Here’s the obvious: no one likes to be sick.  The not-so-obvious: the body isn’t the only part of us that hurts when we’re sick. Mentally we may feel frustrated in dealing with doctors and insurance. Emotionally we may feel anxious about enjoyable experiences we’re missing out on. Often, we don’t recognize the “whole person pain” we encounter when we’re sick. No matter the physical, mental, or emotional side effects of illness, they all involve some sense of loss. Lost time,

For many neurodivergent people, daily life can feel like a constant negotiation with a world that wasn’t designed for your mind, rhythm, or way of interacting with the world. From sensory overwhelm in public spaces to rigid social norms in workplaces, classrooms and families, the message is often implicit but clear: conform or be disregarded.  If you’ve ever felt like the world wasn’t built with you in mind, like you’re constantly translating, adapting, or masking just to get

Financial worries stop many from seeking counseling, but your mental health deserves the same care and priority as your physical health....

Humans are social creatures. We seek to find connection and love in relationships . We seek to get our needs met in relationships. All of this requires effective communication. So much of what (and how) we say and do affects others, and of course, this goes for what and how others say and do affects us.  But the truth is that we are all fairly ungainly communicators. Both in what we say and in what we hear, so communication can easily go awry. We end up feeling confused, sus

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

I see how much you’re carrying. Parenting a neurodivergent child often means navigating systems that weren’t built with your child in mind. It can feel like you’re constantly advocating, explaining, translating and still wondering if you’re doing enough. All while worrying about how your child is going to make it in the world.  Parenting under chronic stress can lead to burnout , anxiety , and even trauma responses. Therapy provides a consistent, nonjudgmental space to rele

Often we’re often made to believe that we should be able to do it all. Whether it's managing work, maintaining relationships, maybe even caring for our families, and still somehow find time for ourselves. While some of us do manage a lot, that doesn’t mean we have  to do it all alone. Thriving doesn’t mean pushing through isolation, it means learning when to lean on others and knowing that you’re allowed to ask for support. Sometimes, connecting with other women might not fe

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

TW: Mentions of abuse and rape culture Understanding Religious Trauma First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Nothing shared here is meant to be critical of religions themselves. Obviously, not all experiences with religion are traumatic. However, High Control Religions (HCRs) share many abusive patterns with systems that exploit power differentials and are designed to control, dominate, or exploit individuals. If you’re here reading this, chances are you may have had

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