College, graduate school, marriage, home buying, business ownership, parenting and loss—these are just some of the changes I have experienced in life. I am going to be completely vulnerable in this piece and say that even though I have never been diagnosed with it, nor had trouble at work because of it, I am pretty […]

Of all the mental health disorders, there is one that I would argue most individuals on the planet will experience at some point, The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition calls this, “Adjustment Disorder.” Adjustment Disorder comes in different shapes and sizes, but the basic definition of this disorder is, “A condition in […]

Counseling is a great resource for navigating life challenges, healing from past wounds, and maintaining mentally well practices; however, counseling is not always an accessible tool. Sometimes finances, access, or therapist compatibility can be a barrier to receiving the care one needs. There is no replacement for therapy but engaging with others in your community […]

It comes as a surprise to some clients that not all counselors are required to experience counseling as a client during their education and training. I remember in my graduate program that at least 1/3 of the students training to be counselors had never been to counseling, and a few others had only been for […]

“I will not spend time with you when you are drinking alcohol.” “I expect my partner to be treated with respect or we won’t come over anymore.” “I understand you are frustrated, but I will not participate in family gossip.”

“I walk in freedom in the path you have set for me.” This quote is paraphrased from King David in the Old Testament. Whether or not you believe in the book of the Bible, this quote is a great depiction of the freedom that exists inside healthy boundaries. If we know exactly where a boundary […]

This viral article was written by Heather Hogan for Autostraddle.com. The discourse about how fatphobia and body shaming impact us in our most intimate and important relationships at times is something that is often difficult to address and put into words. Heather does so with tact and insight that’s helpful for anyone working through body […]

I have written a previous blog about the differences in mental health professionals and what their titles mean, but recently I have noticed that quite a few clients are still unsure about these differences. The differences between psychiatrist, psychologist, and counselor/therapist are not a matter of status or schooling, but more akin to knowing the […]

When my friend’s son was in kindergarten years ago, she took him to a therapist who implied to my friend (before ever meeting her son) that he had Bipolar Disorder. She even gave my friend a book to read about Bipolar Disorder before the next session.

Difficulty paying attention, daydreaming, trouble sitting still, talking out of turn. These are most likely all symptoms many lay people can identify as part of ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  However, what about these symptoms: anxiety, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping and quick to anger?  Do you think of ADHD when you hear this list […]