Redefining Success

What is Success? Redefining and Rethinking the Status Quo

In a world where success is often narrowly defined by material wealth, prestigious titles, or societal status, it’s essential to pause and reconsider: what truly constitutes success? As a therapist, I frequently work with individuals who wrestle with this question, seeking fulfillment beyond conventional metrics. In this post, I’ll explore the multifaceted nature of success […]

Read more »
Preventing Burnout

Preventing Burnout: 10 Strategies for Well-Being and Balance

Life is busy and burnout has become increasingly common. It affects people across various professions and all walks of life. As a therapist and human being, I understand the importance of prioritizing well-being to prevent burning out and all that can go along with it such as fatigue, sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation. […]

Read more »
Overcoming a Scarcity Mindset

Overcoming a Scarcity Mindset

In the pursuit of goals, happiness and a meaningful life, our mindset plays a crucial role. One mindset that often proves to be detrimental is the scarcity mindset. Stemming from a belief that resources, opportunities, and success are limited, the scarcity mindset is grounded in fear and limitation and hinders our progress, well-being, and overall […]

Read more »
Infidelity Couples Counseling

Infidelity: Understanding the Impact & Reasons for Betrayal

Infidelity is a behavior and experience that will greatly challenge any relationship. As a therapist, I’ve worked with many people trying to put their lives back together after an affair and I understand the profound impact that betrayal can have on individuals and couples. In this blog post, I’ll outline the various forms of infidelity, […]

Read more »
mobilizing the power of stress

Stress: Finding Power While Under Pressure

Stress is an inevitable part of life. I often find clients seeking information and support to manage stress and minimize its adverse effects, but not many people know about the beneficial elements of stress and its potential to mobilize action. In this blog post, I explore the dual nature of stress, some associated basic neurobiology, […]

Read more »
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome is a common experience that many individuals grapple with regardless of their achievements or capabilities. This phenomenon can affect various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional pursuits. In this blog post, I explore the causes, emotions, impacts, and some practical strategies to overcome Imposter Syndrome.

Read more »
Rejection

Overcoming Rejection: Practical Strategies from a Therapist’s Toolkit

The fear of rejection is universal to human experience, influencing thoughts, feelings, behaviors, relationships, and success. It’s important to understand the causes and impact behind the fear of rejection and explore its negative impact on well-being and growth. In this article, I’ll outline how biology plays a part in fearing rejection, the impact it can […]

Read more »
Maintaining Motivation

The Motivation Marathon: Staying Inspired While Navigating Obstacles

At the start of any endeavor, the rush of new ideas and inspiration easily moves us forward. But in time we usually encounter challenges and this enthusiasm may begin to wane and motivation can start to recede. The initial spark that ignited our passion may start to die out in the face of adversity. Sustaining […]

Read more »
Holiday Stress Coping Strategies

Holiday Stress and Family: Coping Techniques for a More Joyful Season

The holiday season often evokes images of warmth, joy, and togetherness. However, for many, it can also be a time of heightened stress and emotional strain, particularly when it comes to family interactions. While it’s natural to want the holidays to be a time of harmony, the reality is that family dynamics can sometimes present […]

Read more »
Embracing Values in Daily Life

Living with Purpose: Integrating Your Values into Daily Life

Values are the silent architects of our lives. They guide our decisions, shape our identities, and influence our path in life. Yet, often, they remain unexplored, existing as an abstract concept rather than a consciously understood compass.

Read more »
Forest Bathing Nature Therapy

Forest Bathing: Nature’s Therapy for Health and Healing

When I first heard the term “forest bathing,” I sort of rolled my eyes and chalked it up to one of several “woo woo” fads that come and go. But, after some preliminary exploration of the concept, I found it has been studied and researched since the 1990s. Forest bathing, known as Shinrin-yoku in Japan, […]

Read more »
Coping with a Breakup

How to Cope with a Breakup

Breakups can be incredibly painful, and the emotional toll they take can feel overwhelming. Whether the breakup was unexpected, or even initiated by you, the aftermath can bring about a host of negative emotions and even physical repercussions. As a therapist and a human being, I understand that healing from a breakup can be a […]

