Social anxiety goes beyond just shyness – it’s an overwhelming fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social situations. For many of us, this anxiety can be debilitating, making it difficult to participate in everyday activities like meeting new people, attending classes, speaking up at work, or even sending messages online. As you might…
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.
Sexuality, Infertility, and Mental Health: Bridging the Gaps
Article by Kate Ernstrom, LCSW, PMH-C, CST and Gabby Pendley, LCSW, CADC, PMH-C Infertility is a highly personal journey, impacting not only one’s hopes for the future but also emotional, relational, and sexual health. In today’s world, an estimated 10-15% of couples experience infertility (ASRM, 2023), a reality that often creates a ripple effect across…
Employee Spotlight: Lily Cornejo, BA
Lily is an administrative assistant at Wildflower. Lily provides valuable support with office management, documentation, and billing. Lily is currently working towards her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Read Lily’s full bio here. What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? My own life experiences, both positive…
Men’s Mental Health: ‘Man Up’ Is Not the Answer
Many men have a complicated relationship with their mental health. Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety (MHA, 2024). Yet a 2022 survey conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) revealed that just 42% of male-identifying respondents were treated for any mental health issue compared to 57% of female-identifying respondents (NIMH,…
5 Tips for Calming Your Election Anxiety
We live in an age where elections are inextricably linked to a sense of impending doom. The deep polarity of American politics, with the heightened “us vs them” mentality, has exacerbated voter anxiety around this upcoming election. In May 2024, the APA reported that 73% of Americans were particularly anxious about this election (American Adults…
How to Talk to Your Kids About Halloween Candy: An Anti-Diet Culture, Food-Neutral Approach
Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids — costumes, trick-or-treating, and the thrill of filling up their bags with candy. But for many parents, the idea of dealing with all that candy can bring up concerns about sugar, overindulgence, and how to manage it all. In a culture so…
Supporting Someone Through Miscarriage: Dos and Don’ts
Miscarriage can be an extremely emotional and even traumatic experience for someone who was expecting. I frequently hear from clients who have experienced miscarriages and often find that they feel unseen, unheard, or invalidated. Miscarriages are actually quite common—chances are you know someone, or know someone who knows someone, who has gone through one. This…
Therapist Spotlight: Gabrielle Klein, BA
Gabrielle Klein is an advanced clinical intern at Wildflower. In her clinical practice, Gabrielle draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. Gabrielle works with adults, couples, and family structures experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, as well as the challenges that accompany big life changes including the…
Using Anti-Diet Language to Neutralize Body Image and Foster a Positive Relationship with Food
The language we use surrounding food, bodies, and health has a profound impact on how we view ourselves and others. Words shape our perceptions, influence behaviors, and play a significant role in how we relate to our bodies. In the context of diet culture, certain words reinforce harmful ideas about body size, food choices, and…
Therapist Spotlight: Natalie Hall, MSW, LSW
Natalie is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. In her clinical practice, Natalie draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Natalie works with adolescents, adults, couples, and family structures experiencing stressful transitions including the life transitions, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, grief, trauma, sexual challenges and relationship issues. Natalie’s clinical interests…
