What is Stress?

Stress is essentially your physical response to shifts or transitions in your life. It is a complex health concern to handle because it stems from psychological as opposed to physical threats. Managing stress and anxiety can be very complicated and frustrating. One can feel a lack of control over their lives that can lead to depression, addiction, apathy, and even various physical ailments. Good knowledge of stress and its causes is a crucial primary step towards boosting yourself defeat its adverse effects and learning the art of stress management.
This was my first experience with attempting to take my own mental health seriously, and I could not have asked for a better experience than with Michael Hack.
This was my first experience with attempting to take my own mental health seriously, and I could not have asked for a better experience than with Michael Hack. He's very well trained and has many years in the field, but just as importantly, he seems to genuinely enjoy helping people to live their best lives and doing what he does. His methods are based on scientific studies, and given a bit of time and effort, it absolutely works. He's extremely caring and compassionate; no matter what subject I have brought up, I have never once felt judged or out of place. He is always able to offer helpful tips, exercises, and things to think about to get you on the right path, no matter what the specific situation is. If you are seeking help, the first step is always the hardest, but making the decision to take that step and coming here to see him was one of the best and most enlightening things I've done. I can't recommend Corporate and Family Counseling enough.
Drew M
Very good service. Extremely helpful for me in my life.
Very good service. Extremely helpful for me in my life.
Drew M
CFC therapists are not only knowledgeable about the documentation and mechanics of personal relationships
CFC therapists are not only knowledgeable about the documentation and mechanics of personal relationships, but kind and caring in both good and challenging times. The staff always exhibit happiness and a true relationship with God if you are willing to lean into your faith during your medical counseling. Expect expert advice as well as a solid supporter! 5 Stars!
L Ross
CFC counseling was very caring....
CFC counseling was very caring and compassionate. They have a lot of experience and it is evident that they truly care about the well being of their patients. Our counselor, Dr Joe was very easy to talk to and relaxed. They are also very patient and flexible, and have been very accommodating to help work with me on my busy schedule. I am very thankful to be working with CFC!
Jeremy W
Five stars! Easy to talk to ....
Five stars! Easy to talk to and I do not feel judged. I have already referred a friend!
Claire R
Mr. Hack is a professional....
Mr. Hack is a professional and wise Counselor like no other! He is a man of faith, patience, and is attentive to your concerns. He is compassionate and is invested with providing his clinical knowledge and practical assignments to help better your life and future.
Blake B
My husband and I are fairly....
My husband and I are fairly new to Katy. We were looking for someone we could trust to help rebuild our marriage. In our first session we knew we had found who we were looking for. He helped transform our marriage by us getting rid of our old ways of thinking, and tasks to complete. Be ready to be transformed in your thoughts, and ready to have a new approach to living a BETTER life!!!
Hillary S
Corporate Family Counseling has....
Corporate Family Counseling has done incredible work with my wife and I. We have seen numerous counselors throughout our 15-year marriage, this is the first time we have been provided compassionate, useful, and constructive feedback. Being close to a separation, our counselor instantly taught us confidence-building techniques on how to love again using a humanizing touch. All staff have gone the extra mile to show they are truly doing this because they care for clients and work to make sure open communication exists as needed between sessions. We would highly recommend if you are looking to get your marriage back on track.
Andrew K
I am glad to meet Mr. Michael....
I am glad to meet Mr. Michael Hack. He is very patient, calm and a great listener. He makes me feel comfortable to be able to talk about things I have never been able to discuss with anyone. His office environment is very comfortable and relaxing. I would definitely recommend him in a heartbeat.
Ana T
Michael is a wonderful Christian ....
Michael is a wonderful Christian man, excellent listener, he made me feel comfortable to communicate and offer the most professional guidance and advice. I have made amazing progress which I get to measure. He is the best from NY to Houston!
Karen L
Thumbs up for my CFC career coach....
Thumbs up for my CFC career coach. She was very understanding and kind. She treated me like a family member and I am a new person because of her guidance. I recommend using this service to everyone who is looking for a great counselor or career coach. Highly professional and strong work ethic. I also appreciate never having to wait for a single session!
