The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in eating disorders and body image issues for many people, according to a study published in JMIR Mental Health. As a mental health therapist, I have seen a large increase in clients presenting with these issues during the pandemic. In therapy, we can help […]

I haven’t been sleeping well. It happens occasionally, often what I refer to as an “Early Warning Sign” of something I need to address in my life. Stress, slipping into poor habits, not taking good care of myself. But this has felt different. This isn’t just a night or two; it’s bigger. There’s something about […]

It saddens me to be writing this. If I weren’t so tired, my soul might actually be weeping tears of profound sadness. Instead, I have settled for weary resignation of the way things are and a diluted sense of grief for how they used to be. Most days, I don’t know if I’m bored, overworked, […]

Sakura Every spring, the Japanese cherry trees bloom. It’s a ravishing sight really. People travel from across the world to witness this brief spectacle. The trees are heavy and dripping with luscious, pale pink blossoms, the accumulation of which paints like an explosion of down feathers. Cast against the blue sky and lush green grass, […]

Most people have no idea what to expect when they walk in to see a therapist for the first time. Anxiety often builds up in anticipation of the therapy experience – at least initially. The American Psychological Association has found that media portrayals can influence how people perceive therapists and the therapy experience as a […]

Depression and anxiety are sisters. They like to hang out together much of the time. Sometimes they even look alike. Depression brings with her hopelessness, sadness and a loss of interest and motivation. Anxiety brings with her irrational fear and dread, excessive worry and nervousness. Both are isolating and dark. They both contribute to irritability. […]

It’s 2019, and the stigma around mental health continues. The words alone are cringeworthy: ”mental health.” Or worse: “mental illness.”  You might as well be saying “crazy” or “psychotic.” The one who suffers must surely look the part. Disheveled. Detached from reality. Mumbling nonsensicalities and gibberish. Why do these misconceptions about mental health persist? The […]

The Hallmark channel begins airing Christmas movies in October. You know the ones. A wholesome, simple-minded country bumpkin meets a cold-hearted city executive and persuades them to fall in love with Christmas. A predictable succession of hot cocoa drinks and Christmas tree farms follows. There may be a very slight climax where the urbanite returns […]