Have you ever noticed that simply reading another person’s story about a struggle can make you feel better about your own personal challenges? Maybe it has to do with the camaraderie that comes from knowing you’re not alone or the chance to learn better coping mechanisms by seeing how others handled the situation. Whatever the reason, I believe it’s why blogs have exploded in popularity over the past decade. We all like to know we aren’t alone and that our problems (hopefully) aren’t as big as we make them out to be. 

Women in their 20s have a lot on their plate. From college to starting their careers to getting married and settling down, this decade is full of change and possible triggers for anxiety. I’ve put together a list of my favorite blogs for women in their 20s that will help them laugh, cope, and in some cases, just feel a bit less alone. 

HerCampus
With the motto of ‘College is hard. We make it easier!’, HerCampus attempts to do just that with articles on fashion, celebrity news, job board, relationship advice, and more. Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, and always helpful, HerCampus is the go-to blog for collegiate women trying to cope with campus life.

The Everygirl 
With everything from workout to fashion tips, travel to career and finance, The Everygirl is for the 20-something who’s ready to shake things up and get the most out of this stage of life. There are many great articles on mental health and wellness on this site and most women can find an inspirational article that can help them with their own struggles.

The Blissful Mind
The Blissful Mind is an online guide to help find calm in daily life! Joy is comprised of the little moments in our everyday lives, and it’s up to us acknowledge and appreciate them. This site encourages women to slow down, reflect, and take care of their minds, bodies, and souls. Whether you’re into mindfulness, self-care, personal growth, or intentional living, you’ll find them at your fingertips with this blog. 

HelloGiggles
This is a positive online community for women (although men are always welcome!) covering the latest in beauty, fashion, lifestyle, female empowerment, culture, relationships, friendship, careers, and issues that matter most to young women’s lives. A platform for writers and artists to create and share, HelloGiggles welcomes reader contributions and publishes them daily. HelloGiggles was founded by Zooey Deschanel, Molly McAleer, and Sophia Rossi in 2011 as a place on the Internet to inspire a smile.

The Confused Millennial
The Confused Millennial is a community for other confused millennials to share, connect, learn, and grow together.  Readers are encouraged to reach out, request a post, or ask anything.  The goal with TCM is to help other confused millennials navigate the “adult world” (finance, career, business) while still captivating what fuels the soul (Netflix, traveling, and awesome lifestyle products.  TCM is designed to help you live a balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling life.

When Life Gives You Rubi
Established in 2014 for soon to be upperclassmen collegiates, struggling post grads and confused twenty somethings, When Life Gives You Rubi is a fast growing community of women from all over the world in their most defining years. Both the writer and readers share witty, embarrassing and encouraging snippets of their everyday life to let others know that they aren’t the only ones trying to figure everything out.

These are just a few of my favorite, go-to blogs that I think you will enjoy reading.  In a crazy, hectic, 20-something world, blogs are a great resource to let you know that you are not alone in this life and we are all going through similar experiences together. 

If you question if you are experiencing anxiety or depression, please contact me and we can arrange for a therapy session.

The transition from your teen years and through your twenties is abundant with lifestyle changes. As I’ve discussed in previous posts, you launch from the home you were raised in, to your own home with possible roommates. You may change cities or even countries. You change schools, jobs and careers. You change partners. So it’s only natural that you change some of your friends as well.
 
It can be difficult to accept that some of the friendships you developed throughout childhood and adolescence may no longer be a fit for you any longer. Now that you’re transitioning into adulthood, you may find that your previous mutual interests with the friends you developed early in life have diverged. Feeling as if we are losing our primary support system can create a mix of emotions including loneliness and anxiety.
 
It’s my wholehearted belief that as we move through life we are conscious of creating what I refer to as “our tribe.” Our tribe is the group of women we surround ourselves with along our journey to help us find our way. Sure, some of these women will be ones you’ve known for years and others are ones that will enter your path along the way. And everyone’s tribe will look a little different depending on your personality. However, I’ve found that successful tribes usually consist of the following core members:
​
​The Bestie: Your bestie is the one you can turn to about almost anything. She has your best interests at heart and will always lend a hand whether you need someone to pick up groceries for you or just listen for hours about your latest breakup. She’s seen you with hiccup sobs while snot bubbles out of your nose and she will still offer you a Kleenex, a drink, or just someone to sit with in silence.