Anjana M
Michael is great!....
Michael is great! I am so happy to have found him and experience his clinical knowledge and supportive process to cope with my anxiety. He is always positive and very easy to talk to in a comfortable safe environment! I definitely recommend.
Amber W
I've been working with Michael....
I've been working with Michael for 4 months. He is a great communicator, listener and very patient. He provides good insight through sound research and has helped put me on a path of success. I feel as though I’ve taken a college course in mental health hygiene and marriage and family comms.
Laura Z
My business coach was a great ....
My business coach was a great person to talk to. You can tell he really cares and wants to help. We will keep using his services and recommend him to anyone who needs it.
Tom T
I found Michael on google as ....
I found Michael on google as I was looking for a therapist to help me get to the bottom of some of my issues! Michael has been great about listening to my problems and giving really good feedback and exercises to help me!! It has been a great experience for me and has helped me grow in many areas of my work and family communications!
Jim N
Amazing guy, very kind and.....
Amazing guy, very kind and understanding. Very soothing voice and professionalism is the highest. He is a great counselor, he really helped me stand back up on my two feet. He has taught me ways in which I can cope with life that I will use for the rest of my life. Smart and just a phenomenal person, who will go to any length to help you. I'm so grateful that I found him! :)
Ridhi A
Michael Hack was very responsive.....
Michael Hack was very responsive which I find most important when looking for care. He has helped my family in several different areas that needed professional help. We appreciate his guidance and his willingness to work with us at a significantly reduced rate while we were getting our finances in order.
Alicja W
I have been seeing a couple of counselors.....
I have been seeing a couple of counselors, on and off, for just over two years and would not hesitate to recommend CFC to anyone seeking mental health counseling. For the entire duration of my treatment, they have worked with me to reduce the price of each session, due to my HMO insurance. In December 2018 I was unexpectedly laid off from my job, so this kindness and generosity was the key to my ability to continue counseling in the following 6 months of job searching. Great mentors and counselors helped me develop the tools I need to manage severe anxiety, depression, and stress. All continue to be patient, trustworthy, and generous. Again, would not hesitate to recommend.
Matthew J
Great communicator/facilitator.....
Great communicator/facilitator. Treats my family like it’s his family. Successfully treated us, and we’re so much better for it!
Words cannot express how....
Words cannot express how grateful I am to Michael Hack. His work with me and my 16 year old son has exceeded expectations and the tools he has shared with and coached my son on are lifelong. It is not easy to find someone as experienced and artful at helping others. Nor was it easy to find someone with whom my 16 year old son would feel comfortable with to open up and allow the help. Thank you! Michael - we are forever indebted to you.
Scott H
Michael Hack is a good....
Michael Hack is a good doctor that listens to your problems. He also provides some exercises for you to do at home and talk about it during the session. This type of exercises helps you out cope with what you are going through. He’s also helpful when it comes to payments. I recommend him.
As a divorce counselor, I....
As a divorce counselor, I frequently interact with individuals facing pressures at work, deteriorating health or stress at the home front. Corporate Counselling Services have been an excellent resource to our clients who need guidance during difficult times. They have the necessary resources to alleviate anxiety and provide effective support. With over 20 years of experience in such matters, Mr. Hack provides a professional and personable approach to each individual.
Zara Ali & Associates, PLLC
I am very grateful for....
I am very grateful for Dr. Hack’s guidance, knowledge, & professionalism in helping me work through a most difficult journey. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing help dealing with life’s issues & challenges.
Lana S
Dr. Hack has been ins....
Dr. Hack has been instrumental in helping my family deal with very difficult issues. He is very knowledgeable & professional. Dr. Hack presented practical & effective solutions & exercises to deal with the issues we were addressing. We would highly recommend Dr. Hack to families & individuals dealing with life’s issues & challenges. He is through & readily available. We appreciate Dr.Hack’s commitment to us as his patients.
Steve S
Michael Hack was very....
