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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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? 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The start of my return Six years ago, I was in the crux of my grief, at my lowest of lows. One of those seasons where you’re not sure how you’ll ever find your way back. I didn’t know how I was going to pick myself up again. There’s a saying that to find yourself, […]
Understanding Anxiety: It’s Okay to Feel Anxious Anxiety can feel like a heavy weight, like it’s always lurking in the background, waiting to overwhelm you. It can show up in many different ways: racing thoughts, tightness in your chest, or a feeling of being disconnected from the present moment. If you’re living with anxiety, know […]
Healthy Boundaries Explained: How Knowing Your Limits Can Improve Mental Health, Relationships, and Daily Life. The Surprising Link Between Boundaries and Freedom “Boundaries” and “freedom” might sound like opposites at first. One implies limits. The other feels expansive. But what I’ve come to know, both through my work as a therapist and in my own […]
