“I do not know what to do with my employee,” Tristan breathed out an exacerbated sigh. “I’ve tried everything. It seems like he wanted more management time, so I set up an additional weekly meeting. Then he was having personal problems, so I brought in my...
“My family’s great. I’m really tight with my siblings,” Joseph shared. “That’s good to hear. Do you see them regularly?” I asked. “I visit my sister Josie every year. She has a ton of kids and grandkids, so we have a blast catching up with all of...
“I’m here because I’m always bullied at school,” Misty shared. She’s sitting on the floor in our play therapy room, having pulled out 2 small figurines from our shelves. The taller, older looking girl was repeatedly hitting the smaller, younger girl. “Has this been going on...
“I am SO sick of everyone asking me if I’m dating someone. Everyone’s cool, making sure to use lots of different pronouns, but really I just want them to ask about ME! Who cares if I have a ‘special someone?’ I have straight A’s, I’m...
“I have to make changes this year Amy,” Troy began. “I know that I’ve been hanging on to my grief and not letting it pass through, or move on, or transform, or whatever. I know if I keep living this way my life will continue...
“I hate this time of year!” Naomi proclaimed as she plopped into the squishy chair with a view of the snowy creek. “Why?” I asked. Naomi was normally a very positive, cheery person. “Oh it’s my family. They’re so money-focused!” “With Christmas presents?” I wondered...
“Life is great! Everything is SO good right now. My daughter’s grades are fine, my son did well with soccer, my dad’s health is getting better, and my husband is getting closer to finding a job. I’m not even sure why I came here today,”...
My first job out of college was at a program for single mothers and my responsibilities included creating life skills classes. I had no idea what that meant, but my boss gave me a curriculum about finding your “inner child” that I was supposed to...
I’m often asked what exactly I do during a counseling session. “Isn’t counseling just for people who don’t have family or friends to talk to?” The belief is that as a psychotherapist I play the role of a confidante; mostly listening, sometimes giving advice, never...
I sit quietly on the brightly-carpeted floor waiting to see what toy or game Mark will pick during our first play therapy session together. Mark soon discovers the shields and swords, crown, knight helmet and dragon puppet. His shyness dissipates as he quickly begins to...
