Tender To The Touch

Almost 35 years ago I was a direct care worker in a state psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents.  In those days, the length of time in care could be up to or even longer than two years.  One of my favorite times to work was the 3-11 shift, working with...

The Dog Ate My Homework

Jessica came to see me because she believed her 5 year relationship with her husband Derrick was in jeopardy.  In her first session, she shared that while she knew they loved each other, they had not been intimate for over three years.  Because of a conflict they had...

You Don’t Have to Love Yourself First

Monica had been adopted when she was days old.  She knows nothing about her biological family, but came to therapy because of years of abuse and neglect in her adoptive family.  She describes her mother as cold, critical, and dismissive.  Her father was physically and...

The Power of Not Knowing

After I received my bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy, my first job was at Adler Mental Health Center,  a state psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents.  Adler was where I “cut my teeth” as a mental health professional, and a place where I worked with...

Closer Than We Think

When I talk about the work I do I with other professionals and students, I often share that some of my most intimate relationships are with my clients.  I frequently see eyebrows raise; often two people glancing at one another with a knowing look.  I imagine they are...