Blog
Mental Health Resources for LGBTQIA+ Texans
In mid-July, it was announced that the special line dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth – which anyone could access when calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – would be discontinued. The line was operated by the Trevor Project, a highly regarded organization...
4 Mindfulness Practices for Your Family
Mindfulness may be a term you have never heard or hear all the time. Regardless of how familiar it may be, it is often hard to define. When I introduce mindfulness into therapeutic work, I use Jon Kabat-Zinn’s simple definition: Paying attention, on purpose, without...
Do You Suffer from Religious Trauma?
When you hear the words “religious trauma,” what do you think of? You’re maybe thinking something along the lines of Catholic priests and altar boys. And while that’s certainly one of the most egregious examples of religious trauma, it can be much subtler than...
When Heroes Need Help
by Maria Vanillo, M.S. My father has been a first responder for over 30 years. His profession has come with numerous sacrifices both he and our family have made. From sleepless nights to difficulties with facing everyday stressors, we all struggled. I learned how...
Therapy Is a Long-Term Investment
Are we there yet? I remember going on family vacations when I was younger. The excitement between my three sisters and I would build for weeks. Finally, the day would arrive, and we were off. Pretty soon the questions would begin. Anyone who has traveled with children...
Destigmatizing Anger
Anger is valid, like any of the other emotions we experience. However, it seems to have a much worse reputation than other feelings due to its potential to directly harm those around us. This makes learning to control it just as or maybe even more important than...
Why I Love Being an EMDR Therapist
Becoming an EMDR Trained Therapist is one of the most exciting things I have ever done. It is my honor and my joy to work with persons who have carried terrible burdens of trauma and pain for many years; and to help them unload those burdens, and find healing, hope,...
5 Signs Your Child May Be Addicted to Technology
Should I be concerned about my child's screen time? This is a question I hear frequently. The COVID pandemic caused a significant increase in the amount of time our children spend online each day, and many parents have concerns about their child’s technology...
From Perfect Parenting to Good Enough
Are you still trying to be that “perfect” parent? On the reflection of my own journey of parenting, I have come to realize that there is nothing like parenthood, from the moment I realized that I was about to become a parent, to seeing my child grow up every day. I...
How to Talk to Your Kids about Race and Racism
There might be a misconception that children are too young to learn about race. However, it is usually adults who feel uncomfortable talking about racial differences with their child because it may “put ideas in their heads.” Or other adults may feel that...
Dementia: An Introduction
Have you been, or has your loved one been, diagnosed with dementia? Do you dread the journey that lies ahead? Here are a few facts and resources to help you face this difficult challenge. Do not be afraid Almost all of us who are over 50 fear that we will get dementia...