If you've ever read a poem by the 13th century poet Rumi, then you know what a delicious treat his words are, even today. One thing I love about Rumi is that his poems always challenge me to expand my mind and look a things in a new way. In therapy, I sometimes offer clients something called a "reframe," which is a new perspective on their problem. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite Rumi pomes, one that always helps me keep my emotions in persp

This is why I love bringing art into the therapy room. Not literal pieces of art that someone else has made-although that's certainly nice to look at! I'm talking about art prompts and projects for my clients to work with in session. Why? Art--drawing, molding with clay, creative writing, painting, dancing, making music, etc, is not only good for focusing the mind and expressing oneself visually, but it's also healthy for the brain, and healing for the soul as well. Personall

Remember the phrase "It takes a village?" Well I've been thinking a lot about that lately. It takes a "village" of doctors, nurses, family, friends, pets, nature, and prayer warriors to support a person through cancer treatments. It's taken a "village" of supervisors, clients, trainers, friends, family, pets, nature, and prayer warriors to get me through my internship. You know what else takes a village? Putting your life together after a tragic loss or traumatic event. Creat

Artwork by: Archan Nair This says it all, doesn't it? To me this picture represents complete and total self-acceptance. Your gifts AND your scars make you who you are. Your weirdness AND your "normalness" make you complete. Your pain that you hide from others for fear of judgment? Yeah, it plays a role in allowing you to feel deeply and find compassion for others' pain as well. For some reason, it seems that to love yourself and accept yourself this deeply is considered a ra

I see you. You think there's nothing there, but I see your essence, your inner glow. I'm laughing because you're so flipping brilliant and yet you're convinced that you're comparable to a big pile of poo. Your survival mechanisms have so cleverly fooled you and many others over the years, hiding your true self,...but I see you there. I will help you see yourself as well, and excavate your authentic self so that you can shine your unique light on the world. What are you waitin

What are the coolest things about seeing a therapist? You get to talk to someone who's like your best friend, but you don't have to listen to any of their problems. Therapy happens in a safe "container", meaning the therapist's office is your safe place to: express yourself, ask or say the things you're afraid everyone else will question your sanity for asking/saying, practice new ways of being in the world. You have the freedom to be 100% YOU-no judgments. #beinghuman #liste