The Beautiful Non-Binary of Parenthood

The day I gave birth for the first time, my oldest child emerged into the room, into the world, and into my arms, pink and blonde and perfect. “It’s a girl!” the doctor announced somewhere beyond my haze of shock and exhaustion. “You have a girl.” My husband and I...
This Is Going To Hurt

This Is Going To Hurt

No one wants to feel pain.  At least that’s true for most of us.  In fact, a good number of us make the decision to enter psychotherapy to alleviate pain.  As a therapist, I’ve also been in the position of wanting to support my clients in easing the pain they are...
Describing Psychotherapy Through Metaphors

Describing Psychotherapy Through Metaphors

The process of therapy can be daunting, especially when we don’t really understand what it’s “supposed” to look like or why sitting in a room with another person somehow helps us make lasting changes. Using metaphors as part of the psychotherapy process is not...
5 Questions Toward Transforming a Session

5 Questions Toward Transforming a Session

I was recently thinking about sessions over the course of the last few weeks that went smoothly, and those where I felt like we hit some bumps or that we stalled.   I tried to remember the things I did or questions I asked that I thought helped all of us in the room...
Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are!

Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are!

I was reading an article in the Chicago Tribune today about Barry Manilow, his recent public “coming out,” and acknowledgment of his marriage to his partner of 40 years.  The article talked about the mixed reactions of the public ranging from support to questions...