Grief is a universal human experience, and everyone experiences it in their own way. Losing a loved one, a job, a pet, or even a way of life can cause grief. Some people try to suppress their feelings of grief, while others are consumed by it. However, integrating grief into your life can help you come to terms with your loss and move forward in a healthy way. What does integration look like? It’s different for everyone, but here are a few tips that can be helpful. Date Your Grief One way to integrate grief into your life is to compartmentalize throughout the day. When you are at work or enga ..read more

Trauma can cast a long shadow over our lives, affecting not just our emotions but also our physical well-being. Lifespan Integration (LI) offers a beacon of hope in navigating through these tumultuous waters. At its core, LI is not just about addressing trauma; it's about nurturing and strengthening our inner selves to build resilience and reclaim our sense of wholeness. Central to LI is the concept of cultivating a robust Core Self – a foundation of emotional stability and self-assurance that allows us to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. Let's delve deeper into what it m ..read more

Are you and your partner feeling disconnected or struggling to maintain affection and emotional responsiveness in your relationship? Nurturing these essential elements is vital for cultivating a vibrant love connection. Affection goes beyond physical touch; it encompasses verbal expressions of love, acts of kindness, and emotional support. Emotional responsiveness involves being attuned to your partner's feelings and needs, offering validation, empathy, and understanding. In a healthy relationship, affection and emotional responsiveness create a secure and nurturing environment where both par ..read more

In the swirling currents of today's political landscape, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the waves of uncertainty and discord. Recent decisions regarding women's reproductive health, the rights of trans youth and individuals, and a prevailing disregard for human well-being over profit margins have left many feeling disheartened and anxious about the future. Acknowledging the Impact: Validating Your Feelings The emotional toll of such political turmoil is undeniable. Anger, frustration, fear, and sadness are natural responses to policies that directly affect our lives and the lives of those a ..read more

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are profound journeys that bring about a multitude of changes, not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. Building a supportive community during this time can be invaluable for expecting and new mothers. From the moment a woman finds out she's pregnant, to navigating the challenges of the "fourth trimester" or postpartum period, having a network of understanding peers and professionals can make all the difference. Our therapists at Roots & Branches Wellness recognize the significance of community and support during the perinatal period (whic ..read more

Marriage is a journey that requires constant effort, communication, and compromise. When one partner possesses a Type-A personality, characterized by ambition, competitiveness, and a desire for control, it can present unique challenges. However, with understanding, adaptability, and effective communication, a healthy and thriving marriage is entirely possible–but it definitely helps to start early on in the relationship in navigating this type of personality. A Type-A personality refers to a set of behavioral traits characterized by a high degree of ambition, competitiveness, assertiveness, a ..read more

by Laura Parry, LCSW, PMH-C It can be difficult to navigate relationships where religious differences are involved. Being in a mixed-faith marriage, where each partner believes differently, can present unique challenges. Especially when the partners may have had the same shared faith when they married, but one partner has now left the faith or joined another faith. For some couples, the struggle with mixed-faith marriage may be insurmountable, but others may wish to continue to strengthen and deepen the relationship despite religious differences. Below are some tips for navigating a mixed-fait ..read more

When it comes to building and maintaining a healthy relationship, communication and understanding are key. But how do we go about creating a strong and lasting relationship? One model that can be helpful in this process is the Sound Relationship House by Drs. John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman. The Sound Relationship House model is based on the idea that a strong relationship is built on a foundation of trust, shared goals, and mutual respect. This foundation is made up of nine different components, which are: Build Love Maps: Knowing your partner's inner world - their thoughts, feelings ..read more

As a new mom, you may be feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, and that's totally normal! One of the risk factors for perinatal mood disorders is poor sleep hygiene, and let's face it, getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge when you have a new baby. But don't worry, there are steps you can take to improve your sleep hygiene during the postpartum period. First and foremost, enlist the help of your partner, family members, or a postpartum doula to take shifts and ensure that you get at least a 5-hour period of sleep as soon as possible. This can be a game-changer! You'll feel more rested ..read more

Did you know that January is recognized as Mental Wellness Month? This designation prompts us to focus on the significance of mental health in our new year’s resolutions, emphasizing the priority of emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. The dedication of an entire month to mental wellness is a relatively recent development in our history. Evolving perspectives on therapy have allowed us to set the goal of dispelling stigmas and fostering a more informed and compassionate approach to mental health. Historically, the choice to seek therapy has been burdened by societal preconceptions, wh ..read more