For the first twelve or so years I spent as an appreciator, student, and practitioner of mindfulness meditation I thought, or should I say, believed that my goal or intention was to have less thoughts. Thoughts obscure my connection with the present moment, the only moment that truly exists, I…

Using science-based practices, my self-talk became notably healthier—as did my self-esteem in general — Does your inner dialogue sound something like your most shit-talking nemesis? You’re not alone. I personally relate to being berated by my own thoughts, and many of the clients with whom I work in a private practice psychotherapy setting also describe this experience. Studies have shown that the majority of…

A symbol of innocence, a sexual assault, and, finally, a do-over. — Before: I was eighteen years old by no more than a couple months when I got my first back tattoo. I’d gotten my first tattoo about a year before, right after my first boyfriend had dumped me and then my parents had divorced. That tattoo had been a little angel…

Prompt: Why are you grateful for your job as a therapist? — As an integrative practitioner with a wide range of clients who deeply loves so many aspects of my job, it’s challenging to narrow down and succinctly describe a modality, niche or specialty for which I am grateful. …

First, I want to get out ahead of the inevitability that someone will point out my lack of qualifications to write this piece. No, I am neither trans nor TERF. I consider myself part of LGTBQIA+ in the sense that I am B, feel Q, and am definitely A. I…

It’s been a few weeks since my cat died so this is me doing what I do about things… which is to say I write. Let’s call it her obituary. It’s a written memorial to a very, very special, gracious and stoic little being. Amber came into my life by…

A Therapist-mom’s Parenting Dilemma — Lately my concern around my kids access to wifi has evolved from low level background noise to a high-pitched, full-volume alarm. At six and eight years old, my littles are growing into more and more freedom and privacy with their friends. They want to play out of earshot of adults…

“This Wednesday is Picture Day!” Flashes the notification on the ParentSquare app letting me know I’ve received communication from my kids’ new school. The teacher’s exclamation-point to period ratio is at least as bad as my own. I see now why this is not the best punctuation to over-do because…

The last thing I need is to feel guilty about tampons. — Listen, I am all for the additional options when it comes to period coverage. When I first started my period back in the 90’s, our choices, that I was aware of, were pads or tampons. Not long before that, choices were even less diverse or user friendly. The term “on…