Understanding Health Insurance Plans: Fundamentals to Help you Navigate Your Mental Health Benefits

Source: Photo by Edu Lauton on Unsplash Understanding the details of health insurance policies is hard! As Wildflower’s Practice Manager, I see firsthand just how challenging (and frustrating) navigating health plan benefits can be. I empathize and understand these reactions––insurance plans are increasingly complex, nuanced and filled with fine print. It is important to develop…

Matrescence as a Psychotherapist: Part III

Source: Photo by Vivek Kumar on Unsplash  In our first two articles in this series written in collaboration with Chrissy Ellis, LCSW, PMH-C, we have identified what matrescence is and what it means to navigate this transitional period as a therapist, the various client and therapist reactions that commonly occur, and how to use the…

Matrescence as a Psychotherapist: Part II

Source: Photo by Bethany Beck on Unsplash In our first article in this series which was written in collaboration with Chrissy Ellis, LCSW, PMH-C, we discussed the profound change we undergo during matrescence, or the physical, psychological, and emotional changes associated with the transition into motherhood. We also explored just how challenging it is to…

Couples Therapy: The State of the Union Conversation

Source: Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash Once we have been in a romantic relationship for a long time it is easy to fall into a rut or to switch to autopilot. By the time we notice that we have fallen into a routine or begin to stagnate, it can feel incredibly difficult to break…

Matrescence as a Psychotherapist: Part I

[Photo by Ryan Franco on Unsplash] Our roles as therapists are characterized by the ability to create and hold space, bear witness to vulnerability and change, and attend to the dynamic and varying needs of our clients. Our roles as mothers and caregivers often demand these very same things. The transition to motherhood fundamentally changes…

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…

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…

Demystifying Psychotherapy: How to Get the Most Out of Psychotherapy

In this part of our Demystifying Psychotherapy series we will be exploring what happens at the beginning of psychotherapy, and how to get the most out of your experience. Psychotherapy is an investment in yourself and your future. It is not a quick fix, or a one-size-fits-all approach. Psychotherapy takes time, commitment, energy, effort, and…