Read more »
Managing Fear

Managing Fear: Understanding the Psychological Origin and Physiological Response

Fear is a natural human emotion, and it plays a significant role in our lives. While it can protect us from danger, fear can also be paralyzing and limit our potential for growth and happiness. Over the years as a therapist, I’ve witnessed how fear can hold people back from living their best lives. While […]

Read more »
Healthy Communication in Relationships

Essentials for Healthy Communication in Relationships

Healthy communication is the foundation of successful and fulfilling relationships. As a licensed therapist, I often see clients struggling with issues in their relationships stemming from poor communication. Whether it’s a romantic partnership, a family dynamic, or friendships, effective communication is vital for understanding, empathy, and resolving conflicts. In this blog post, I’ll explore the […]

Read more »
Overcoming Sadness

Overcoming Sadness and Nurturing a Positive Self-Image

Sadness finds us all and is a natural response to life’s inevitable challenges, disappointments, and losses. As a therapist, my mission is to help you navigate these emotional hurdles and provide you with tools to maintain a positive outlook and sense of self, even in the face of sadness. In this blog post, I’ll explore […]

Read more »
loneliness

The Silent Threat of Loneliness

Loneliness is a universal human experience that everyone will struggle with to some degree, and it can leave a lasting mark on our lives. It’s not merely the absence of social interaction, but a deeply felt emotional state that can have far-reaching consequences. The impact of loneliness is profound, affecting our mental, emotional, and physical […]

Read more »
Covert Narcissist

The Covert Narcissist: A Guide to Recognizing and Addressing Toxic Relationships

In the realm of romantic relationships, there exists a hidden personality style known as the covert narcissist. Unlike their more overt counterparts, covert narcissists are experts at concealing their true nature behind a mask of charm and empathy. Sometimes called vulnerable narcissists, these individuals can be incredibly toxic and are adept at disguising their self-centered […]

Read more »
Control in Relationships

Love and Control: Finding the Balance in Relationships

Love is a complex and beautiful emotion that often defies explanation. It can bring immense joy, meaning, and purpose, but it can also bring pain, challenge, and uncertainty. One common challenge that many individuals face in romantic relationships is the issue of control. Control can manifest itself in various ways, and understanding these manifestations is […]

Read more »
How Does Social Media Affect Mental Health

Social Media and Mental Health: Cultivating a Healthy Online Presence

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives, allowing us to connect, share, and express ourselves like never before. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, they also come with a host of challenges that can impact our mental and emotional well-being. As a therapist, I understand the significance of […]

Read more »
How to Manage Insecurities in Your Relationship

Embracing Imperfection: How to Manage Insecurities in Your Relationship

Insecurities are a natural part of the human experience. They can manifest in various parts of life, including our romantic relationships. As a licensed therapist, I understand that managing insecurities in a romantic relationship is crucial for fostering a healthy and fulfilling connection with your partner. In this post, I’ll explore common sources of insecurity […]

Read more »
Stop-Worrying-and-Find-Your-Inner-Peace

How to Stop Worrying & Find Your Inner Peace

In today’s fast-paced world, worry has become a constant companion for many individuals. As a therapist, I understand the burden that excessive worry can place on our mental and emotional well-being. In this post, I dive into the concept of worry, exploring its origins and effects on our lives. More importantly, I discuss effective strategies […]

Read more »
Recovering from Infidelity in Your Relationship

My Partner Had an Affair. Now What?

Experiencing the betrayal of infidelity is one of the most difficult challenges someone can experience. It completely upends a relationship and turns the world upside down for the person who is cheated on. For some, infidelity is a non-negotiable boundary, and they will consequently end a relationship permanently if cheated on. For others, they will […]

Read more »
How Individual Therapy Works

How Does Individual Therapy Work?

There are many schools of thought surrounding the best “technique” or theoretical approach to use in individual therapy. There are fads in therapy just as there are in most other disciplines. When I approach working with an individual, I think first of the person and second about the technique because the former informs the latter. […]

Read more »
The-Benefits-of-Couples-Counseling-San-Diego-Therapist-Sylvia-Flanagan

What are the Benefits of Couples Counseling?

The benefits of couples counseling are wide and varied. I’ve been practicing as a therapist for almost 25 years and one consistent principle is that benefits are proportional to the amount of effort and change clients put into their counseling experience. One of the first things I assess when a couple comes to see me […]

Read more »
To top