Blog

Thoughts from a psychotherapist.

Substance Abuse Counseling Amanda Kern Substance Abuse Counseling Amanda Kern

How to Support a Loved One in Recovery During the Holidays (Without Making It Awkward)

Let’s face it: the holidays come with stress. There’s the shopping, the cooking, the never-ending loop of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Add recovery into the mix, and it’s easy to see how the season’s usual pressures can feel magnified. Alcohol and other substances are often front and center at gatherings, and family dynamics can bring up old wounds. For someone in recovery, these triggers can make the holidays feel more like a test than a celebration.

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Family Therapy Amanda Kern Family Therapy Amanda Kern

Deck the Halls with… Therapy? How to Keep Family Drama from Ruining the Holidays

Ah, the holiday season! A time for joy, celebration, and... family drama. If the idea of gathering with relatives fills you with a mix of excitement and dread, you’re definitely not alone. Many people find that spending time with family can bring up old tensions and lead to awkward situations. In fact, a survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that 38% of people experience increased stress during the holidays. But don’t worry! With some practical strategies, you can tackle the season with a sense of humor and a game plan.

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Sex Therapy Amanda Kern Sex Therapy Amanda Kern

Why Isn’t Sex as Fun as It Used to Be? How to Reconnect and Rekindle Desire

Ah, the good old days—when everything felt new and exciting, especially in the bedroom. If you’re finding that sex is feeling a bit less thrilling lately, you’re not alone. Many couples hit a plateau, and that’s completely normal. According to the Kinsey Institute, around 50% of couples report a decline in sexual desire after a few years of being together. But before you start panicking or Googling let’s explore why this happens and what you can do about it. Spoiler alert: it’s not all about trying out new positions (though that can help!).

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Trauma Therapy Amanda Kern Trauma Therapy Amanda Kern

The Invisible Scars: How Trauma Affects Daily Life

Trauma leaves marks on us that often go unseen by others but deeply impact our daily lives. Whether it’s a single, intense event or something that unfolded over time, trauma can make even ordinary situations feel overwhelming. While we might expect that time would help us heal, trauma often has a way of showing up in ways we don’t always recognize or anticipate. If you feel like something’s holding you back, or you’re constantly on high alert, it might be the effects of trauma—and you’re definitely not alone.

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Therapy For Women Amanda Kern Therapy For Women Amanda Kern

Balancing Life: Strategies for Busy Women

Life for modern women can often feel like a constant juggling act. Between work, family, social obligations, and taking care of ourselves, it’s easy to feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. If you’re nodding your head here, you’re not alone. The demands placed on women today are significant, and research supports this—showing how women are often expected to manage multiple roles with grace, ease, and efficiency, even when it's nearly impossible. So, how do you find balance without burning out? Here, I’m offering strategies to help bring some ease into your day-to-day.

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Family Therapy Amanda Kern Family Therapy Amanda Kern

Will My Blended Family Ever Blend?

Blended families are becoming more common, but the journey to creating a harmonious family unit can often feel overwhelming. If you find yourself wondering, "Will my blended family ever blend?" you're not alone. The blending process takes time, patience, and, often, professional support. Understanding the dynamics at play can help ease the journey.

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DBT Therapy Amanda Kern DBT Therapy Amanda Kern

What is DBT and How Does it Work?

At its core, DBT therapy is about balancing acceptance and change. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals navigate their emotional experiences. This therapeutic approach teaches skills in four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

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EMDR Therapy Amanda Kern EMDR Therapy Amanda Kern

How Does EMDR Work for Anxiety?

If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, you might feel as though traditional therapies or medications aren’t enough to ease the overwhelming sense of worry or panic. A growing number of people are turning to EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy as a powerful tool to help reduce anxiety symptoms. While EMDR is often linked with trauma recovery, this innovative therapy can also help alleviate anxiety by addressing the root causes of distress. Let’s explore how EMDR works for anxiety and why it might be worth considering.

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Sex Therapy Amanda Kern Sex Therapy Amanda Kern

What to Expect in Sex Therapy:

If you’ve ever wondered what happens in sex therapy or whether it’s the right fit for you, you’re not alone. Many individuals and couples have questions or concerns about starting this kind of therapy, often unsure what the process looks like. Whether you’re dealing with sexual challenges, intimacy issues, or are just looking to strengthen your relationship, sex therapy can provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore and improve these aspects of your life.

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Trauma Therapy Amanda Kern Trauma Therapy Amanda Kern

The Role of the Body in Healing Trauma:

Trauma leaves lasting imprints, not only on the mind but also on the body. For years, therapy focused primarily on talking through traumatic experiences, exploring emotions, and creating strategies to cope with the psychological aftermath. However, many individuals continue to experience physical symptoms long after the traumatic event has passed—such as chronic pain, tension, or hypervigilance—suggesting that trauma is stored in the body as much as the mind. This realization has led to the growing recognition of somatic therapy, which helps clients heal through body-centered techniques that address trauma at a physical level.

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Substance Abuse Counseling Amanda Kern Substance Abuse Counseling Amanda Kern

Supporting Without Enabling: How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Addiction.

When a loved one is battling addiction, it can feel like you’re walking a tightrope—trying to support them without unintentionally making things worse. Offering love, empathy, and care is essential, but there’s a fine line between supporting someone through their struggles and enabling behaviors that fuel their addiction. Finding this balance is critical, not only for your loved one’s recovery but also for your well-being.

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Sex Therapy Amanda Kern Sex Therapy Amanda Kern

Understanding Sexual Desire Discrepancy in Relationships.

It’s not uncommon for couples to experience differences in sexual desire. One partner may feel a higher level of sexual interest, while the other might find themselves less engaged or in a different rhythm. Sexual desire discrepancy is a common challenge in relationships, but it doesn’t have to mean something is wrong.

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