Couples, Internal Family Systems Michelle Hession Couples, Internal Family Systems Michelle Hession

How to Navigate In-Law Tensions Without Damaging Your Marriage

For many couples, tension with in-laws can become one of the most stressful parts of married life. When conflict arises between a spouse and a parent, it can leave someone stuck between being loyal to their partner but also loyal to their family of origin. These situations often bring up complicated emotions: guilt, frustration, defensiveness, or even resentment. In-law conflicts can quickly strain a marriage if they aren’t handled thoughtfully. Here are a few strategies to navigate these tensions while protecting your relationship.

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ADHD, Neurodivergent Michelle Hession ADHD, Neurodivergent Michelle Hession

Why ADHD Falls Under the Neurodiversity Umbrella

Not everyone learns, thinks, or processes information in the same way, and it’s not a flaw. It’s simply the reality of human diversity. The concept of neurodiversity celebrates this truth, offering a framework that honors the wide spectrum of how human brains are wired, rather than measuring everyone against a single neurotypical standard. Understanding where ADHD fits within this framework can shift how we see and support those who live with it.

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Depression Michelle Hession Depression Michelle Hession

Loving Someone with Depression: How to Help Without Losing Yourself

When your partner is going through a depressive episode, it’s hard on both of you. You may be carrying feelings you’re not sure how to bring up, like frustration, helplessness, even anger. These feelings are valid, and you’re not alone in having them. The truth is, supporting someone with depression is a careful dance. You can show up for the person you love and protect your own well-being at the same time. Here are some ways to do both.

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Guest Post Alayna Baillod Guest Post Alayna Baillod

The Body Keeps the Score: Why I stopped being an EMDR skeptic

When I first heard about EMDR I was skeptical. I thought to myself 'So you move your eyes back and forth and that fixes things?' I mentally filed it somewhere between crystals and past-life regression. I was wrong. Embarrassingly wrong. My initial reaction is worth sharing because a lot of people walking into their first consultation feel the same way.

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Couples Michelle Hession Couples Michelle Hession

Angry with Your Partner? Here’s How to Communicate Without Making It Worse

Even the healthiest relationships have their ups and downs. There will be times when you’re genuinely angry with your partner, and that’s completely normal. Learning how to communicate through it effectively is the hard part. When you love someone, you want to treat them with respect and dignity, even when emotions run high. You need to be heard and validated, but you also don’t want to damage the relationship. Here’s how to navigate those difficult conversations without making things worse.

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Autism, Child Therapy Michelle Hession Autism, Child Therapy Michelle Hession

How to Support Your Child with Autism

Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder comes with its own joys and challenges. While of course you love your child deeply, some days feel harder than others. It’s also completely normal to struggle as a parent. The good news is that with the right strategies and support, you can help your child develop the skills they need to thrive. Here are evidence-based strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your daily lives together.

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Child Therapy Michelle Hession Child Therapy Michelle Hession

Anxiety in Children: When Is It Normal and When Should You Worry?

Kids worry about things. They don’t have much life experience, so everything from sleeping in the dark to an upcoming test to a brand new pimple can be a challenge. But not all worries are created equal. As a parent, watching your child struggle with stress can feel overwhelming. You might find yourself questioning whether their concerns are just a normal part of growing up or something that requires professional attention.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.

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