With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we may find ourselves filled with a range of emotions from excitement to frustration to sadness and perhaps even dread. Holidays like Thanksgiving that tend to focus on relationships with our family of origin, can generate feelings of shame and isolation for those who have chosen to place boundaries,…
Areas of Specialty
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Breastfeeding and Postpartum Mental Health
Today, approximately 83% of mothers in the United States are attempting to breastfeed (Bresnahan et al., 2019). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that breastfeeding should occur within the first hour of life, should be done exclusively for 6 months, and should continue up to 2+ years of age (CDC, 2024). However, the rate of…
A Path Forward: Coping With Post-Election Uncertainty
In the wake of this presidential election, many are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions—fear, anger, sadness, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. The stress of navigating these uncertainties can take a toll on both mental and physical health, leaving some feeling drained and on edge. Rather than offering simplistic reassurances or quick fixes, this article…
Healing Through EMDR: Getting Grounded in Shaky Times
After completing part two of my Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training this past weekend, I left feeling grounded, energized, and — dare I say — hopeful. This felt like a stark contrast to the energy of the weeks and months leading up to it given the anxiety we have collectively been buzzing with.…
Getting Support as a New Father During the Postpartum Period
The postpartum period is a significant life transition, and as such can be incredibly challenging. As many as 1 in 5 women experience a mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy and/or the first year postpartum (Howard et al., 2014). Additionally, the postpartum period affects the whole family, not just the birthing person. Evidence shows that…
Understanding Social Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle and Finding Solutions
Social anxiety goes beyond just shyness – it’s an overwhelming fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social situations. For many of us, this anxiety can be debilitating, making it difficult to participate in everyday activities like meeting new people, attending classes, speaking up at work, or even sending messages online. As you might…
Sexuality, Infertility, and Mental Health: Bridging the Gaps
Article by Kate Ernstrom, LCSW, PMH-C, CST and Gabby Pendley, LCSW, CADC, PMH-C Infertility is a highly personal journey, impacting not only one’s hopes for the future but also emotional, relational, and sexual health. In today’s world, an estimated 10-15% of couples experience infertility (ASRM, 2023), a reality that often creates a ripple effect across…
Men’s Mental Health: ‘Man Up’ Is Not the Answer
Many men have a complicated relationship with their mental health. Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety (MHA, 2024). Yet a 2022 survey conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) revealed that just 42% of male-identifying respondents were treated for any mental health issue compared to 57% of female-identifying respondents (NIMH,…
5 Tips for Calming Your Election Anxiety
We live in an age where elections are inextricably linked to a sense of impending doom. The deep polarity of American politics, with the heightened “us vs them” mentality, has exacerbated voter anxiety around this upcoming election. In May 2024, the APA reported that 73% of Americans were particularly anxious about this election (American Adults…
How to Talk to Your Kids About Halloween Candy: An Anti-Diet Culture, Food-Neutral Approach
Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids — costumes, trick-or-treating, and the thrill of filling up their bags with candy. But for many parents, the idea of dealing with all that candy can bring up concerns about sugar, overindulgence, and how to manage it all. In a culture so…
