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Therapist Blog

The Psychology of the Black Belt What My Son’s Martial Arts Journey Taught Me About Growth, Presence, and Resilience

Leeanne Marquez

Next month, my 12-year-old son will tie a black belt around his waist—a moment that marks far more than proficiency in Taekwondo. It’s the culmination of years of sweat, setbacks, and transformation. And as a clinical psychologist, I’ve watched his martial arts journey unfold not just through the lens of physical achievement, but through the […]

Supporting Paternal Mental Health

Fatherhood brings a strong sense of responsibility and emotional strain that can usually go unspoken. As it is true that many fathers embrace the happiness that comes with parenting, they can also experience anxiety, irritability, emotional withdrawal, or a deep sense of pressure to “hold it all together.” Psychodynamic psychotherapy provides a supportive space to […]

When Burnout Became My Awakening: How Healing High-Functioning Codependency Resurrected My Career

For a long time, I wore the therapist mask well.I held space, tracked patterns, responded with wisdom, and kept going—even when I was bone-tired inside.Clients praised my calm presence. Colleagues called me strong. I nodded, smiled, and delivered. And yet, quietly…I was burning out. But not in the way you’d expect. There were no missed […]

Healing the Wounded Healer: Coming Home to Yourself

You were called to this work for a reason. Not just because you’re good at listening. Not only because people confide in you. But because somewhere along the way, you were wounded—and you turned toward the wound, not away from it. You learned to hold pain with reverence. You made meaning of your suffering. You […]

Am I a High-Functioning Codependent?

Am I a High-Functioning Codependent? Here’s How to Know You’re the one who always shows up. The one who remembers the birthdays, juggles the deadlines, fills in the gaps—quietly, competently, and without asking for help. You get things done, hold everyone together, and make it all look effortless. But inside? You’re tired. You’re nervous system […]

Imposter Syndrome at the Top: When Success Isn’t Enough

Peter Hall

Leadership often comes with a quiet paradox: the higher you rise, the harder it can feel to believe you belong. Success doesn’t always silence self-doubt—in fact, it often amplifies it. You might assume that as you accumulate achievements, promotions, or titles, the nagging doubt inside you would fade. But imposter syndrome rarely fades with outward […]

What Is Belonging—and Why Does It Matter for Our Mental Health?

Belonging is more than just being part of a group—it’s the deep feeling of being accepted, valued, and understood. It often forms through shared experiences, interests, backgrounds, or identities, such as age, culture, faith, or sexuality. For many, it’s where we feel most at home with ourselves and others. Why is it so important? Because […]

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