DBT Skills: ABC Please

When we teach clients about emotion regulation, we usually start with the skills focused on changing our reactions when we have intense emotions. From there we teach how to reduce your vulnerability to emotions. When you’re in situations that would usually prompt intense emotions, they’re not as intense as they could have been before you … Read more

Understanding Family Roles

A new family dressed in white, with their baby girl assuming their new roles as family

In a healthy family system, roles (i.e., parent, child, sibling) are clearly defined to promote stability and clear expectations. With each particular role (e.g., parenting), there are sub-roles such as provision of resources, nurturance and support, and maintenance and management of the family system. To think about the importance of the stability and security that … Read more

Navigate Alternatives to “No”

Parents spending time with their children in the morning providing them with attention and care

Parenting Strategies: Saying Yes to Positivity & How to Navigate Alternatives to “No” Parenting involves navigating a labyrinth of choices, and one crucial aspect is the language we use with our children. A common phrase that frequently is used is “no.” While it may seem like a simple and effective way to set boundaries, its impact can … Read more

Why Practicing Mindfulness Daily is So Important

Mindfulness has become a buzzword, but do we really understand why it’s so essential to our daily lives? At its core, mindfulness is about being present in the moment without judgment. It’s the art of focusing on the here and now, whether it’s the sound of leaves rustling in the wind or the feeling and … Read more

Understanding PTSD: A Comprehensive Guide to Healing

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This condition is much more common than people realize and affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding PTSD, recognizing its symptoms, and knowing how to seek help are all crucial steps towards healing and support. What … Read more

Celebrating You While You Celebrate Pride 

June serves as a time for celebration, reflection, and solidarity among LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. We celebrate Pride Month with events, parades, and activities to promote visibility, acceptance, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. However, for many individuals, Pride Month can also be a challenging time. Some reasons include:  Unresolved Trauma and Discrimination: For many … Read more

Celebrating Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom and Promoting Unity

 If you’ve ever wondered why Juneteenth is such a big deal, here’s a quick summary as to why! This holiday, celebrated on June 19th, marks a pivotal moment in American history. Let’s dive into what Juneteenth is all about, why it’s more relevant today, and how we can all join in celebrating and supporting this … Read more

Helping Your Child Work Through Disappointment

Windows with the words "If you never know failure you will never know success" printed on them

The Match- Working Towards a Goal A few weekends ago, my 6-year-old niece had her first MMA competition- we train at the same gym and it has been so cool watching her get involved in a sport I love so much. She gave it her all and came out with 2 bronze medals and 1 … Read more

How EMDR and DBT Pair Well Together

Two women discussing a topic a brightly lit office over coffee

EMDR- Basics Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a unique type of therapy as it can be a stand-alone modality, but it can also be used in conjunction with a wide range of other psychotherapies. EMDR pulls in many aspects of other major psychotherapies to create a holistic framework for healing. For instance, EMDR … Read more

“Little t” Traumas

A woman holds up a painting of herself throughout different stages of her life and her healing journey from trauma

What You Can Expect to Change as a Result of EMDR Therapy- In my previous blog “What Can You Expect to Change as a Result of EMDR Therapy- “Big T” Trauma,” I discussed the difference between “big T” trauma and “little t” trauma and went into more depth about what changes you can expect when … Read more