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Transgender Transitioning: A Liberation-Focused Guide for Trans Clients, Families, Allies, and Therapists
Transitioning isn’t a performance. It isn’t a debate. It isn’t something you do to “prove” who you are.For many trans people, transition is a life-saving alignment —a process of becoming more at home in your body, your name, your relationships, and your life. And because society has opinions about trans existence, I want to anchor this in something simple and non-negotiable: Trans people deserve dignity, safety, and care—before, during, and after transition. This guide is wri

Kara Johnson
Dec 14, 20254 min read


Anti-Oppressive & Decolonizing Therapy: Healing That Doesn’t Ask You to Betray Yourself
A lot of people come to therapy hoping to feel better—only to realize the therapy room is quietly repeating the same systems that hurt them. They’re told to “challenge distorted thoughts” without anyone acknowledging the distortion of living under racism, sexism, homophobia/transphobia, ableism, classism, fatphobia, xenophobia, and religious oppression. They’re asked to “set boundaries” while navigating cultures where survival has always depended on community. They’re encoura

Kara Johnson
Dec 14, 20254 min read


Life Beyond LGBTQIA+ Ballroom Culture: Keeping Your Shine While Building What’s Next
Ballroom isn’t just a scene. For so many LGBTQIA+ folks—especially Black and Brown queer and trans people—ballroom has been home , survival , family , art , and affirmation in a world that often offered none of that. It’s where you learned how to be seen. How to move. How to be brave. How to win. How to belong. So when you start thinking about life “beyond” ballroom, it can feel complicated—because it’s not just leaving an activity. It can feel like you’re stepping away from

Kara Johnson
Dec 14, 20253 min read


Neurodiversity in Adult Women: The Signs We Miss, the Stories We Carry, and the Support We Deserve
Neurodiversity is the idea that brains naturally vary—like fingerprints. ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s, and other cognitive differences aren’t “broken” ways of being; they’re human variations that come with their own patterns of strengths, challenges, and needs. And yet, when it comes to adult women, neurodiversity is still wildly underrecognized—often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, minimized, or masked behind coping skills that look like “high functioning” on t

Kara Johnson
Dec 14, 20254 min read


Empowering New Year's Resolutions for Enhanced Mental Health
The start of a new year often brings a fresh sense of hope and motivation. Many people set resolutions to improve their lives, but mental health is sometimes overlooked in this process. Prioritizing mental well-being can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling year. This post explores practical New Year's resolutions that support good mental health, helping you build habits that foster resilience, reduce stress, and improve overall happiness. A peaceful nature trail symbolizing m

Kara Johnson
Dec 9, 20253 min read


Navigating the Teenage Years: The Importance of Setting Healthy Boundaries
Raising teenagers can feel like walking a tightrope. On one side, you want to give them freedom to grow and explore. On the other, you need to keep them safe and guide their choices. Setting healthy boundaries with teenagers is a key part of this balancing act. Clear limits help teens understand expectations, build self-discipline, and develop respect for themselves and others. Without boundaries, confusion and conflict often arise, making the teenage years more stressful for

Kara Johnson
Nov 24, 20253 min read


Strategies for Overcoming Social Anxiety and Building Confidence
Social anxiety affects millions of people worldwide, making everyday interactions feel overwhelming and stressful. It can hold you back from forming meaningful connections, pursuing opportunities, or simply enjoying social moments. The good news is that social anxiety is manageable. With the right strategies, you can reduce anxiety and build lasting confidence in social settings. Finding calm in nature helps reduce social anxiety Understanding Social Anxiety Social anxiety is

Kara Johnson
Nov 24, 20253 min read


Overcoming Emotional and Mental Fatigue: Effective Strategies for Renewal
Emotional and mental fatigue can drain your energy, cloud your thinking, and make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. When your mind and emotions are exhausted, it’s hard to focus, stay motivated, or enjoy life. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to recover is essential for maintaining your well-being. This post explores practical ways to overcome emotional and mental fatigue and regain your strength. A serene lakeside scene symbolizing mental calm and renewal Understanding

