Alcoholics Anonymous subscribes to the belief that addiction is a disease and one that can only be overcome through the intervention of a higher power. Those who seek support from groups like AA or Narcotics Anonymous must first acknowledge the existence of their problem and...
I write this letter because it is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDA) and I couldn’t think of a better time to sit and reflect on the journey. Dear Kels, At the time of this letter, you are a 31-year-old Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at...
In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the most crucial component of our existence: our bodies. We meticulously service our vehicles, tend to our electronics, and care for our valued possessions, yet we often neglect the maintenance of our own well-being. It's time to...
Introduction Attachment theory, popularized by psychologists Amir Levine and Rachel Heller in their book "Attached," offers profound insights into the dynamics of how we connect with romantic partners. This blog post highlights the key concepts of attachment and explores how understanding our attachment styles can...
You’ve probably heard the expression, “There’s no use crying over spilled milk.” This phrase is used to communicate that crying over something that has happened and cannot be changed is pointless. However, people do have a lot of emotions regarding current, past, and future events....
At this time of the year, people typically set goals or at least begin to do so, especially regarding aspirations related to finance, relationships, careers, etc. For some, it’s about getting married, having a baby, starting grad school, while for others, it’s about changing jobs,...
The Holiday season can stir up feelings and heighten a variety of mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. During this time of the year, you must be aware of your limitations and boundaries while practicing self-care. Whether you are gearing up to spend the...
Families have unique generational dynamics shaped by the experiences, beliefs, and traumas passed down from one generation to the next. According to Counseling Today, “Trauma does not have to be experienced at a community level to affect later generations”. While a family's history can be...
Have you ever had the experience where as soon as your head hits the pillow and you’re all snuggled up ready to get that good night’s sleep you need after a very long day of hustle and then your head explodes with a million thoughts...
As a therapist, I get asked a lot about medications. I cannot prescribe medication, but I can have conversations about what medication can do and how it can work in the brain. I can have conversations about whether or not it is warranted for a...
John Gottman, a leading researcher in relationship dynamics, distinguishes between two types of conflicts that couples experience: solvable problems and perpetual problems. Understanding this distinction is key to maintaining a healthy relationship. 1. Solvable Problems Solvable problems are specific issues that arise from circumstances rather...
Identifying the signs of childhood trauma is the initial step that opens a path to empathy and intervention. Whether these indicators manifest in yourself or someone you care about, it is essential to extend empathy and consider professional help. The following 7 signs can be...
Healing after trauma is a courageous and transformative journey that individuals embark upon to reclaim their lives and restore a sense of balance and well-being. Trauma can leave lasting imprints on the mind, body, and spirit, but with resilience, support, and self-compassion, survivors can navigate...
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, stress has become an almost inevitable companion for many. From demanding work schedules to personal challenges, stress can manifest in various forms and take a toll on our overall well-being. Here we will look at the relationship...
Continuing the conversation of my previous blog “How to Spot Addictive Behaviors in Yourself and Others” posted on February 7th, 2024, I wanted to give you an idea of different treatment settings in a brief format. After sorting out that you or someone close to...
Most of us have heard that we are a social species. What does this really mean, and how does it affect us and our mental health in the long run? Should building stronger and healthier relationships with our loved ones and our peers be as...
Our society places a tremendous burden on us to be “on” at all times. We are overloaded with responsibilities at home and at work, and we care for our partners, parents, and children. In our efforts to be everything for everyone, we often push our...
Few names stand as prominently in the realm of marriage and relationship counseling as Dr. John Gottman. Renowned for his groundbreaking research on marital stability and divorce prediction, Gottman has developed a framework that sheds light on the key factors that contribute to relationship breakdown....
By following this link, you are in one of three camps: 1. You're interested in the subject of addiction. 2. You're concerned for another person in your life, 3. You're concerned that you might be dealing with an addiction of some kind. Welcome, you have...
Have you ever had the experience where as soon as your head hits the pillow after a very long day of hustle and then your head explodes with a million thoughts at once? There goes that good night’s sleep! Have you ever had the experience...
The holiday seasons are mostly assumed to be joyous times to be immersed in the company of friends and family. This narrative is also reinforced by the myriad of media images depicting beautifully clad individuals bursting with excitement while shopping for gifts or hanging out...
Resilience is the ability to appreciate this rollercoaster of life by allowing ourselves to enjoy the high points while adapting to and bouncing back from the low points. It's a key component in maintaining emotional well-being and thriving despite the challenges we may face. Sounds...
For most people, the phrase “ADHD” conjures the image of a hyperactive eight-year-old boy who runs around the classroom, ignores the teacher’s instructions, and just can’t (or won’t) pay attention. But ADHD is complex – and highly nuanced. Contrary to its name, attention deficit hyperactivity...
Emotions are like major characters in a favorite book or movie–they can be complex and everchanging. Emotions respond to events, mysteries, people, and memories around them. In fact, emotions are usually in dialogue with other, under-the-surface emotions. Often, we like to label them as “flat...
Navigating the preteen years can sometimes feel tumultuous, overwhelming, and confusing as our children begin to go through many changes. Being a preteen is like standing on the edge of childhood and adolescence. They’re trying to figure out who they are, where they fit in,...
COVID changed our world in a myriad of ways. It brought with it an immense amount of pressure on our mental wellbeing. Several studies show a significant rise in mental health crisis since the pandemic and many are still grappling from its impact such as...
There's overwhelming empirical support for the fact that early experience is a powerful force in development. John Bowlby's attachment theory revolutionized our understanding of the initial connection between infants and caregivers. Attachment encompasses the deep and lasting emotional connection that develops between an infant and...
Group therapy is a type of therapy in which multiple people gather in a safe and supportive space to discuss and process shared issues, under the guidance of a trained mental health professional. Group therapy can be helpful for those dealing with grief, trauma, divorce,...
An expectation is the feeling or belief that something will or should happen. That sounds good, doesn’t it? But, if we’re being honest, we know that expectations aren’t always reality, and they can lead to disappointment, heartache, and frustration. Our early interactions and life experiences...
In today's fast-paced and digitally connected world, it's all too easy to overlook the significance of genuine human connection and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a close-knit community. However, when it comes to mental health, fostering and maintaining meaningful connections...
In today's fast-paced and demanding world, self-compassion has emerged as an essential tool for navigating the difficulties of life. While the notion of being gentle and kind to ourselves may seem counterintuitive or even selfish to some, the benefits of self-compassion are far-reaching and transformative....