Blog.

The holiday season is often presented as a time of effortless joy—families gathering harmoniously, traditions unfolding smoothly, and gratitude taking center stage. But for many people, this picture-perfect narrative doesn’t reflect reality. Family dynamics can be complicated. Loneliness can feel sharper. Social expectations can become overwhelming. And the pressure to be cheerful can leave us feeling misunderstood, depleted, or disconnected. As a therapist, I want to offer a

When you experience chronic stress—whether from work, relationships, or internal pressures—your body activates a physiological cascade often referred to as “fight-or-flight.”Cortisol rises, heart rate increases, and muscles tense. A little stress can be adaptive while chronic stress is not. Over time, it can contribute physical health difficulties. Many clients are surprised to learn that the source of their physical pain sometimes isn’t purely physical—it’s their nervous sys

Heightened stress, pressure & expectations The holidays often come with social pressure: to create “perfect” celebrations, to spend on gifts, to connect with family, or to reflect on the past year. That pressure can trigger anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and overwhelm. Economic strain is a component that can add to this: from gift-giving to travel and hosting holiday meals — all require funds. That financial burden can induce fear, stress, shame, or guilt. Loneliness, grie

Click on the image to hear Kristin Neff's talk on Self Compassion In a world that constantly tells us to do more, be more, and achieve more, it’s easy to become our own harshest critic. Many of us extend kindness and understanding to others but struggle to offer the same care to ourselves. That’s where self-compassion  comes in — a powerful, evidence-based practice that can transform the way we relate to our own suffering. What Is Self-Compassion? Self-compassion, a concept p

One of the most liberating — and challenging — skills I help clients develop is the ability to hold more than one truth at once . This idea comes from dialectics , a concept at the heart of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In essence, dialectics invites us to recognize that two seemingly opposing things can both be true. You can love someone deeply and  feel hurt by them. You can be doing your very best and  still need to grow. You can feel grateful for what you have and  

We’ve all had moments when we find ourselves standing in the way of our own success—missing deadlines, pulling away from people who care about us, or doubting our ability to achieve something we’ve worked hard for. These patterns of self-sabotage often appear subtle at first, but over time, they can erode our confidence, strain relationships, and block us from living the life we want. As a psychotherapist, I often see clients frustrated by the question: “Why do I keep doing t

The transition from college to the “real world” is often portrayed as a time of excitement, new beginnings, and personal growth. While that’s true, it’s also a period marked by uncertainty, pressure, and the overwhelming task of defining your identity outside the academic bubble. Whether it’s landing your first job, moving to a new city, managing finances, or simply figuring out what adulthood means to you, the leap into independence can feel daunting. That’s where therapy ca

Self-esteem is a core aspect of our mental health that often goes unnoticed. It shapes how we see ourselves, influences our interactions with others, and significantly impacts our overall happiness. Recognizing the importance of self-esteem can empower you to take charge of your mental health journey, especially if you are grappling with anxiety or depression. What is Self-Esteem? Self-esteem is how you value and perceive yourself. It reflects your beliefs about your worth, a

How do you fill your cup? Over the past few years, the phrase self-care  has gone from a quiet whisper to a full-on cultural movement....