Author: Chris Williams

As a former teacher and a current narrative therapist, I believe in the power of words. I cautioned my students about using the word “easy,” because what was easy for them might not be easy for a classmate. I encourage couples during conflict to be intentional with their speech because the same word might have … Continue reading “Negative Emotions?” Not in my Office!

If you’ve done any exploration into managing your anxiety, you’ve probably come across these two words – mindfulness and grounding. Often, these terms are used interchangeably. Though they are similar, there is a subtle difference, and it can be helpful to know it. Let’s explore what these terms really mean and how they can be … Continue reading Mindfulness vs Grounding – What’s the Difference?

As we continue to look at increasing awareness around domestic violence, it is important to highlight communities that often overlooked. Today, we turn our focus to the LGBTQIA+ community. Research indicates that the prevalence of intimate partner violence among the LGBTQIA+ community is as high or higher than the general population. However, unlike the general … Continue reading Domestic Abuse and the LGBTQIA+ Community

During Suicide Awareness month last year, I focused on talking to your teen about suicide. This year, I’d like to focus on a particular subset of youth: LGBTQIA+ youth. THE RESEARCH The majority of the information in today’s blog comes from the Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. The Trevor Project … Continue reading Suicide Risks and LGBTQIA+ Youth

Let’s face it, grief is a tough emotion to wrestle with! In our August 9th blog post, we learned that it is a complicated process that we all tend to experience differently. As difficult as it is to comprehend as adults, grief is particularly difficult for children. While we cannot spare them the experience of … Continue reading Helping Children Through Grief

Trauma can be one of the most difficult things to discuss in the therapy room. Talking about it can be triggering, and it can bring up flashbacks, nightmares, and panic. As bad as this experience can be for adults, it can be devastating for children. Lacking the maturity to grasp the meaning of trauma and … Continue reading Treating Trauma in Children: Sand Tray Therapy

During Pride Month last year, I wrote about supporting your LGBTQIA+ child. This year, I’d like to focus in on supporting your transgender youth. This discussion is vital when considering that a large number of states are considering or enacting legislation that blocks gender-affirming care for youth. Research has already shown that transgender youth are … Continue reading Supporting Your Transgender Youth

As we continue our look at Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s time to shift our focus to youth. In the past, we’ve established that youth can benefit from mental health services, but how do we have that discussion with them in the first place? A potential solution may be closer than you realize. Let’s talk … Continue reading Mental Health Movie Nights!

No doubt about it, our youth today are feeling the STRESS! A study by the American Psychological Association found that one in five youth reported they worry “a great deal or a lot”, and at least 30 percent of youth reported experiencing headaches due to stress and worry. The same report also found an even … Continue reading The Hard Truth about Youth and Stress

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, has become the go-to therapy for a multitude of mental health concerns, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, substance dependence, PTSD, and eating disorders. Dr. Marsha Linehan, a Professor of Psychology and adjunct Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington, developed DBT. Dr. Marsha Linehan When … Continue reading Celebrating Women Pioneers in Mental Health: Dr. Marsha Linehan