EMDR Michelle Hession EMDR Michelle Hession

What Do You Think About During EMDR Therapy?

EMDR can seem overwhelming at first. If you’re considering EMDR therapy or have recently started treatment, you might not be familiar with what actually happens during sessions, especially during the bilateral stimulation phase. You may be wondering whether you have to think about your trauma, and what to do if you don’t remember all of it. Understanding what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for this evidence-based trauma treatment.

Read More
Couples Michelle Hession Couples Michelle Hession

How Often Do Married Couples Really Have Sex?

When couples start wondering about their sexual frequency, they’re often really asking: “Are we normal?” You’ve probably noticed that your sex life goes through ebbs and flows, and when it ebbs, you might be feeling frustrated and looking for answers. The truth is, there’s no universal answer to how often married couples should have sex. Still, there are healthy ways to navigate mismatched desires and create intimacy that works for both partners.

Read More
Couples Michelle Hession Couples Michelle Hession

Do You Have to Discuss Sex in Couples Therapy?

Many couples entering therapy worry about having to share intimate details they’d prefer to keep private. Even when sexual concerns aren’t the primary reason for seeking help, questions about intimacy may come up during their sessions. Understanding why therapists ask about sex and what you’re actually required to discuss can help ease your worries and open you up to new avenues for connection.

Read More
ADHD, Couples Michelle Hession ADHD, Couples Michelle Hession

How to Improve Communication When Your Partner Has ADHD

When one partner has ADHD and the other doesn’t, communication challenges can create tension and misunderstandings in the relationship. Many couples in this dynamic describe feeling like they are “speaking different languages.” But it’s possible to understand why these communication issues happen, since they’re often predictable for people with this relationship dynamic. Here are concrete strategies you can use to improve communication with your partner with ADHD.

Read More
LGBTQ Michelle Hession LGBTQ Michelle Hession

Finding a Supportive LGBTQ+ Therapist: What to Look For

If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, wanting a therapist who understands your experience is completely natural. Even when your concerns aren’t directly related to your gender or sexuality, having someone who recognizes how these aspects shape your relationships and worldview can make therapy more effective and comfortable. Finding the right therapist takes some research, but knowing what to look for can make the process much easier.

Read More
Anxiety Michelle Hession Anxiety Michelle Hession

Work-Related Anxiety: How Performance Pressure Impacts Mental Health

Work-related anxiety has become increasingly common in our society today, since professional success and productivity often take center stage in our lives. The pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and maintain a competitive edge can eventually take a significant toll on our mental health. Understanding the causes and consequences of workplace anxiety is the first step toward managing it effectively.

Read More
Guest Post Jason Fierstein Guest Post Jason Fierstein

What Is ADHD in Adults?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder isn't something only children experience. Many adults live with it every day, often without realizing that their challenges have a name.

Read More
Trauma Michelle Hession Trauma Michelle Hession

6 Signs of Attachment Trauma in Adults

Attachment trauma stems from childhood experiences where a parent or caregiver was unable to meet your needs through abuse, neglect, or other forms of emotional unavailability. Because these experiences occur so early in development, they create lasting effects that can shape your adult relationships and emotional well-being. If you’ve experienced attachment trauma, you might notice these patterns showing up in your romantic and platonic relationships, work life, and sense of self. Here are six common signs to watch for:

Read More
Religious Trauma Michelle Hession Religious Trauma Michelle Hession

What Is Religious Trauma Syndrome? How to Recognize It and Heal

For most people, religion provides guidance through difficult times. It can serve as a meaningful source of comfort that everything will work out toward a higher purpose. Many people also have strong community ties based on their religion. However, for others, religious teachings and culture can become a source of genuine trauma due to harmful experiences within faith communities. Here’s what religious trauma looks like, how it happens, and how to heal.

Read More
ADHD, PTSD Michelle Hession ADHD, PTSD Michelle Hession

ADHD and PTSD: How They’re Connected and Why It Matters

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are distinct mental health conditions that both can significantly impact how a person functions day to day. What many don’t realize is how often these two conditions overlap and how similar they can appear on the surface. Understanding the connection between ADHD and PTSD matters because accurate diagnosis leads to more effective treatment.

Read More
ADHD Michelle Hession ADHD Michelle Hession

Managing ADHD Without Medication: Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

When it comes to managing ADHD, medication can be life-changing for many people. However, it is not always the only option, and some individuals prefer to explore alternative approaches. Others may want additional tools to support their focus alongside current treatment. Thankfully, there are practical lifestyle strategies that can make a significant difference in managing ADHD symptoms. While these approaches will not cure ADHD, they can help you feel more in control of daily life.

Read More
Complex Trauma Michelle Hession Complex Trauma Michelle Hession

Healing from Complex Trauma with EMDR: Here’s How It Works

If you’ve been through a difficult childhood or an abusive relationship, you probably don’t consider your trauma as having a single event. You might even wonder whether trauma therapies will work for your situation, since it’s hard to pinpoint where exactly your trauma comes from. Many people think EMDR only works for single traumatic incidents, but this powerful therapy can be remarkably effective for complex trauma too. Here’s what you need to know about how EMDR addresses long-term, ongoing trauma.

Read More
Teen Counseling, ADHD Michelle Hession Teen Counseling, ADHD Michelle Hession

How to Support Your Teen with ADHD

Parenting a teenager with ADHD comes with unique challenges and rewards. The teenage years can be especially tough with the added issues of hormone changes, increased academic pressures, and the journey toward independence. Understanding how to support your teen during this critical developmental period can make all the difference in their success and well-being.

Read More
Neurodivergent Michelle Hession Neurodivergent Michelle Hession

Understanding the Stigmas Around Neurodivergence

As our understanding of the human brain deepens, we’re learning more about how neurodivergent and neurotypical minds work differently. Yet despite this progress, persistent myths and stigmas continue to surround conditions like autism and ADHD. These misconceptions create unnecessary barriers for neurodivergent people to succeed in school, work, and independent life. They also prevent our communities from fully appreciating the unique strengths they bring to our shared human experience.

Read More
Couples Michelle Hession Couples Michelle Hession

Tips for Effectively Communicating with Your Partner During Heated Moments

Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship. Whether you’ve been together for months or decades, disagreements will arise. The difference between healthy and destructive relationships isn’t the absence of conflict; it’s how partners navigate those challenging moments together. When you can communicate effectively during heated discussions, they can become opportunities to strengthen your bond and solve problems as a team.

Read More
Guest Post William Dempsey Guest Post William Dempsey

The Power of Affirmative Art Therapy for Transgender Individuals

For transgender people, the journey toward self-understanding and acceptance isn't always easy to put into words. Between navigating societal stigma, processing complex emotions, and dealing with the very real mental health challenges that come with living in a world that doesn't always affirm your identity, sometimes language just doesn't cut it.

Read More
Complex Trauma Michelle Hession Complex Trauma Michelle Hession

Complex Trauma Explained: What Makes It Different?

Trauma can happen to anyone. A car accident, the sudden loss of a loved one, or a single frightening event can leave lasting impacts that affect how we think, feel, and move through the world. But there’s another type of trauma that works differently: it develops from repeated exposure to harmful experiences over time. This is called complex trauma, and understanding its unique nature is crucial for recognizing its effects and finding the right path to healing.

Read More