counseling

You’ve booked your first therapy session. Now you’re wondering what you actually signed up for. Will you have to share your deepest trauma right away? Lie on a couch? Have topics prepared? The reality is that your first session is mostly about gathering information and getting to know each other….

Starting therapy can feel both exciting and intimidating, especially if it’s your first time connecting with a therapist or counselor. It may bring some peace of mind to know you’ll have an experienced guide ready to lead you through each session. Still, you may be wondering: What should you talk…

Picture this: You’re at the grocery store when someone ahead of you erupts into a screaming rage over a simple checkout delay. Or maybe it’s closer to home: A friend who seems calm one moment, then explodes into violent anger over something seemingly trivial, leaving everyone around them shaken and…

Trauma dumping refers to a situation where an individual shares their traumatic experiences in an overwhelming, often boundary-violating manner without the listener’s consent. While it’s not  always intentional, trauma dumping typically crosses interpersonal boundaries and may cause the listener to feel overwhelmed or trapped.  Learn more about how to spot…

Psychodynamic therapy is a cornerstone of modern psychotherapy. This approach delves into the depths of human consciousness, unearthing the hidden influences on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This therapeutic approach, rooted in the pioneering work of Sigmund Freud and further developed by subsequent theorists, seeks to bring unconscious processes to the…

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) places compassion, both for oneself and for others, at the heart of the healing journey. By nurturing a kind and nurturing inner voice, CFT equips individuals with the tools to soothe themselves and foster self-supportive behaviors.  The ultimate aim is to construct a foundation of emotional resilience,…

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a unique form of psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to promote psychological flexibility, emotional well-being, and the pursuit of meaningful life goals. Unlike traditional therapies that seek to eliminate or control negative thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches individuals to…

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a counseling technique designed to help clients confront their mixed emotions about change and find the internal resources to motivate action. The MI method is rooted in the notion that people are more successful in overcoming ambivalence when they hear their own arguments for behavior change….

Just as physical health is supported by proper diet, exercise, and rest, our mental health is just as multi-faceted. Mental health consists of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.  In recognition of the importance of mental health awareness and treatment, World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on October 10th….

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) uses mindfulness and cognitive strategies in harmony to tackle various mental health disorders. This therapeutic approach, inspired by the pioneering work of Aaron Beck in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), combines the strengths of CBT with the enriching power of mindfulness.  MBCT seeks to enhance healthy self-reflection,…

Self-esteem significantly influences our life in many ways: It impacts our self-confidence, relationships, and ability to pursue our goals and aspirations, ultimately playing a pivotal role in our overall life satisfaction and success.  This is precisely why low self-esteem can have detrimental effects on our life, leading to feelings of…

One of the hardest parts of therapy can be reckoning with our emotions. Emotions affect all of us, but sometimes focusing on the ones that feel good can cause us to avoid the ones that feel worse. However, though not all emotions feel good at first, it can help to…