when do I need counseling?

Has your car ever made a funny noise. A noise that causes concern even though the car is still drivable? You can wait for the car to strand you alongside the road or you can get the car in for service before the inevitable breakdown occurs. Starting counseling at the first sign of difficulty can … Read more

relational wounds

In graduate school, we studied many psychological theoretical models. The one that most resonated with me is called Interpersonal Theory. Dr. Irvin Yalom describes what this theory is about: Briefly put, the theory of interpersonal relationships posits that all psychological disorders (which are not caused by some physical insult to the brain) stem from disturbances … Read more

maximizing your therapy

A few thoughts on how to maximize your therapy experience. Prior to first session: Complete the required paperwork prior to the session. Note any questions you have about information presented in the paperwork Spend some time and write down what your specific therapy goals are. Here are a few questions to consider when writing your … Read more

10 years of Redeeming Stories!

Redeeming Stories, came into existence ten years ago this June. Ten years! Wow! Where does the time go?! Ten years of helping people redeem their life stories, which so often get corrupted by abuse, neglect, addiction, trauma, and all sorts of other challenges. Ten years of helping people tear down their walls and live into … Read more

using insurance

If you are intending to use your health insurance to help cover the costs of your therapy, you may want to check into the specifics of your coverage before you begin. Every insurance company and plan is different. Some will exclude certain types of sessions (e.g. couples counseling) and even certain diagnoses. Some may restrict … Read more

changing behaviors

Destin (Smarter Every Day) created this short video to demonstrate how changing a simple behavior, like riding a bicycle, is not so easy. Once a person has learned a behavior, like riding a bicycle, unlearning part of that technique and replacing it with something different is easier said than done. Maybe the same is true for changing other … Read more

role of pets in the family system

New research is being done on the value of healthcare providers asking their patients about their pets. This is very exciting to see, as it’s something I’ve found great value in. “If primary care practitioners – physicians, nurse practitioners, and social workers – just ask patients about pets in their families, a whole new world of … Read more

Marvin the therapy cat

t’s always fun when a dream comes true! I’ve dreamt for a long time of having a therapy cat in the office. There’s something about the presence of a gentle, playful animal that adds something special to a space. Marvin is my first therapy cat, he’s a rescue, who is very personable and friendly. Since … Read more