Michael Hack was very responsive which I find most important when looking for care. He has helped my family in several different areas that needed professional help. We appreciate his guidance and his willingness to work with us at a significantly reduced rate while we were getting our finances in order.
Alicja S
Michael Hack was very....
Very professional and helpful. I would highly recommend Michael Hack to anyone that is looking for a greatly experienced therapist.
Ilana Z
I have been seeing M....
I have been seeing Michael for just over two years and would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking mental health counseling. For the entire duration of my regular visits to him, he has worked with me to reduce the price of each session, as my income has never been sufficient enough to pay full price. In December 2018 I was unexpectedly laid off from my job, so this kindness and generosity was the key to my ability to continue counseling in the following 6 months of job searching. Michael is a great mentor, and counselor, who has helped me develop the tools I need to managed severe anxiety and depression, and the stresses of everyday living. He is patient, trustworthy, and generous. Again, would not hesitate to recommend.
April
I’ve never been to any counse....
I’ve never been to any counseling or coaching before, but my Type A personality /anxiety was approaching a level which was interrupting everything else in my life. I felt very comfortable speaking to Michael about my situation. He provided me with tools and exercises to help alleviate my stress levels and anxiety. To this day the tools prescribed to me by Micheal has become a daily routine in my every day life. I totally enjoy the breathing exercises which calms me down total and allows me to refocus and sleep peacefully at night. I can always hear his voice when I start to over think certain situations that triggers my anxiety saying " there’s no reason to suffer unnecessarily".
Marvan P
I have been extre....
I have been extremely fortunate to know Michael
Hack as a
friend, colleague, consultant, educator,confidant, entrepreneur...he is brilliant,
one of the top experts in his fields...his experience is expansive, communication
skills are nonpareil, and his ability to assess a problem evaluate the most
expeditious productive resolution is well known...his respectful, humble approach is
not only indicative of his spirit dedication to his work, it perfectly describes the
reasons for his successful practice...if you have the opportunity to obtain this
gentleman's expertise---don't blow it!!
Michael P
Michael Hack presented to ou....
Michael Hack presented to our organization. He is extremely professional and understands the corporate culture. His presentation was excellent!
Michelle S
Michael Hack is responsive....
Michael Hack is responsive, flexible, and one of the nicest people I've ever met. He quickly determined what my son needed and personalized his sessions, giving him strategies to help him be successful. He puts the patient first and is more than willing to adjust his schedule and make himself available. His goal is to help his patients grow and improve, and he did exactly that for my son.
Patti F
My son has been seeing Michael for four months now. In his words,…
My son has been seeing Michael for four months now. In his words, "unlike other doctors we have seen, he really listens to me, and is very patient." We have noticed a consistent improvement in the areas that Michael is working on with our son, and we are totally pleased, and intend to continue this therapy as long as our son feels he is gaining valuable instruction and guidance. The family moments at the end of each appointment serve to unite all of us as a team dealing with our son's issues.
Lee B
It is very evident that Dr. Michael Hack adheres to a rigorous…
It is very evident that Dr. Michael Hack adheres to a rigorous, statistically-substantive, therapeutic method. It is a method that has helped me enormously. As a sufferer from bipolar disorder, I have been given an increasing number of tools to take control of my mind, and, by implication, my life.
Mecca M
Both professionally and personally, Michael is a good counselor and good man…
Both professionally and personally, Michael is a good counselor and good man. Being in healthcare, I am discriminating with patient referrals and Michael has earned my trust, based on his outcomes with patients in several areas of conflict. If you are struggling with an issue, he is a great starting point to turn the tide of your life in a positive direction.
Shawn F
I found the therapy a positive force in my life that helped me help myself…
I found the therapy a positive force in my life that helped me help myself. I came out of my experience with new skills and looking forward to what awaits.
Alec S
Michael is a compassionate, thoughtful and experienced clinician well versed in the…
Michael is a compassionate, thoughtful and experienced clinician well versed in the corporate environment. He knows about work culture and how to enhance leadership, productivity and communication.
