the blog

When couples come into my therapy office, they often assume the solution to feeling disconnected is something big. A weekend getaway. A fancy date night. A heartfelt apology. A grand romantic gesture. While those things certainly have their place, emotional connection is rarely built through occasional extraordinary moments. It is built through ordinary ones. The […]

Couples

Jul 9

Emotional Safety Is Built in the Little Moments: Why Small Acts Matter More Than Grand Gestures

Growth is exciting. The thought of becoming more confident, emotionally healthy, and at peace with yourself is inspiring. We set goals, buy journals, listen to podcasts, and promise ourselves that this is the season we’ll finally become the person we’ve always wanted to be. But what if becoming isn’t primarily about adding something new? What […]

Uncategorized

Jul 2

Becoming Starts With Letting Go: 5 Things That May Be Holding You Back

Have you ever had a perfectly good day ruined by someone else’s mood? Maybe your spouse seemed distant. Maybe your adult child didn’t call. Maybe someone questioned a decision you felt good about. Maybe you posted something online and didn’t get the response you hoped for. Before you knew it, your peace was gone. If […]

Uncategorized

Jun 25

5 Signs You’ve Centered Other People and Lost Yourself

What We Learn About Love Before We Ever Fall in Love When most people think about marriage, they think about the wedding day, the honeymoon, or the moment they met “the one.” As a therapist, I can tell you that our relationship stories begin much earlier than that. Long before we say “I do,” we […]

Couples

Jun 18

What We Learn About Love Before We Ever Fall in Love

The holiday season is a perfect time to give gifts that not only bring joy but also promote mental wellness. In today’s busy world, gifts that encourage relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care can be especially meaningful. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, here’s a holiday gift guide filled with thoughtful items that […]

Anxiety

Dec 14

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts That Support Mental Health and Well-Being

By Desirae Trammell, APCC The holiday season can bring us together with loved ones, but it can also mean spending time with family members who may trigger old wounds, stress, or tension. For many, family gatherings are filled with complex dynamics, unresolved issues, or longstanding patterns of conflict. As a therapist, I work with clients […]

Uncategorized

Nov 13

Navigating Difficult Family Dynamics During the Holidays: A Therapist’s Perspective

As daylight saving time ends and the days grow shorter, many people find themselves grappling with shifts in mood, energy, and motivation. Losing daylight can disrupt our sleep cycles and limit exposure to natural sunlight, both of which are closely tied to mental well-being. For some, this change can trigger symptoms of seasonal affective disorder […]

Anxiety

Nov 4

How Daylight Savings Time Can Affect Your Mental Health: A Therapist’s Guide to Coping with Seasonal Depression

By Makela Mims, LMFT The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election is fast approaching, and with it comes heightened emotions—excitement for some, stress and anxiety for others. It’s common to feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of political news, debates, and uncertainties. Whether you’re worried about the outcome, the political conversation, or the impact on the future, […]

Anxiety

Oct 25

How to Manage Anxiety Around the November Presidential Election

By Makela Mims, LMFT My day usually begins with prayer and meditation—a sacred time to center myself before stepping into the day’s challenges. One morning, as I sat in my quiet space, writing in my prayer journal, I found myself reflecting on the experience of mentoring a young woman who had been shadowing me for […]

Anxiety

Aug 16

The Power of “Good Pressure”: Reflections on Mentorship

By Desirae Trammell, APC Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) are often confused due to their similar names and overlapping characteristics. However, they are distinct mental health conditions, each with unique symptoms and treatment approaches. As an associate therapist, I aim to shed light on these differences and explain how therapy can be […]

Uncategorized

Aug 9

Understanding OCD vs. OCPD: How Therapy Can Help