Stigmas surrounding mental health exist in all groups and societies, but are particularly prevalent in the African-American community—making the concept of therapy or counseling a foreign one, at best. Some individuals simply don’t understand the practice, while others frown down upon it… leaving those in the community who struggle with…
Let’s face it, counseling is often a difficult choice to make. Deciding to allow someone in on those thoughts and feelings that perhaps you haven’t shared with family and friends often leaves one feeling anxious. Although counseling has become more acceptable across the board, when you look at who is…
No two therapy sessions are just the same—because no two people are just the same. We all have different problems. We all heal at different rates. And we all respond to therapy in different ways. But that’s not to say common themes don’t emerge—such as those that appear in counseling…
When we’re debilitated by a painfully sore throat, stuffy nose, and pounding headache, we’re quick to call out of work. When we’re injured with a broken arm or sprained ankle, we don’t think twice about taking a couple days off. But when we’re stressed out of our minds or struggling…
April’s identity is rooted in her religion. Her devout Christianity is her north star and saving grace—until she witnesses a series of particularly unfortunate events, which leave her questioning her faith. Instead of walking into the hospital with her usual confidence and determination to help her patients, April assumes a…
Our bodies are temples—but we don’t typically treat them as such. Instead, we hate them, we shame them, and we neglect them. And in turn, we hate, shame, and neglect ourselves. I say it’s time to change that narrative. It’s time we start loving and appreciating ourselves. And it’s time…
Can you still keep a secret in the 21st century? Well, I certainly can and do on a daily basis. For over 30 years, most of my adult life has been about keeping secrets. Although I have one or two of my own which I have shared with a couple…
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 1 in 5 American adults experiences mental illness every year; and approximately 1 in 25 experiences a serious mental illness that significantly alters their life. Furthermore, 16 million American adults live with major depression, 42 million with anxiety, 2.4 million with…
Over the last few years, I’ve learned more about mental health than I ever thought possible: I’ve learned that exercise is as beneficial to our mental wellbeing as it is our physical wellbeing; I’ve learned that anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the U.S.; I’ve…
A counselor’s job is to offer guidance and help his or her clients live their very best lives. They appear to be the wisest of the wise, all-knowing, and at times pretty perfect—but the truth is that they struggle just like us. And they have to work at this crazy…
Every single day, millions of people battle addiction. Some people are addicted to legal and illegal substances, such as alcohol or marijuana, while others are addicted to engaging in certain activities, like gambling or shopping. In any given case, consistent use of the substance or engagement in the behavior proves…
WARNING: Movie spoilers included! Purpose of the Intake Evaluation Kylo Ren was referred to me by his previous therapist, who had chosen to end sessions after being “Force-choked” by Mr. Ren. The client told me that he sought continued services due to ongoing experiences of rage, disappointment in himself, and…
