Scholarship Opportunity: sign up date extended!
Care Coordinator
For more information please contact
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at 713-489-5473
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Katy Mental Health Networking Event
Care Coordinator
JOIN US!
Members Choice Credit Union
There is NO COST for attending this meeting.
To reserve your place at this event please RSVP by: filling out this simple form.
https://forms.gle/EWKvMPLoXAU18bT96
Katy Mental Health Network
David Bueno Martin from Martin Counseling
Light lunch provided by Andre Bennett from Matthew's Hope
For any questions, please contact Martin Counseling’s office at 713-489-5473 or email: Info@HoustonLPC.com
ANGER MANAGEMENT
Care Coordinator
This blog is presented by Yamid Montalvo, LPC. For more information, please visit Martin Counseling.
ALTERNATIVES TO DESTRUCTIVE ANGER (Jongsma, 2006, p.2)
Constructive Alternatives
A. Assertiveness: Speaking forthrightly in a manner that is very respectful of the other person’s needs and rights and does not attack anyone so as to make them defensive.
B. Tune Out / Cool Down: Recognize that the situation has become volatile and nonproductive and suggest withdrawal from the situation to give each party a chance to cool down and collect his / her thoughts and regain personal control.
C. Relaxation: Learn and implement relaxation skills to reduce stress and tension through the use of words that cue relaxation, deep breathing that releases tension, imagining relaxing scenes, or deep muscle relaxation procedures.
D. Diversion: When anger is felt to be building, find diversionary activities that stop the build up and focus the mind on more enjoyable experiences.
E. Physical Exercise: When anger and tension levels rise, physical exercise can be a wonderful way to release tension and expel energy as an alternative to losing control or exploding in rage.
F. Problem- Solving Skills: Identify or clarify the problem, brainstorm possible solutions, review the pros and cons of each alternative solution, select the best alternative for implementation, evaluate the outcome as to mutual satisfaction, and finally, adjust the solution if necessary to increase mutual satisfaction.
G. Self- Talk: Take time to talk to yourself in calming, reasoned, and constructive sentences that move you toward anger control and away from hurtful expressions of anger.
H. “I” Messages: Speak to the target of your anger, describing your feelings and needs rather than attacking, labeling, or describing the other person’s behavior, motivations, or goals. Begin your sentences with “I feel . . .” or “I need. . . .”
RECOGNIZING THE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR (Jongsma, 2006, p.210)
Which One Is Impulsive?
1. Buying the first CD that you think you might like.
1. Looking at all the CDs before selecting the best one.
2. Sitting quietly in a group situation, listening to the person who is speaking.
2. Blurting out some thought that occurs to you and interrupting the group process.
3. Waiting your turn patiently at McDonalds.
3. Complaining loudly about waiting in line and trying to get ahead of others.
4. Grabbing the first piece of clothing to wear in the morning.
4. Selecting clothes that match and fit the situation.
5. Blurting out what you think is an answer to a question.
5. Thinking for a second or two before Speaking.
6. Keeping some money for savings.
6. Spending any and all money as soon as you have it.
7. Waiting for a friend to stop talking before speaking.
7. Butting into a conversation between two friends, interrupting them.
8. Jumping to a new task before another task is finished.
8. Complete one task before starting another.
9. Start watching one TV program and then switch to another and another before any are over.
9. Watch a TV program until it is completed, then choose another.
10. When given direction by a coworker or supervisor, get angry, and yell back at him/her.
10. When given direction by a coworker or supervisor, accept the comment and
comply.
References
Jongsma, A. E. (2006). Adult psychotherapy homework planner (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Scholarship Opportunity
Care Coordinator
For more information please contact Martin Counseling at 713-489-5473 or Info@HoustonLPC.com
Brand new office space for lease!
Care Coordinator
Solo practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner office space for lease.
Fully furnished room for a therapist to lease.
Front desk receptionist included.
Address: 23410 Grand Reserve Dr. Unit 705. Katy. Tx. 77494.
Phone: 713-839-5277
Daily rate: $50
Monthly Rate: $800
Contact Olaide Akinyinka - 713-839-5277 for more information!
