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?”
Being a “Nice Guy” Might be Ruining Your Relationship
There are huge numbers of young men that we can describe as kind, giving and caring. The confusion for these men sets in after marriage, when these Nice Guys can’t understand why their wives don’t see them for “who they really are.”
5 Things to Say When a Loved One Comes Out as LGBTQ+
When someone comes out as LGBTQ+, it's natural for everyone involved in the experience to feel a lot of anxiety about what to say and how to say it. If someone you love comes out to you, it's important to respond in a supportive and nonjudgmental way.
Aiming for Greatness
Expectations to live like our heroes can be healthy or toxic. Checking in with ourselves and keeping an honest emotional view of the self can lead to the creation of more personally realistic and healthy expectations.
Dr. Julie Hanks Responds to Meridian Magazine's 8 Things That Can Pull You Away from the Church
Dr. Julie Hanks When I read Meridian Magazine’s article 8 Things that Can Pull You Away from the Church yesterday morning my heart sank. Not because I disagree with the author's suggestions of ways strengthen one’s faith, but because it oversimplifies the complex process individuals go through when they decide to distance from or to leave the LDS Church.
Making Sense of Big Behaviors
One of the most challenging phases of parenting can be when there are big, explosive behaviors happening with our little -and not so little- children. This can be an exhausting and humiliating experience (especially when it happens in public places!) and it can create a sense of helplessness for everyone affected.
Managing Stress Around Election Day
It’s that time. Regardless of your personal beliefs and who you vote for, this time of year can be really stressful. I see the impacts of the upcoming election on individuals, families, and couples who come into my office, especially as election day gets closer.
Navigating Tough Times After Coming Out
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, coming out can be a nerve wracking experience. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself in a vulnerable position by sharing your identity with those in your life.