​The Nurturer: This is the friend who is like a mom. She could be your mom or an aunt or someone near your own age. She’s the one who takes care of everyone and makes sure you have a shoulder to cry. The one who can see the expression on your face, puts out her arms and embraces you so you can have a good cry while she rubs your back. When you’re really down and out, she makes you eat and shower and will even help you clean up your place. 

​The Party Girls: These are the friends you can go out with and have a good time. They are the ones you turn to when you need a break or when you want to celebrate something big like getting that big job offer. They are the ones who call you after a breakup or failed presentation and tell you to pick yourself up, put on the little black dress, and dance the night away. They are the ones who are willing to tell their partners, “Sorry. Not tonight. It’s ladies night and you’re not invited.”

Of course, there are plenty of others who can make up a tribe, and how large your tribe is depends on your personality (introverts tend to have smaller, closer-knit tribes than extroverts), your lifestyle, and external circumstances. Here are a few of the ‘usual suspects’ that often show up in extended tribes: The Comedian (always available to make you laugh), The Eternal Optimist (she believes unicorns exist and will always see the glass as half full), The Realist (she’ll tell it to you straight whether you want to hear it or not), The Always (the one you’ve known the longest), The Colleague (everyone needs a partner in crime at the office), The Mentor (she selflessly shares knowledge to help you succeed), The Wise Woman (she’s been through the fire and can always give you direction) and The Therapist (the one who helps you work things out along the way).
 
Anxiety can occur when a young woman experiences a huge shift in her tribe (this often happens when she relocates for college or her career). However, what we all must realize is that life is not meant to stay static. As your life evolves, your tribe will take on new members and others will fade away. The important thing is to keep close ties with at least a few core members of your tribe and realize that your changing tribe means you are growing toward the life you truly deserve. 

If you question if you are experiencing anxiety or depression, please contact me and we can arrange for a therapy session.

Every mom knows the joy and sorrow of sending her daughter off to college. Even if college happens to be located in the same city, it’s still a transition that means your daughter isn’t a little girl any longer. All moms want their daughters to start out on the road to life with hope and happiness, but sometimes that’s not the way it works out. And what’s even more unfortunate is that moms often don’t even realize their daughters are struggling because the signs are not always easy to recognize.
 
For all those moms who have college-aged girls, here is a list of seven signs that your daughter may be struggling.

​Changes in Sleep Patterns, Appetite, Hygiene
 
If your daughter still lives at home or you see her often, you may notice a change in her sleeping patterns, appetite, or hygiene. She may sleep all day or be up all night. She could stop eating meals or eat much more than usual (usually junk food). She may stop putting on makeup or doing her hair in the morning. If these changes go on for more than a few weeks, it’s probably a good idea to ask her what’s going on.

​Irritability
 
It’s not unusual for any college student to have some irritable moments as they struggle with loads of schoolwork, lack of sleep, and stress. However, if your daughter seems to be much more snappish than usual and can’t seem to relax, this could be a sign of anxiety. Try not to react to her irritability with anger (or more irritability) and instead ask if there is something she’d like to talk about. 

​Difficult Focusing or Making Decisions
 
Has your daughter mentioned she’s having trouble studying? When you ask her a question does she seem to have trouble making a decision? These are both signs that her thinking skills could be clouded by excessive worry or anxiety.
 
Restlessness
 
Does your daughter seem to be unable to sit still? Does she get up to go somewhere or do something, then stop midway through? Restlessness can be a sign of anxiety or depression. It may be more difficult to spot this one if you don’t see your daughter often, but you may be able to pick up hints in the way she sounds on the phone.

​Isolation and Loss of Interest
 
Is your daughter staying home while all her friends are going out to concerts, parties, or events? Does she seem uninterested in books, movies, or hobbies that she usually loves? If she’s isolating herself or displaying a lack of interest in things that used to make her happy, it could be a sign of depression.

​Change in Relationships
Has your daughter abruptly broken up with a boyfriend or formed a completely new group of friends? Though some changes in relationships are inevitable when she goes off to college, sudden or drastic changes could be the sign of an inner struggle to find peace. 

Change in Performance
Has your daughter gone from an A student to a C student? Is her normally clean room now a disaster area? If you’ve noticed a marked change in performance in your daughter’s school work, extracurricular activities, or other areas of her life, this could be a warning sign.