Burnout and Impairment in Counseling
Care Coordinator
This blog is presented by Yamid Montalvo, LPC. For more information, please visit Martin Counseling.
Burnout: Characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and feelings of ineffectiveness or lack of personal accomplishment. It builds up over time (Galek, Flannelly, Greene, & Kudler, 2011).
Four main factors could lead to burnout:
Autocratic administrative style
Limited opportunities for promotion
Lack of autonomy
Lack of appreciation or rewards
Large caseloads, clients who exhibit challenging behaviors, suicidal clients, clients with PTSD, and excessive paperwork are common triggers for burnout (Sim, Zanardelli, Loughran, Mannarino, & Hill, 2016).
Consequences of burnout can include fatigue, substance abuse, insomnia, poor self-esteem, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness (Sangganjanavanich & Balkin. 2013).
Two common strategies to avoid burnout (Galek et al., 2011):
Social support
Associated with lower levels of burnout among human service workers
Could be provided by supervisors or other colleagues
Coping Strategies (Chen et al., 2018)
Active coping
Behavioral
Psychological
Passive Coping
Activities
Mental States
Self-care: Reduces burnout, which increases the quality of therapy provided by a mental health professional. It is considered something one does to improve the sense of well-being. There are four main categories of self-care (Sim et al., 2016; Richards, Campenni, & Muse-Burke, 2010):
Physical
Psychological
Spiritual
Support
According to the ACA code of ethics:
C.2.g Impairment establishes that counselors have to monitor themselves for signs of impairment from their own physical, mental, or emotional problems. If necessary, counselors should limit, suspend, or terminate their professional responsibilities until it is safe for them to return. Counselors should assist colleagues or supervisors in recognizing their own professional impairment and provide consultation and assistance when warranted.
Texas Administrative Rule 681.41 (dd) stipulates that a licensee must not provide services while impaired by a physical, mental, or medical condition or by medications, drugs, or alcohol.
References
American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
Chen, L., Liu, J., Yang, H., Ma, H., Wang, H., Huang, Y.,…Zhang, N. (2018). Work-family conflict and job burn-out among Chinese doctors: The mediating role of coping styles. General Psychiatry, 31, 1–7.
Galek, K., Flannelly, K. J., Greene, P. B., & Kudler, T. (2011). Burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and social support. Pastoral Psychol, 60, 633–649.
Richards, K. C., Campenni, C. E., & Muse-Burke, J. L. (2010). Self-care and well-being in mental health professionals: The mediating effects of self-awareness and mindfulness. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 32(3), 247–264.
Sim, W., Zanardelli, G., Loughran, M. J., Mannarino, M. B., & Hill, C. E. (2016). Thriving, burnout, and coping strategies of early and later career counseling center psychologists in the United States. Counseling Psychology Quarterly, 29(4), 382–404.
Sangganjanavanich, V. F., & Balkin, R. S. (2013). Burnout and job satisfaction among counselor educators. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, 52, 67–79.
Tx. Admin. Code. tit. 22, § 681.41 (dd) (2019).
Wheeler, A. M., & Bertram, B. (2015). The counselor and the law: A guide to legal and ethical practice. (6th ed.). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
Yu, K., Lee, S., & Nesbist, E. A. (2008). Korean Counselor Burnout Inventory [Database record]. Retrieved from PsycTESTS.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023 11:30AM-1:30PM KATY MENTAL HEALTH NETWORKING MEETING
Care Coordinator
JOIN US!
Members Choice Credit Union
There is NO COST for attending this meeting.
To reserve your place at this event please RSVP by: filling out this simple form.
https://forms.gle/qJ5Jaj294HDXrsak7
Hosted by:
Katy Mental Health Network
David Bueno Martin from Martin Counseling
Light lunch provided by Andre Bennett from Matthew's Hope
For any questions, please contact Martin Counseling’s office at 713-489-5473 or email: Info@HoustonLPC.com
October Special!
