Have you ever heard of the acorn analogy?  It’s the idea that acorns can only grow to the degree that they have been nurtured from nature: sunlight, rain and nutrients from soil. Even if the acorn has a slow start, this soon-to-be oak tree can accelerate in growth and self-esteem any time the proper nutrients […] The post 8 Principles for Empowering Your Teens Self-Esteem appeared first on Austin Family Counseling | Child, Teen, Marriage, Family Counseling & Therapy Austin Texas ..read more

Practicing law is one of the most demanding and high-pressure professions, with demandingworkloads, high stakes, and unyielding pressure to perform. While these challenges can bedaunting, therapy offers lawyers a valuable opportunity to manage stress, improve their mental health, and enhance their professional performance. Here is a brief overview of the ways lawyers, in particular, can […] The post The Unique Benefits of Therapy for Lawyers appeared first on Austin Family Counseling | Child, Teen, Marriage, Family Counseling & Therapy Austin Texas ..read more

I’m going to be completely honest with you. I had planned to write this blog about laziness and rest very scientifically and it was going to sound like a gosh darn essay. Now however, the deadline has come, and I am left with a very interesting and ironic situation. Was it Laziness That brought Me here? Or Was It Rest? In order to uncover the truth behind laziness and rest, I will be fully honest with my thoughts and the situation that has befallen me. Laziness is Avoiding work Rest is Refreshing inactivity With those definitions in mind, I can absolutely think of times where I did have enough ..read more

Society’s perception of therapy has evolved significantly over the years, yet many still view it as a last resort or a sign of weakness. This couldn’t be further from the truth, especially for young men. Seeking therapy is a courageous act that demonstrates strength, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth. Let’s explore why therapy is a powerful measure of strength in young men. Acknowledging the Need for Help 1. Self-Awareness Recognizing that you need help requires a deep level of self-awareness. It means understanding your emotions, identifying areas where you struggle, and acknowl ..read more

**This blog is a continuation of my previous post “Childhood Emotional Neglect Part 2: 5 Ways in Which Childhood Emotional Neglect Still Hurts Us“. If you haven’t read part two, double back and read it here before moving forward with this entry.  If my last two blogs resonated with you, you are not alone and it’s going to be okay. It’s common to feel betrayal, surprise, anger, or sadness once you realize that you missed out on important emotional connections early in life. Many people also express concern that they are doomed to repeat the patterns they have internalized from their parent ..read more

The word “fat” isn’t supposed to be a dirty word, a joke, or a judgment. Instead, “fat” is a neutral word describing the type of body a person has, just like the descriptions of “thin,” “tall,” and “short.” “Fat” can be triggering for many people who have only been introduced to the word as a negative concept or way of being. But over the past decade, body positivity and fat liberation movements have been gaining traction in both online and physical spaces, spreading the message that we, as fat people, have the right to exist as much as straight-sized people (aka people who are not fat).  ..read more

**This blog is a continuation of my previous post “Childhood Emotional Neglect Part 1: I’ve Had a Difficult Childhood, Especially Lately”. If you haven’t read part one, double back and read it here before moving forward with this entry.  Are you unsure if you experienced emotional neglect as a child? Here are 5 ways in which childhood emotional neglect shows up in your adult self: 1. People Pleasing People pleasing can show up in multiple ways, but it often looks like sacrificing your best interest to put others first in order to avoid conflict. Difficulty managing and maintaining boundar ..read more

In my role as a mental health professional, I often encounter concerns from clients about their children’s struggles with emotional regulation. It’s a challenge that many families face, but what does it really mean, and how can we address it from both a parental and individual standpoint? Moreover, how does it relate to our own journey of self-regulation as adults? Let’s explore these questions together. Understanding Emotion Regulation: When we talk about children having difficulty with emotional regulation, we’re referring to their ability to manage their feelings in various situations. Th ..read more

POV: You’re a parent or guardian and your kid is becoming curious about their gender or has already come out. Maybe you yourself haven’t had much exposure to queer and transgender communities, but you still want to be as supportive as possible as your kiddo navigates their gender identity. This blog post is for you! I am a nonbinary/trans therapist who’s here to support you as you support your kiddo.  Gender exploration is not a new trend. It is simply something that has existed throughout history and is coming to the forefront now because we now have the language to describe how we feel ..read more

It’s been nine years since Lindsay C. Gibson wrote Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting or Self-Involved Parents. Her book and this concept continue to resonate with people with varying childhood experiences, which is why I recommend it to many of my clients. In Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, Gibson explains the four types of emotionally neglectful parents and the two ways in which their children process that experience. Four Types of Emotionally Immature Parents: 1.      Emotional parents: these parents are “run by ..read more