Understanding Gender Identity

For many people, this may seem like a silly question. Many people do not think much about their gender and how they define it. American culture, along with many others around the world, has had a strong focus on men versus women for a long time. Women have had and still have different rights, advantages, and experiences than men across the globe. Men and women have different societal expectations of roles within families, how they dress, how they play, who they love, and how they work, only to name a few. When most people think of gender, they think of the sexual body parts that we are born with and our chromosomal make-up, however, these things refer to our biological sex, not gender. Gender is how we express ourselves in relation to masculinity and femininity, not our biological sex.

What Masks are You Wearing? Understanding Authenticity

Oh Halloween, a time normally characterized by people of all ages dressing up as princesses, superheroes, or sexy nurses. In 2020, your plans for Halloween may be different. Maybe you are having a zoom party, or having a small gathering with friends, or maybe you have found a way to keep your traditions alive in your own, unique way. Whether or not you are dressing up in a costume this year for Halloween, I want to ask you this question:

Podcasts That Challenge & Inspire

Our current reality is undoubtedly challenging in one way or another. Thank you, 2020 for pushing our limits... and our buttons. It can be mentally and emotionally exhausting to read or listen to the news on a regular basis, and more so if you tend to obsess. With so many news outlets at our fingertips, it’s easy to spend hours on end in the rabbit hole. That’s why we talk about limiting your news intake – to help protect your mental and emotional health. Find out what you need to know, but don’t bury yourself in it.

Mom, I Think I’m Gay… Sexual Identity Development for LGBTQ Teens and How Parents Can Help

When you look back on your teenage years, do you have memories of confidence, fun, happiness, and connection? Yes? Well lucky you! For most, the teenage years are a pretty rough time riddled with conflict and shame. There is always conflict with parents who are trying to do their best, with friends who are doing whatever it takes to survive, and within our inner selves as we begin the journey of figuring out who we are and what this life is really all about.

Is it the COVID Blues or Depression? Signs you May Need Depression Treatment

There’s a funny quote going around social media that states something like: “We are all doing the best we can'“ is my response to just about everything these day... Whether you told me you chugged a bottle of wine, had cereal for dinner, robbed a bank, or skipped a shower…” I

Mindfulness During the Pandemic

I suggest journaling to many of my clients as a tool for self-reflection, self-understanding and discovery and most importantly, as a mindful tool. Dan Seigel has researched and written so many wonderful books on how important mindfulness is for growth and healing.

Take Me Back to the Good Old Days

I was sitting on the couch with my husband, eating my favorite chips from childhood, and watching a movie from the 80’s, when I asked, “Do you think our kids are regressing during all of this?” I knew the answer. In some ways the regressions were positive: more imaginary play, time away from structured activities lead to more free play, and more independence.

Boundaries Build A Better You

As Robert Frost writes in his poem Mending Wall, “Good fences make good neighbors.” It’s a metaphor for relationships (all kinds) that I can definitely get behind. Boundaries are our metaphorical fences, and they come in several shapes and sizes.

Trauma and the Pandemic

If you have ever experienced a trauma, you are likely struggling during the pandemic. You might be wondering why you are experiencing panic, despair, anxiety, depression, etc. I want to let you know there is a reason you feel this way; your body is trying to protect you.

Insights from The Power of Meaning By Emily Esfahani Smith

Clients sometimes come into counseling seeking purpose and direction. More often than that, they come in suffering from depression and/or poor self-image, and may discover that the root of these issues is that they don’t have a strong sense of purpose or direction in their lives.

How to Manage Anxiety

Anxiety is a common experience that I see presented in and out of the counseling room. Not only do I notice this professionally, but I witness this in my personal life as well. Practicing grounding techniques is a way we can manage and cope with anxiety.

How to Re-Write Your Story

Repeatedly in session, I get the question, “how do I stop thinking like this?” The strength that is true for many of my clients is that they have self-awareness. They know their thinking is unhealthy. They know they are unhappy. They know they are easily triggered. They know they gravitate towards relationships and situations that reinforce their negative emotions… but they do not know how to stop repeating the same unwanted patterns.

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Heights Family Counseling

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