Care Coordinator
Have you been thinking about starting therapy? Treat yourself this October! Book your first appointment with us and enjoy a spook-tacular $47 first session! Limited slots are available. Book now and celebrate the season with some self care.
For any questions, please contact Martin Counseling’s office at 713-489-5473 or email: Info@HoustonLPC.com
The Existential Approach
Care Coordinator
This blog is presented by Yamid Montalvo, LPC. For more information, please visit Martin Counseling.
Main Focus: Seeks balance between recognizing limits and opportunities to transcend and achieve. It focuses on understanding the person’s subjective views of the world.
Key Concepts:
Self-awareness: Recognize the responsibility associated with the freedom to choose and to act.
Existential Anxiety: The basic unease that we experience when we become aware of our vulnerability and our inevitable death.
Death and Nonbeing: Death awareness is an awakening experience that can be a useful catalyst for making significant life changes.
Search for Meaning: Create meaning through work, loving, suffering, or through doing for others.
Search for authenticity: Living authentically entails that we are true to ourselves. This kind of living can provide a deep sense of inner peace.
Applications
Action: Address concerns, not just behaviorally and intellectually, by maximizing capacities to transform self. High priority is given to the quality of the relationship as a healing force. The main function is to display the ways to constrict awareness and the cost of such constrictions.
Goals: 1) Enable yourself to become truthful to yourself, 2) widen perspectives on yourself and the world around you and others, 3) clarify what gives meaning to present and future, 4) successfully negotiate and come to terms with past, present, and future, and 5) learn better ways of communicating with others.
Phase One: Identify and clarify assumptions about the world
Define and question how you perceive and make sense of existence
Examine values, beliefs, and assumptions to determine their validity
Reflect on their own existence and examine your role in contributing to problems in living
Phase Two: Examine the source and authority of any present value system
Through self-exploration, obtain new insights and restructuring of your values and attitudes
Get a better idea of what kind of life you consider worthy to live
Develop a sense of internal valuing process
Phase Three: Put what you have learned into action
Implement your examined and internalized values in concrete ways
Discover your strengths and put these capabilities to the service of living a meaningful existence.
Reference:
Corey, G. (2012). Theory and practice of group counseling. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
Society Prosper | Wild West Casino Night
Care Coordinator
You're Invited!
It’s time to dust off your boots and saddle up because the most anticipated event of the year is right around the corner – our Wild West Casino Night FUNdraiser! We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for purchase.
Saturday, October 14, 2023
7-11 pm
The Golf Club at Cinco Ranch
23030 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Katy, TX 77450
What’s included?
Fun and games: Try your luck at blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette. We’ll have the dice rolling for 3 full hours!
Wild West Entertaining: Enjoy music, line dancing, Photobooth by OhSnapTX, and more!
Raffle Prizes: Cash in your winnings for raffle tickets at the end of the night for a chance to win prizes!
Drinks and Dining: Your night out includes an open bar and hors d’oeuvres.
Silent Auction: Enter our silent auction for a chance to win amazing items, all while supporting a great cause.
Each ticket purchased provides an hour of therapy for a child that has survived abuse.
This event promises excitement, camaraderie, and a chance to make a positive impact on our community. So grab your partner, gather your friends, and purchase tickets today.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night of Wild West adventure!
FRIDAY, October 6, 2023 11:30AM-1:30PM KATY SPIRITUAL CARE NETWORK MEETING
Care Coordinator
JOIN US!
There is NO COST for attending this meeting.
To reserve your place at this event please RSVP by filling out this simple form.
https://forms.gle/yQTJTMvzk5PShp7LA
THE MEETING TIME IS 11:30 AM TO 1:30 PM.
NETWORKING 11:30 AM TO 1:00pm.
Hosted by:
Katy Spiritual Care Network
David Bueno Martin from Martin Counseling
Eric Ayles from Serenity Light Recovery
Light lunch provided by Monica Garcia from Kingwood Pines Hospital
For any questions, please contact Martin Counseling’s office at 713-489-5473 or email: Info@HoustonLPC.com
Back to School! How to have a conversation about social media and screen time as the school year begins.
