A few years ago I wrote a blog on compassion fatigue for therapists and got more comments on it than any previous blog. I wanted to go back to it, as helpers just navigated lockdowns, a pandemic, and limited resources while giving to their clients. This seems more relevant than ever before.
Read MoreI’m a counselor so I am always a strong advocate of mental health awareness. When Simone Biles pulled out of the competition because of mental health reasons, I knew there would be strong reactions on all sides. My time as a competitive gymnast and as a mental health counselor pushed me to want to write about this experience so others can understand.
Read MoreWe are currently living an age that I like to the call the “Mental Health Renaissance”. Everywhere you turn in popular media, there seems to be more and more discussion about mental health and mental illness. And as a therapist and a longtime recipient of therapy myself, I think it is a beautiful thing to see. The less taboo we can make the subject, the more people will reach out and get the help they need, and the research seems to be bearing that out!
Read More“How are you doing,” I commonly ask clients, and the response is “I’m okay…” The okays are sounding different these days. Heavier. There is a lot of hope as of late. Vaccines have been a game changer for many, as many are able to re-enter society after a “lost” year. However, there is still a heaviness. I’ve been talking to lots of people lately and listening to what feels heavy right now and why feelings of depression might be lingering.
Read MoreWelcome to part 4 of this blog series and thank you for following along! If you are just stumbling on this and have not already identified your Enneagram type, I strongly recommend going back and also reading about Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. To recap, I will be explaining all 9 Enneagram types and sharing personality-specific self-care recommendations for each type. Many of these self-care ideas have been pulled from Christina S. Wilcox’s book, Take Care of Your Type.
Read MoreIf you are reading this, it is likely that you are already somewhat familiar with the Enneagram personality system. Some say it was invented in 1915, but others will argue that it was established by monks centuries earlier. It was originally designed to help individuals engage in deep self-reflection and heal emotional wounds.
Read MoreIt’s the year 2021… we all have screens everywhere. We have our phones, Ipad, TV, and computers. It can be a struggle to get off of them with the bright lights, access to our contacts, social media, etc. Imagine how difficult it would be as a child to have to turn off that type of powerful stimulation. I have these conversations with parents all the time… how do I limit my child’s screen time? Why does it seem my child is addicted to video games? Why does my child become so angry when it’s time to get off the electronics? What is the right amount of screen time? These are all wonderful questions, and there is not one right answer to these questions.
Read MoreWith COVID-19 cases still surging in several states and the Houston area, you and your partner are likely still spending a great deal of one on one time together! Here’s to trying out our highlighted position of the month, in order to help ease the stress of quarantine. The two of you might feel more comfortable following the recommendations that have been posted for Sex and the Coronavirus Pandemic (found here). If you or your partner are not feeling well, you might consider delaying sexually engagement.
Read MorePeople often think of abusive relationships as violent, horrendous, and bloody, like something you would see on some sensational television drama. While that is the experience of many, other survivors may not relate. In fact, more often than not, domestic violence does not involve the use of physical abuse. Non-physical forms of abuse can be just as if not even more painful and harmful to survivors’ wellbeing.
Read MoreLet’s talk about sex…Now that I have everyone’s attention, let’s really talk about sex. When a marriage is going through a dip, I often hear from my clients that their sexual intimacy also suffers. It makes sense because sex requires vulnerability with our partner.
Read MoreSelf-reflection. Two words that can seem intriguing, complex, and daunting when put together. Self-reflection is the act of “meditating or thinking about one’s character, actions, and motives”(Webster Dictionary). Reflection allows for growth.
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