What types of counseling services does Breath of Hope Professional Counseling provide?

At Breath of Hope Professional Counseling, we provide individual therapy, couples and marriage counseling, trauma therapy, relationship counseling, EMDR therapy, intensives, and workshops to support emotional wellness and healing.

Where is Breath of Hope Professional Counseling located?

We are located in Shavano Park, Texas, a suburb of San Antonio. Our office address is 4081 DeZavala Rd, Shavano Park, TX 78249.

Do you offer both in-person and online therapy sessions?

Yes, we offer in-person sessions for all our clinicians. We also offer online therapy through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform when provided by specific clinicians.

Do you accept insurance at Breath of Hope Professional Counseling?

Yes, some of our clinicians accept major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna; other clinicians offer private-pay services and provide superbills for possible reimbursement.

What should I expect during my first appointment?

In your first session, we will spend time getting to know you, discussing your concerns and goals, and together we will build a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

How long do therapy sessions last at Breath of Hope Professional Counseling?

Session length and the number of sessions needed vary based on your goals and needs; your clinician will help you determine the right plan for progress.

Can Breath of Hope help with anxiety or depression?

Yes, we help individuals and couples manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional overwhelm using evidence-based approaches to support growth and healing.

Do you offer trauma-focused therapy?

Yes, we provide trauma-focused therapy including EMDR and trauma intensives to help clients process and heal from past painful experiences.

Can couples therapy help with communication and conflict?

Yes, our couples and marriage counseling helps partners improve communication, resolve conflict, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional connection.

Do you provide relationship counseling for individuals?

Yes, we work with individuals who want to improve their relationship patterns, gain insight, and build healthier ways of connecting with others.

What is EMDR therapy and how can it help?

We offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based approach that helps the brain process trauma and reduce distress associated with painful memories.

Are therapy intensives available at Breath of Hope Professional Counseling?

Yes, we offer therapy intensives for trauma and couples, which allow for concentrated work over longer sessions to support deeper healing and progress.

Can Breath of Hope help with life transitions and feeling stuck?

Yes, we help clients navigate life transitions, break old patterns, find calm, and grow both individually and in relationships.

How do I schedule a phone intake consultation?

You can schedule a 30-minute phone intake consultation by contacting us online or calling our office; this consult helps us understand your goals and match you with the right clinician.

Can therapy help with grief or loss?

Yes, our clinicians support individuals navigating grief and loss, helping them work through complex emotions and find a sense of hope and resilience.

Do you offer workshops and seminars?

Yes, we offer workshops and seminars such as Gottman relationship workshops, Gottman 7 Principles seminars, and other community learning opportunities.

Are your therapy sessions private and confidential?

Yes, all therapy sessions are conducted in a confidential, supportive environment designed to respect each client's privacy and promote healing.

Can Breath of Hope help with stress and life overwhelm?

Yes, we help clients understand stress triggers, develop coping skills, and create healthier patterns to manage stress and overwhelming emotions.

Does Breath of Hope provide workshops for singles?

Yes, we offer workshops like "Lessons in Love: Gottman Workshop for Singles" to support relationship growth and understanding.

How do I start therapy with Breath of Hope Professional Counseling?

You can get started by scheduling a 30-minute phone intake consult, after which we will help you begin your personalized counseling journey with the right clinician for your needs.

The Art of Saying No: Overcoming People-Pleasing and Setting Boundaries

Apr 1

Written By Kimberlee Daughtry Lopez

Woman confidently setting healthy boundaries in San Antonio. — Woman confidently setting healthy boundaries in San Antonio with Breath of Hope Professional Counseling.

Learning the Power of Healthy Boundaries

Have you ever felt overwhelmed because you said “yes” when you wanted to say “no”? Many people struggle with this, especially those who value harmony, kindness, and connection. But learning the art of saying no is one of the most powerful forms of self-care. It’s not about being selfish — it’s about protecting your peace, energy, and emotional well-being.

