An Enneagram Guide for Self-Care: Type 1

If 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.

Children with ASD/ADHD and Video Gaming

It’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.

February Position of the Month: Straddle Up

February’s highlighted position of the month is the Straddle Up. With COVID still being spread fairly rapidly, remember that if you or your partner are not feeling well, you might consider delaying sexual engagement. As a healthy sex practice, please continue to wash your hands before and after a sexual experience. Plus, if it helps you both to feel more comfortable, start your shared sexual experience by taking a shower together!

Codependency in Relationships: Strength or Pitfall?

Codependency has become widely regarded as a dirty word when it comes to relationships in our culture. American culture places a heavy emphasis on being wholly independent, independent from family, financially independent, as well as emotionally independent. We hear through all sorts of media that a strong person is one who does not rely on anyone else.

Physical Intimacy After Having A Baby

If you and your partner have recently welcomed home a new bundle of joy, first congrats! Second, I sincerely hope the two of you are adjusting to being new parents or parents again (and I’m also sending thoughts of rest and good sleep). Physical intimacy might be one of the furthest things from either of your minds right now – I’m looking at you, you sleep-deprived parents or new mommas who are breastfeeding – but, there will come a time when you and your partner are ready to explore physical intimacy again.

Baby blues vs. Postpartum Depression: What’s the difference?

You did it, momma. You carried this little life for 9 months, went to countless appointments, and labored for hours (or not if you’re one of the lucky ones) and now you are holding a little one in your arms. Many people will give you all the advice about how to care for baby and what to do once they are here, but often don’t tell you how to care for yourself once baby is here. The moment that little one arrives, your hold world becomes about them and it is easy for you to forget to care for yourself. Sometimes, it’s not that you don’t want to, but truly feel like you are unable to.

2020; One Therapist's Reflections

“This is fine” (insert meme of cute dog sipping coffee with fire surrounding it). I think I sent this meme to different members of the HFC team at least half a dozen times throughout the pandemic with tears running down my face from laughter like I was losing it… Maybe I was losing it. Humor is my coping skill and while my own therapist may disapprove of it at times, it really has helped me survive the pandemic.

January Position of the Month: Blissful Bend

Since COVID-19 is still surging all over, you and your partner are likely still spending a great deal of one-on-one time together. Add in coming out of the holiday session and COVID fatigue, y’all might really be in need of a connecting and tension relieving exercise! 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 sexual engagement. As a healthy sex practice, please continue to wash your hands before and after a sexual experience. Plus, if it helps you both to feel more comfortable, start your shared sexual experience by taking a shower together!

Common Misconceptions About Premarital Counseling

Congratulations! You’re engaged. Amongst all the wedding planning (as if that wasn’t enough to keep you busy!), you may also be considering going to pre-marital counseling, or perhaps your church requires it. Many couples coming in for premarital counseling don’t know exactly what to expect or have some hesitations about the process. It’s many people’s first experience with counseling or therapy, particularly couple’s therapy, so they may have no frame of reference. I’d like to demystify the process of premarital counseling to help you to decide what’s best for your relationship. Here are some common misconceptions about premarital counseling.

Goodbye 2020. Hello 2021.

Alright, y’all! We made it. I don’t know if anyone else follows those funny memes where people show photos of their slowly declining mood for every month of the year, but I find them incredibly accurate. If I created one of my own, my December photo would probably be me crawling over the finish line with a forced, slightly fearful smile. I would force a smile because there is something refreshing about the New Year that makes me want to believe in new opportunities and positive growth, but the little bit of fear comes from so many unknowns in 2021.

The Power of Perspective and Gratitude

As we wrap a year like 2020, gratitude can seem like a stretch, perhaps especially for those among us who have faced grave loss. We have collectively been through some unprecedented and extremely challenging times over the last year. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. I’m feeling the weight of all that humanity has experienced.

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