Blog & Updates
Currently, I primarily blog on this website, although admittedly not as frequently as recommended. Writing can be wonderfully therapeutic in a variety of ways. Whether you share what you write with the whole world, just your therapist, or no one, I hope you can experience the self-discovery, emotional dumping, and joy that writing can bring.
How to Use Brainspotting in Couples Counseling
A Certified Brainspotting Consultant & Specialty Trainer and Certified Imago Relationship Therapist introduces how to combine Brainspotting and couples counseling
5 Ways Adoptive Families Can Celebrate Birthmother’s Day
Birthmother’s day, traditionally the Saturday before Mother’s Day, started in 1990. Some adoptive families like to dedicate this day to the first mother, while others like to celebrate both adoptive mothers and birthmothers on Mother’s Day. Truly, whatever works best for your family is probably the right answer, but recognizing and celebrating your child’s birthmother during the weekend will be beneficial to your child emotionally and your parent-child relationship.
Gift Ideas for Single Adoptive or Foster Moms that Speak to her Heart
Mother’s Day can often be a trigger for adoptees. As a single adoptive mother, I don’t expect gifts or pampering. Parenting kids with a history of trauma and/or loss, we have extra things to consider even with normal gift ideas. Here are some ways you can surprise the single foster or adoptive mamas in your community:
Rethinking New Years & Normalcy
There is a lot of insecurity for a lot of people right now, but our children seem to be more secure than ever before. Maybe 2020 wasn’t all bad. My newest NYE tradition is thankfulness and reflection.
Permission Slip to Prioritize Mental Health over E-learning
We are struggling as individuals, as parents, and our children are struggling too. 7th grade history class is not essential. Your child’s mental health matters. Your child’s relationship with you matters.
Resetting from 2020 to Prepare for 2021
As we start looking forward to 2021, we can prepare by taking the time and space we need now to fully process all the stresses, losses, hurts, and anxieties from 2020. We need to process the trauma and the grief. [CBS4Indy Video]
The Child That Was Not Adopted
The child that was not adopted will age out of the orphanage before most American children are allowed to drive. It is estimated that more than 14 million children age out of orphanages each year.
Overwhelmed by 2020: Lessons on death, dissociation, & dosing
2020 has been enough to overwhelm anyone.To have the emotional stamina for this marathon, I have to dose my dissociation rather than binge it and focus on neurobiological regulation amidst all of the tragedies.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on the 7 Core Adoption Issues
Adult adoptees and birth parents may find they are struggling with restrictions and isolation. Many young adoptees are responding positively to more time with family and having to navigate fewer relationships.
4 Types of Music Used in Therapy
Therapists may integrate any of these four types of music into your sessions for part or all of the counseling session to specifically reach your brain and enhance your brain’s healing capacities.
Consumer Mentality v. Commitment Mentality in Adoption
Commitment mentality is selfless and puts aside all of what we have dreamed and envisioned to meet him where he is, to love all that he is, all that he is not, and do the hard work of parenting when it is difficult and not what you had envisioned.
Start Right, Stay Connected: A One-Day Premarital Workshop
Typically premarital programs occur prior to the wedding, but research says the window of opportunity lasts into the first year of marriage and will reduce the chances of divorce and increase marital satisfaction, both immediately and long-term.