The latest social media trend, the “Winter Arc Challenge,” encourages people to jumpstart their “New Year, New Me” goals as the seasons begin to shift. This challenge emphasizes self-discipline, restoration, and goal-setting through a set of structured guidelines. Though rules vary, popular videos on TikTok often feature routines that include rigid workout schedules, specific dietary…
mental health
Psychotherapy at Wildflower: 15 Ways It Can Make You a Better Person
Psychotherapy is not only about dealing with the negative and painful parts of your life. If you are willing to put in the work, psychotherapy can make you a better person in more ways than we can count. Here are 15 of them: We invite you to learn more about the myriad way psychotherapy can…
May Your Days Be Merry and Bright: A Therapist’s Take on Navigating the Holiday Season
The holiday season has arrived like an unexpected snowstorm, announcing itself with a burst of shopping frenzy and festive chaos, sweeping us up before we can catch our breath, pack away our summer sneakers, and button our coats. Every November, like clockwork, I’m surprised by how swiftly this time comes. ‘It was just September!’ I…
Thanksgiving and Mental Health: Setting Boundaries around Challenging Family Dynamics
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,…
Beyond the Crown: Understanding Sensory Sensitivities in Black Hair Care
I came across a TikTok video of a young Black girl with big, beautiful natural hair experiencing her first blowout and silk press. During the flat ironing process, she began to cry, overwhelmed by the sensation of heat. The stylist responded with care and compassion, gently wiping away her tears and adjusting her pace to…
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.…
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…
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…
Using Anti-Diet Language to Neutralize Body Image and Foster a Positive Relationship with Food
The language we use surrounding food, bodies, and health has a profound impact on how we view ourselves and others. Words shape our perceptions, influence behaviors, and play a significant role in how we relate to our bodies. In the context of diet culture, certain words reinforce harmful ideas about body size, food choices, and…
Lost in Translation: A Guide to Navigating Mental Health Content on Social Media
Social media has revolutionized the way we interact and connect, enabling us to overcome barriers to education, activism, and community-building. However, it also drives hyper-consumption and can create a platform for harassment and misinformation. Recently, therapy has become a hot topic on social media. For instance, the hashtag #TherapyTok on TikTok has garnered 1.7 billion…
