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…
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: 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…
Expanding Your Window of Tolerance: Understanding the Optimal State for Emotional Well-being and Healthy Relationships
Have you ever experienced a day when a seemingly minor inconvenience suddenly morphs into an unbearable burden? Perhaps you have been consumed by an intense rage that caused you to take out your frustration on a loved one inadvertently. Alternatively, you may have felt emotionally numb and disconnected during a crisis. If any of these…
Therapist Spotlight: Anthony Zwaga, LSW
Anthony is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. He completed his Master of Social Work degree with a major in mental and behavioral health and a minor in trauma informed care at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He has worked with individuals with special needs, individuals experiencing homelessness, convicts, BIPOC population, LGBTQIA population, immigrants, high risk populations, and…
Care Coordination: The Benefits of Collaborative Healthcare
What Is Care Coordination? Care coordination is the sharing and exchanging of information about your health and mental health among your healthcare providers to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment possible while minimizing any unnecessary costs, delays, or misunderstandings in the process. During care coordination, members of your healthcare team work collaboratively towards…
