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…

Demystifying Psychotherapy: I’ve Decided to Give Psychotherapy a Try, Now What?

You’ve decided to try psychotherapy! This is a huge step that is worthy of celebration. After making this decision, you might find yourself wondering, “Ok, now what?” This article is meant to be a general guide to build knowledge and awareness. In providing clarity around beginning psychotherapy, I hope to lessen any feelings of anxiety…

Demystifying Psychotherapy: How to Know If It Is Time to End Psychotherapy and What Does the Process Entail?

In this installment of the Demystifying Psychotherapy series, I discuss the process of ending psychotherapy. Saying goodbye to your therapist is ideally an intentional and gradual chapter in your psychotherapy which has its own set of goals and outcomes. Let’s explore the many questions and issues involved. The nearly universal question: How long will therapy…

Rippling: Finding Meaning in a Turbulent World

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou I stood in the hospital hallway. My son was just taken from me for an emergency surgery. I could not follow him. It made sense and it…

What We Are Reading This Early Winter

As we cozy up and prepare for the arrival of winter, we are reflecting on what books have helped us learn and grow over the past few months. We would like to share with you what some of the members of our team are reading for comfort, exploration, growth, and knowledge with the hope to…