Have you ever taken time to reflect on what your sexual health means to you? Depending on our personal histories and our access to resources (educational, medical, etc.), we may not have an idea of what exactly sexual health means. Historically, sexual health has been understood as simply avoiding unwanted pregnancy or contracting a sexually…
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: Lauren Flannery
Lauren (she/her) is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. Her training experience includes perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as well as trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, and sports performance. Her therapeutic style is rooted in a strengths-based approach in which she utilizes evidence-based, cognitive behavioral modalities. Read Lauren’s full bio here. What…
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 Others experience a shift in their mood, perhaps feeling sadder or more tired or more withdrawn than usual.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…
What Neuroscience Tells Us About Emotional Flooding and 8 Ways to Feel More in Control of Your Emotions
Source: Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash Have you ever felt so overcome with emotions that it’s difficult to control your response to others? Perhaps you feel fine one moment and the next you are slamming doors, sending an unfiltered text message, or yelling at your partner. You may also feel your heart pounding and…
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…