The therapeutic process can seem a bit intimidating and even mystifying. As a therapist, I often encounter some inaccurate depictions of what others think therapy entails. Pop culture more often than not, depicts the therapeutic process incorrectly. I want to take this opportunity to share some perspectives about therapy. My ...

“Conflict in relationships is normal, so how do I know if marriage counseling might help us?”  You may feel like marriage counseling seems too drastic for the need you’re currently managing.  Maybe you’ve only known people to pursue marriage counseling when they’re “really in trouble” and that’s not you!  You ...

This year I really, really, really, really, really mean it. I am going to keep my New Years’ Resolutions. I will. Last year I wasn’t ready. This year. Yeah, I will. Been there? You ever wonder why it is so hard to keep New Years’ Resolutions? Have you ever been ...

“You always make me feel so…” Have you ever found yourself saying these words (or even hearing these words) in an attempt to just have your feelings understood or heard?  What is usually the outcome of that conversation?   For a lot of people, these types of conversations typically lead to ...

The holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family to celebrate a special time of year. It’s a time to escape our hectic lives and reconnect with those we may not see often throughout the year. For many of us that may include caring for aging parents, either ...

“Hey. I think you should see a counselor.” Imagine this scenario playing out with someone you care about deeply. It is the holiday season. You and your loved ones safely gather for a routine family gathering. You notice something is “off” with your [grandmother/cousin/uncle/stepbrother/etc.]. Mental health struggles such as depression, ...

Without a doubt, COVID-19 has impacted every person in big ways and small ways, across a variety of situations. For almost 8 months, each individual across the globe has had to adjust aspects of life as we collectively protect ourselves and fight against this virus. Halloween is behind us, which ...

In last week's blog post, we introduced the idea of boundaries.  To recap, boundaries are guidelines, rules or limits that a person creates to identify reasonable, safe and permissible ways for other people to behave towards them and how they will respond when someone passes those limits. They are built ...

Your decisions are disregarded. You take on the blame for something that is not your fault. You feel frustration or resentment about how others treat you. You experience shame. You frequently justify others’ behaviors. Most of us have experienced one or more of these in our lifetime. And many of ...

I am sure you have heard generally well-meaning phrases like “everything happens for a reason” or “it will all work out in the end.” I am also sure that the friend or confidant who conveyed the phrase meant well. Or perhaps you yourself uttered those words of encouragement to a ...