Care Coordinator
This blog is presented by Wendy Brien, M.Ed, LPC, NCC. For more information, please visit Martin Counseling.
It's back to school and time to begin a conversation with your kids about the use of social media and screen time limits. I have found the site SmartSocial.com to be an excellent resource for families to use for cyber safety, as well as setting up contracts for the use of electronics. The best part of this resource is that it can be used individually by parents, caregivers, children and adolescents, as well as together to start or continue these important conversations. The site keeps up with the latest apps and games, rates them according to appropriateness, and shares ways to use them to enhance your electronic footprint rather than detract from it and keep you safe.
Here is just a sample including a template for a Social Media Agreement:
https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?e=753d5015ce&u=31eb4161cfb27071716e69a09&id=15a12e9351
For any questions, please contact Martin Counseling’s office at 713-489-5473 or email: Info@HoustonLPC.com
"Greetings from Tamsin!" An inside look at one of our newest practicum interns!
Care Coordinator
This blog is presented by Tamsin Jimenez, practicum intern. For more information, please visit Martin Counseling.
A very warm hello to all!
My name is Tamsin Jimenez, and I am THRILLED to join the marvelous Martin Counseling team! Tidbit #1, Jennifer Pinner and I have known each other for a short time, only 26 years or so, and considering that both of us are forever 29, we basically grew up together. With that said, I might be slightly biased towards all of your collective brilliance, but from my experiences with only a few of you thus far, I truly believe my biases to be fully justified!
From a young age, I knew I wanted to help people. I enjoyed working in hospitality and real estate; however, where I felt truly valued was in my work as a nanny. Merely a supplemental undertaking during my undergraduate studies at University of Houston, I was immersed in the full family functions of a few dedicated, yet very different families. Children would come to me with things they felt their parents simply wouldn't get. Parents would come to me just wanting to talk to someone who wasn't there all day, every day. And now my focus began to come to light!
Fast forward to my 38th birthday. I am a wife and mother to a beautiful, 4-year-old, miracle (big) baby boy named Harley. Tidbit #2, my husband is a biker, and I grew up in England, so the name Harley really chose us. I embrace and adore my roles as wife and mother, yet I knew I needed to think ahead. I gifted myself an adventure on the Grad School Express! It's a bullet train with infrequent stops, but it's the best gift I could have given myself. A year later, I sometimes know what day it is, and I might require alarms to check my various to-do lists, but I am so ready! Alongside schooling, mom-ing, and wifey-ing, I co-parent my nephews with my super sister. I am also an active Guardian Ad Litem with the Child Advocates of Fort Bend where I am blessed to satisfy a burning passion for child advocacy, as I strengthen the voices of children in the foster system. Mental health awareness and self-awareness make up a massive chunk of what fuels my fire.
I offer my humble gratitude for all of your contributions and cannot wait to begin this next chapter towards donning the title of mental health professional. I am a very open person, and I love to chat and get to know new people. Full disclosure, I am nervous. Fullest disclosure, nerves never win in the end against Tamsin. Thank you all for reading this far! I can't wait to load up my own wand with some magic from each of yours.
For any questions, please contact Martin Counseling’s office at 713-489-5473 or email: Info@HoustonLPC.com
Friday, September 1, 2023 - 11:30 am -1:30 pm - KATY MENTAL HEALTH NETWORKING
Care Coordinator
JOIN US IN OUR NEW (PRE-COVID) LOCATION
Members Choice Credit Union
There is NO COST for attending this meeting.
To reserve your place at this event please RSVP by filling out this simple form.
https://forms.gle/23zN9HYX3WQgQ5FJ8
THE MEETING TIME IS 11:30 AM TO 1:30 PM
Networking and Lunch: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Free CEU: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Trauma Informed Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with Lynda Feldt, LPC, LCDC
Hosted by:
Katy Mental Health Network
David Bueno Martin from Martin Counseling
Light lunch provided by Andre Bennett from Matthew's Hope
For any questions, please contact Martin Counseling’s office at 713-489-5473 or email: Info@HoustonLPC.com
JST INSTITUTE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Care Coordinator
Several new training opportunities coming up!
