HOUSTON THERAPY

High-functioning anxiety is not an official diagnosis, but it is a very real experience for many people, especially in a big, busy city like Houston. From the outside, you may look successful, organized, and capable. You show up to work. You meet deadlines. You manage family responsibilities. Inside, however, it can feel like your nervous system never truly turns off. Here in Houston, where long work hours, traffic, caregiving demands, and professional pressure are common, an

The holidays are just around the corner, and life can feel like it's picking up speed. There are gifts to buy, travel plans to coordinate, social events to attend, and expectations—both spoken and unspoken—that can start to feel heavy. For many of us, this time of year can bring a mix of joy and stress. When anxiety shows up, it often pulls us away from the moment, leaving us stuck in in our own thoughts to worry about what’s next or what could go wrong. In my work with clien

When Big Feelings Take Over. When I wasn’t attending college classes to become a therapist, I spent much of my time working as a preschool teacher with children ranging from 2 months to 6 years old. During those years, I worked closely with parents to help their children to not only meet important developmental milestones, but to also build social and emotional skills that allowed them to enjoy school, understand themselves, and express their needs more effectively. But as an

I’ll admit it. For most of my adult life thought I was terrible at crossword puzzles. I would stare at the blank grid, feel that quiet dread of words I did not know, and give up too soon. But recently I rediscovered them. I found myself excitedly sitting down over a cup of coffee, filling in squares, celebrating little successes, and enjoying the process in a way I did not expect. So I decided to look into the psychology of crossword puzzles. Why crossword puzzles feel so sat

Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is a common but often misunderstood mental health condition. It goes beyond everyday shyness and can significantly impact a person's ability to engage in social situations, leading to distress and avoidance behaviors. Fortunately, effective treatments, including psychotherapy, can help individuals manage and overcome social anxiety, improving their confidence and quality of life.

Pathological demand avoidance is a pattern of behavior where a person resists or avoids doing things that others ask of them, even when those tasks are reasonable or align with their own goals. This behavior is often found in children, but some adults can display it as well. This avoidance is not always conscious. It can come from anxiety, fear of failure, or a need to stay in control.

There’s a concept in psychoanalysis called the transitional object. Think teddy bear, blankie, beloved plush dinosaur with one eye missing. It’s not you, and it’s not not-you. It’s something in between. It's a bridge from the warm oneness of early attachment to the cool independence of the outside world. And lately, I’ve been wondering:Can AI be that thing?

If you’re considering starting therapy, one of the most common and understandable questions is: How long does therapy take?  The answer isn’t always straightforward. The length of therapy depends on several personal, clinical, and practical factors. But there is research to guide us, as well as the insights of experienced therapists.

Self-care, put simply, is being intentional in what you do to support your health and well-being and to honor and respect your needs. This can lead you to feeling more resilient and less likely to feel burnout. You can gain and build compassion for yourself, and you can be more engaged with others

For many of us, our inner dialogue is far from kind. We criticize ourselves for the smallest mistakes, compare ourselves to others, and replay past regrets like broken records. It's a voice that holds us to impossible standards. Over time, these negative thoughts can become so ingrained that it shapes the way we see ourselves and the world around us. But, it doesn't always have to be this way. We can learn to speak to ourselves with compassion, encouragement, and patience

Personality traits shape how we think, feel, and relate to others. One of the most widely accepted ways to describe personality is through the Big Five model (or Five Factor Model). These five traits offer a simple framework for understanding ourselves and the people around us.

As a therapist, I'm always attuned to patterns—how we grow, how we connect, and how we respond to challenge. Recently, I participated in the MS150, a 150-mile charity bike ride that supports research and care for those living with multiple sclerosis.

Anyone will tell you that forming friendships is one of life's simplest joys, yet many adults find it surprisingly difficult. As children, making friends seemed effortless—often as easy as simply asking, "Will you be my friend?" But as we grow into adulthood, a different question hangs in our minds: why is it so hard to make new friends?

esearch does support the idea that certain lifestyle habits can have a meaningful impact on mental health and overall well-being.

Do you often find yourself stepping in to solve others’ problems without being asked? Or maybe you take on more than your fair share of

Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person experiences conflicting thoughts or engages in behavior that contradicts their values.

Adult ADHD is frequently misunderstood or overlooked. Here's an overview of its signs, strengths, and strategies for coping with it

Here’s how you can help your spouse when they’re experiencing strong emotions in a way that strengthens your relationship

Vulnerability is often the keystone of the human experience due to its relationship with empathy, intimacy, connection, and psychological we

Here’s a look at how yoga works to enhance mental health and why it might be a valuable addition to your self-care routine.