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At Heartland Therapy Connection we have a number of therapists who are trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. We believe DBT is a therapeutic modality that can help many persons, especially those who face Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Marsha Linehan is a forerunner and woman in the field of psychology and psychotherapy who created DBT in … Continue reading Marsha Linehan: Creator of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

A tidbit of women's history you might not know.... Like the rest of us, Dr. Francine Shapiro had problematic experiences.  Yet, her troubles led to a discovery that could treat trauma.   As many of us have done, Dr. Francine Shapiro went on a walk to think about something troubling her.  She had been darting her … Continue reading Women’s History Month: A Discovery That Changed Trauma Treatment

As we close out Black History Month, I felt it would be a good exercise to consider Black contributions to the field of psychology. In many of the classes I took to become a counselor, we would often comment about how the field of psychology is dominated by “old, white men.” Too often, we primarily … Continue reading Honoring Black Contributions to Psychology

As a white, female mental health counselor in-training, it is my duty to continue building upon my cultural competency. This can include my being mindful of my whiteness, the privilege that comes with it, and power differentials that can result from this privilege. Additionally, to build competency, I often read books written for people of … Continue reading Black Mental Health Literature

What is intersectionality? Intersectionality is a term that was coined by legal scholar Kimberly Crenshaw in 1989. Crenshaw coined the term to describe how different systems of oppression overlap and create unique (and often adverse) experiences for those who identify in more than one identity category. For example, a woman of color would experience oppression … Continue reading How “Intersectionality” was Coined

Black History Month has arrived and we are here to commemorate and remember the history of African Americans. If you are a Black reader, we celebrate who you are and recognize the faults of systemic racism and your unique perseverance. For any other readers, and as clinicians at Heartland Therapy Connection, we recognize our need … Continue reading Remembering Black History

Aside from setting resolutions, it is common to have the desire to reset, start over, or have a "fresh start" around the beginning of a new year. Harnessing this desire, or motivation, can be helpful in meeting and maintaining life goals throughout the new year. THE FRESH START EFFECT Picture This: It's the weekend, you're … Continue reading New Year, New You? The Power of Starting Fresh

With the start of a new year, new possibilities and hope for positive change seem even more palpable. For many, this is the time of year when critical thinking takes place about what people want to change about this upcoming year, hence the popularization of New Year’s Resolutions. This newfound sense of motivation is refreshing … Continue reading Monthly Journal Prompts for New Year’s Resolutions

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!

Identifying and expressing emotions can be a hard feat, yet necessary for our mental well being, relationship satisfaction, and overall living a fulfilled life.  More than likely, if you did not grow up identifying or expressing emotions, this might be a new way of experiencing the world.  Chances are you probably know the more easily identifiable emotions … Continue reading The Role of Emotions in Our Lives