Seasonal Depression – Is it more than just the winter blues?

For some, the change in season from fall to winter is a welcome one––the air is crisp, the snow is beautiful, winter sports season begins, the world quiets. Others experience a shift in their mood, perhaps feeling sadder or more tired or more withdrawn than usual. And for some, the intensity and severity of the…

Therapist Spotlight: Zana Van Der Smissen

Zana (she/her) is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. Her training experience includes working with clients who are going through life transitions, social withdrawal, identity issues, relationship issues, and exploring sexuality. Having worked in an intensive outpatient clinic, she has experience with clients struggling with eating disorders, mood disorders, extensive trauma, and body image issues in both…

How to Find Your Anchor in an Emotional Storm

Have you ever had a time where your thoughts and feelings have gotten the best of you? Take this for example: You arrive home from work and you see your partner after a long day. You say “Hi honey!” to them, and they don’t respond (not even a nod)! How might you react? You may…

How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Can Help Challenge Mental Health Stigma in Pregnancy

Mental Health Stigma During Pregnancy Pregnancy is a transformational period in life. You may experience joy, comfort, or excitement as you navigate your pregnancy journey, which are emotions that may feel welcomed and special. Additionally, a myriad of less pleasant emotions can also surface during pregnancy including sadness, loneliness, anxiety, discouragement, anger, and fear. Pregnant…

How to Cope with Election Anxiety

How to Cope with Election Anxiety The 2022 Midterm Elections are right around the corner. Do you have a voting plan? How about a “coping with election anxiety” plan? Election season can stir up anxiety for many of us because electing new public leaders can offer us hope for a better future or leave us…

What is Dyspareunia and the Underlying Diagnoses of Sexual Pain

Addressing unwanted sexual pain is a key component of sexual health. The presence of unwanted sexual pain, also known as dyspareunia, can make engaging in sex become quite stressful. Dyspareunia can vary based on the person, and can occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse. It can sometimes even happen while using female hygiene products—such…

Therapist Spotlight: Rachel Mintz, MA, LCSW

Rachel (she/her) is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. Her therapeutic approach is holistic, relational, and informed by feminist and queer theory. At Wildflower, her work focuses on those who have concerns around sex, intimacy, fertility, or motherhood, people who have experienced trauma, and people with mood disorders. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Colorado…

Self-Compassion: Tips for Incorporating More Self-Compassion in Your Daily Life

Source: Photo by No Revisions on Unsplash “You, yourself as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” You might have asked yourself, “What is self-compassion?” It’s a way of treating yourself with kindness and affection, the way you would treat others. Often we treat others with more kindness and empathy…

Couples Therapy: How to Maintain Success

Source: Photo by AllGo on Unsplash The beginning of couples therapy tends to create a lot of positive change in the relationship. You will learn how to change your cycles of conflict and improve your communication. In some of my previous articles, I have shared some of the skills that you can use to strengthen…