Slowly

I’m on vacation with my kids and friends on the central coast of California. I have rarely looked at my phone, checked my email or worried about chores or work to do. In fact, we have chosen to have almost no particular schedule at all and that freedom and flexibility has felt amazing. When we […]

Parenting: The Art of Letting Go

I recently said goodbye to my two daughters. One is studying abroad in a country far away that has limited Wi-Fi, political unrest, and a culture far different than what she is accustomed to. The other moved across the country to pursue her career and embark on a new adventure.   Both good-byes, though different, felt […]

On “Letting it Be” : Managing Feelings for Former Partners

“It’s not a matter of letting go- you would if you could. Instead of “Let it go” we should probably say “Let it be.” Jon Kabat-Zinn If only we could just “let it go.” If only we could control our feelings in a such a manner that we could ask them to disappear. How wonderful […]

The Power of Physical Touch

I have a soul connection with my 10-year-old son, Zachary. When I was little, instead of naming my Ken doll (of Ken and Barbie) “Ken” I always said “Zachary”. I always knew I wanted to name my son, Zachary. Then in 2007, here comes this sweet, smiling, happy baby boy. Of his 10 years, that […]

Take a Risk…Feel the Fear

Dr. Brene Brown says. “We’re all afraid. We just have to get to the point where we understand it doesn’t mean that we can’t also be brave.”   It’s interesting as a parent, witnessing my children walk through their fears. Whether it be a drum performance by my 12-year-old daughter or my 10-year-old son giving […]

Quentin Is My Teacher

I have a new co-therapist. He is my 6 month old Golden Doodle, Quentin. He is attending both individual and couples sessions. I have realized so many benefits of having Quentin in the therapy room. There is research that has proven that petting a dog can create an automatic relaxation response which reduces stress. Animals […]

Who is the right therapist for you?

I often say to potential clients, that it’s challenging enough to decide you want to see a therapist, but then navigating the process of finding the right therapist can be overwhelming. There are so many factors that go into finding your “right” therapist. Ultimately, this is going to be the person who can help you […]

Can Medication and Therapy Cure Depression?

There are two ways to explain to someone what depression is. One way is by using a definition. There are tons definitions by different associations that are concerned with depression. One of them for example, is the definition by the American Psychiatric Association that defines depression as “a common and serious medical illness that negatively […]

Acceptance – The First Step To Belonging

I was in Target with my 7-year-old son over the weekend. My husband and 10-year-old son were attending the final Coyote’s Game of the season so the little guy and me were out spending money on toys.   After he picked out a Lego set (Batman and Killer Croc), we went through the Easter section. He […]

Burnout

No matter what you do, you will experience burnout several times in your lifetime.  I remember being in my graduate program and this was the first time I had heard of the term “burnout”.  The professors stressed the fact that, as students, we will experience burnout during our Master’s Program, and as professionals, will experience […]