Why write a blog on vulnerability? As I write these words, with the intention of publishing them for the world to read, I struggle to answer my own question. My reason for writing about vulnerability reflects my own experiences of vulnerability in the past, and one truth stands out: the times that I’ve been my …
Laugh It Off?
Today (April 16) is National Stress Awareness Day. Since the month of April is National Humor Month (you can read more about that here), I thought I’d explore how humor can be a tool in relieving stress. Have you heard about these laugh groups popping up around the country (also referred to as laughter yoga)? …
Listening to the Noise
My husband and I were in Waco, TX this weekend, and after indulging in my love for all things Fixer Upper, we wandered into a nearby market where I found this sign. I had to take a picture because, YES – this is my prayer each and everyday, not only for my clients, but for …
Why is it so hard to accept compliments?
Tell me I’m not the only one… Today, I was meeting with another professional for the purpose of networking. He told me that he had looked at my website and complimented me on the design and material. Instead of politely and humbly thanking him for his compliment and positive feedback, I noticed myself rolling my …
Beautiful and Human
This canvas hangs in our office suite. It’s a simple canvas – I did not purchase it for the office, but it looks to be one of the canvases you could find at Hobby Lobby or even Target. It’s nothing fancy. To be honest, I didn’t really pay much attention to it when I moved …
The Power of Validation
I’ll never forget the first time Chris* came into my office. The only word that comes to my mind to describe his appearance is bedraggled. He looked like he had either just rolled out of bed and come straight in for his afternoon appointment, or like he hadn’t showered or changed his clothes in a …
PICK a Partner (aka How to Avoid Falling in Love With A Jerk)
Can you relate? Molly is a 28 year-old, single woman, who grew up the second of four daughters in a conservative, Christian home. Her parents met in college and married soon after graduating, as did her older sister and her husband. Molly assumed she would also meet her husband in college, but despite having a …
Introducing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
I’m excited to introduce you to a new mode of therapy that I’ve recently been trained in and that I’ve added to my therapy practice: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT. Why ACT? I was working with a client, who I’ll call Joe. Joe is 18, a senior in high school, and came to see …
Jesus and Mindfulness
Visit a yoga class, take any course on psychology or counseling, or crack open any “self-help” book these days, and you’ll be introduced to and/or encouraged to practice “mindfulness.” You may even be given a list of benefits for engaging in this practice, such as stress reduction, becoming more attuned to your body, and improving …
I Wrote a Fan Letter to Taylor Swift
Dear Taylor, I’ve never written a “fan” letter before (not even to Justin Timberlake back in his *NSYNC days), so the fact that I’m writing one now hopefully conveys my appreciation and true “fandom” of yours! I’ve loved your music since your first hit single hit country radio. Even when you left country music and …