Therapy is a space where healing, exploration, and transformation happens; however, not all of that happens at once. To be most effective, therapy needs to move between two spaces: Safe Spaces and Brave Spaces. Each serves a different purpose in supporting your journey, and both are essential for growth and healing. Let’s explore what these spaces mean, how they differ, and why a healthy balance of both is key in therapy. What is a Safe Space in Therapy? Safe Spaces provide c

Culture is such a big part of who we are. It shapes our identity, where we come from, and how we see the world around us. For many of us, our cultural roots are something to be proud of– woven into the food we eat, the language we speak, the music we love, and the traditions and stories passed down through generations.  At the same time, our cultural background can also hold some pain. Maybe family dynamics left some wounds that still hurt, maybe generational trauma was ignor

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy…sounds ominous, doesn’t it?  A Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT for short) group teaches how to manage yourself so that you can handle life more effectively. I have been teaching DBT for over 25 years and it has changed my life. I have learned to handle myself in situations that used to baffle me. That’s why I so enjoy teaching the core concepts of DBT. Let's dive into how DBT skills can help you manage your emotions and build a life worth l

When you grow up with a narcissistic parent, it can feel confusing, lonely, and even painful. On the outside, everything might look “normal”. Maybe it even appears like you’ve got the perfect family. But inside the home, things can feel off. Maybe your parent always had to be right. Maybe your feelings were ignored or dismissed. Maybe you were made to feel small so they could feel big. These early experiences don’t just disappear when you grow up. They can leave deep marks th

As a former healthcare worker and recovering perfectionist/people-pleaser, I used to believe it was my job to make sure everyone else...

While many spaces have increasingly become more accepting, affirming, and inclusive of LGBTQIA+ folks, there has also been a rise in backlash politically and socially. Trans and nonbinary folks in particular are facing increasing levels of resistance. This includes harmful legislation, misinformation, and rising hate. It’s a painful reality that even as things get better in some ways, they’re also getting harder in others. And that can make healing feel even more complicated.

Living with a chronic illness brings many challenges, not only for the individual diagnosed but also for their relationships . Whether...

So, You’re Considering Non-Monogamy? Many people associate non-monogamy exclusively with sexual expression but it’s about so much more!...

Relationships are a complicated thing. Maybe you're feeling like your relationship is going well, but you notice one or two issues that...

What is EMDR Therapy? EMDR therapy was created by Dr. Shapiro in the late 1980s.  EMDR therapy is an 8-phase form of psychotherapy that...

Parenting can be one of the most deeply rewarding roles a person can take on but it certainly doesn’t come without challenges! Raising a...

In my experience as a therapist, I have had clients come to me thinking they would be ‘fixed’ in a month or less. These clients typically...

Avoidance is a completely natural and often automatic process of trying to protect yourself from something painful, uncomfortable,...

It's well-established in the world of health and wellness that what we eat significantly impacts our physical health. However, the...

Conflict in your relationship is hard enough. It’s even tougher when those conflicts don’t go according to plan, and you or your partner...

What is Trauma? Trauma is a very popular concept we hear about these days. Therapists are talking about it, it’s all over social media,...

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado Public Radio reported that over 20% of Colorado residents meet the criteria for Major...

Stigma Around Men’s Therapy Therapy has long been viewed as a valuable resource for those seeking support and guidance in their mental...

I love group therapy. Obviously, as a therapist, I’m a fan of therapy in general, but I genuinely feel that group therapy doesn’t get the...

Ahh, winter. A season full of shorter days, cold weather, and snow. Nature slows down during winter. You’ll see birds spending more time...