By: Mireya Pava M.S. , LPC, NCC    There is no denying that coffee has been there for us in various moments of dire need in our lives.  Whether it is of cultural importance, a part of daily rituals, waking up early for a class, a late night at the office, or even just getting through the day the matter of fact is that coffee helps. The caffeine in coffee not only assists with alertness and physical energy, but it can also increase the rate of your breathing and heart rate. For those who are reading this and are thinking “Why is this a problem?” well for those who struggle with a ..read more

By: Katie Mitchell, M.A., LPC, CST Senior Lead Clinical and Sex Therapist    Let’s bring some newness to that intimate connection this July, with our new highlighted #PositionOfTheMonth: the Waterfall.  This is a unique and refreshing posture that can bring a cascade of pleasure and intimacy to your relationship.   Setup: In this position, the partner being penetrated will lie on their back on an elevated, soft surface like a bed.  They will allow their upper body and head to hang slightly off the edge, creating a gentle arch.  The penetrating partner will then st ..read more

By: Katie Mitchell, M.A., LPC, CST Senior Lead Clinical and Sex Therapist    In the realm of relationships, maintaining a vibrant and satisfying intimate connection is large contributor of long-term happiness.  Let’s bring some newness to that intimate connection this June, with our new highlighted #PositionOfTheMonth: The Ballet Dancer.  This position combines the grace of a ballet movement with the close, sensual connection of partner intimacy. Setup: To get in portion, both partners will stand facing each other.  One partner (typically the one with a stronger sense ..read more

By: Bianca Barratachea, M.S.     Are you tired of being stuck on the 'yes' treadmill, craving the freedom to shout 'no'? Many of us have found ourselves swept up in the whirlwind of people-pleasing. Despite its prevalence, people-pleasing is often overlooked and even admired. While the desire for acceptance is natural, excessive people-pleasing can lead to significant emotional challenges. Let's dive into the roots of this behavior, its impacts, and strategies for nurturing healthier relationships and personal well-being. The Roots of People Pleasing Childhood Conditioning: In c ..read more

By: Bianca Barratachea, M.S.     Many look forward to graduating from college, often imagining it as a time when all their hard work pays off and life falls into place. Making the shift from college to life after graduation can be a challenge. Suddenly, a world that may seem unfamiliar and daunting replaces the predictable routines of classes, social networks, and academic goals. This new transition can bring significant changes and new challenges that can take a toll on our mental health. Here are a few tips to navigate this phase while maintaining and even improving your menta ..read more

 Written by Helena Lorenz, LMSW  In the world of psychological diagnoses, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are cousins of sorts. They have a lot in common and are sometimes hard to distinguish from one another. In fact, I know many people who have started therapy thinking that they are coming in to learn how to cope with what feels like extreme anxiety, only to learn that they have, in fact, been dealing with OCD. With that in mind, I wanted to take a moment to walk through their distinctions because treating OCD and treating GAD are entirely ..read more

By: Bianca Barratachea, M.S.     Have you ever experienced a sudden sense that you're falling behind in life and that time seems to be speeding past you? Your mind is stuck between where you are and where you thought you should be. You try to talk yourself out of the idea that you would be able to live a more successful life if you only put in more effort and pushed yourself. For many of us, the worry that we will fall behind can be a constant source of anxiety and stress. The pressure to keep up with the speed of the world around us can occasionally feel overpowering, whether i ..read more

By: Katie Mitchell, M.A., LPC, CST Senior Lead Clinical and Sex Therapist    I’m excited to bring y’all May’s highlighted #PositionOfTheMonth: The Stairway to Heaven.  Let's uncover the allure of the Stairway to Heaven position - a tantalizing posture that can elevate your intimate experiences to new heights. Positioning: To get into position, the receiving partner lies on their back at the edge of a soft, supportive surface (like a bed or a raised surface), while the other partner stands facing toward them.  The penetrating/standing partner then lifts and supports the legs ..read more

By: Kathleen Cogan, M.A., LPC    As an emotion focused therapist, I privilege a client’s experience: how it feels in the body, the sensations, as uncomfortable as they may be, above intellect.  Together with clients I explore parts of themselves and life that doesn’t seem to make sense or causes distress. This process works well for those wanting to improve their relationships with others and for those clients feelings stuck- whether in a relationship, a particular feeling or pattern in their life.  Maybe there has been an emotional injury, like an affair,  between yo ..read more

By: Helena Lorenz, LMSW     For myself and others who struggle with anxiety, making any sort of decision, big or small, can be a bit of a mine field. When faced with the power to choose, our brains get flooded with seemingly insurmountable questions -- How do I plan for all the possible outcomes? How do I address every possible variable? Will everyone else be happy with my decision? Will I be happy with my decision? What if something horrible happens and it’s all my fault because I’m the one who made the decision? It’s truly fun times over here in anxiety land. These question l ..read more