Creative Ways to Journal (When You Hate Journaling)
The most typical preconceived notion is that journaling needs to be pen and paper. But not everyone explores best verbally, and, even if they do, may not know how to approach it. So, what are some options? Below, I’ll list some ideas to accommodate those with a diversity of strengths (after all—we are all so different and that is not bad or wrong!) These are just suggestions to explore—take what is good and please do leave the rest.
Therapist Hot Take: What Poly Couples Get Right About Communication (and Why Monogamous Couples Can Benefit Too)
When people hear polyamorous relationships, the focus often goes straight to relationship structure rather than relationship skills. But here’s the therapist hot take: many polyamorous couples are practicing communication skills that most couples end up in therapy trying to learn.
Let’s explore what poly couples often get right about communication, and how these skills can strengthen any relationship.
Healthy Boundaries In Relationship
Have you ever walked away from an interaction feeling weird, resentful, or misunderstood but are unsure why? Often, that discomfort is a sign that a boundary is missing, unclear, or being crossed. Boundary problems are described as either too much closeness (difficulty saying “no” in relationships) or too much distance (difficulty saying “yes” in relationships). Learning how to set boundaries isn’t about becoming rigid or distant, it’s about creating relationships that feel safer, more respectful, and sustainable.
Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Therapy: Understanding Sensitivity in Counseling
A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is someone whose nervous system processes information more deeply and intensely. This trait is inborn and has been identified across many species, suggesting it offers evolutionary advantages.
Highly sensitive people tend to:
Notice subtle changes in their environment
Process emotions deeply
Experience heightened sensory awareness
Become overstimulated more easily
This doesn’t mean something is “wrong.” It means the nervous system is highly responsive
Setting Realistic Intentions for the New Year
New Year’s resolutions are often intended to support growth and well-being, yet for many people they lead to increased pressure, guilt, or self-criticism. From a mental health perspective, this reaction makes sense. The way resolutions are commonly framed can unintentionally activate perfectionism, comparison, and nervous system stress rather than support meaningful change.
This article explores why traditional New Year’s resolutions often backfire and how shifting toward intention-setting can be a more supportive, values-aligned approach to change.
What is Mindful Self-Compassion?
Mindful Self-Compassion is the integration of the practice of mindfulness and of self-compassion. When we combine these perspectives, we can face our pain with clarity and kindness. Mindful Self Compassion reduces resistance to difficult experiences, allowing us to acknowledge our suffering and respond to it in ways that support well-being, rather than judgment or avoidance. There are three core tenets of Mindful Self-Compassion…