Ever feel like you’re stuck living by some unwritten script you never agreed to? Like you’re carrying this invisible rulebook of “shoulds” and “have tos” that nobody even asked you to follow? Yeah, you’re not imagining it. These so-called “rules” you picked up along the way can leave you feeling stressed, confused, and like you’reContinue reading “The Rules No One Said Out Loud: Healing Unspoken Family Expectations with EMDR”
Category Archives: Family
How Young Adult Therapy Empowers First-Gen Students of Color
If you’re the first in your family to go to college. Typically, people see this as a reason to celebrate, and in most ways, it is. There is the pride of your family, and sometimes your community, that is apparent. But no one talks about the pressure that comes with it, yet almost shadows it. There’sContinue reading “How Young Adult Therapy Empowers First-Gen Students of Color”
Strategies for Co-Parenting Success in Online Couples Therapy
Co-parenting can be quite a challenge, especially when you’re no longer with your child’s other parent. It’s tough to handle the emotions that come up when relationships end and navigate the new co-parenting dynamic. But hey, when there are kiddos involved, it’s crucial to put their well-being first and figure out how to make co-parentingContinue reading “Strategies for Co-Parenting Success in Online Couples Therapy”
Finding Freedom: Strategies for Coping with a Narcissistic Parent
Growing up with a narcissistic parent can be a challenge. You leave childhood feeling powerless and confused because they might have belittled your accomplishments, criticized you for not meeting their high expectations, or even invalidated your feelings. They might even have caused deep emotional pain in their attempts to control and manipulate you. Or, theyContinue reading “Finding Freedom: Strategies for Coping with a Narcissistic Parent”
Navigating Difficult Waters: Tips for Co-Parenting and Dealing With a Narcissistic Ex
Having a narcissistic ex can make co-parenting and dealing with difficult high-conflict situations a challenge. You already had to face them in the relationship, and now you are stuck dealing with them even if you’ve gone your separate ways. It can make it hard to keep your sanity when dealing with their over-the-top drama andContinue reading “Navigating Difficult Waters: Tips for Co-Parenting and Dealing With a Narcissistic Ex”
Co-Parenting With Children Over the Holidays
As a mom who has children with an ex-partner, the holidays can be a challenge. Trying to put aside your issues for the sake of the kids, while still fulfilling your parental obligations. It’s important to remember that co-parenting doesn’t mean you have to be best friends with your ex. Because let’s be honest, that’sContinue reading “Co-Parenting With Children Over the Holidays “
An Adoption Counselor Shares How to Support your Child During the Holidays
Did you know that this November marks the first-ever National Adoption Month signed into effect by President Biden? As a bit of background, I specialize in working with adoptees and adoptive parents. I am an adoption counselor in Orange County, CA. So, I couldn’t be more thrilled that this subject is getting the recognition itContinue reading “An Adoption Counselor Shares How to Support your Child During the Holidays”
4 Signs Your Child Could Benefit from Play or Art Therapy
For children, opening up about their emotions can be challenging. If you are the parent of a child who is going through a difficult time, you may worry that your attempts to support and help them aren’t getting very far. Every time you try to get through to your child, they clam up. Or maybeContinue reading “4 Signs Your Child Could Benefit from Play or Art Therapy”
Political Divide: How to Manage Anxiety Surrounding Political Differences in Families
Think about the last time you had a heated political disagreement with a relative. Maybe you butted heads over a hot-button issue. Or maybe you’ve always voted differently, and in recent years, the divide between you has deepened. Dealing with political disagreements can be difficult, especially when you and your relatives have strong opinions andContinue reading “Political Divide: How to Manage Anxiety Surrounding Political Differences in Families”
Creating New Holiday Traditions During Covid-19
Thanksgiving 2020 looked a lot different than we thought it would. Many long-held traditions were skipped this year. The loss of our traditions can be disappointing, depressing, and even anxiety producing. However, changing things up opens the door to new possibilities. As we move through the next three weeks, many will likely feel the lossContinue reading “Creating New Holiday Traditions During Covid-19”