It’s not conflict avoidance. It’s a childhood wound.

It's not conflict avoidance. It's a childhood wound. Learn more from a St. Louis, MO therapist for moms, teens, college students, couples, and more.

If you generally avoid conflict — but something about the phrase “conflict avoidant” doesn’t quite fit — that’s worth paying attention to. If you’re someone who shuts down during relational friction, can’t bring yourself to say anything, finds your mind going blank, and then needs a few days just to feel like yourself again — … Read more

Sibling Dynamics During Big Transitions: Helping the Ones Who Stay Home

Sibling Dynamics During Big Transitions Helping the Ones Who Stay Home with Help from a St. Louis therapist for families with college students in Missouri.

When your oldest graduates and prepares to leave for college, every corner of the house seems to hold emotion. You’re packing boxes, attending celebrations, and adjusting your mind to a new kind of family life. But for your other children, this transition carries a quieter weight. You might notice your younger kids acting differently as … Read more

The Last Summer at Home: Finding Balance Between Letting Go and Holding On

The Last Summer at Home: Finding Balance Between Letting Go and Holding On to your High School Years in St. Charles County and Lincoln County Missouri

Summer break has finally arrived. For families with a new high school graduate, this season often feels different than any before it. There’s celebration, nostalgia, and anticipation in equal measure. The months ahead hold college orientations, part-time jobs, dorm shopping, and more “lasts” than anyone expected. It’s a season defined by transition, and for parents, … Read more

ADHD and Relationships: Understanding Emotional Regulation and Connection

ADHD and Relationships: Understanding Emotional Regulation and Connection

Living with ADHD as an adult brings unique challenges, but when it comes to relationships, those challenges can feel especially confusing. You might notice patterns of miscommunication, emotional outbursts, or forgetfulness that leave both partners feeling misunderstood. If you have ADHD, you might love deeply but still forget important details. If your partner has ADHD, … Read more

The Work Before the Work: Why Therapy Sometimes Starts Slowly

The Work Before the Work: Why Therapy Sometimes Starts Slowly. Therapy can feel slow at first, but that’s often where real change begins. Learn why building a foundation is key to lasting emotional healing.

I’ve been sitting with a client recently whose sessions are flying by (at least for me!). But the work? The work is going slowly. We haven’t even started on her goals yet.  Five sessions in.  Private pay sessions, at that. Gasp. Why Therapy Progress Can Feel Slow at First She’s not ready. And if I … Read more

When “Almost Done” Feels Overwhelming: Helping Your Teen (and Yourself) Through the Final Weeks of Senior Year

The final weeks of high school can feel messy and emotional for both teens and parents. Learn how to manage stress, communicate, and enjoy this important season.

The end of senior year is supposed to feel like celebration mode. Graduation announcements are being mailed, dorm checklists are forming, and proud smiles show up at every event. But in between the milestones and grins, there’s another layer that many parents quietly wrestle with—a surreal mix of joy, exhaustion, and anxiety as the finish … Read more

Building Emotional Resilience for the College Journey

Building Emotional Resilience for the College Journey

Starting college is one of the most exciting times in a young person’s life. You’re stepping into independence, meeting new people, and exploring who you want to become. At the same time, it can feel overwhelming. College brings new demands—academic pressure, social adjustments, and the reality of managing life on your own. That’s why building … Read more