For more information and to sign up please visit: https://jstinstitute.com/
Protecting Others
Care Coordinator
This blog is presented by Yamid Montalvo, LPC. For more information, please visit Martin Counseling.
What Constitutes Abuse?
Substantial Impairment: A person who is unable to perform daily basic activities such as walking, using the bathroom, personal hygiene, eating, cooking, cleaning, shopping, managing money, taking medications, or obtaining support services (Texas Department of Family and Protective Services [DFPS], n.d.).
Physical Abuse Texas Administrative Code 705.1003: knowing reckless or intentional act or failure to act, which caused physical injury, emotional harm, or death. It can include intimidation, corporal punishment, and inappropriate or excessive force (DFPS, n.d.).
Sexual Abuse Texas Administrative Code 705.1005: Any non-consensual sexual activity
Neglect Texas Administrative Code 705. 1009: Includes self-neglect. When a person is not capable of taking care of their physical needs, also includes medical neglect and mental health neglect (DFPS, n.d.).
Financial Exploitation Texas Administrative code 705.1011: The illegal or improper use of another person’s money or property for personal profit or gain (DFPS, n.d.).
In the state of Texas, any type of abuse must be reported by professionals under the practice of mandatory reporting. Confidentiality can be breached in the case of reportable abuse towards minors, elderly, and mentally ill individuals. (Corey, Corey, Corey, & Callanan, 2015).
According to the National Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, any type of abuse to children under the age of 18 must be reported.
In the case of people who are 65 or older, professionals are required to report neglect or abuse across the 45 states. The major types of elderly abuse are physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial or material exploitation (Corey, et al., 2015).
Steps for Reporting Abuse:
Call the Texas hotline at (800) 252-5400 if you believe your situation requires immediate action, you prefer to remain anonymous, or you do not have insufficient data (DFPS, n.d.).
Have helpful information available such as names, ages, addresses, or phone numbers (DFPS, n.d.).
Other types of helpful information or details about the alleged perpetrator as well as other details about the individual’s physical and mental condition (DFPS, n.d.).
Additional Information
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services provides an additional hotline website to report abuse in case of situations that are not urgent. To access this website, type www.txabusehotline.org and answer the questions regarding your report.
There is important information and examples or possible signs available in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services online at www.dfps.state.tx.us
For more information about child safety, visit www.helpandhppe.org
References
Corey, G., Corey, M. S., Corey, C., & Callanan, P. (2015). Issues and ethics in the helping professions. Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. (n.d.). Retrieved July 28, 2023, from https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/default.asp
The Healing Buzz: How Beekeeping Transformed a Psychotherapist's Journey to Self-Care and Mindfulness
David Martin
In the bustling world of psychotherapy and practice management, where the well-being of others takes center stage, it is not uncommon for therapists to neglect their own self-care. However, every now and then, a therapist stumbles upon an unexpected path that leads to personal transformation. Such was the case for David Bueno Martin, a seasoned psychotherapist and group practice owner with over 12 years of private practice experience who found solace and mindfulness in an unlikely place: the world of beekeeping. In this blog post, we explore David's journey as he turned to beekeeping in the last couple of years as a form of self-care and the profound impact it had on his personal and professional life.
Discovering Beekeeping:
David had always been intrigued by the healing power of nature and its connection to the human psyche. Searching for ways to rejuvenate his own well-being, he embarked on a quest to explore various mindfulness practices. It was during this exploration that he stumbled upon the art of beekeeping. Intrigued by the potential therapeutic benefits, he decided to give it a try.
Mindfulness in the Apiary:
As David delved into the world of beekeeping, he quickly discovered the deep sense of presence and mindfulness that accompanies the practice. The rhythmic hum of the bees, the delicate dance of their movements, and the harmonious symphony of nature all invited him to be fully present in the moment. The gentle act of tending to the bees and their hive became a form of meditation, allowing him to disconnect from the demands of his profession and immerse himself in the beauty of nature.
