Physical illness often represents a significant challenge to emotional well-being. Even minor or temporary illness can interrupt typical patterns of physical activity and other routines which can negatively impact mood, increase feelings of stress or anxiety, and reduce our ability to manage day-to-day life. In the case of chronic and/or severe illness, the impact on … Continue reading Maintaining Mental Wellness Amid Physical Health Challenges

Even among those who are able to see therapy as a potential resource, it seems common to think of therapy as an opportunity to discuss a specific event or experience in life which has led to difficult feelings. And this is a great use of therapy! However, it is not the only (or perhaps not … Continue reading How Can Therapy Help if I Don’t Know Why I’m Upset?

Part 3: Communicating Your Limits A Beginner’s Guide to Boundaries is a three-part series on this important topic. To start the process, I will focus on identifying some of the myths about boundaries that I hear a lot. Then, when I’ve shared about what boundaries aren’t, I’ll talk about what they are and help reshape … Continue reading Boundaries

Part Two: Identifying Your Limits A Beginner’s Guide to Boundaries is a three-part series on this important topic. To start the process, I focused on identifying some of the myths about boundaries that I hear a lot. Now that I’ve shared about what boundaries aren’t, I’ll talk about what they are and help reshape your … Continue reading Boundaries

Part One: The Myths of Boundary-Setting A Beginner’s Guide to Boundaries is a three-part series on this important topic. To start the process, I will focus on identifying some of the myths about boundaries that I hear a lot. Then, when I’ve shared about what boundaries aren’t, I’ll talk about what they are and help … Continue reading Boundaries

One of my earliest tasks when meeting with new clients is to talk about the goals they have for their lives. And more often than not, at some point in the discussion, they say some version of, “I just want to be happy.” Most people I meet would give just about anything for more happiness, … Continue reading I Just Want to be Happy

Motivation is that driving energy that moves us toward achieving goals and accomplishing tasks. It tends to go relatively unnoticed when we have it, but we often really notice when we don’t. Many who talk about motivation focus on strategies for increasing motivation when it is lacking, and there are a number of helpful things … Continue reading Motivation

Know that it is okay to not be ready. So many people who eventually come to therapy feel unsure about starting for a long time. Wherever you are with it is okay. Take the time you need to simply wonder what it would be like to ask for help. It is okay to read about … Continue reading An Open Letter