Dear Nolan, Right now you are fourteen and feel life has no meaning. You are sitting in your room contemplating whether you should continue living. You wonder if anyone would know you were gone. You are feeling as though life cannot go up from here. You feel the words and actions of those around you … Continue reading A Letter to My Younger Self| Secrets From the Other Chair
In an attempt to share a personal reflection of my life, I would like to share of an incident which took place last night. While I was in bed with my husband, we both lay sleeping. I woke from a rather horrifying dream and felt a sense of panic wash over me as I woke. … Continue reading The Power of a Safe Space| Secrets From the Other Chair
Do you believe in and participate in New Year resolutions yet struggle to stick to them? If you do, don’t feel bad. According to Forbes, 40% of Americans commit to a New Year resolution with the intent to follow through, however only 8% of Americans keep their resolutions. The start of a new year allows … Continue reading New Year, New You – Or is it?: Five Helpful Tips to Help You Set Goals and Stick to Them!| Secrets From the Other Chair
If you are a clinician, you more than likely have heard statements such as these: “Oh my gosh, you sound like a therapist.” “You sound like a Social Worker.” “Do you ever just turn that off?” Truth be told, I sound like a Social Worker, talk like a Social Worker, and act like a Social … Continue reading Why I Can’t Just “Turn Off” Social Work| Secrets From the Other Chair
I was recently asked this question by a client during session, and I found it to seem odd upon hearing it. My initial response (internally) was “Well of course, we do! We cry all the time! We are not superheros!!!” However, my client was coming from a sincere place of curiosity and intrigue and I … Continue reading Do Therapists Cry?| Secrets From the Other Chair
I enjoy beginning a session with a mindfulness activity. In doing so, it allows my clients the opportunity to relax their mind and body– bringing their focus to the “now”, allowing each client to observe, describe, participate, and take a non-judgemental stance on the here-and-now (Dialectical Behavior Therapy concepts). While mindfulness may be practiced in … Continue reading Play Therapy: Mandalas| Secrets From the Other Chair
Happy Tuesday, all! This week, I am sharing an activity children, adolescents, and adults can utilize at home when feeling distressed or are in need of a “time out”. We all feel distressed and overwhelmed from time-to-time– it is a normal part of life. Stress is our body’s way of letting us know “something just … Continue reading Play Therapy: Creating a Coping Toolbox| Secrets From the Other Chair
Hello there, If you are reading this chances are the title left you curious– therapist or not. Either way, I am glad you are reading because I have something to share with you, sweet therapist. You work tirelessly weekday and even weekend to provide for others, but what are you providing for yourself? Have you … Continue reading An Open Letter to Therapists During Mental Health Awareness Month| Secrets From the Other Chair
Happy Monday, everyone! I hope it was an enjoyable and refreshing weekend for you. This Monday, I am sharing an activity I LOVE to play when engaging in play therapy. What is this activity? BOARD G…| Secrets From the Other Chair
For this Monday’s Play Therapy post, I am sharing a tried and true activity perfect for children ages 6 and older. This game can be played at home, at school, or in a play therapy room. The g…| Secrets From the Other Chair