Therapy

The World Is Heavy Right Now. Yes, We’re Naming It in Therapy

Making sense of political stress without losing yourself As a therapist, politics are already in the room before anyone names them. It has been a heavy and unsettling time politically in the U.S., to say the least. People are living inside nonstop polarization, constant breaking news, public grief, protest, fear, and a deep sense of uncertainty about what comes next. Even on days when nothing “new” happens, there’s still a background hum of stress that never fully turns off. It feels like the ground keeps shifting and like staying oriented now takes more effort than it used to. I hear it in the way clients talk about the future with despair and existential dread. I notice it in how often people describe feeling chronically on edge, emotionally tired, or overwhelmed. […]

How I Fell in Love… Again

Recently, I watched The Materialist with Dakota Johnson. She plays a young, ambitious matchmaker on a mission to connect women with New York’s most eligible bachelor. The energy is very Sex and the City—which, believe it or not, I only just started watching myself.

Maybe that’s why it hit me: I’m back in these dating streets. But here’s the difference—this time, I’m showing up as a very different woman than I was even two years ago.

On one hand, I’m still the hopeless romantic who wants to believe that partnership will complete me. On the other, I feel deeply content in my solitude—laughing, crying, moving about my home without compromise.

So, how do I reconcile those two truths?

When “Just Be Positive” Actually Makes Things Worse

Can we talk about something real? There’s a phrase that’s become so common we barely question it anymore: “Just stay positive.” I know people mean well. I know they’re trying to offer comfort or keep things moving when things get tough. But sometimes, those three little words hit differently, especially when you’re hurting. They imply that your sadness is a choice you’re making, or that your struggle is something you can simply think your way out of. For many of us, especially BIPOC women, that kind of forced positivity doesn’t just miss the mark it can feel dismissive or patronizing. We’re living in a time that asks a lot from us emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. We carry the weight of our families, our work, and our communities, all while navigating […]

Therapy for Queering Your Life

While queerness is often associated with sexual attraction, it encompasses much more, including gender expression, romantic orientation, and a defiance of patriarchal norms. Queering your life means challenging and redefining societal expectations in a way that feels authentic and liberating. This can be particularly transformative through therapy, where individuals can explore and embrace their unique identities in a supportive environment.

Can Crystals Help My Trauma Symptoms?

In the realm of holistic healing, crystals have long held a place of reverence and mystery. They are believed to possess powerful energies that can influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. While the modern scientific community remains skeptical about the specific mechanisms through which crystals exert their effects, there is a rich tapestry of historical usage and anecdotal evidence that suggests their potential benefits in healing trauma, including conditions like PTSD.

Why Asian American Clients Quit Therapy

In the realm of mental health care, the decision to seek therapy can be a pivotal step towards healing and self-discovery. However, for many Asian Americans, this journey often meets an abrupt end before it even begins. Statistics reveal a staggering truth: one-third of Asian Americans drop out of therapy before attending an intake session, and those who do start are likely to terminate prematurely. This reality prompts a critical examination of the barriers that hinder Asian Americans from fully engaging with talk therapy, as well as the necessary steps to foster a more inclusive and culturally sensitive therapeutic environment.