The concept of the Window of Tolerance, originally developed by psychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel, offers a compassionate framework for understanding how our nervous systems respond to stress, connection, and threat. It helps us make sense of our emotional and physiological reactions — and, importantly, shows us that regulation is not about being calm all the time, but about having enough capacity to move through life with flexibility and self compassion.

Something I've been giving a lot of thought to lately is the difference between healing from within and healing alone. I think we often make the mistake of thinking that we have to do it all by ourselves. This lines up nicely with the traditional "go it alone" attitude that characterizes our culture in many ways. Although nobody can do it for you, or give it to you, healing from within actually involves seeking support. 

Regardless of the approach, most mental health clinicians will follow the same basic steps in their process. One of my all-time favorite books is Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror by Dr. Judith Herman. I learned so much from this book, most especially the concept of the “stages of trauma recovery.” Being familiar with these stages can help you to know what to expect when you’re getting started with therapy,or with a new therapist or modality.

If you are like many of my clients, you are a person who is pursuing self-improvement, healing, and growth through a variety of pathways. While on this journey, many people find themselves wondering if they have to choose between spirituality and therapy. The truth is that you don’t have to choose. Spiritual connection and development can go hand-in-hand with more (or less) traditional therapy. In fact, the more that I dive into all of these channels, the more I see common threads. Three approaches that I see as being fundamentally connected but different in their approach are CBT, EMDR, and the Law of Attraction. 

EMDR intensives are a powerful and effective way to facilitate deep healing and change. Learn more through this blog about how intensives work, some of their benefits, and who can benefit from this approach.

In a world that constantly asks us to produce, strive, and achieve and simultaneously experiences epidemic levels of anxiety, depression and burnout, I have found another way. A way that is far more generative, kinder, and joyful. That way is through REST. 

Polyvagal theory helps to explain the way that our nervous systems influence us throughout our days and how we can work with those systems for better mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Learn the basics of this powerful healing modality, including how it works, approaches to treatment, who may be a good candidate, and ways to access treatment.

Internal Family Systems therapy is an evidence-based approach to therapy that helps clients to access deep parts of themselves for profound healing.

Learn the basics of EMDR therapy, including theoretical background, evidence to support its effectiveness, and what it’s like to do EMDR as a client.

Being a highly-sensitive person, or HSP, can feel like a lot to handle. This blog lays out what it means to be an HSP, common traits and experiences for HPSs, and how to leverage your sensitivity to improve your life and impact the world.

Having a reliable “coping toolkit” is essential for anyone hoping to move through life with more ease, connection, and presence. This blog gives you the building blocks to get started with your own coping practice.

Secure attachment is essential to healthy relationships. This blog lays out the three most important elements to building secure attachment, both for children and adults. These are - attunement, containment, and rupture followed by repair.

We often hear about the concept of “mindfulness,” but awareness of what’s going on with our bodies is just as important as being aware of our thoughts. Our bodies are powerful messengers that connect us to our intuition. Learn more in this blog about connecting with your body as a guide.