As summer winds down, many families are preparing for the back-to-school transition. New classes, new routines, perhaps new schools – it’s a lot of change at once. As a therapist (and as a parent myself, if applicable), I know this time of year can bring mixed emotions. Kids might feel excited to see friends again, but also anxious about homework or fitting in. Parents might feel relieved for routine but also stressed about managing schedules or how their child will cope. This blog is all about addressing the mental health side of heading back to school, with practical tips for both parents and kids to make the transition smoother.

On August 1, 2025, A Healing Place turned 8 years old. As the founder and a therapist who has been with this practice every step of the way, I find myself in a reflective mood – both as a business owner and a mental health professional. It’s astonishing to think it’s been eight years since we opened our doors in Appleton and then relocated to Neenah (and later added Kenosha) with the mission of providing complete counseling care. In honor of this milestone, I want to share 8 lessons I’ve learned in 8 years of running a therapy practice. Some are about healing, some about business, and all have shaped what A Healing Place is today.

Have you ever noticed how a coffee date with a friend can turn your whole day around? Or how the isolation of the pandemic affected your mood? There's a reason behind that. July is Social Wellness Month, a time to highlight something we therapists see often: human connection is vital to mental health. In this blog, I’ll explore why relationships—whether with friends, family, or your community—are crucial to our well-being and share tips on how to create a healthier social life, even if you're introverted or dealing with social anxiety.

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the mental health needs and challenges of underrepresented communities. As a therapist and the owner of a practice serving diverse clients, I want to shed light on why culturally competent care is so important in mental health – and what it means for you or someone you care about.

In life, challenges are inevitable. Whether they come in the form of personal struggles, professional setbacks, or unforeseen changes, we all face moments that test our mental strength. But what if we could develop the ability to not only endure these challenges but also grow from them? That’s where resilience comes in—a crucial skill for navigating life's obstacles and maintaining mental well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of resilience in mental health and share practical tips to help you build and strengthen your resilience toolkit.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the stresses of daily life. Between work, family, and social obligations, finding a moment of calm can feel like a challenge. But did you know that nature can offer the mental health boost you need to feel better, more balanced, and at peace?

Research has shown that spending time in nature can have profound effects on your mental health, offering benefits like stress reduction, improved mood, and enhanced focus. Nature therapy, also known as ecotherapy, involves connecting with the outdoors to improve mental well-being. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike through the woods, or simply relaxing in a garden, being outside can do wonders for your mental health.

As we celebrate National Women’s Health Week (May 11-17), it’s a perfect opportunity to shine a light on an often overlooked aspect of women’s health—stress management. As a therapist, I see firsthand how stress can impact mental and physical well-being. Women, in particular, often juggle multiple roles—caregiver, professional, partner, and friend—leaving little time to focus on their own mental health. During this week, I encourage women to take a step back, reflect on their stress levels, and implement strategies for better mental well-being.

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to bring attention to the vital issues surrounding mental health and to promote support and healing. In a world where mental health often takes a backseat to physical health, it's crucial that we use this month to challenge stigma, share resources, and offer a listening ear to those who may be struggling.

Your surroundings play a powerful role in shaping how you feel, think, and interact with the world. Whether it’s the places you live and work, the people you spend time with, or even your digital spaces, your environment can either support your mental well-being or make it harder to thrive.

We all hear about the importance of self-care, but it can feel overwhelming to know where to start, especially if life already feels busy and stressful. Here's the good news: self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. Even small, intentional actions can have a big impact on your mental well-being. At A Healing Place, we believe in empowering you with simple, accessible tools to take care of yourself. Here are five easy self-care practices anyone can incorporate into their routine:

Women have played an essential role in shaping modern mental health care, often challenging societal norms and overcoming substantial obstacles to make groundbreaking contributions. Their courage, resilience, and ambition have forever altered how we approach mental health and have laid pathways for compassionate, inclusive care. This Women’s History Month, we honor these inspiring figures and reflect on their legacies. We also explore how we can continue to foster well-being in our communities while supporting women’s mental health in meaningful ways.

February can feel like one of the longest and coldest months of the year, especially when the festive joy of the holidays is behind us, and spring still feels far away. The short days, lingering chill in the air, and the pressure of keeping up with resolutions or new-year goals can take a toll on mental well-being. If you’re feeling more down or sluggish than usual, you’re not alone. Many people experience what’s often referred to as the “winter blues” or even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during this time.

Mental health is a deeply personal and essential aspect of overall wellness, yet it remains an area where many Black individuals face unique challenges. Systemic inequities, cultural stigma, and a lack of access to appropriate care have created barriers that hinder mental health support within Black communities. Addressing these challenges is essential—not just during Black History Month but every day of the year. By understanding these issues and emphasizing culturally competent therapy, we can create pathways for healing, growth, and empowerment.

Political stress can be a heavy burden. The fast pace of news cycles, polarizing opinions, and uncertainty about the future can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or even powerless. Whether it’s navigating tough political conversations, managing the flow of information, or simply trying to make sense of the world around you, the mental strain is real.

The start of a new year invites fresh opportunities for change and growth. It’s a time when many of us feel inspired to map out goals, start new habits, and dream of a better version of ourselves. But all too often, these resolutions can feel overwhelming and, before we know it, lead to feelings of guilt or burnout. This year, let's do things differently. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress, and craft resolutions that truly support your mental health and well-being.

The holiday season is often painted as "the most wonderful time of the year," but that doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges. If you’ve found yourself caught up in the hustle, feeling overwhelmed by endless to-do lists, or striving for a picture-perfect holiday, you’re not alone. The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. Joy isn’t something you find in perfectly coordinated decorations or piles of presents. Feeling at peace this season starts with letting go of the pressure and focusing on what truly matters.

The holidays often come wrapped in joy and togetherness, but for those grieving a loss, this season can be especially heavy. Memories tied to past celebrations, the absence of a loved one, or the pressure to appear cheerful can intensify feelings of sadness. If you’re navigating this challenging time, know that it’s okay to feel however you feel—and you don’t have to walk this path alone. Here are compassionate tips and strategies to help you find solace and strength during the holidays.

At A Healing Place, we understand how winter's shorter days and colder weather can affect mental health. For some, the shift into winter can bring more than just the blues—it can bring Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This type of depression occurs during specific seasons, most often in fall and winter, and can significantly affect mood, energy, and overall well-being.