Mental Health
What Emotional Growth Really Looks Like (And How to Support It in Therapy)
Emotional growth doesn’t always announce itself. It’s not always dramatic. Sometimes, it’s quiet—like a shift in posture, a deeper breath, or a moment of eye contact that never would’ve happened in session three. Like nature in early spring, growth often begins invisibly, beneath the surface. As therapists, we’re trained to notice change. But clients often miss their own blooming—especially if they’re used to measuring progress in extremes. That’s where we come in: not to rush the process, but to help create the right conditions for it. Below are 8 gentle, practical ways to support emotional blooming in therapy—while honoring each
How to Manage Imposter Syndrome at Work
Ever looked around your workplace and felt certain everyone would soon discover you’re a fraud who doesn’t belong there? That’s imposter syndrome—and it’s surprisingly common, even among the most accomplished professionals.
When Clients Intellectualize Their Feelings: 10 Ways to Gently Shift Toward Emotional Processing
Some clients explain their emotions instead of feeling them—staying in their heads as a way to stay safe. While insight has its place, healing happens when emotions are experienced, not just analyzed. Here are 10 practical, in-session strategies to gently guide clients back to feeling: 1. Call Attention to the Pattern—With Curiosity, Not Judgment Instead of pointing out intellectualization as a defense, invite awareness:“I notice that when we talk about emotions, you describe them from a distance—like an observer. Do you feel that too?” This allows clients to recognize their pattern without feeling criticized. 2. Invite the Body Into the
How to Get Clients to Open Up: 8 Practical Strategies
One of the biggest challenges in therapy isn’t just what to say—it’s how to create a space where clients feel safe enough to share. For many, talking about emotions is unfamiliar, intimidating, or overwhelming. Whether you’re a therapist, coach, or facilitator, helping people access and express their emotions is a key part of the work. Here are 8 practical ways to encourage clients to open up and share their feelings, with and without therapy tools. 1. Normalize Emotional Hesitation—But Offer a Start Some clients feel pressure to talk right away, which can create resistance. Acknowledge this openly: “It’s completely normal
Therapist’s Guide: Using Therapy Cards to Grow Connection
Therapy cards offer a creative and structured way to explore emotions in sessions. Whether working with couples, individuals, or groups, they can be a powerful tool to facilitate deeper emotional work. By using structured prompts and interactive elements, therapy cards help clients name, explore, and process their emotions in a way that feels approachable and engaging. Why Use Therapy Cards? Therapy can be intimidating, especially when clients struggle to put their emotions into words. Therapy cards provide a tangible and visual tool that can break down barriers and create a safe, guided entry point for discussing deep and complex emotions.
Relationship Reflection Prompts: Past, Present & Future: A list of powerful questions to help couples, friends, or individuals reflect on their emotional journey with love.
Reflecting on our relationships offers valuable insights into our emotional journeys, helping us understand how past experiences shape our present connections and future aspirations. Engaging in thoughtful reflection allows us to navigate our emotions, recognize patterns, and foster healthier interactions with others and ourselves. Reflecting on Past Relationships Our past relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic, significantly influence our current perspectives and behaviors. Taking time to reflect on these experiences can help us identify lessons learned and areas for growth. Consider these prompts to delve into your past: Understanding Present Connections Being present in our current relationships involves recognizing and
You must be logged in to post a comment.