Therapist Spotlight: Sean Oakley, MSW, LCSW

Sean is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. In his clinical practice, Sean draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR. Sean works with adolescents, adults, couples, and family structures experiencing stressful transitions including the transition to parenthood, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, sexual challenges, and relationship issues. Sean has extensive experience…

Navigating Dating Apps and Modern Dating Part 2: Attachment Styles & Ways They Impact Dating Satisfaction

In Part 1 of this series, I discussed some common experiences related to frustrations with modern dating, and specifically, dating apps. I shared some tips to navigating modern dating including how to: Get clear about your intentions Determine your needs Practice mindfulness In this article, I will be discussing potential roadblocks that might contribute to lack of…

Navigating the Transition to Parenthood as a Team and How The Bringing Baby Home Workshop Can Help

The transition to parenthood is one that comes with profound shifts in identity, roles, and relationships. These shifts inevitably impact parents as individuals and as partners. Renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert, Esther Perel, states that “having a baby is a psychological revelation that changes our relation to almost everything and everyone” (Perel, 2006). These words…

Self-Care During the Postpartum Period: Strategies to Minimize the Risk of Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders

The postpartum period is filled with many physical, psychological, and emotional changes. Matrescence is a term that aptly captures this experience. It is defined as the physical, social, hormonal, and identity shifts associated with becoming a mother and is a distinct stage of life (Sacks, 2017). In reflecting on matrescence, Ignacz (2018) states, “Life will…

Therapist Spotlight: Riley Gramza, MA, ALMFT

Riley is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. Riley’s clinical areas of specialty include relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, substance and process addictions, trauma, and grief. As a marriage and family therapist, Riley has a particular interest in working with couples and families. Additionally, Riley is currently pursuing specialized training in perinatal mental health. Riley earned a bachelor’s…

Honoring Your Limits: Setting Value-Aligned Boundaries with Family During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of mixed emotions for many people. While some of us revel in the joy and togetherness of our beloved customs, reconnecting with loved ones, and savoring delicious meals, we may also feel nostalgia, grief, or struggle to navigate complicated family dynamics and expectations. In such situations, it’s essential to…

Cycle Syncing: Increasing Emotional Well Being During Your Menstrual Cycle

In school, we are taught what a period is. For many people, the education on the menstrual cycle stopped there. This education gap has caused not only an information deficiency for those who menstruate, it has also perpetuated a stigma that women are “just overly emotional” during certain points in their cycle. This has left…

Therapist Spotlight: Julia Howard, LSW, MSW, RYT

Julia is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. Julia’s clinical areas of specialty include anxiety/OCD, high sensitivity, and relationship issues. She has specific interest in working with athletes/former athletes, career issues/burnout, and those who identify as highly sensitive and/or neurodivergent. Additionally, Julia is currently pursuing certification in perinatal mental health. Julia obtained her bachelor’s degree from Lafayette…

Therapist Spotlight: Natasha Slavin, MSW, LSW

Natasha is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. In her clinical work, Natasha draws on psychodynamic theory, relational therapy, narrative therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. She emphasizes emotional safety and collaboration as key components of the therapeutic endeavor. Natasha’s clinical areas of interest include working with queer, trans and gender nonconforming clients, sexuality, trauma, relationships, domestic…

Tending to Your Emotional Bonfire

Difficult and intense emotions can certainly feel like a bonfire raging in our mind and body. Painful emotions like anger, shame, or fear can seem like they will consume us or be impossible to control. It can be difficult to know what to do when these emotions come up, and they can make us feel…