the blog

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 […]

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 […]

Written by: Desirae Trammell, APCC As a therapist, I often recommend meditation as a valuable tool for managing stress and enhancing overall well-being. With the rise of technology, meditation has become more accessible through various apps. Here are my top five meditation apps, complete with descriptions, pricing, download links, and my personal reviews. 1. Headspace […]

By: Desirae Trammell As a therapist, I’ve observed that summer, while often associated with relaxation and vacation, can also bring its own set of stressors. Whether it’s the pressure to plan the perfect family getaway, manage children’s activities, or cope with changes in routine, summer can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, with a few mindful strategies, […]

By Desirae Trammell, APCC Still Waters Therapy As a member of the BIPOC community and a therapist, I have witnessed firsthand the unique challenges and experiences we face due to systemic racism and historical injustices. The term BIPOC, which stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, has gained traction in recent years to emphasize […]

In my work as an associate therapist, I’ve encountered many individuals grappling with the effects of antidepressant medications, including the phenomenon known as emotional blunting. Emotional blunting refers to a reduction in the intensity of emotions experienced by individuals while on antidepressants. While these medications can be incredibly effective in alleviating symptoms of depression and […]

As we approach the holiday season, all of the merriment, food, family gatherings, and love will be in full swing. While this time of year brings joy for many of us, anxiety and dread are often reminders of where we are, where we aren’t, and who we are while also confirming what we are not […]

I took a trip recently to Southern CA with my family for some fun and time to bond. On the surface, this seems like your typical family vacation. However, underneath the surface, it had a much deeper meaning. You see, our family is what is known as a “blended or stepfamily. “I happen to be […]

This past week, I noticed an increase in anxious responses to the coronavirus. While much ofwhat is going on in our local, state, and the federal government is for public safety, it is importantto have some tangible tools in place in this time of a global pandemic.School closures, professional athletic teams suspending play, concerts canceled, […]

Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen an increase of news reports stating that we are nowexperiencing a new type of pandemic. It is the “Pandemic of the Unvaccinated.” The decision tovaccinate against the COVID-19 virus for many has been a hotly debated one. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention “CDC” new cases […]