If you’ve ever heard the term “DBT group” and thought, “Group therapy sounds intense… what even is DBT?” You’re not alone. A lot of people picture something scary or clinical, maybe even an unstructured, unclear group where it’s not clear what the goal is. But DBT, which stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is actually warm, practical, and even fun at times! At Catalyss Counseling, we’re starting a new DBT group in September, and we’re inviting folks who are ready to mak

You know those hectic workdays where it feels like one task after another, and suddenly it’s 4 PM with no time for a proper break and...

If you're a caregiver or healthcare worker , you probably already know: grief is part of the job. Whether it’s losing a patient,...

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

Welcoming a new baby into the world is often seen as one of life’s most joyful and meaningful moments. And while that can be true, it’s also completely okay if it doesn’t feel that way all the time. For many new parents, it can be one of the most overwhelming and challenging times too. A lot of new parents feel anxious, worried, or on edge after having a baby. Some amount of worry as you adjust to life with a newborn is totally normal and even protective. However, sometimes t

Ever heard the saying, “familiarity breeds contempt”? Familiarity can certainly lend itself to good things too like comfort, security, and ease. However, for long-term relationships, it can also bring apathy, loss of respect and/or admiration, and lack of interest. Essentially, the loss of new relationship energy which can leave us wondering where the spark went. As a couples therapist, I can offer great news, you can cultivate a strong, engaging, stimulating dynamic in your

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...

Parenting is a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and adjusting–sometimes right alongside your child. As your child starts to share...

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.

While June is a time to celebrate and uplift LGBTQIA+ voices, true allyship doesn’t end when the month does. It’s important to be reminded that being an ally isn’t just about showing support when it’s popular . It’s about how you show up in the quiet, everyday moments. This support can be clear in the conversations you have behind closed doors. In the places where acceptance isn’t guaranteed. Whether that be on social media, with a friend, a family member, or a stranger on th

Stress and anxiety are often unavoidable—especially for healthcare workers and caregivers. But when stress becomes chronic, it can slide...

Have you ever been told to “just move on” after something really hard happened? Maybe someone said, “It’s in the past,” or, “You should be over that by now.” If you’ve heard that before, you’re not alone. But the truth is, trauma doesn’t just go away because we want it to. If something painful has happened in your life, like an accident, a scary experience, or someone hurting you, your brain and body may hold onto that memory. Even if time passes, the effects of trauma can st

Many people think they already know their partner, yet often, there is much more to learn.  There are many searchable questionnaires one can find on the internet to discover aspects of each partner’s childhood, as well as job, travel, love, and even food preferences. Knowing these can help reduce friction in the relationship.  However, in my experience as a couples therapist , people come believing that they already know their partner. When in reality they are just assuming t

Have you been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck lately? Maybe you’re trying to manage work, school, or relationships. Maybe you’re going through a big life change. Or maybe things just feel off and you’re not sure why. You’ve thought about therapy, but the cost holds you back . We get it. Therapy can feel out of reach when money is tight. But it shouldn’t have to be. That’s where we come in. We believe everyone deserves access to mental health care—regardless of financia

Over the past few years, we’ve all become a bit more comfortable talking about mental health.  The COVID-19 pandemic brought widespread attention to the importance of mental health as many of us started feeling the effects of isolation, uncertainty, and grief. It became more normal and necessary to talk about how we were doing and we saw how important mental health care is. However, there’s one part of the conversation that doesn’t get enough attention: women’s mental health

In my last blog on trauma  I discussed different ways trauma can manifest and how you can recognize the impact of trauma on your system. Another challenging aspect of navigating trauma is that it can be cumulative. Particularly if you’ve experienced (or continue to experience) trauma across multiple dimensions. Folks with LGBTQIA+ identities may already be facing these dynamics. But additional marginalized identities can increase the impact of discrimination. We refer to thi

When you’re in a committed relationship, it can sometimes feel like your personal goals are competing with your partner’s—or even with the relationship itself. Maybe one of you wants to buy a house, while the other dreams of quitting work to travel the world. Or one of you is laser-focused on career growth, while the other craves slowing down and starting a family. These aren’t signs that your relationship is doomed. They’re actually common reasons why couples seek out therap

Let’s face it—every couple argues. It’s not a matter of if, but when, how, and whether you both survive it without needing to apologize for things said and  unsaid. The truth is, arguing well is a skill. A really grown-up, emotionally mature, high-level relationship skill. And like any good skill, it can be learned. You can’t escape conflict. But you can absolutely learn to fight fair, connect more deeply, and actually feel closer after an argument. (Yes, seriously.) Let’s b

Living with ADHD can look different for everyone, and it’s important to understand what it really means beyond the common stereotypes. As a therapist, group facilitator, and human diagnosed with ADHD, I’m here to shed some light! When you hear the term "ADHD," you might picture a child bouncing off the walls or someone who can’t sit still. But ADHD—short for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder—is so much more than that. There are many myths about ADHD that don’t tell th