How to Stop People-Pleasing and Start Living for You
I am a recovering people pleaser. I’d say “yes” to friends and family when I really wanted— or needed—to say “no.” And let me tell you, it didn’t do me any favors. What I thought was keeping everyone happy and strengthening my relationships actually had the opposite effect in the long run.
The Power of Discomfort: Why Embracing What Makes Us Uncomfortable is the Key to Growth
We live in a world that constantly encourages comfort. From cozy homes to the convenience of technology, it's easy to settle into a life that feels safe and predictable. But, if we want to grow, evolve, and truly experience life, we need to start embracing discomfort. While discomfort is often seen as something to avoid, it is, in reality, one of the most powerful tools we have for self-discovery and transformation.
How to Honor Your True Self
Explore how our roles and true self are connected and how to honor your true self.
Connected Parenting: Strategies for a Stronger Relationship with Your Child
A strong parent-child relationship can provide a foundation for a child's emotional well-being and development. While every family is unique, certain practices consistently foster positive connections between parents and children. Here are some strategies to help strengthen these relationships and create a secure, nurturing environment for your child.
Navigating the Space Between Certainty and Uncertainty
Life exists in the tension between what we know and what we don’t, between certainty and uncertainty. We crave stability and predictability, yet growth and transformation often emerge from the unknown. Navigating this delicate balance can feel overwhelming, but therapy provides a space to explore, adapt, and embrace the unknown with greater confidence and resilience.
About Love, Trust, and Marriage
Fixing a broken marriage is not easy. Unconditional love is a choice we make, but trust is not unconditional. It must be patiently and painstakingly rebuilt. A skilled couples’ therapist can guide a couple in crisis through the process, building transparency, emotional openness and intimacy, and other components that facilitate trust.
What Does a Therapist Do?
Therapists do so much more than simply offer advice or solutions—they create a space where you can truly explore, process, and grow. Learn some key ways a therapist can support you on your journey.
The Ins and Outs of Play Therapy
Seeking therapy for your child can feel overwhelming and daunting, often leading to delays in scheduling that first appointment. This article is here to guide you on what to expect when your child begins therapy.
DIY Therapy vs. Therapy with a Therapist
DIY Therapy Vs. Therapy with a Therapist: Which is better? Here are a few reasons why DIY therapy is not a full replacement for legitimate mental health therapy with a licensed professional.
Holistic Approach to Mental Health Care
Therapists work with many different approaches, each with varying assessments and interventions. When starting in the field of mental health, many therapists wonder, "Which model is the best? Which factor matters most?" The truth is, they all play a role.
Embracing the Midlife Crisis: A Jungian Guide to Finding Purpose
When we reach our midlife, it is not unusual to question the values that have guided our life choices thus far. Have we lived according to our own beliefs or those imposed by society? Or have we lived according to external dictates that no longer feel aligned with who we are? This reflection can lead to emotional and psychological turbulences, what is often referred to as a “midlife crisis”.
Building Love Maps with Your Partner: Strengthening Your Relationship from the Inside Out
One of the most powerful tools I encourage couples to use in their relationships is the concept of "love maps." Developed by Dr. John Gottman, love maps refer to each partner's mental map of the other person, including the details, dreams, preferences, and personal history that shape their identity. Building and nurturing these maps can significantly enhance emotional intimacy and deepen your connection with your partner.
Understanding Post-Restraint Collapse in Children: What It Is and How to Support Them
Post-restraint collapse refers to the emotional breakdown or outburst a child might experience after having to “hold it together” in a high-stress or overstimulating environment. During these moments—such as at school, during a doctor’s appointment, or at a family gathering—children may restrain their emotions to meet behavioral expectations. However, this takes a toll on their emotional reserves.
How Recognizing and Labeling Emotions Improves Emotional Health | Feelings Word List Freebie
In today's fast-paced world, emotional health can often take a backseat. However, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost your emotional well-being is by learning to recognize and label your emotions. This post explores how naming your feelings can make them more manageable. We’ve also included a free feelings word list to help you get started.
Exploring Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Unmet Needs in Relationships
Relationships are complex, deeply rewarding, and occasionally fraught with challenges that can feel insurmountable. As couples navigate the ups and downs of life together, they often encounter moments when the relationship feels disconnected or stuck. This is where Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can offer profound insights and healing.
Healing Spaces
Last January, as I was considering some of the challenges I was facing and deciding what I wanted to focus on for the year, I had the thought come to me “I need space.” This felt true and wise to me so I decided to consider it inspiration and settled on the phrase “Make Space” as my theme for the year.
3 Therapist-Approved Tips for Surviving Holiday Stress
The holiday season often brings joy and connection, but it can also be a time of significant stress—especially when dealing with difficult family dynamics. Here are some therapist-recommended strategies to help you navigate the season with less tension and more peace.
Exploring Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: A Practical Guide
This guide explains ketamine-assisted therapy, its potential benefits, and what individuals can expect when exploring it as part of their mental health journey. For those curious about this approach, it can be helpful to understand the process and how to prepare for it.
EFT for Couples Therapy
I feel alone, and hurt and I do not know if I matter to you, and that is terrifying. I am feeling vulnerable and I need you to respond to me, but because I am feeling lost I do not know how to reach you.
Ask a Therapist: My In-Laws Hate Me (& the feeling is mutual) What Do I Do?
Dr. Julie Hanks answers the question, “My in-laws hate me and the feeling is mutual. How do I handle the situation without alienating my husband or making him feel torn? We’ve been dealing with it for a couple of years & it’s HARD. Any advice?”