Grief is a universal experience. Each of us will be touched by loss in a variety of ways throughout our lifetime. This may look like the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, the loss of a job, or the loss of a dream or goal. No two experiences are the same…
The Wildflower Blog
Venture into the heart of therapy with the Wildflower blog. We delve into topics that matter, blending therapeutic expertise with genuine stories of hope and transformation. *Please note that our blogs are designed to inform only and are not intended to diagnose or treat mental health disorders.
Therapist Spotlight: Jean Bax, LSW, JD
Jean is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. In her clinical practice, Jean draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Jean works with adults, couples and family systems experiencing stressful transitions including the transition to parenthood, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, sexual challenges, and relationship issues. Jean has experience in addressing trauma, grief, perfectionism, and working…
Untangling Your Thoughts: An Introduction to CBT
Ever catch yourself making a choice you knew wasn’t the best – and wonder why you did it anyway? Maybe there was a moment that stirred up a strong emotion you did not expect, or a first impression of someone that stuck with you no matter what. The truth is, our thoughts have a way…
Chatbots Don’t Do Empathy: Why AI Falls Short in Mental Health
As a therapist, I’ll admit my bias upfront: I’m skeptical of quick fixes and anything that tries to replicate the therapeutic relationship—especially something as impersonal as artificial intelligence. When I first heard about AI chatbots being used for mental health support, my gut reaction was a mix of concern and curiosity. Could a chatbot really…
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your thoughts and have felt like your thoughts are pulling you out of day-to-day life or causing you to behave in ways that don’t feel in line with your values, you’re not alone. Many people come to therapy exhausted from trying to “fix” painful emotions or unhelpful thoughts. Acceptance…
Can AI Really Be My Therapist? The Limits of Healing Without Human Connection
We’re living in a time when the demand for mental health support far outpaces the availability of providers. Stigma still lingers. Waitlists can stretch for months. Costs are prohibitive. It makes sense that more and more people are turning to AI apps for emotional support. But can AI ever truly replace therapy? Or, more importantly:…
Trauma and Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Practical Tools to Ease Distress
If you’re reading this, I’m going to take a wild guess: you’re curious about how trauma is treated through the lens of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Maybe you’re a clinician wanting to learn more about applying DBT to trauma, or perhaps you’re someone who has experienced trauma and is searching for ways to cope, heal,…
Sexual Health and Masturbation: Enhancing Pleasure and Understanding Desire
Sexual health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet conversations about it—especially around masturbation—are often filled with stigma, shame, or misinformation. Masturbation, or solo sex, can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, emotional regulation, and deepening connection to pleasure and desire. Whether explored solo or with a partner, masturbation can help you learn about…
Anxiety in Children and Teens: What Parents Can Do
Being a parent is inherently challenging, and it can become even more complex when your child or adolescent struggles with anxiety or other mental health conditions. Let us begin by understanding what anxiety is. Anxiety is a natural physiological, emotional, and psychological response that occurs within the body to signal potential danger (Manassis, K., 2015). …
Rest Is Not a Luxury: A Therapist’s Guide to Better Sleep
A common issue that comes up in therapy is whether or not someone has good sleep hygiene. It’s not unusual to trace anxious or depressive symptoms back to irregular sleep patterns or simply not getting enough rest. Many times, it’s a matter of too much screen time and scrolling before bed. Other times, it’s relying…
