Blog
Thoughts from a psychotherapist.
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.
Why Your Therapist Won’t Tell You What To Do (and What They Do Instead)
It’s frustrating, right? You walk into therapy thinking, Finally, someone who’s going to help me figure this out! But then, instead of a neat, step-by-step guide to life, you get… questions. Lots of questions.
Why Starting Therapy Can Feel Scary – And Why It's Worth It
If the thought of starting therapy makes you want to curl up in a blanket burrito and pretend everything is fine, you’re not alone. Deciding to begin therapy—especially as a woman juggling responsibilities, expectations, and the occasional (or frequent) imposter syndrome—can feel like a big deal.
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.
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!).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How Trauma Can Affect Your Sexual Relationship and What You Can Do About It
Trauma can have profound and lasting effects on various aspects of a person's life, including their intimate relationships. When it comes to sexual intimacy, many trauma survivors may find themselves grappling with a range of challenges that can hinder their ability to connect with their partners.
Reigniting Passion in Long-Term Relationships:
In long-term relationships, passion can sometimes take a backseat to routine, daily responsibilities, and the comfort of familiarity.
Post-Traumatic Growth:
Trauma, by its very nature, is overwhelming and destabilizing. It shatters the sense of security, safety, and predictability we rely on to function in our everyday lives.
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.
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.
Setting Healthy Boundaries: A Guide to Protecting Your Energy and Mental Health.
Life is full of challenges, and for many women, navigating the complex web of personal and professional obligations can be overwhelming. Whether it’s managing relationships, work, family, or self-care, women often find themselves stretched thin, trying to meet the expectations of others while their own needs take a backseat.
Winning the Screen Time Battle: Smart Habits for Keeping Kids Focused During the School Year.
In today’s digital world, managing screen time has become one of the biggest challenges for families, especially during the school year. With devices being used for everything from virtual learning to socializing and entertainment, it’s easy for screen time to spiral out of control.
Managing Conflict: How to Disagree Without Damaging Your Relationship.
Conflict is a natural part of any relationship. No matter how much you love and care for your partner, disagreements will happen. What matters most is not the absence of conflict but how you manage it.
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.