Are you tired of feeling like you’re constantly chasing an unattainable ideal? In my latest video, we dive into some of the most common questions about perfectionism and how it impacts our lives. From why we set such high standards for ourselves to how to embrace our beautifully imperfect selves, we’re tackling it all! Whether you're a fellow perfectionist or just curious about the topic, this is for you. Let’s explore practical tips and insights to help you break free from the perfectionist mindset and start living authentically. Ready to embrace the messy journey of life?

As November rolls around and we’re surrounded by messages of gratitude, I start to hear familiar phrases in therapy sessions: “I should be grateful,” “I shouldn’t feel this way,” and other variations of self-dismissal that subtly encourage clients to ignore their struggles. And to be honest, it’s such bullshit. Society’s push toward gratitude can be uplifting, yes, but for many people, it can also feel invalidating. This is especially true if it leads to suppressing real, complex feelings. Let’s explore why statements like “I should be grateful” can be problematic and how we can explore redefining gratitude in a healthier, more authentic way.

Women in helping professions—such as therapists, nurses, social workers, teachers, and caregivers—are often applauded for their compassion, emotional resilience, and selflessness. These “softer” and female-dominated professions are typically centered around caring for others, providing emotional labor, and nurturing growth. But, what is often overlooked is the profound impact of the f’ing patriarchy, in both the personal and professional areas, in making these women more susceptible to domestic violence.

Here’s What Happened After 3 Months of Daily Affirmations" 🌟 Three months of affirmations—do they really work? 🌟 I committed to practicing daily affirmations for 3 months, and the results were... surprising. What started as simple words of encouragement became a powerful tool for changing my mindset, reducing stress, and helping me reconnect with my purpose. In my latest blog, I’m sharing the highs, the challenges, and the ultimate impact of this practice on my life and work. 🙌 Want to see how affirmations can shift your mental and emotional well-being?

Caregiving is often seen as a noble and selfless role—whether it’s caring for an aging parent, a chronically ill spouse, or a child with special needs. Caregivers are typically lauded for their compassion and dedication. However, there’s an often overlooked and dark side to caregiving that is rarely discussed—when caregiving becomes weaponized.

If we want to create a culture where more therapists feel comfortable seeking therapy, change needs to happen on multiple levels. First, we need to address the stigma surrounding therapists seeking help. Therapists, like anyone else, deserve access to care without judgment or shame. Second, financial barriers and time constraints also need to be addressed. Whether that means creating more affordable therapy options for mental health professionals or encouraging therapists to set stronger boundaries around their own well-being, these challenges cannot be ignored.

As a therapist dedicated to supporting therapists, caregivers, and helpers, I understand the unique challenges you face. In this video, I’ll share a bit about my approach to therapy, and how we can work together to help you thrive.

People-pleasing is a common behavior pattern where individuals go to great lengths to pacify others, often at the expense of their own well-being. While this tendency can stem from various sources, one significant yet often overlooked factor is emotional neglect. This form of neglect can profoundly impact an individual's self-worth and relational dynamics, leading them to prioritize others’ needs over their own.

As part of Suicide Prevention Month, it's essential to raise awareness about the resources available to those in crisis. Whether you're struggling with overwhelming thoughts, dealing with the aftermath of trauma, or supporting a loved one in need, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.

In our fast-paced world, the idea of rest can often feel elusive. We're constantly bombarded with messages about productivity, achievement, and success, making it difficult to slow down and recharge. For those who work with their minds all day—whether it's problem-solving, strategizing, or managing complex emotional landscapes—rest becomes even more crucial. But how do you rest effectively when your brain is always on overdrive? The answer lies in a surprising yet simple approach: rest with your hands to give your brain a true emotional break.

In our fast-paced world, the importance of self-care cannot be overstated. While traditional self-care methods such as exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep are foundational, integrating adjunctive treatments can elevate your routine, providing a more holistic approach to well-being. Adjunctive treatments are absolutely not necessary but may be more aligned with your cultural experiences or preferences. As therapists, caregivers, and healthcare professionals we need additional tools to support recovery from exhaustion, overwhelm, burnout, and anxiety.

As we navigate our busy lives, good sleep often takes a back seat. Yet, maintaining proper sleep hygiene is crucial for our overall well-being. This infographic from Sage Holistic Counseling offers practical tips for enhancing your sleep quality. Let's delve into these sleep hygiene strategies to help you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day

Nothing in this article is a magic pill or a novel solution, but all the strategies help you to focus on the cumulative effects of making small changes over time.  By setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care, learning to say no, and practicing mindfulness, you can create a healthier and more balanced approach to your responsibilities without feeling selfish. Embrace progress over perfection and surround yourself with kind people who love you. With these strategies, you'll be better equipped to navigate the busy months ahead with resilience and grace.

Emotional labor is an often invisible but significant aspect of many helping professions. Its close relationship with people-pleasing, perfectionism, and anxiety highlights the complex interplay between emotional regulation and mental health. By recognizing the impact of emotional labor and implementing strategies to manage it, individuals can protect their well-being and continue to provide compassionate care and support to others. Understanding and addressing emotional labor is not only essential for personal health but also for creating sustainable and supportive professional environments.

Therapists are not immune to anxiety, depression, or any other diagnosis. In fact, most therapists choose their profession because of their own personal experiences with mental health. In training, therapists have more access to information about coping skills, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation that other folks may not have. As your favorite holistic therapist, I am sharing my top tips from my training for managing anxiety as a recovering people pleaser.

The encroachment of venture capitalist firms into the mental health industry poses significant risks to the quality and integrity of therapy. Supporting private practice therapists is essential for maintaining high standards of care, upholding ethical practices, and fostering local economic growth. By prioritizing personalized, community-based care over commodified, profit-driven models, we can ensure that the therapeutic profession continues to serve the best interests of clients and communities alike.

As therapists, our work revolves around helping others navigate their mental and emotional challenges. We spend years studying and practicing techniques to support our clients, but we are also less likely to recognize the importance of seeking support for ourselves. We tend to put our family, our relationships, and our clients before ourselves and say “I can therapitize myself”. Unfortunately, we can’t provide therapy to ourselves much like a dentist can’t clean their own teeth. And, therapists can make tough clients! Here's why I believe every therapist should see a therapist whose niche is treating therapists (like myself).

Chronic overachievers are often their own harshest critics, but by acknowledging these challenges and taking proactive steps, they can find a path to greater balance, fulfillment, and peace. Embrace the journey, and remember that true success is not just about achieving more, but also about living a life that feels meaningful and joyful.

As part of the 2024 Self Love Series, I created a list of 25 self-love affirmations to practice. Even if it feels weird or uncomfortable, remember that all new things feel awkward at first. With time, you can continue to challenge old unhelpful thoughts with these more affirming beliefs.