Does your child seem talkative at home but shuts down in public or around others? They may be struggling with selective mutism—a childhood anxiety disorder that makes speaking in certain settings feel impossible. In this post, I share how play therapy can gently help children feel safe, express themselves, and begin to find their voice again.
Counseling: A Safe Place to Be Real National Counseling Awareness Month matters. Counseling offers a space where children and teens can speak freely, be heard deeply, and begin to heal. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” them. It’s about equipping them.It gives them tools to manage anxiety, name their feelings, build self-worth, and believe in tomorrow.
I was 9 when a doctor told me I was a perfectionist. My mom and I were confused. We were looking for answers to physical symptoms like stomach aches, trouble sleeping, and constant tension — not a personality diagnosis. But years later, I understood exactly what she meant. I had grown up as the youngest of four kids — always trying to catch up, to prove I was just as smart, just as capable. As a girl, the pressure to be “perfect” came with extra layers: be smart, but not too smart. Be pretty, but not vain. Be accomplished, but effortless. And having ADHD only made that pressure heavier.It took me twice as long to get anything done.I’d forget things, lose things, zone out, fall behind.I always felt like I was running just to stay in place — and still behind everyone else. Why is it so easy for others? Why is it so hard for me? I lived in that comparison trap for years.
What Is Autism, Really? Let’s Talk About It. According to the CDC, autism affects about 1 in 44 children in the United States. It’s not rare. It’s not a mystery. And it affects people of all races, genders, and backgrounds. More people than ever have...
Growing up is different for every child, but what happens when your child struggles with big emotions? Outsized responses to small things can be a symptom of a lack of emotional regulation. The good news is that help is possible.
"Til death do us part.” It’s a beautiful thought—until about three years into marriage when you realize you don’t really know the person you married. Maybe it’s a disagreement that escalates in ways you never expected. Maybe it’s unspoken expectations, different approaches to finances, or...
The Weight of Winter This past year brought with it some unique challenges. And this winter? It felt long. Heavy. Weighty. Not just in the weather, but in my soul. As a therapist, I often carry the weight of other people’s pain—and this season, I...
Change has been a constant in my life. I moved often, at times every two years, growing up as a missionary kid in France. Each transition brought a mix of emotions—the sadness of leaving behind friends, the nervousness of starting at a new school, the...
Faith is a powerful source of strength, but does trusting God mean we don’t need therapy? Not at all. Mental health struggles like anxiety and depression require both spiritual and practical support. Therapy is one of the ways God provides healing. By seeking help, we are not lacking faith—we are using the resources He has given us. Explore how faith and professional counseling can work together to support your journey toward emotional and spiritual well-being.
Growing up as a missionary kid, constantly moving from one country to another, life was full of incredible experiences—but also real challenges. Being a Third Culture Kid (TCK) shaped my worldview and strengthened my ability to connect with different people, but it also left me...
Imagine this: A child falls off their bike and scrapes their knee. They run to a parent for comfort but hear, "You're fine, stop crying." Or maybe they grow up in a home where every disagreement turns into shouting and slammed doors. These early experiences...
Expressive therapy helps kids cope with big emotions through art, play, and movement. Learn how this creative approach supports children's mental health.
Grief can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Discover how Christian counseling offers faith-based support, comfort, and healing through God’s presence.
Children feel emotions deeply but often lack the words to verbally share their thoughts and feelings. Using play—the natural language of children—play therapy offers a safe, structured environment where kids can express themselves, process experiences, and develop essential coping skills. Creative Family Counseling and Coaching...
Friendships can be one of the best parts of life. Having someone to laugh with, talk to, and just be yourself around is pretty special. But let’s be honest—not all friendships are easy. To build strong, lasting connections, it’s important to set boundaries, communicate openly,...
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to put away distractions and truly connect with your partner. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner, a cozy night in, or a spontaneous road trip, great conversations can bring you closer. Here are some fun, meaningful, and even silly...
Valentine’s day is just around the corner. For many people that means celebrating with their spouse or partner and showing them extra love and attention. But for others, Valentine’s Day is a sad reminder that they are single or are perhaps grieving the recent loss...
Anxiety can greatly impact a person’s overall health and well-being, and if you struggle with this condition, you may be willing to do almost anything to relieve your symptoms. There are numerous lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your anxiety—for example, you could...
The holiday season is a time for connection, celebration, and creating lasting memories. But for many, it can also bring up family conflicts, tension, and stress. Navigating these challenges while maintaining your emotional well-being is crucial—and this is where healthy boundaries come in. Boundaries are...
Holiday gatherings can be exciting—but also overwhelming for children. Learn practical, parent-friendly ways to help kids feel calm, secure, and confident during holiday events.