Lessons from the Bees:
Beekeeping offered David a myriad of valuable lessons that transcended his therapy sessions. Observing the intricate social structure of the hive, he learned about cooperation, communication, and resilience. The bees' unwavering dedication to their collective well-being served as a reminder of the importance of community and interdependence. These lessons found their way into his therapy practice, enriching his approach and fostering a deeper sense of empathy and understanding with his clients.
Connection with the Natural World:
Through beekeeping, David found a profound connection with the natural world that he had often neglected in the fast-paced suburban environment of Katy, TX. The bees became his teachers, guiding him to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things. As he witnessed the vital role bees play in pollination and the fragile balance of ecosystems, he developed a renewed sense of stewardship for the environment, inspiring him to advocate for sustainability and conservation.
The Buzz Spreads:
Word of David's transformative journey began to spread among his colleagues and clients. Intrigued by his experiences, some of them started exploring mindfulness practices themselves, while others expressed interest in learning more about the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping. David is planning to seize this opportunity to organize workshops and presentations, sharing his insights and inviting others to embark on their own journey of self-discovery through beekeeping.
Conclusion:
David Bueno Martin's foray into the world of beekeeping became a catalyst for personal growth, mindfulness, and self-care. What started as an endeavor to find respite from the demands of his psychotherapy practice evolved into a transformative journey that enriched his life and the lives of those around him. As he tends to his buzzing companions, David continues to find solace and inspiration, reminding us all of the healing power that lies within the harmony of nature.
Note: This blog post is not fictional. It is based on real-life experiences. It attempts to demonstrate the transformative potential of engaging in activities like beekeeping and mindfulness for self-care and personal growth. The Martin Counseling Team
Interested in some awesome Local Honey harvested by David? Fill out this simple form to request more information: https://forms.gle/vfniBvDUwY3bB69P7
JOIN US FOR COFFEE AND CONNECTIONS!
Care Coordinator
JOIN US!
Sweet Paris at La Centerra at Cinco Ranch
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd Suite S120
There is NO COST for attending this meeting.
To reserve your place at this event please RSVP by filling out this simple form.
https://forms.gle/VfazAuaZzVuHbTD38
THE MEETING TIME IS 08:30 AM TO 10:30 AM
Hosted by:
Katy Mental Health Network
David Bueno Martin from Martin Counseling
Stephanie Alexander from Eating Recovery Center
For any questions, please contact Martin Counseling’s office at 713-489-5473 or email: Info@HoustonLPC.com
FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2023 - 11:30AM-1:30PM - KATY MENTAL HEALTH NETWORKING MEETING
Care Coordinator
JOIN US IN OUR NEW (PRE-COVID) LOCATION
Members Choice Credit Union
There is NO COST for attending this meeting.
To reserve your place at this event please RSVP by filling out this simple form.
https://forms.gle/Vm1HwFhFzw5oXNUFA
THE MEETING TIME IS 11:30 AM TO 1:30 PM
Hosted by:
Katy Mental Health Network
David Bueno Martin from Martin Counseling
Light lunch provided by Andre Bennett from Matthew's Hope
For any questions, please contact Martin Counseling’s office at 713-489-5473 or email: Info@HoustonLPC.com
JST Institute Training Opportunities
Care Coordinator
Several new training opportunities coming up!
Mapping Narrative Conversations: Charting journeys towards preferred destinations
Narrative conversational maps are like skeleton keys that open multiple doors to new worlds of experience. Rather than confirming what is already known, these maps help us to chart journeys with people toward preferred destinations that were previously unimaginable. They make visible the multiplicity of routes that can be plotted when embarking on adventures into new territories of life.
Maps contribute to rich story development and provide a foundation for collaborative and generative conversations with people. Like therapeutic cartographers, we will explore various maps and how they engage in scaffolded conversations that open space for hope, possibility, and movement. We will also explore the role of language when engaging with people’s alternative storylines. We will address the role of generative questions and how they can contribute to novel understandings, energy, and inspiration.
REGISTER ON THE LINK BELOW:
https://jstinstitute.com/events/
June 16 and 17, 2023
1:00pm-4:30pm (Central Time)