If you spot one or more of these red flags, the first thing you should do is try to talk to your daughter. Without being accusing or getting upset, gently inquire if everything is going okay or if there’s something she’d like to talk about. Don’t push if she resists confiding in you. If you really get concerned, you can suggest she talk to a school counselor or a therapist and that you’ll set up the appointment for her.

Transitioning to college is a big change for your daughter and it’s not unusual for her to experience some anxiety as she eases into her new life. However, spotting warning signs before they become full-blown emergencies is important so that you can get her help when she truly needs it. 

If you question if your daughter is experiencing anxiety or depression, please have her contact me and we can arrange for a therapy session.

​Mental struggles such as anxiety or depression can make you feel ashamed, lonely, and unwilling to ask for help. Many of those who suffer from these conditions often shut themselves away, afraid to burden other or believe they deserve help from those they love. However, the more sufferers lock themselves away, the worse the condition usually gets. If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, here are a few ways you can reach out for the support you need.
 
1. Ask for a Companion  You don’t need to ask for someone to make you feel better, ask for advice, or even tell someone you’re feeling down or anxious. Simply asking a friend or family member to accompany you to a movie, shopping, or ANY activity that makes you feel better is a step in the right direction.

​2. Read the Story of Other Sufferers  Sometimes, the only thing that will make you feel better is reading about others who have struggled with the same issues as you’re now facing. Even if you don’t find any answers, you’ll still benefit from knowing you’re not alone. Simply finding a book that helps you wrap your mind around your mental state is a form of asking for (and getting) help.
 

​3. Talk to Someone You Trust  It’s likely that you’ve shared some of your struggles with people in the past and they’ve either dismissed your feelings, ridiculed you, or shut you out. This can make it very difficult to reach out again. However, don’t assume that everyone will be like this. If you think about all the people in your life, you will probably find at least one who you trust with your feelings. All it takes is one good listener to lighten your burden.

​4. Join a Support Group  It’s easier to talk about how you’re feeling with those who understand your struggles because they’ve personally been through them. There are support groups available both in person and online filled with those who can laugh and cry with you and reassure you that you’re not alone.

5. Meet with a Therapist  Although talking with someone you trust or others who struggle with depression and anxiety is certainly helpful, sometimes you need to go to the next level and speak with a therapist. As well as being a sounding board and a compassionate listener, a therapist can give you proven coping strategies that will help you start feeling better.

​The most important thing to realize when you’re feeling down or anxious is that there are always people and resources out there to help you feel better. By simply reaching out in the way that feels most natural to you, you can begin the path to healing. 

If you question if you are experiencing anxiety or depression, please contact me and we can arrange for a therapy session.

You’ve graduated from high school and it’s time for your first big life decision (which is really a combination of many decisions.) Will you go to college? What will you study? Where will you live? Who will you live with? Will you work while completing your studies? And if you decide not to go on to college right away, or ever for that matter, what happens next? Where do you work? What type of job do you want? Will you complete a different training program? Where will you live? Who will you live with? This time of life can cause significant anxiety for many young women.
 
More than likely, you’ve heard the age-old question asked by adults of even small children: What do you want to be when you grow up? Typically, adults are asking what occupation we want to pursue as adults. But what those in their early 20s need to think about is not what they want to DO, but who they want to BE.
 
The truth is, regardless of the pressures from our families, friends, cultures, and societal expectations, the decision to go or not to go to college is really about what you want to experience next for yourself. Maybe you want to go straight to work. Maybe you have been saving up and you want to travel for a year. Maybe you really have no idea what or who you want to be, so spending four years and thousands of dollars getting an education to start a career your unsure of doesn’t seem to make sense.
 
Regardless, this is your first adult decision and you should OWN that decision. Owning our decisions means we make choices that resonate with us despite the pressures we face. Sometimes that means letting down our loved one. Sometimes it means leaving our best friends, our partner, or our safe and secure home with our parents. Sometimes it means going it alone and sometimes it means making what others may view as a mistake.
 
As I’ve said before, each decision we make begins to narrow the options that will be laid out before us in the future. Therefore, I urge you to make your decision about what comes next for you rather than following what you “should” do according to others. Whether it turns out beautifully or turns out to be your first real learning experience, you won’t regret making this decision for yourself. Your twenties are meant to be a time when you make decisions, learn from them, and change as often as needed. At no other time in life will you be this free to make mistakes and use them to craft your life story.
 
So take advantage of this now while you are still deciding who you want to be and what you want to experience in this world. Realizing that you are embarking on an amazing adventure—whatever it may look like—is the best first step in alleviating anxiety.
 
