Stop White-Knuckling Life Therapy, often called counseling or psychotherapy, is frequently misunderstood. For many people living in Indiana, there is a lingering belief that therapy is only for a crisis. We are taught to be self-reliant. We are taught that if we just work harder, the stress, the anger, or the sadness will eventually go away. But often, it does not. Therapy is not just about fixing what is broken; it is about optimizing what is working and clearing out the obstacles that stand in your way. It is a form of treatment that involves talking to a mental health…
Is Your Smartphone Becoming the "Third Wheel" in Your Relationship? We live in a world where we are more connected than ever before. With a smartphone in every pocket, we can instantly reach friends, family, and information from anywhere in Indiana, from Lafayette to Indianapolis. For many, couples therapy is becoming increasingly important as, in my practice as a couples therapist, I'm seeing a growing and alarming trend: couples who are digitally connected but emotionally drifting apart. It’s a modern paradox. You’re sitting right next to the person you love, but your minds are miles away, lost in the endless…
Why Choosing an Ascent Certified Sex Therapist in Lafayette, Indiana When couples and individuals seek to overcome negative sexual attitudes and build healthier, more fulfilling romantic and sexual relationships, working with an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist offers a unique and powerful path forward. As an Ascent certified sex therapist, I am dedicated to helping clients move beyond outdated beliefs, shame, and barriers to intimacy, using evidence-based approaches that foster trust, pleasure, and authentic connection. Understanding Negative Sexual Attitudes and Their Impact Negative sexual attitudes—whether rooted in cultural messages, past experiences, or relationship dynamics—can undermine self-esteem, intimacy, and satisfaction. These attitudes…
The Truth About Emotional Regulation and Aging If you live in Lafayette, Indiana, or anywhere else in Indiana, you might feel like the stress of daily life is only compounding as the years go by. We are often sold the idea that youth is the peak of happiness and that everything after 25 is a slow decline into grumpiness and rigidity. The research says otherwise. While your physical speed might peak in your 20s, your emotional wisdom—your ability to bounce back, stay calm, and see the big picture—is often just getting started. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working…
The Infinite Scroll: We live in an era where we are more connected than ever, yet many of us feel increasingly isolated. You might be sitting in your living room in Lafayette, physically present with your family, but your mind is miles away, trapped in the blue light of a smartphone screen. We use these platforms to keep up with friends or build professional networks. However, there is a cost to this constant connectivity. As a therapist, I see the fallout of social media usage every day. It shows up in sessions as anxiety about not being "enough," depression triggered…
Before I became a therapist, I had the same kinds of questions and hesitations about therapy that many people still have today. I grew up in a small town where the idea of "talking to someone" was something you only did if things were catastrophic. In many parts of Indiana, from the rural communities outside of Lafayette to the suburbs of Indianapolis, there is a prevailing mindset that you should be able to handle your problems on your own. We are taught to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, keep our family business private, and just push through the hard…
