A few years ago, I decided to pursue a PhD. Why … isn’t it obvious? Being a psychotherapist who helps health care professionals navigate burnout and imposter syndrome, raising three teenagers, and holding multiple certifications in everything from DBT to MBSR to CCISM wasn’t enough—or so I thought. In my work, I help physicians, faculty, and other high-achieving professionals process...[ read more ]
The wildfires that have swept through the Los Angeles area have left behind devastation—neighborhoods reduced to smoldering ruins, homes turned to ash, and lives forever changed. The destruction isn’t just physical—it’s the emotional wounds left by the destruction of what was once home. The fire didn’t just burn structures; it burned away a sense of safety, routine, and belonging. The lingering...[ read more ]
As an employee assistance program (EAP) therapist at a hospital, I am often called upon to help people navigate the emotional fallout of life’s most challenging moments. The wildfires devastating Los Angeles bring a unique layer of grief, stress, and uncertainty to our community. David Kessler, a leading voice on grief, emphasizes that loss is not limited to death—it is...[ read more ]
Therapy is a wonderful way to explore your inner world, process your feelings, and inspire transformation. But what my clients often tell me is that a day or so after our session, they begin to feel a little lost and anxious again.It’s important to support the progress you’ve made with your therapist in between your sessions. Here is what I...[ read more ]
Many people think of burnout as simply being incredibly tired after a long week or month of work or school studies. But burnout is much more than a physical exhaustion; it has in fact been called the “triad of depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and feelings of detachment.” Here are some additional signs of burnout:PessimismPessimism is a major red flag that someone is...[ read more ]
Do you ever get up in the morning and wonder if it would be okay for you to take a mental health day? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, research from the American Psychological Association shows that today’s workforce is experiencing job burnout at alarming rates.What are Mental Health Days Exactly?The good news is that taking a mental...[ read more ]
Bipolar disorder is a condition that affects an individual’s mood. While manageable, the condition not only affects how a person thinks and feels, but also how they behave and act in romantic relationships. For instance, individuals with bipolar disorder experience severe high and low moods, which are typically called manic and depressive episodes. While in these emotional states, their behavior...[ read more ]
Change is a single constant. Oftentimes, with change, there can be much uncertainty about potential outcomes. Uncertainty is uncomfortable and usually precipitated by incomplete information, unknown effects or consequences, and limited knowledge. And yet, the last few years have shown us how opportunity loves uncertainty. It is a simple statement with a tremendous amount of impact. Uncertainty signifies the ultimate starting...[ read more ]
Watching a loved-one self-destruct and feeling helpless to stop them can feel devastating, particularly when that person is in complete denial about their unhealthy life patterns. While you may feel hopeless, there is something you can do to try and help your loved one get the help they need to change their life.What is an Intervention?An intervention is a carefully...[ read more ]
Many neurodivergent clients I work with have shared with me that the idea of dating to them is terrifying. They feel nervous about holding their own in a conversation with someone they’ve just met as most find small talk absolutely distasteful. They don’t know how to pick up romantic cues from the other person, and, well, sexual relations pose entirely...[ read more ]