If you are experiencing anxiety during a life transition, please contact me and we can arrange for an appointment.
​

Finally, those awkward teenage years are over. You are officially an A.D.U.L.T.  Maybe you’re heading to college, maybe you’re going to straight to work. Most likely, you’re not really sure what you want to do, but the freedom to do anything is pretty…well…overwhelming.
 
You’ve probably been looking forward to adulthood for years. Counting down the birthdays until you could make all of your own decisions, for yourself, on your own time, seems like the best thing in the world, right? And here you are. However, what many young adults find is that the pressure of deciding everything on your own all at once can be a strong trigger for anxiety.
 
Our culture has the expectation that by the time you’ve made it to your 20s, you should know how you want to live your life. What kind of career you want to have, where you will live, whether you will get married and to whom, if you will have children, etc. is a pretty tall order, especially if you think you need to have it all figured out RIGHT NOW.
 
The reality is, we can’t possibly make those decisions confidently at once. We’ve had roughly twenty years of life experiences that were mostly guided and fashioned by the adults in our lives. Why would we expect to know who we are, what we need and what we want for the next 50 years? Add into this that our brains are still developing and won’t be fully formed until we’re halfway through our 20s.
 
I don’t think it was until I was in my late 20s, maybe 27 years old or so, that I came to the realization that every decision I made reduced the options that would present themselves to me in the future. It was when I had this realization that I decided I wanted to live life from a place of intention rather than one in which my decisions were made based on others expectations or out of fear underlying anxiety.
 
Anxiety has a tendency to lead one to make decisions in order to relieve the symptoms of anxiety rather then decisions based in what one really needs or wants. Often, when these decisions are made, there is an immediate feeling of relief from symptoms, but once that feeling of relief has passed, the anxiety can and likely will arise again. This can happen because anxiety is a disorder that must be managed, rather than one that should direct your decision-making.
 
Stay tuned for more posts on anxiety in your 20s and how you can better manage symptoms and make decisions that will lead to a meaningful future!
 
If you question if you are experiencing anxiety please contact me and we can arrange for a therapy session.

In my last couple blog posts we looked at the differences between normal worry and anxiety. One of the key differences is what I frequently refer to as the “anxiety spiral.” In the past I’ve described the anxiety spiral to others as the experience that occurs when a worry leads to perseverating, often irrational thoughts that seem to spiral out of control.
 
Once an anxiety spiral takes hold, it can feel impossible to regain control. Although the experience of an anxiety spiral can be difficult to put into words, all of my clients with anxiety disorders have described this experience in one shape or form.
 
I set out to find a solid definition of the experience of an anxiety spiral to help my readers understand what it involves. In my research, I discovered the work of Dr. Jennifer Abel. In her book, Resistant Anxiety, Worry & Panic: 86 Practical Treatment Strategies for Clinicians, Dr. Abel describes an anxiety spiral as “a spiral of interactions among thoughts, images, physical sensations, behaviors and emotions.” Often, these spirals are triggered by a simple thought.
 
For instance, in my post “Am I Normal?” I introduced Jane, who was experiencing symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In describing Jane’s experiences prior to taking an important exam, I provided an example of an anxiety spiral. Jane has a worry about her exam, which then leads her to additional stressful thoughts about her performance. This quickly leads Jane to experiencing physical sensations related to her anxiety. She begins to imagine failure. Her negative emotions take over. She changes her behaviors toward herself and others. Jane essentially gets stuck in an anxiety spiral and it impacts her ability to function in multiple areas of her life.
 
Although it can feel impossible to stop an anxiety spiral, there are many ways to stop it in its tracks or, better yet, prevent it from beginning. A cognitive behavioral therapist can help you learn the techniques to do this. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-researched, best practice approach to treating anxiety.
           
One frequently used technique that can stop an anxiety spiral from occurring is to take a moment and feel yourself in your body. This is known as grounding. During a grounding exercise, an individual focuses on the breath and slowly “checks in” with each body part. There are multiple short, guided meditations for grounding that can be found online or with apps such as Headspace, Calm and Buddhify.
 
Have you ever experienced an anxiety spiral? Have you wondered how you got sucked into such a destructive pattern? Anxiety and overthinking don’t have to dictate how you life your life. Consider talking with a CBT therapist to find out how you can regain control.

If you question if you are experiencing anxiety spirals, please contact me and we can arrange for a therapy session.