At Breath of Hope Professional Counseling in San Antonio, TX, we help individuals rediscover the confidence and clarity that come from setting healthy boundaries with compassion and strength.

Why Saying No Feels So Hard

There are many reasons people become habitual “yes-sayers,” especially when family, partners, or coworkers are involved. For many, people-pleasing begins early in life as a way to stay safe, avoid conflict, or earn approval.

You may struggle with saying no because of:

Fear of disappointing others
Worry about conflict
A deep desire to be helpful or liked
Guilt about prioritizing your needs
Growing up in a family where your voice wasn’t encouraged

These patterns run deep — and they often show up in adulthood as overcommitment, exhaustion, and resentment.

The Hidden Cost of People-Pleasing

It might seem easier in the moment to say yes, but long-term people-pleasing drains your emotional reserves and disconnects you from your true self. When you ignore your own boundaries, you may find yourself experiencing:

Chronic stress or burnout
Feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin
Emotional resentment toward loved ones
Loss of identity or sense of self
Unbalanced relationships that rely on you overgiving

Therapy can help untangle these patterns. Our team at Breath of Hope offers gentle, supportive guidance to help you reclaim your voice and learn healthier emotional habits. Explore our compassionate services on our Trauma Therapy page if emotional patterns from the past still impact your present.

5 Gentle Ways to Start Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries doesn’t require anger or defensiveness — just clarity and compassion. Here are five approachable ways to begin:

1. Pause before responding.

Give yourself a moment to check your energy and capacity. A simple:
“Let me think about it and get back to you.”
…can buy you the time you need.

2. Use kind but firm language.

You don’t owe long explanations. Try:
“I appreciate the offer, but I can’t commit right now.”

3. Prioritize your limits.

Rest, space, and emotional bandwidth are valid reasons to say no.

4. Start small.

Practice boundaries in low-stakes moments until it feels more natural.

5. Seek support.

Working through people-pleasing is easier with guidance. Our therapists — including Kimberlee Daughtry Lopez, a Certified Gottman Therapist — help clients build assertiveness and confidence without guilt.

Boundaries and Family: Saying No With Love

Family dynamics can make setting boundaries especially challenging. During holidays or gatherings, you may feel pressure to attend every event, host everyone, or meet emotional expectations you don’t have the space for.

But here’s the truth:
Saying no to protect your emotional health IS an act of love.

Healthy boundaries allow you to show up more fully — and more authentically — when you do say yes. They deepen connection, reduce resentment, and protect your peace during stressful family seasons.

When Guilt Gets in the Way

Guilt is one of the biggest barriers to saying no. But guilt doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong — it simply means you’re doing something new.

You are re-teaching your nervous system that it is safe to honor your needs.

Through approaches like trauma-informed care, EMDR techniques, and somatic emotional work, our team helps clients rewrite old patterns. Learn more about our healing-centered approach by exploring our Blog of Hope — where we share resources, tools, and growth-focused articles.

Building Confidence and Connection

Healthy boundaries strengthen your relationships. When you communicate clearly and lovingly, others learn how to respect your needs. And by modeling boundaries yourself, you invite more honesty and openness from those around you.

Our therapists specialize in helping individuals and couples grow emotionally through tools like the Gottman Method, EMDR, and mindful self-awareness. If you're seeking deeper relational skills, you may also find support in services like our Gottman Couples Therapy.

Find Healing at Breath of Hope Professional Counseling

If saying no feels scary, overwhelming, or guilt-inducing, support is available. You deserve healthier relationships, clearer boundaries, and a life aligned with your values — not your fears.

At Breath of Hope Professional Counseling, we offer individual, couples, and trauma therapy in San Antonio, TX. Our team is here to help you reclaim your confidence, your clarity, and your voice.

✨ Ready to begin? Click here to book an appointment today.

Kimberlee Daughtry Lopez