Sometimes the most important thing we can do with those we love is learn how to step into difficult conversations. Learning to do this is a skill. A skill that takes practice, and a willing sparing partner, to learn. I sometimes hear from couples a fear or misperception that coming to couples counseling automatically means […]
Couples Counseling, Sparring Partner? Read More »
In a recent conversation with a momma I support, the theory of attachment came up. Suddenly tears came to her eyes and she began to speak about her youngest. She shared some of the ways her child shows up in the world, some of the challenges that have been part of their shared journey since
Attachment Theory and Parent Guilt Read More »
I often talk with my clients about the idea of befriending ourselves. Perhaps this is something that comes easily to you, or perhaps it’s something you’ve never considered. For people who come to me for counseling, I find it’s often a large piece of the work we do together. As with so many things in
Wisdom and the Velveteen Rabbit Read More »
Check out this link for a thoughtful, sex positive discussion on healing, resilience and pleasure. Staci is a somatic teacher, passionate about social justice and creating spaces for healing from sexual trauma that include pleasure. She is also both the founder of generation FIVE, a non-profit with the mission to end child abuse within five
Bonus week – Podcast Interview with Staci Haines Read More »
Brené Brown is a researcher with a strong social justice framework. For the past decade she has focused her research on shame and shame resiliency. She is also an engaging writer and has written several books. Daring Greatly was released in September of 2017 and includes all her research to-date, including a new area around
Book Review: Daring Greatly, by Brené Brown Read More »
I was having a conversation recently with a woman who is in the process of opening up her relationship. In talking about how it is working out so far, she shared that she feels like the conversations she and her husband are having now are conversations that every couple should have. She’s never before considered
I often ask my clients if they know the difference between shame and guilt. It’s an important question. Since I can’t ask each of you reading this what your definitions are, I’ll offer mine here as a place to start this conversation: Guilt is I did a bad thing Shame is I am a
Raising Shame Resilient Children Read More »
One of my favorite researchers, Brené Brown, likes to use Harry Potter as an example for talking about shame. In her book Daring Greatly, she writes, “Sirius told Harry to listen to him very carefully, then he said, “You are not a bad person. You’re a very good person who bad things have happened to.
Harry Potter As An Analogy For Life? Read More »
“Opening ourselves up to the trans experience – whether or not we see ourselves as trans – means embracing a new way of seeing the world. It requires trust, empathy, and imagination. It is not a one-way process, but a journey we are all on together.” CN Lester has seamlessly blended their personal experiences, social
Book Review: Trans Like Me: A Journey for All of Us, by CN Lester Read More »
We live in a world right now with significantly more options around gender and sexuality than have been openly supported in past generations. Families sit around the dinner table discussing the possibility of gender neutral bathrooms at school, policy around gender and sexuality is being debated by our courts and politicians, and friends and loved
How Can I Be Myself With My Family? Read More »