Being Human

A blog for humans, made by a human, about being a human,

  • Reflections on Growing Up as a Risk-Taking Teen

    I grew up with the kind of energy that couldn’t sit still, the kind that questioned every rule and pushed every boundary. Looking back now, as a therapist who spends a lot of time teaching adolescents how to regulate their emotions and think through their decisions, I often find myself laughing (and cringing) at the Read more

  • The Tightrope Between Being Human and Being a Therapist

    When people think of therapists, they often imagine a calm, unshakeable presence—a serene listener sitting in a comfy chair with a knowing nod and a bottomless well of wisdom. That’s not entirely wrong, but here’s the thing they don’t tell you: being a therapist doesn’t mean I stop being human. And balancing those two roles? Read more

  • The Role of Skill Deficits

    Let’s dig in here. Imagine society as a garden, a place that could thrive in vibrance and connection. But instead, what we’re often seeing are the weeds—substance use, violence, crime, incarceration, behavioral issues, suicidality. These are the loud, undeniable signs that something’s deeply wrong, that there’s pain hiding beneath the surface. But here’s the thing: Read more

  • Creating Change on a Family System Level: Why It Matters

    When we talk about creating real change in people’s lives, we often overlook the family—the foundation where we first learn how to relate to others, handle emotions, and solve problems. Whether it’s navigating tough conversations, healing after conflicts, or simply offering support, families shape us. If we can create positive change within families, we not Read more

  • DBT Model for Describing Emotions

    Emotions are powerful. They hit fast, they hit hard, and sometimes they take over before we even know what’s happening. The DBT model for describing emotions breaks things down so we can understand the process and respond with intention instead of getting swept away. It’s about learning how to recognize what’s going on emotionally—what sets Read more

  • The price of avoidance

    The Missed Moments: Choosing Connection Over Escape We’ve all been there: standing in an elevator, the silence heavy and awkward, so we do what feels natural—reach for our phones, swipe through emails, or scroll aimlessly through social media. It’s an easy escape. That tiny screen offers instant refuge from the discomfort of being in close Read more

  • The Roles we play

    Feeding the Many Faces of Identity We are complex creatures, made up of a mosaic of identities—each piece a vital part of who we are. I’m a mother, a partner, a therapist, a friend, an advocate, a sexual being, an artist, a human. You might be an employee, an athlete, a creative, or a leader Read more

  • Maintaining composure.

    It’s such a fine balance to save face while being our most authentic selves. Sometimes, I find myself wanting to appear as though all is well, yet I recognize the value in expressing my vulnerabilities—not just for my own benefit but to encourage others to feel safe doing the same. There is immense relief in Read more

  • Perspective.

    Today’s pain is tomorrow’s wisdom. Yet, we often crave immediate relief and seek ways to escape discomfort in the moment. If only we could recognize that, like any stressful experience, perspective is just around the corner, ready to remind us of our resilience and capability to endure suffering. Can you identify a past distressing experience Read more

  • SEX. yep, it’s a thing.

    When I bring up the topic of sex with clients in our sessions, their responses vary widely: discomfort, shock, excitement, disgust, fear, shame, and laughter. Depending on a client’s upbringing, trauma history, or internalized societal beliefs about their bodies, sexuality evokes a wide range of emotional reactions and personal meanings. Sexual identity and expression are Read more