Pregnancy and Infant Loss: Navigating the Journey as a Couple

The impact of loss, whether it be through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, is immense. This grieving process can often feel lonely both for you as an individual and for you and your partner as a couple. Differences in how you process the experience individually within your relationship have the potential to exacerbate these feelings…

Matrescence as a Psychotherapist: Part II

Source: Photo by Bethany Beck on Unsplash In our first article in this series which was written in collaboration with Chrissy Ellis, LCSW, PMH-C, we discussed the profound change we undergo during matrescence, or the physical, psychological, and emotional changes associated with the transition into motherhood. We also explored just how challenging it is to…

Couples Therapy: The State of the Union Conversation

Source: Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash Once we have been in a romantic relationship for a long time it is easy to fall into a rut or to switch to autopilot. By the time we notice that we have fallen into a routine or begin to stagnate, it can feel incredibly difficult to break…

Matrescence as a Psychotherapist: Part I

[Photo by Ryan Franco on Unsplash] Our roles as therapists are characterized by the ability to create and hold space, bear witness to vulnerability and change, and attend to the dynamic and varying needs of our clients. Our roles as mothers and caregivers often demand these very same things. The transition to motherhood fundamentally changes…

The Language of (Emotional) Pain and the Case for Expanding Our Vocabulary

[Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash] “I feel melancholy sometimes, especially lately” said my friend as he leaned back in his chair. We were sitting in my backyard. The sun had just set and the sky had that lovely deep blue hue that appears for just a few brief moments as the day and…

What We Are Reading This Summer

As we move into summer, we are reflecting on what books have helped us learn and grow over the past few months. We’re sharing what some of the members of our team are reading for comfort, exploration, growth, and knowledge with the hope to instill some inspiration! Natalie Breitmeyer, MA, LPC, R-DMT, RYT  Right now…

Spotlight on Anna Odarczenko, Wildflower’s Practice Manager

Anna Odarczenko, BS is Wildflower’s Practice Manager. Wildflower would not be the same without Anna’s skillful guidance, analytical skills, and caring commitment to clients and staff. Anna manages various aspects of billing, insurance, and administrative operations. She has obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Eastern Illinois University and has a wealth of…

Demystifying Psychotherapy: What Is the Essence of Psychotherapy?

A dizzying array of theories, modalities, and approaches makes up the vast field of psychotherapy. Humans have counseled, supported, and reassured other humans since the dawn of humanity. We are social beings who are not only capable of extraordinary empathy, but also derive comfort and joy from meaningful connection. The formal discipline of psychotherapy was…

Therapist Spotlight: Danelle Rhoades, MA, LCPC

Danelle is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. Danelle brings to Wildflower a wealth of clinical experience in various mental health settings. She believes in the importance of providing evidence-based therapies and has extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts…

Demystifying Psychotherapy: What Are Ruptures in Psychotherapy and How to Deal with Them?

The client-therapist relationship ideally offers a sense of safety, allows for vulnerability, and creates space for exploration. Your relationship with your therapist is unique and evolving because, just as in all relationships, human beings bring both tangible and intangible qualities to every interaction. Some people’s chemistry meshes better than others. Sometimes you find someone who…