 Do you remember Jane? We met Jane in our last post and went through the anxiety she was feeling regarding her upcoming exams. To help you get a feel for what normal anxiety looks like compared to Jane’s, I wanted to introduce you to Sarah.
 
Sarah is Jane’s classmate. Like Jane, she is finishing her last semester of college and is preparing for the same comprehensive exam. Although she would love to have a perfect grade point average, her grade point average is, well, average. Sarah has been studying each night for about ½ hour for the exam that is approaching in two weeks. She finds when she lays down at night that she has some what if questions but she tells herself that if she doesn’t pass she can always take the oral exam.
 
Sarah knows that part of preparing herself for the exam includes making sure she has plenty of sleep, eats well and stays hydrated. She also decides to balance her study time with time spent with her friends and family. She shares with them that she is worried she may not pass the test, describes to them what she is doing to prepare for the test, and accepts their supportive comments that she will do well.
 
The night before the exam, Sarah goes out to dinner with her best friend. She shares her fears about not passing the exam. They talk about them openly. When Sarah gets home, she studies for her usual half-hour and goes to bed early enough to get a full night of sleep. She awakes the day of the exam feeling well-rested. Although she is a little nauseous, she eats a protein bar while studying her final notes for a few minutes.
 
Sarah arrives to the classroom feeling alert, but also nervous.  Her hands shake a little when she signs in. She tells herself that no matter what happens she will be ok.
 
I’m sure you can see the difference between Jane and her classmate Sarah. While experiencing some worry and anxiety over big life events is normal, letting it completely dominate your life is not. Here is a little primer on what is normal and what is not:
 
Normal Anxiety:

• Feeling nervous prior to a big event and then after the event no longer feeling nervous. For example, before a big test, speech, or lifestyle change like moving, marriage, etc.
• Briefly worrying about something happening and then letting the “what if” thoughts pass without further distress.
• Feelings of stress, worry or nervousness that arise when thinking about one area of life only and then subside when thinking about other things.
• Feelings of increased worry or nervousness due to stressful situations when those feelings pass after the situation has resolved.

 
Disordered Anxiety:

• Most of the day on most days is spent feeling anxious about multiple things.
• There can be physical symptoms of anxiety such as shortness of breath, racing heart, stomach upset, shakiness, etc.
• Rumination on certain thoughts begins and often leads a person on what I call an anxiety spiral during which one anxious thought leads into more anxious thoughts and it feels as if the anxious thoughts are “spiraling” and cannot be stopped.
• Feelings of anxiety prevent one from functioning as they normally would in their daily lives, at work, and in their relationships.
• The anxiety feels as if it has taken over and life is no longer enjoyable.
• Often feeling restless or irritated.
• Difficulty sleeping or feeling fatigued and out of energy.
• Experiencing difficulty focusing or concentrating.

 
It is important to remember that everyone experiences some degree of anxiety at some point in life.  This is normal. In fact, there are many normal situations that are part of life’s journey that will cause anxiety. In those situations, it would actually be concerning if anxiety wasn’t felt to some degree.
 
However, for those who are experiencing an anxiety disorder, it is important to seek treatment. Research has shown repeatedly that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a very effective treatment model for those experiencing anxiety disorders.
 
Sometimes, not being “normal” is a good thing. However, when it comes to experiencing anxiety, it’s important to recognize when your thoughts and actions are outside the normal range and are impacting your life. 

What happens when your "what ifs" take over? My next post will answer this question...stay tuned.

If you question if you are experiencing normal worry or an anxiety disorder, contact me and we can arrange a therapy session.

When people find out I’m a therapist, this is usually the question I get asked the most often. It almost always follows a lengthy story of a personal nature, and you can just see the stress on their faces when they ask.
 
The “normal” question not only comes up with people I meet on a plane or at happy hour. It also comes up in the first or second session with a huge percentage of my clients.
 
We all want to be “normal”. In fact, many social and psychological theories include some variation of this need so we can feel a sense of belonging. When we feel “normal," we feel like we belong.
 
One of the most common ways that people today feel out of the loop and abnormal is anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are 60% more likely to experience anxiety than men. Sadly, only about 1/3 of those experiencing generalized anxiety seek treatment, even though research has shown that it’s very treatable.
 
One of the things I’ve found that holds people back from seeking treatment is realizing they have a treatable condition and that this level of stress is NOT “normal”. So what is normal anxiety and what is anxiety that warrants treatment?
 