Michael K
Helpful tips and great guidance on how to handle struggles in life…
Helpful tips and great guidance on how to handle struggles in life and conflict in the workplace. Michael Hack is an excellent counselor and listener!
April
Dr Hack has provided well substantiated, matter-of-fact counseling…
Dr Hack has provided well substantiated, matter-of-fact counseling for my 16 year old son dealing with grief, depression, and ADHD. His approach has worked well for my son and he maintains patient confidentiality whilst managing to still include me in the treatment.
Kay K
Very Professional- Great Communication & Counseling Services…
Very Professional- Great Communication & Counseling Services
Chad J
5-Stars!…
5-Stars!
Lisa L
I appreciate the time Michael took at each and every session to really listen and offer
I appreciate the time Michael took at each and every session to really listen and offer usable tools to cope with a variety of difficulties. His sincerity, and the ease and comfort level I felt when talking to him made every session a learning experience. I now understand the role mental health has in my life and am on the road to improvement.
Rosenberg, TX
Michael Hack is a caring and understanding therapist. He listens and gives great advice
Michael Hack is a caring and understanding therapist. He listens and gives great advice. I live in Florida, and he always makes time for our calls.
Boca R, Florida
CFC's owner, Michael Hack, does outstanding work for our local church
CFC's owner, Michael Hack, does outstanding work for our local church. He is well respected, ethical, and competent. I've seen Michael handling difficult situations and has done so professionally helping ensure a sense of calm is maintained amongst those involved.
William H, TX
Michael has been a great referral for my patients. I have utmost confidence
Michael has been a great referral for my patients. I have utmost confidence in his skills and professionalism. He has helped many of my patients in distress. Will highly recommend him.
Dr. Madiha G, Texas
He is highly professional and very good at getting to the matter in a relaxed manner
He is highly professional and very good at getting to the matter in a relaxed manner. In the end, I'm not the same person that walked into his office before we began.
Patrick D
Dr Hack has been treating my 16-year-old son for about 3 months for grief, depression,
Dr Hack has been treating my 16-year-old son for about 3 months for grief, depression, and ADHD. (His ADHD psychiatrist prescribes meds but doesn't counsel). Dr Hack maintains a good level of patient confidentiality balanced with parent involvement. He is respectful to my son and has offered a variety of mental health exercises. My son would not tolerate "touchy-feely-girly" type conversations where he has to bare his soul and cry, and Dr Hack's matter-of-fact approach has been effective.
Mom, TX
Excellent Christian man with a lot of compassion.
Excellent Christian man with a lot of compassion.
Chase W, TX
Mr Hack has gone over and above the average therapist to help my family to operate in a healthy manner
Mr Hack has gone over and above the average therapist to help my family to operate in a healthy manner. He was/is available by phone and in -home visits. He never gave up on us. He analyzes your actions, explores the reactions and suggests other options for actions and language. He follows up on your therapy and helps you make new decisions for thinking and actions. We highly recommend him to you for help!!!
Houston, TX
I have been very pleased with Michael Hack and would not hesitate to recommend him
I have been very pleased with Michael Hack and would not hesitate to recommend him. He has helped me gain new insights and develop coping skills that I can carry with me for the rest of my life. He is extremely patient and listens without judgement. Thank you Michael!
Gail H, TX
Dr. Michael Hack has been and continues to be exceptional in the counseling services and guidance
Dr. Michael Hack has been and continues to be exceptional in the counseling services and guidance he offers. In just a few visits to his office, I can already see the tremendous progress I'm making in my personal and professional life. The skills and techniques he provides for overcoming my daily challenges are a must have to anyone who's looking to make a very positive change in their marriage, parenthood, professional careers, and/or social lives. Look forward to my continued visits at Corporate & Family Counseling. With absolute no reservation, I highly recommend Dr. Hack with Corporate & Family Counseling, PLLC to anyone.
