One recurring theme that I seem to encounter with many of my clients is that they grew up in households where emotions were rarely discussed. Now, as older teens and adults, they are ill-equipped to deal with the strong emotions that come from many of life’s twists and turns. They want to “feel better” and … Continue reading Social Wellness: Family Bonding Through… Reading?
Social Wellness: 5 Tips for Healthy Friendships
Healthy friendships are a common focus for my clients of all ages. Here are a handful of things we discuss in therapy that might be helpful for you or a friend you know. My clients range from ages 10 to 72 and they all talk about friends. They have meaningful friendships which offer support and … Continue reading Social Wellness: 5 Tips for Healthy Friendships
Setting Boundaries: Putting Self-Care into Action
In therapy, we are always talking about boundaries. Here’s a quick summary on what boundaries are, why they’re important, how to set and stick to them, and even some examples of healthy boundaries. WHAT ARE BOUNDARIES? Boundaries are the invisible lines that we draw in order to keep ourselves safe. You could think of boundaries … Continue reading Setting Boundaries: Putting Self-Care into Action
Supporting your LGBTQIA+ Child
First off, let’s be clear about this: you SHOULD be supportive of your LGBTQIA+ child! There is no debate to be had here. According to an article by Katherine Schrelber on Psychology Today, teens who identify as a sexual minority are twice as likely as their heterosexual peers to have suicidal ideation, and they are … Continue reading Supporting your LGBTQIA+ Child
Neurodiversity and Queerness
There are so many directions we can go to participate in Pride Month. What do therapists do when there are multiple paths to take? Follow our clients, of course! So for this blog I am doing just that. Some of my clients who identify within the diverse LGBTQ+ community have also been reporting difficulties with … Continue reading Neurodiversity and Queerness
A Closer Look at ‘Chronic Emptiness’
Say the words “Borderline Personality Disorder” (BPD) to someone who is unfamiliar with personality disorders and you’ll likely get a response that highlights “anger issues,” suicidality, impulsivity, and fear of abandonment. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex condition characterized by instability of one’s self-concept, emotions, and behavior. What many people don’t know is that … Continue reading A Closer Look at ‘Chronic Emptiness’
Why We Support PRIDE
“When you hear of Gay Pride, remember, it was not born out of a need to celebrate being gay. It evolved out of our need as human beings to break free of oppression and to exist without being criminalized, pathologized or persecuted. Depending on a number of factors, particularly religion, freeing ourselves from gay shame … Continue reading Why We Support PRIDE
What a Trauma Therapist has to say About Avoidance
We feel anxious, and then we avoid. It numbs us and distracts us from our discomfort. But inevitably, that anxious feeling creeps back up again. If you are like me or many of my clients, you find yourself avoiding things even when you tell yourself over and over that you are going to get it … Continue reading What a Trauma Therapist has to say About Avoidance
Lions and Tiger (Lilies) and … Mindfulness? Oh My!
In my April 27th blog, I shared 5 keys to practicing mindfulness with your child. For the last key, I mentioned something called a “mindfulness excursion”. A mindfulness excursion is simply a fun trip that includes an element of mindfulness to it to reinforce the idea that mindfulness can and should be a part of … Continue reading Lions and Tiger (Lilies) and … Mindfulness? Oh My!
5 Ways to Feel Motivated
Have a million things on your mind that you should be doing but finding yourself staring into space instead? Want to do something about it but have not found the motivation yet? Our therapists at Heartland Therapy Connection have some tips that may help. 1. Take a moment to ground yourself. You know you are … Continue reading 5 Ways to Feel Motivated