General

One of the most common questions that one partner will ask me in the first session of couple’s therapy is whether I think they need therapy. This one-sided skepticism is something I have grown used to as a therapist. Unless there is a major crisis or betrayal threatening the stability of a relationship, one partner […]

Self-esteem can feel like a rollercoaster—some days you’re on top of the world, and other days, self-doubt creeps in like an unexpected Texas storm. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not good enough, comparing yourself to others on social media, or struggling to shake that inner critic, you’re not alone. Here in Houston, where everything […]

In 2014, Brigid Shulte introduced the concept of “time confetti” to describe the splintering of our days into smaller and smaller bits of time that we feel compelled to utilize and optimize at all costs. Time confetti impacts our work, our leisure, our relationships, and our own self-care in ways that are both insidious and […]

Today’s American society no longer values leisure time, relaxation, and connecting with others face-to-face as it did a few decades ago. Instead, it exalts self-sacrifice, constant availability, and technological connections. Many of us struggle with the ability to manage all the “shoulds” that are imposed upon us. We have not found aa way to say […]

As the year begins a new, many of us find ourselves in reflection mode, replaying the highs, lows, and everything in between. The end of the year is like the credits rolling on a movie—you remember the dramatic twists, the surprising wins, and the lessons you’ve learned. But unlike a movie, you have the power […]

The new year feels like a blank slate—an opportunity to hit reset, set new goals, and refocus. But let’s be honest: January often comes with a mix of excitement and pressure. Resolutions can feel overwhelming, lingering challenges from the previous year may still weigh on you, and the stress of navigating life transitions can make […]

As you take stock of the past year, have you noticed the emotional baggage that has been weighing you down- old hurts, anger, unresolved conflicts, long held resentments, and thoughts of revenge? Do you need to forgive someone for the hurt they caused or perhaps yourself? Forgiveness is a two-way street; it benefits the forgiver […]

Grief is hard. During the holidays, when it seems like all the world is in a state of joy and celebration, it can also feel like an unfair burden that you are expected to carry quietly and discretely to preserve others’ comfort, traditions, and normalcy. The pressure to be both in the celebration and […]

D is not just the winter blues, it causes distress to the point that one’s energy, mood, and daily life is significantly disrupted. Symptoms usually seen in SAD include persistent low mood or sadness; loss of interest in ordinarily enjoyable activities, sleeping too much and still feeling fatigued; carbohydrate cravings; weight gain; and more trouble concentrating than usual. Keep reading if this sounds familiar.

As therapists, we are often the ones holding space for others, listening deeply, and helping clients process their most challenging emotions. It’s meaningful and rewarding work, but it can also be emotionally demanding. Many therapists pour so much into their clients that they leave little room to care for themselves. Over time, this can lead […]

Family gatherings can be a blend of heartwarming moments and emotional landmines. Whether you’re sharing a meal around the table or hopping on a video call with a patchy connection, family dynamics have a way of stirring up everything from joy and nostalgia to frustration and discomfort. The good news? You don’t have to let tricky interactions ruin your time. With a bit of preparation and a lot of empathy, you can navigate these moments with grace—and even come out stronger.

The holidays give families the opportunity to gather and practice their unique cultural traditions, eat delicious meals at the dinner table, and create lifelong memories. Many look forward to the beautiful moments with our families with hopes of connection and joy. On the other hand, this can also be a time when people find the holidays stressful because of conflicts and feuds within the family. Gatherings may bring up old wounds, misunderstandings, or unmet expectations lead

Think back to a moment when you felt scared, maybe you were walking outside and noticed a dog without a leash, or you were on the way to work when a car moved too close to yours. How did you react? How did your body respond? What were some thoughts coming up at that moment? Think back to that moment and notice what comes up for you. When we encounter a crisis or threatening events, our bodies and minds are adapted to automatically respond by either defending ourselves, runnin

Relationships can be tricky, even under the best of circumstances. But when we throw trauma into the mix, things can get really complicated. Have you ever found yourself in a relationship—whether it’s romantic, platonic, or familial—where you feel stuck, even though you know it’s harmful? Maybe you’ve tried to leave, but something pulls you back. If so, you might be dealing with a trauma bond. In pop culture, we often see relationships that reflect this pattern.

Codependency is when you’re so focused on someone else, like your romantic partner, your bestie, or even a family member, that you start putting their needs and wants above your own. I’m not referring to the cute “I’ll share my fries with you” kind of care. It is more like self-sacrifice that leaves you feeling like you don’t even know who you are without that person. If the thought of them not being in your life sends you into a panic or fear, you’re codependent [...]

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 18.5% of U.S. adults aged 18 and over have been diagnosed with depression.  Despite its prevalence, depression is often misunderstood and mischaracterized by the media and popular culture, and the medical establishment has failed to counter these myths and misperceptions, leaving those diagnosed with the disorder to struggle on their own to find answers.  They are often left to navigate how depression feels and how i

Ever wondered why couples who seem to have it all together sometimes end up parting ways? It’s not always about the big dramatic moments often, it’s the little things that pile up. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I’ve seen how even the strongest relationships can hit rough patches. The good news? Many of these issues are completely fixable with some effort and understanding. While relationships are complex, the reasons behind breakups usually come from a few common fact

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a designation made in 2008 to help raise awareness and acknowledge those who have been impacted by suicide and help honor those who have been lost.  Since its inception, suicide rates in the United States have hovered between 10 and 14 per 100,000 residents, reaching 14.21 per 100,000 residents by 2022, the highest rate since World War II.  That rate increased again in 2023.  There are roughly twice as many suicides in America [

Think about the last time you were scrolling through social media and stumbled across a post labeling someone a “narcissist.” Or maybe during a conversation with a friend or family member, they casually dropped the term to describe an ex or their significant other. With the internet at our fingertips and words like “narcissist” going viral, it’s no wonder people feel they know what it means. But let’s be real: throwing around the term is easy; understanding it is where things

Is anger a mother’s mental health check engine light? Probably. But so is loneliness and exhaustion and overwhelm and insomnia and disconnection and social withdrawal and lack of mental stimulation. To skip over all of these experiences as somehow “typical” and land on anger as the sign of a problem diminishes the importance of all the other feelings and emotions that let women know we are not okay, and we might need help.  It also makes anger distinct and distinctly negative