As a therapist, I’ve spent years helping others navigate their mental health challenges. But when I became pregnant, I found myself in unfamiliar territory. I wasn’t prepared for …
The Ellie Blog
Family tips and insights
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Kids: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Help
If your child has been diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or if you suspect they might be struggling with it, you’re probably feeling a mix of emotions. Parenting …
Examining the Grieving Stages of Divorce
Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance. Most of us recognize these as the 5 Stages of Grief, introduced into the cultural zeitgeist by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in 1969. …
How To Talk to Your Parents About Your Mental Health
If you’re struggling with your mental health, it can be very difficult to tell someone else how you feel. And even if you’ve been able to share that you’re having a hard time with …
Motivational Interviewing: A Guide for Anyone
Motivational Interviewing (MI) isn't some fancy tool just for therapists with clipboards and cardigans. Nope, it's a secret weapon for anyone longing to spark some real change in …
The Hidden Burden of Loneliness: Understanding and Nurturing Mental Health During the Holidays
As winter descends and holiday lights begin to twinkle, many of us find ourselves confronting a profound paradox: amid the season's celebrations of togetherness, a deep sense of …
Make This Holiday Season Stress-Free: Tips From Our Therapists
The holidays are a time for celebration, connection, and often, stress. As therapists Miranda Barker, LICSW, Dr. Lucas Volini, LMFT and Letisha Harris, MA discuss in a recent …
Emotional Regulation for Kids: How to Help Children Manage Their Feelings
Helping kids learn to handle their emotions is one of the most important skills we can teach them. It sets them up to handle tough situations, build stronger relationships, and …
Therapists’ Top Children’s Books to Help Kids Navigate Emotions: Anger, Sadness, Anxiety, and More
As a therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for kids to understand and express their emotions. That’s why I love using books as a way to help kids explore feelings like …
Understanding Internal Family Systems: Expert Interview
Welcome to a deep dive into the transformative world of Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic modality that's gaining traction for its unique approach to healing. This blog …
How Parent Counseling Can Help First Time Parents
If you’re reading this at 3:25am, feeding your beautiful new baby for what feels like the hundredth time tonight and trying to remember when you last showered, you’re in good …
How to Help and Support a Spouse with Depression
Watching your partner struggle with depression is tough. You want to help, but it’s hard to know what to say or do without feeling like you’re walking on eggshells. We're here to …
