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When Hope Feels Out of Reach: A Reflection for Suicide Awareness Month
September is Suicide Awareness Month, and it calls us to pause and acknowledge a difficult reality: suicide touches more lives than we often realize. Whether through the loss of someone we love, the struggles of a friend, or even our own silent battles, this issue is not far away—it affects our communities, our families, and often touches lives more closely than we realize. The Hidden Struggle Behind Suicide Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and it does not discriminate. It affects people of every background, at every age, and in every corner of the country. Behind each number is a story of someone…
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Why Autism Symptoms Can Be More Noticeable in Teens: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
As a parent of a 14-year-old recently diagnosed with Level 1 Autism, I’ve come to understand that autism isn’t something that suddenly appears. Sometimes, it’s been there all along, just quietly woven into the fabric of your child’s being. For years, my daughter was seen as a quirky, bright, hilarious, and compassionate kid. And she is all those things. But behind that brilliant mind and so much empathy, is a nervous system constantly bombarded by stimulation, demands, and unspoken expectations. Internally, it can feel like she’s on fire—overwhelmed by noise, social complexity, and the invisible rules of the world that she often doesn’t understand. It’s hard to watch your child…
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How to Support High-Support Needs Families: A Therapist’s Insight
For those of you who know me personally, it’s hard to know me without knowing my brother. My brother is the reason why I am the helper I am. The therapist I am. And the woman I am today. He has taught me more of my life lessons than any other person, and has done so without using words. My brother has Level 3 Autism, or what used to be referred to as “severe Autism.” He is conversationally non-verbal and has epilepsy. Inside the Challenges of a High-Support Needs Family Life has always been different for my family. We don’t go to restaurants. We take shifts on who is watching…
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Learning to Manage Stress — Before It Manages You
Stress. We all experience it, and as a therapist, I can tell you it doesn’t discriminate. It shows up in every walk of life — at work, at home, in relationships, and in moments when we least expect it. Feeling stressed is completely normal, and in small doses, it can motivate and focus us. But when it becomes chronic, it can quietly build until it’s managing you. When Stress Starts to Manage Your Life I’ve watched this happen so many times — and felt it myself. You’re getting through the days, putting out one fire after another. You tell yourself it’s just a “busy season” or that “things will slow…
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Easing Back-to-School Anxiety: 5 Tips for Parents and Caregivers
It’s that time of year again—new backpacks, sharpened pencils, and the familiar shift from the slower pace of summer back into the routine of school. For some kids, this transition is exciting. For others, it can stir up a wave of anxiety that shows up in big feelings, resistance, or physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Back-to-school anxiety is incredibly common. Change, even positive change, can feel overwhelming to a child’s developing brain. New teachers, unfamiliar classrooms, shifting schedules, and social dynamics all combine to create uncertainty. And uncertainty is where anxiety likes to hang out. So, how can we as parents and caregivers support children through this season? 5…
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Unpacking Your Core Beliefs: What ‘Inside Out’ Can Teach You
One of the most important things to consider when addressing mental health challenges is focusing on what’s within your control—namely, you. You may not be able to control how your parents, siblings, or others behave in your relationships, but you can take steps to better understand yourself and your thought patterns. A great place to start is by exploring your core beliefs—the ideas you hold about yourself, others, and the world. Inside Riley’s Mind: How Childhood Experiences Shape Our Core Beliefs If you’ve ever seen the movie Inside Out (and if you haven’t, you should!), you might remember the main character, Riley, and her collection of core memories—glowing glass orbs…
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The Beautiful Complexity of Being Human: A Therapist Reflection
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to be human. It’s such a unique experience—messy, meaningful, and sometimes mystifying. We each start our journey at birth, thrust into a world we didn’t choose, and then spend the rest of our lives trying to figure it out. Along the way, we learn, grow, struggle, celebrate, and keep evolving. But have you ever paused to ask yourself: Who am I really? Not the roles you play or the titles you hold—but the real you, beneath it all. Being human means living in that question, constantly discovering pieces of yourself as life unfolds. In the spirit of reflection, I…
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Navigating Caregiver Burnout with Compassion and Strength
Being a caregiver is often described as a labor of love, but it’s also one of the most emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausting roles a person can take on—an invisible weight that can quietly lead to burnout. Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a child with special needs, or a spouse with chronic illness, the responsibility can feel never-ending. Add in a full-time job, raising children, or managing a household, and it’s no wonder so many caregivers find themselves overwhelmed, exhausted, and sometimes hopeless. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That’s me”, know that you’re not alone—and what you’re feeling is valid. The Unseen Challenges of Caregiving Caregiving often…
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Parenting with Pride: Navigating Your Teen’s Journey with Love & Understanding
Parenting a teenager is a journey full of growth—for them and for you. When your teen begins exploring or questioning their sexuality or gender identity, it can bring both beautiful moments and complex emotions. Whether you fully embrace your teen’s identity, or find yourself struggling to understand it, remember this: your love and support can be life-saving. So, let’s explore helpful tips and resources to support you in walking alongside your teen—and parenting with Pride. The Risks Are Real — But So Is the Power of Support According to The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the…
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“I Cried Today”: A Therapist’s Reflection on Singleness
Today, as I sat at my kitchen table catching up on some work, the sound of children’s playful laughter drifted into my home, and bubbles from my neighbor’s backyard floated gently into mine. It was a delight to see the kids out enjoying their school break, without a care in the world. — And then, I cried. Because in that moment, I was reminded of what I don’t have. There’s no giggles filling my home. No one to share meals with or to tell about my day. There’s just me and the silence. As a therapist, I often sit with people in their pain, helping them process it without shame…
