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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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Life Transitions: 5 Ways to Rediscover Yourself in Times of Change
I’ll never forget the moment I transitioned into a new role in my career in 2018. For so long, I had been responsible for others—leading a team, guiding a program, carrying the weight of decisions and outcomes. And then, one day, I found myself in a position where my responsibility was only to myself and the people I served. It was a shift I didn’t fully anticipate. At first, it felt like a loss—an identity I had built for so long was no longer there. I had spent almost 5 years shaping the direction of others, and now, I had more time to breathe, more space to think. It felt…
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What Is the Connection Between Sleep and Mental Health?
In our pursuit of mental wellness, we often prioritize therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, yet we frequently overlook a cornerstone of mental health: sleep. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can have profound effects on our psychological well-being, impacting mood, cognitive performance, and overall mental health. Understanding the importance of sleep and recognizing lesser-known sleep disorders can pave the way to a healthier mind. The Importance of Sleep According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function optimally. Lack of sleep can lead to anxiety, irritability, and a decreased ability to manage stress. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can exacerbate conditions such as depression…
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How to Set Boundaries with Family and Protect Your Peace
The holidays can be a reminder for grief, a breeding ground for disappointment, and a healthy reminder of why we don’t see our extended family every day. These moments have made some of my clients realize that they want to change their boundaries with some of their family, or change their relationships with them. Here we’ll cover some tips on how to do that if you are in a similar situation. But first, let’s explore what setting boundaries means. What Setting Boundaries With Family Means? There can be some confusion about what setting boundaries really means. Your boundaries are about you and what behavior you will and will not tolerate;…
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3 Simple Shifts to Redefine Fear in 2025
The other day, my teenage daughter insisted on a Walmart run because our fridge was basically empty. I wasn’t in the mood to go inside, so I let her shop while I took a much-needed moment to myself. As I sat scrolling through social media reels, I stumbled upon a story that captured my attention—a woman named Wiebke Lühmann had spent the last year biking all the way from Germany to the tip of Cape Town in South Africa. Having traveled to Africa myself, I immediately thought, Wow, that is one huge undertaking. The continent is so vast and diverse—it’s not exactly a walk in the park. My second thought…
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3 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month
April is Autism Acceptance Month! What does that mean? April used to be referred to as Autism Awareness Month. But as the years went on, the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) community felt that plenty of people were “aware” of ASD and that what the country really needed was Autism Acceptance. I recently saw a quote that said: “Awareness means you know I’m here; Acceptance means you are happy to see me.” I think that is a great way to differentiate what this means. So how can we be more accepting in how we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month? Autism Acceptance Month: 3 Ways to Celebrate and Show Support 1. Learn More…
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How Is Talking to a Therapist Different From Talking to a Friend?
This is one of the questions I get asked most frequently as a therapist: Why would I see a professional when I have my best friend with whom I can talk about my problems? What can a therapist do for me that I don’t get from venting to my spouse? I have even heard, “My dog is my therapist.” What’s the point in going to see a therapist? There are distinct differences in speaking to a professional and speaking to someone you know personally. Talking to a therapist should look very different from talking to a friend, so let’s get into those differences. 5 Key Differences Between Talking to a…
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Life Isn’t Either-Or: The Power of Dialectical Thinking
In life, we’re often taught to think in “either-or” terms: either I’m happy or I need to change; either I focus on others or take time for myself. This way of thinking can feel limiting, making it seem like every decision means letting go of something important. But in reality, opposites can exist side by side—and learning to embrace this idea can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life. This approach is known as dialectical thinking. How Dialectical Thinking Works Dialectical thinking encourages us to hold two seemingly opposing truths at once. It’s a mindset that helps us stay flexible and open to new perspectives. For example, consider the idea…
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The 3 P’s of Helping New Moms Postpartum
Before I had my daughter, I had no idea how to support the new moms in my life during postpartum. I wanted to show up and be helpful but did not want to insert myself. Would they want visitors? Or would they feel like they need to host me? Should I cook for them? What if they don’t like what I make and I just give them more stuff they need to throw away? Fast forward to the month after I had my baby. To me with dirty hair, a sink full of dishes, and not knowing what day it was. I found as I went through my own (rough)…
