Surviving Family Gatherings: Strategies for Healthy Boundaries and Emotional Resilience
The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, laughter, and connection—but for many, family gatherings can bring stress, tension, or even emotional triggers. Past conflicts, differing values, or simply spending extended time in close quarters with relatives...
Coping with Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring unexpected stress, anxiety, and pressure. Between planning gatherings, managing finances, and navigating family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. For many, the holidays are also a reminder of loss,...
This Is Just How Our Family Is: Recognizing and Breaking Free From Generational Patterns
“This is just how our family is…” If you’ve ever found yourself saying those words, or hearing them, you’re not alone. As a family systems therapist, I often sit with clients who are unknowingly carrying inherited emotional legacies. These patterns shape the way we...
When the Path Isn’t Clear—Walk Anyway
I’ve made mistakes. So have you. So have our kids. That’s part of life—missed turns, hard lessons, moments you’d handle differently if given another shot. But looking back, I’m often more grateful than regretful. The messy parts taught me more than the polished ones...