The transition to parenthood is one that comes with profound shifts in identity, roles, and relationships. These shifts inevitably impact parents as individuals and as partners. Renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert, Esther Perel, states that “having a baby is a psychological revelation that changes our relation to almost everything and everyone” (Perel, 2006). These words…
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.
Self-Care During the Postpartum Period: Strategies to Minimize the Risk of Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders
The postpartum period is filled with many physical, psychological, and emotional changes. Matrescence is a term that aptly captures this experience. It is defined as the physical, social, hormonal, and identity shifts associated with becoming a mother and is a distinct stage of life (Sacks, 2017). In reflecting on matrescence, Ignacz (2018) states, “Life will…
Therapist Spotlight: Riley Gramza, MA, ALMFT
Riley is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. Riley’s clinical areas of specialty include relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, substance and process addictions, trauma, and grief. As a marriage and family therapist, Riley has a particular interest in working with couples and families. Additionally, Riley is currently pursuing specialized training in perinatal mental health. Riley earned a bachelor’s…
Honoring Your Limits: Setting Value-Aligned Boundaries with Family During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of mixed emotions for many people. While some of us revel in the joy and togetherness of our beloved customs, reconnecting with loved ones, and savoring delicious meals, we may also feel nostalgia, grief, or struggle to navigate complicated family dynamics and expectations. In such situations, it’s essential to…
Cycle Syncing: Increasing Emotional Well Being During Your Menstrual Cycle
In school, we are taught what a period is. For many people, the education on the menstrual cycle stopped there. This education gap has caused not only an information deficiency for those who menstruate, it has also perpetuated a stigma that women are “just overly emotional” during certain points in their cycle. This has left…
Tending to Your Emotional Bonfire
Difficult and intense emotions can certainly feel like a bonfire raging in our mind and body. Painful emotions like anger, shame, or fear can seem like they will consume us or be impossible to control. It can be difficult to know what to do when these emotions come up, and they can make us feel…
Expanding Your Window of Tolerance: Understanding the Optimal State for Emotional Well-being and Healthy Relationships
Have you ever experienced a day when a seemingly minor inconvenience suddenly morphs into an unbearable burden? Perhaps you have been consumed by an intense rage that caused you to take out your frustration on a loved one inadvertently. Alternatively, you may have felt emotionally numb and disconnected during a crisis. If any of these…
Therapist Spotlight: Anthony Zwaga, LSW
Anthony is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. He completed his Master of Social Work degree with a major in mental and behavioral health and a minor in trauma informed care at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He has worked with individuals with special needs, individuals experiencing homelessness, convicts, BIPOC population, LGBTQIA population, immigrants, high risk populations, and…
Care Coordination: The Benefits of Collaborative Healthcare
What Is Care Coordination? Care coordination is the sharing and exchanging of information about your health and mental health among your healthcare providers to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment possible while minimizing any unnecessary costs, delays, or misunderstandings in the process. During care coordination, members of your healthcare team work collaboratively towards…
Your Body is Talking, Are You Listening? An Introduction to Body Language
Listen to your gut is a phrase that often gets dismissed as cliché, but actually refers to deeply ingrained internal processes that have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years. Below, I will explore the idea of “listening to your gut,” provide examples of how to decode what your body is communicating to you, and…
