying more than people realize. It can be hard to be honest about what is really going on. You may worry about being judged, misunderstood, or not knowing how to explain your feelings clearly. You may also be used to minimizing your emotions or telling yourself that you should be able to keep going. Therapy offers a space where you do not have to pretend everything is okay. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, individuals can talk openly with providers who listen with compassion and help them begin making sense of what they are experiencing. You do not need perfect words or a complete explanation before starting. Being honest about your mental health can be an important step toward healing. It allows you to stop carrying everything silently and begin receiving support for what has been weighing on you. You deserve a place where your feelings are taken seriously. Support can begin with one conversation, and you can start exactly where you are. At Anchoring Hope Counseling: We Accept Most Insurances Therapy & Mental Health Medication Management 24/7 Access To Our Wellness App Telehealth Option Available For VA Residents Physical Locations in Abingdon, Wise, & Pennington Gap, VA 📞 Call us or visit our site for a free consult today: (276) 298-5034 | www.ahchope.com
When you are used to handling things on your own, asking for support can feel uncomfortable. You may be the person who keeps going, solves problems, supports others, and tries not to let stress show. Over time, independence can become so familiar that receiving help feels unfamiliar or even difficult. Many people avoid asking for support because they do not want to feel like a burden. They may worry that others will not understand, that their struggles are not serious enough, or that they should be able to manage everything without help. These thoughts can keep people carrying stress, anxiety, sadness, or emotional exhaustion quietly. But needing support does not mean you are weak. It means you are human. Life can bring seasons that are too heavy to carry alone, and mental health care can provide a safe place to begin sorting through what you have been experiencing. Therapy can help you explore why asking for support feels difficult and what may be contributing to that pattern. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, individuals are met with compassion as they talk through stress, emotions, relationships, responsibilities, and life challenges. You do not have to keep proving that you can handle everything alone. Support is available, and reaching out can be a meaningful step toward feeling more grounded, understood, and cared for. At Anchoring Hope Counseling: We Accept Most Insurances Therapy & Mental Health Medication Management 24/7 Access To Our Wellness App Telehealth Option Available For VA Residents Physical Locations in Abingdon, Wise, & Pennington Gap, VA 📞 Call us or visit our site for a free consult today: (276) 298-5034 | www.ahchope.com
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Reaching out for mental health support can feel like a big step. When someone is already feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, burned out, or emotionally exhausted, the process of finding care may feel intimidating. Accessible support can make that first step feel more manageable. For some people, accessibility means having local in-person care nearby. For others, it means being able to attend appointments through telehealth. It may also mean having therapy and medication management options available, so each person can explore what kind of support fits their needs. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, individuals can access therapy and mental health medication management through physical locations in Abingdon, Wise, and Pennington Gap, as well as telehealth options for Virginia residents. Care is designed to meet people where they are and help them begin the process of support with compassion. Mental health care should not feel out of reach. Whether someone is beginning therapy for the first time, returning to care, or exploring medication management, having accessible options can help reduce barriers and make support feel more approachable. You do not have to know exactly what you need before reaching out. The first step can simply be starting the conversation and learning what support may be available for you. At Anchoring Hope Counseling: We Accept Most Insurances Therapy & Mental Health Medication Management 24/7 Access To Our Wellness App Telehealth Option Available For VA Residents Physical Locations in Abingdon, Wise, & Pennington Gap, VA 📞 Call us or visit our site for a free consult today: (276) 298-5034 | www.ahchope.com
Emotional balance can feel hard to maintain when life has been stressful for a long time. You may notice that your emotions feel more intense, your patience feels shorter, or your ability to handle everyday stress feels lower than it used to. Even small things may affect you more deeply when your emotional capacity is stretched thin. Feeling emotionally off balance does not mean you are failing. It may mean your mind and body have been carrying too much without enough support, rest, or time to process. Stress, anxiety, depression, grief, burnout, and life transitions can all affect emotional regulation and daily functioning. Many people judge themselves when they feel more reactive or overwhelmed than usual. But emotions are often signals. They can show where you are hurting, what feels unresolved, or where you may need more care. Therapy can help you better understand your emotional responses and begin rebuilding balance in a healthier way. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, individuals work with providers to explore stressors, identify patterns, and develop tools for coping with difficult emotions. You do not have to manage emotional overwhelm alone. Support can help you feel more grounded, more aware, and more equipped to move through life’s challenges. At Anchoring Hope Counseling: We Accept Most Insurances Therapy & Mental Health Medication Management 24/7 Access To Our Wellness App Telehealth Option Available For VA Residents Physical Locations in Abingdon, Wise, & Pennington Gap, VA 📞 Call us or visit our site for a free consult today: (276) 298-5034 | www.ahchope.com
When your thoughts are moving quickly, it can feel difficult to find a moment of peace. You may replay conversations, worry about the future, think through responsibilities, or try to solve several problems at once. Even when you want to relax, your mind may continue working in the background. Fast-moving thoughts can be connected to stress, anxiety, burnout, major life changes, or ongoing pressure. Your mind may be trying to protect you by planning ahead or preparing for possible challenges, but when this becomes constant, it can leave you feeling mentally exhausted. Many people try to quiet their thoughts by distracting themselves or staying busy. While distraction may help temporarily, it does not always address what is underneath the mental noise. Thoughts often slow down more easily when you have space to understand what is fueling them. Therapy can help you explore the patterns behind racing thoughts and overthinking. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, individuals can work with providers to identify sources of stress, build coping strategies, and develop healthier ways to manage anxiety and emotional overwhelm. You do not have to live with constant mental noise. Support can help you create more space for calm, clarity, and rest. At Anchoring Hope Counseling: We Accept Most Insurances Therapy & Mental Health Medication Management 24/7 Access To Our Wellness App Telehealth Option Available For VA Residents Physical Locations in Abingdon, Wise, & Pennington Gap, VA 📞 Call us or visit our site for a free consult today: (276) 298-5034 | www.ahchope.com
There are seasons when you may feel like you have to stay strong for the people around you. You may be the one others depend on, the one who keeps things moving, or the one who tries to remain calm when life feels difficult. While being dependable can be meaningful, constantly staying strong for everyone else can become emotionally exhausting. When you are focused on supporting others, it can be easy to ignore your own needs. You may push your feelings aside, minimize your stress, or tell yourself that you will deal with your emotions later. Over time, this can leave you feeling tired, overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from yourself. Being strong does not mean you have to carry everything alone. It does not mean you have to hide when you are struggling. Sometimes strength looks like being honest about what you need and allowing yourself to receive support too. Therapy can provide a space where you do not have to perform strength. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, individuals can talk openly about what they have been carrying, better understand their emotional patterns, and begin developing healthier ways to manage stress and life’s demands. You are allowed to care for others and still need care yourself. Your mental health matters, and support is available. At Anchoring Hope Counseling: We Accept Most Insurances Therapy & Mental Health Medication Management 24/7 Access To Our Wellness App Telehealth Option Available For VA Residents Physical Locations in Abingdon, Wise, & Pennington Gap, VA 📞 Call us or visit our site for a free consult today: (276) 298-5034 | www.ahchope.com
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, Bristol, 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.
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.
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