Psychotherapy at Wildflower: 15 Ways It Can Make You a Better Person

Psychotherapy is not only about dealing with the negative and painful parts of your life. If you are willing to put in the work, psychotherapy can make you a better person in more ways than we can count. Here are 15 of them: We invite you to learn more about the myriad way psychotherapy can…

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright: A Therapist’s Take on Navigating the Holiday Season

The holiday season has arrived like an unexpected snowstorm, announcing itself with a burst of shopping frenzy and festive chaos, sweeping us up before we can catch our breath, pack away our summer sneakers, and button our coats. Every November, like clockwork, I’m surprised by how swiftly this time comes. ‘It was just September!’ I…

Thanksgiving and Mental Health: Setting Boundaries around Challenging Family Dynamics

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we may find ourselves filled with a range of emotions from excitement to frustration to sadness and perhaps even dread. Holidays like Thanksgiving that tend to focus on relationships with our family of origin, can generate feelings of shame and isolation for those who have chosen to place boundaries,…

Beyond the Crown: Understanding Sensory Sensitivities in Black Hair Care

I came across a TikTok video of a young Black girl with big, beautiful natural hair experiencing her first blowout and silk press. During the flat ironing process, she began to cry, overwhelmed by the sensation of heat. The stylist responded with care and compassion, gently wiping away her tears and adjusting her pace to…

Breastfeeding and Postpartum Mental Health

Today, approximately 83% of mothers in the United States are attempting to breastfeed (Bresnahan et al., 2019). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that breastfeeding should occur within the first hour of life, should be done exclusively for 6 months, and should continue up to 2+ years of age (CDC, 2024). However, the rate of…

A Path Forward: Coping With Post-Election Uncertainty

In the wake of this presidential election, many are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions—fear, anger, sadness, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. The stress of navigating these uncertainties can take a toll on both mental and physical health, leaving some feeling drained and on edge. Rather than offering simplistic reassurances or quick fixes, this article…

Healing Through EMDR: Getting Grounded in Shaky Times

After completing part two of my Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training this past weekend, I left feeling grounded, energized, and — dare I say — hopeful. This felt like a stark contrast to the energy of the weeks and months leading up to it given the anxiety we have collectively been buzzing with.…

Getting Support as a New Father During the Postpartum Period

The postpartum period is a significant life transition, and as such can be incredibly challenging. As many as 1 in 5 women experience a mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy and/or the first year postpartum (Howard et al., 2014). Additionally, the postpartum period affects the whole family, not just the birthing person. Evidence shows that…

Understanding Social Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle and Finding Solutions

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…

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…