Certain conversations sound simple until you actually have them. This is one of them. People throw around words like sympathy, empathy, and validation as if they all mean the same thing. They don’t. And if we confuse them, we can end up doing something very dangerous in relationships: we can believe we are helping someone […]
The end of the school year is coming and many teenagers, middle school kids and even elementary school kids are looking forward to advancement and graduation. Many are also anticipating the graduation gifts they will receive. Many teenagers will receive elaborate gifts such as trips to Europe. While some may receive elaborate gifts, others are […]
I’m in my era of nerding out on craft writing books. The books feel like imaginary cheerleaders on the sidelines of my writing life. I secretly hope they will reveal the secret to good writing but joke’s on me! There are no secrets or shortcuts. As I read Elissa Altman’s book, Permission: The New Memoirist […]
Phil McClelland MDiv, MA, LPCC-S, NCC, ACS- My Integrity Counseling Does this describe you or someone you care about and love? You have an engine revving inside of you that doesn’t know how to stop. You think that spinning five or more metaphorical plates at the same time is a slow day. You have things […]
Maya sat quietly on the couch in her therapist’s office, her shoulders slightly slumped and her eyes tired.- “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she said softly. “Some days I just feel… exhausted. Like everything is too much. I don’t want to talk to anyone. I just shut down.” Her therapist nodded gently.-“Nothing […]
When life feels heavy, overwhelming, or confusing, many people look for community. Sometimes that community is a church group, a Facebook group, a peer‑led support circle, or a therapist‑led therapy group. All of these spaces offer connection — but they are not the same, and the type of group you choose can dramatically shape your […]
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that makes it hard for people to focus, stay still, and control their impulses. People with ADHD might daydream a lot, have trouble paying attention, fidget, or act without thinking. It’s not just about being distracted or hyper; ADHD can affect how someone thinks, learns, and handles everyday tasks. […]
A recent study from Sentio University found that nearly half of people experiencing mental health challenges are turning to AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, for support. AI can be helpful for structured interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and self-regulation strategies. Apps that guide breathing exercises, track moods, or even offer scripted relationship advice can provide useful tools […]
An Open Letter to the Ones Who Feel It in Their Bodies I’m not going to pretend this is fine. When the U.S. escalates into another war, it does something to people. It’s destabilizing. It’s enraging. It’s exhausting. And for a lot of us—especially those who already know what it’s like to feel unprotected by […]
Why Do Relationships Trigger Me So Much? (And What It Actually Means) If you’ve ever found yourself thinking: 💠 Why do I get so overwhelmed in relationships? 💠 Why do small things feel like a big deal? 💠 Why do I either shut down or spiral? You’re not dramatic.You’re not “too much.” And you’re definitely not broken. — A lot […]
