“Self-compassion” is a phrase that gets used a lot, but what does it actually mean? I remember when I was first told to be compassionate towards myself, I had no idea what that actually entailed. I set out to do some research to discover if self-compassion is something that is genuinely important, or if it…
The Wildflower Blog
Venture into the heart of therapy with the Wildflower blog. We delve into topics that matter, blending therapeutic expertise with genuine stories of hope and transformation. *Please note that our blogs are designed to inform only and are not intended to diagnose or treat mental health disorders.
Mindfulness-Based Tools for Coping during Difficult Times
Mental health professionals often speak about mindfulness, or non-judgmental attention to the present-moment experience. I also like to think of mindfulness as an invitation to engage with ourselves and our environment just a bit differently from what might be our norm. Mindfulness is about cultivating awareness and welcoming the full range of what shows up…
Virtual Support Groups for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Starting April 2020
We are excited to announce the launch of virtual support groups for pregnant and postpartum women at Wildflower. Under the best of circumstances, the transition to motherhood is an unpredictable, all-encompassing, and often bewildering journey. Experiencing it during the coronavirus pandemic is an entirely uncharted territory. Let us support you in facing the challenges of…
Virtual Mindful Coping Group Offered at Wildflower Starting April 2020
Dealing with distress alone and without support is rarely effective or healthy. At a time when our world is being turned upside down by the pandemic and physical distancing creates an intense potential for isolation, it is important to seek connection and support. We are excited to announce the launch of our virtual Mindful Coping…
Finding a Way out of Fight, Flight, and Freeze Response
Our bodies and minds are experiencing the current global crisis as a serious threat to survival and all that feels familiar and safe. Living in a constant state of fight, flight, or freeze is exhausting. We must find ways to release this stress on a daily basis. Connect with friends and family, exercise, knit, scream…
Being Real and Nonjudgmental as a Mother: Why Sharing Your True Feelings is Critical to Your Health and Wellbeing
Many years ago, when my daughter was about 2 years old, and I was at home during the endless hours of toddlerhood, I remember talking on the phone to my first friend to have children. Not only was she about 4 years ahead of me in the parenthood journey, but she was one very wise…
When Should We Come in for Relationship Counseling?
One of the most common questions I hear early on in relationship counseling is, understandably, “Can you help us? Is there hope?” The feelings of fear and doubt are clearly present behind these questions, and the answer is never a simple “yes” or “no.” One of the biggest determinants of positive outcomes in couples therapy…
Conflict in Relationships: The Importance of Language
There is simply no way to avoid conflict in a long-term relationship with an intimate partner. Conflict is an intrinsic part of relationships. You are two different people who are spending a lot of time together. As you are each your own person, you are bound to find things about your partner that do not…
Focus on Values, Not Resolutions
The hope of change and renewal accompanies most of us as we part with one year and enter another. Some people feel confident and energized as they vow to exercise more, spend quality time with their children, learn to play an instrument, be kinder, change jobs. Others voice their aspirations more timidly or not at…
Therapist Spotlight: Rosemary Kelley, MS, LCPC, CADC
Rosemary is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Mills College and Master’s degree from National-Louis University in Addictions Studies. Rosemary is also a certified alcohol/other drug counselor (CADC). She has extensive training in mood disorders and trauma, and draws from a variety of clinical approaches including Cognitive Behavioral…