Ed, US
CFC was helpful as a whole
CFC was helpful as a whole, but Michael and Jane were true experts at job transition and supporting my mental health in the process. Together, they helped me to manage my job transition and establish my "new normal" and better than ever! I am a very happy guy and my anxiety is gone as there is some direction in life again- Thanks
Customer, US
A healing journey
Corporate & Family Counseling, PLLC creates an environment that is a safe space for clients to express themselves honestly, get to understand their true feelings, and work with the Michael and his team to figure out how to use that information in their journey toward healing. I have referred several clients to Michael's team.
Matt J, US
Michael is amazing
Michael is amazing! He is knowledgeable, easy to talk to, does not judge, and provides practical advice to make your life better. Regardless of your issues, Michael can help. I value his perspective and insight. His counsel has changed my life.
Dustin S, US
I would absolutely recommend this company to anyone
I would absolutely recommend this company to anyone in need of counseling! They have been very accommodating to our schedule. Michael Hack has truly been wonderful. Very easy to talk to and great to work with. With all things considered given our circumstances, we have had and will continue to have an amazing experience with this company.
Mandy S, US
Michael is a fantastic counselor and has become one of the most trusted people
Michael is a fantastic counselor and has become one of the most trusted people I can talk to about a variety of things I have been struggling with. His sincerity and dedication to those seeking guidance is admirable and appreciated, and makes him a great mentor. Would not hesitate to recommend.
April S, US
I really enjoyed working with Michael Hack.He made the experience very easy
I really enjoyed working with Michael Hack. He made the experience very easy and was able to help guide me through some challenging times. Through CFC Jerry Siegel was recommended as a business coach. This significantly help motivate my goal setting schedule and focus on results.
Larry M, US
I highly recommend Corporate Family Counselling for all the counseling
I highly recommend Corporate Family Counselling for all the counseling and coaching opportunities they provide.
Isabelle M, US
Great listener and offers solid, research based advice
Great listener and offers solid, research based advice and activities to improve communication and emotional health.
Rebecca Gaubatz, US
I can not say enough good things ab Michael Hack!
I can not say enough good things ab Michael Hack! He made my young boys feel so comfortable therefore they opened up regarding so problems that needed to be discussed. He was able to help them and me. I highly recommend Michael! I’m very grateful!
Laura , US
There are no words but to say that Michael "Coach"
There are no words but to say that Michael "Coach" is truly an Earth Angel. Our family was in a serious dysfunctional state and during our darkest moments, Michael guided us with kindness, compassion and steady support. I am thrilled to say we communicate and respect each other more than ever. Our youngest still sees Michael for anxiety issues and the change in him has been phenomenal. I highly recommend "Coach" to anyone who needs support!
Darlene P, US
Our son began seeing Mr. Hack when he decided to quit playing soccer, a sport he loves.
Our son began seeing Mr. Hack when he decided to quit playing soccer, a sport he loves. On the field older kids were telling him he wasn't a good player and it impacted his confidence. Mr Hack helped him work through effective ways to deal with these types of issues. Ultimately our son has decided to go back to the soccer field and is more excited than ever to play.
Stacey B, US
My wife found Michael as a result of an internet search based upon these reviews. I first met with Michael towards the end of last
My wife found Michael as a result of an internet search based upon these reviews. I first met with Michael towards the end of last year when I was at a particularly low point in my life. Over the last two months he has worked with me to identify and understand the issues that were causing an imbalance in my life. Michael has a calming and personable approach, who actively listens. He continues to provide me with the tools I need and has assisted me to get myself back on the right path that I now understand will ultimately improve my cognitive and emotional health.
Anonymous, US
Understanding Stress
You may frequently question yourself “why do I feel so stressed?”
We experience stress when we are overloaded and trying to cope with the needs of our everyday routine. Stress and anxiety can display itself in a myriad of ways every day like meeting an important deadline at work, feeling overwhelmed taking care of a newborn, feeling unprepared for an important exam and so on. This additional “weight on our shoulders” displays through our thoughts, feelings, and actions. For instance, you may notice that you get sick easily when you are stressed out. Stress is the primary cause of 60% of all human ailments and disorders like mood, behavioral, and thought disorder according to the American Institute of Stress. Besides this stress also escalates a person’s chances of heart diseases.