In this post, I would like to introduce you to Jane, who is experiencing symptoms that would be qualified as anxiety disorder. Can you pinpoint at which point in this story Jane should have sought help?
 
Jane is a 22-year-old taking her last semester of classes prior to graduation. She has a perfect grade point average. In addition to needing to pass her classes, she also needs to pass a 4-hour comprehensive exam that reflects how much she has learned throughout her college program. The test is in two weeks and Jane generally studies for ½ hour before going to bed.
 
Jane has noticed that when she lays down at night she has difficulty falling asleep. She lays awake wondering, “What if I don’t pass the written exam and have to do orals? What if I don’t pass orals? What if I don’t graduate? What if I have to cancel my graduation party? What if I can’t take the exam again for six months? What if I can’t find a job without my degree? What if I lose my apartment?” Jane tosses and turns. She becomes exasperated as she looks at the clock and the minutes tick away. She becomes frustrated because she knows she will be tired the next day and won’t be able to study as well.
 
As the days prior to the test pass, Jane also starts to notice tension in her body. Her back aches. Her shoulders are tight. Although she has lost her appetite, whenever her thoughts turn to the exam she finds herself reaching for comfort foods. Jane knows that in order to prepare herself for this exam she needs to be eating well so she can fully concentrate on exam day. She tries to eat a healthier diet, but finds she is nauseated most of the time.
 
Jane is becoming more irritable. She has difficulty focusing at work. All she can think about is whether or not she will pass her exam. She has miscounted her drawer at the end of her shift three times in the last couple of weeks. This is a mistake Jane has never made before. She tells herself if she can’t even count money, there is no way she will be able to pass this exam.
 
Rather than explain to her partner and her best friend that she is worried about her upcoming exam, she starts to avoid them. She has decided she is too annoyed by them and their reassurances that she will do fine when they can’t predict the future. They just aren’t taking her seriously. Jane feels alone.
 
Finally, the night before the exam, Jane does one final marathon cram session. She goes to bed early with the idea that she will get a full night of sleep. She sets two alarms just in case she sleeps through one of them. She lays down and the what if questions start to spiral. She takes a few deep breaths, visualizes herself passing the test, and is able to fall asleep. Halfway through the night she dreams she is running across campus trying to get to her classroom for the exam because she has overslept.
 
Jane wakes up startled and decides to stay awake. She uses the time to study for her test. She tries to eat breakfast, but is unable to stomach it. Although she makes it to class on time to complete her exam, she is tired and hungry. Halfway through the exam, she has difficulty focusing and the what if questions start to flood her mind. She tells herself she should just walk away because she isn’t smart enough to pass anyway.
 
When Jane began avoiding her best friend and partner, lost her appetite, and experienced insomnia, she should have found someone professional to talk to. This is not normal and seriously impacted her quality of life.
 
In the next post, we’ll meet Jane’s classmate Sarah. Sarah is experiencing the same situation as Jane, but handles it much differently.
 
If you question if you are experiencing normal worry or an anxiety disorder, contact me and we can arrange a therapy session.
​

I love my job and the opportunity I get to bear witness to the human experience. Through my education and career in social work, I have the opportunity to meet and work with many people. I thoroughly enjoy sitting down with each of my clients and helping them sort through the thoughts and emotions that impact their lives. Though we do get to share many joys and triumphs, most of my clients come to me because they are struggling. For many, going to therapy feels very vulnerable, so I always feel privileged when someone is willing to reach out for help and honors me with the opportunity to listen.
 
I can only see so many clients in the course of my work. I wish that I could see and help more people, but I am only one person. This is one of the key reasons why I wanted to start this blog. With each client I get the privilege to meet with, I learn more about who we are as humans and about some of the destructive thought patterns that get in our way. Every conversation helps me become a better therapist and each meeting makes me more passionate about helping women live meaningful lives and experience relief from symptoms of anxiety and depression.
 
I want to use this blog to help educate, enlighten, and hopefully help my readers to deal with obstacles that could be getting in their way of living a meaningful and fulfilling life. I hope that some of my clients will read these blogs. I also hope that those who just need a little more information or inspiration will also read it.
 
My main goal is to show my readers that they are not alone. While life can be filled with joy and wonder, it can also be a struggle. Identifying when you’re just going through a rough patch that will smooth out on its own and when you should seek help is key.
 
I welcome you to my blog and hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me​  and I will help in any way I can.