In therapy, there comes a moment I call “a look in the mirror.” It’s the point where you’re asked to see yourself differently—your choices, your patterns, your truth. For some, this moment is painful but motivating. For others, it feels unbearable, sparking anger, shame, or resistance. How we respond to that reflection says so much about our readiness for growth, healing, and change.

Frustration and good intentions often go hand in hand—but when left unchecked, even the best intentions can cause harm. In this piece, I reflect on how therapists, parents, and leaders can recognize when empathy is fading, pause to regulate ourselves, and step back before our push for change turns into control.

I grew up surrounded by women who taught me that love isn’t always nice, but it is kind. Their sharp honesty pushed me to rise to my potential, even when their words stung. As a therapist, I carry that lesson forward: I care more about helping people grow into their best selves than keeping everyone comfortable. Sometimes kindness means telling the truth, even when it’s hard to hear.

It doesn’t have to be this way.” After the recent school shooting in Minneapolis, those words carried more weight than ever for me. We don’t, and can’t, accept such violence as normal or inevitable. Change doesn’t only come through legislation; it begins in our families, neighborhoods, and the everyday spaces we inhabit.

Through a simple but profound example, Bernie’s Place, a student-run restaurant, I reflect on how shared expectations and small acts of care push back against a culture of violence and resignation.

Leadership taught me that I’m less a boss and more a mentor. In “Safe in the Uncertainty,” I reflect on evolving as a professional, letting go of rigid roles, and embracing the security that can be found in change itself.

Success isn’t just about what we build—it’s who we become in the process. “Redefining Success: From Building…” explores how transformation often lies in the journey and the values we live by, not just the milestones we reach.

Private pay therapy often feels out of reach — but it plays a role in social equity. This piece explores how accessible, affirming private practice can serve as a bridge toward more inclusive mental health care.

"Getting in the Room" is about more than presence—it’s about claiming space even when you feel out of place. This reflection explores what it takes to show up boldly—and how showing up is often the first step toward change.

We’re not enemies in a race to the top. “I’m Not in Competition With You” reflects on embracing collaboration, relinquishing comparison, and creating space for shared growth.

Words matter—and how we say them matters even more. In “Say It With Love (But Say It)”, I explore the balance between clarity and compassion, and why speaking truth with kindness can be the most powerful form of care.

The Internet isn't real life—but the emotions it stirs often feel deeply real. This piece reflects on how our online lives shape our sense of self, belonging, and anxiety in ways that underscore our need for authentic connection.

High-achieving women are often told to shrink themselves to fit expectations. This piece is a reminder that you are not “too much” — you’re too smart to play small.

We’re taught to put everyone else first — but self-sacrifice isn’t the same as love. This reflection explores what it means to unlearn martyrdom and choose a healthier way of showing up for ourselves and others.

Sometimes the hardest experiences are the most meaningful. Watching my son struggle at camp reminded me that growth often comes from discomfort — for him, and for me as a parent.

Sometimes growth means being misunderstood. Setting boundaries and choosing authenticity may cast you as “the bad guy,” but it’s a step toward resilience and honesty.

Awareness isn’t enough — change requires action. Praxis is where theory meets practice, an invitation to close the gap between knowing and doing.