The short-lived stress helps improve one's performance or overcome a challenge. The natural “fight or flight” response of our bodies and adrenaline in times of short-term stress are known to give individuals incredible focus and energy. This “good” stress is known as Eustress and is as essential as it is to understand and manage as negative stress. This good stress is a significant part of our lives. However, stress that lasts for a long time can create problems at work or school, at home, and with relationships.
Signs of Stress :
The most terrible thing about stress is that it sneaks up on you quietly. It begins to feel familiar becoming a part of your daily life. Without even you noticing, it starts taking a toll on your health and wellbeing. That is why it's necessary to be aware of the common warning symptoms of stress and anxiety.
- Difficulty in remembering things
- Inability to stay focused
- Poor judgment
- Noticing only the negative things
- Uneasy or racing thoughts
- Constant distress
- Depression or usual unhappiness
- Moodiness or irritability
- Feeling confused
- Loneliness and isolation
How to manage stress?
Stress can affect anyone from adults to kids of all ages. According to the statistics of the American Psychological Association (APA), teens in the school reported having notably higher stress levels than what is estimated normal. Moreover, 31% of teens report feeling submerged in stress, and 30% report feeling depressed or sad due to pressure.
It may look like there’s nothing that you can do about stress. There will never be more than 24 hours in the day, the bills won’t stop coming, and your other responsibilities that of work and family will eternally be demanding. But what we don't realize is that we have a lot more control than we might consider. In fact, a mere awareness that we are in control of our life is the foundation of handling stress effectively. Stress management is all about taking command of your way of life, your thoughts, your feelings, and the way you deal with unfavorable situations. Regardless of how distressing your life may appear, there are steps on how to manage stress in life to reduce the unwanted weight off your mind and regain control.
Stress Management Techniques
Since now we are familiar with the basics of stress and its causes, we need to be aware of some essential strategies for managing stress at work and other areas of life.
Preparation: The feeling of not prepared well or enough for a certain work is one of the major causes of stress. Whether it’s a presentation at work, an exam at school, or any other expected hindrance; all can be handled properly making a plan to manage the situation subsequently reducing stress. This can be achieved in several forms, for instance making a study guide for a test, practicing in the mirror at home for a speech, or building an emergency kit for natural disasters. The feeling of being prepared enough for any situation helps in reducing stress and guide you on how to relieve stress and anxiety.
Exercise: Exercise is a great stress reliever. Working out helps to control all the negative feelings and thoughts occurring in our lives by elevating our endorphins. Various studies have proved that exercise can help improve a person's mental along with the physical state. As stated by Scientific American magazine, long bouts of aerobic training release good chemicals in the blood which lessens anxiety and reduce the ability to feel pain.
Meditation:Meditation and breathing exercises are a great way to flush out the chaos and your head. According to APA meditation can “help people see new perspectives, develop self-compassion and forgiveness”. Meditating regularly or stealing a few moments out of your hectic schedule to take deep breathes can lessen the impact of stress on your mental and physical health.
Counseling: AAt times stress is too much for us to control on our own even after practicing these simple techniques. Some problems that trigger stress are extremely complex and require professional help. There is nothing to feel ashamed of in seeking stress management counseling or family counseling services. Building a connection with a family counseling center can be a very positive step towards managing and reducing stress.
Stress Management & Family Counseling
Visit Corporate & Family Counseling, PLLC for professional help. For decades, our stress experts have trained individuals, families and fortune-five hundred corporations alike. We’re ready to help you and yours thrive. We also supervise and train other therapists and medical professionals to measure progress and outcomes of treatment provided to their patients and clients, teaching them how to deal with stress. Life’s trials will always happen, are you ready? We’re glad to help you!
Contact Us for professional help. CALL US TO SCHEDULE A FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT NOW AT: (713) 904-5222.
Since 1995 our team of experts have provided counseling & coaching for individuals, families and fortune-five corporations alike. We are ready to help you and yours to thrive! Call us to schedule a first available now at: (713) 904-5222