Kara Johnson
Nov 16, 20253 min read


10 Questions to Ask a TeleHealth Therapist Before Your First Session (A Virtual Therapy Guide)
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. You've already taken the courageous first step by deciding to seek help, but now you’re faced with a list of names and profiles, and it’s hard to know who is the "right" one for you. The "right fit" in therapy—known as the therapeutic alliance—is one of the single most important factors in a successful outcome. You deserve a therapist who makes you feel safe, understood, and respected. To find that person, it helps to go in with a p

Kara Johnson
Nov 11, 20254 min read


How Pets Enhance Mental Health and Wellbeing
Pets have long been cherished companions, and their impact on mental health is profound and multifaceted. From providing unconditional love to encouraging physical activity, pets can significantly enhance our overall wellbeing. This post explores the various ways pets contribute to mental health, backed by research and real-life experiences. The Bond Between Humans and Pets The relationship between humans and pets is unique and deeply rooted in history. Animals have been our

Kara Johnson
Oct 30, 20254 min read


Understanding Vicarious Trauma and Its Impact on Mental Health
Vicarious trauma is increasingly recognized in various fields, especially in professions that deal with trauma on a daily basis. It represents the emotional burden that professionals absorb from witnessing others' traumatic experiences. This post will detail vicarious trauma, its symptoms, and its mental health implications, offering clear examples and practical advice. What is Vicarious Trauma? Vicarious trauma happens when a person indirectly experiences trauma, often throu

Kara Johnson
Oct 30, 20253 min read


Pathways to Recovery Understanding and Overcoming Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are intricate mental health conditions affecting millions globally. They encompass various forms, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Understanding these disorders is vital for both individuals affected and their loved ones. This blog post provides insights into the nature of eating disorders, pathways to recovery, and practical strategies to overcome these challenges. Understanding Eating Disorders Eating disorders are mar

Kara Johnson
Oct 21, 20254 min read


Effective Strategies for Managing Chronic Illnesses and Enhancing Quality of Life
Living with a chronic illness can feel overwhelming. These long-term conditions affect not just your body but also your emotional health and daily life. The good news is that by adopting a well-rounded approach, you can effectively manage these illnesses and improve your overall quality of life. This post explores techniques and strategies that can help you regain control. Understanding Chronic Illnesses Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and asthm

Kara Johnson
Oct 21, 20253 min read


Navigating the Heartbreak: Healing After the Loss of a Child
Losing a child is a heart-wrenching experience that no parent should ever have to endure. The grief that follows can be overwhelming, enveloping parents in deep sorrow and confusion. It's not just a loss; it's a journey through a maze of emotions that can feel isolating. In this blog post, we’ll explore the grieving process, offer practical support, and share how to nurture healing during this profoundly challenging time. Understanding Grief Grief is a complex emotional respo

Kara Johnson
Oct 21, 20254 min read


Overcoming Burnout: Strategies to Reclaim Your Energy and Passion
Burnout is more than just feeling tired; it's a deep exhaustion that impacts your emotional, physical, and mental health. Millions experience burnout as they juggle their demanding work and personal lives. Understanding burnout's effects and taking proactive steps is crucial for regaining your energy and passion. Understanding Burnout Burnout is a serious health issue that affects your overall well-being. The World Health Organization identifies it as related to work stress,

Kara Johnson
Oct 21, 20254 min read


Understanding Microtraumas and Their Impact on Mental Health
Microtraumas are subtle experiences that can quietly accumulate, leading to significant effects on mental health. These everyday emotional injuries are often brushed aside, yet they shape our feelings and reactions in profound ways. This post delves into microtraumas, their impact on mental well-being, and effective strategies to cope with them. Microtraumas can be defined as small, often repetitive experiences that cause emotional pain or distress. Common examples include fe

Kara Johnson
Oct 21, 20253 min read


When Talking Doesn't Help: Key Signs You Might Need to See a Psychiatrist and Essential Questions to Ask
Mental health is a vital part of our lives, yet many people struggle to seek help when needed. Often, individuals believe that sharing their feelings with friends or family should be enough. However, there are significant times when talking alone does not lead to relief or solutions. Recognizing the right moment to consult a psychiatrist can be a crucial step toward healing. This post delves into key signs indicating you might need to see a psychiatrist and outlines essential

Kara Johnson
Oct 21, 20253 min read


The Complex Debate on ABA Therapy Benefits Criticisms and Ethical Considerations
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has played a critical role in treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for many years. While many parents and professionals commend its effectiveness, others raise important questions about its ethical implications and its effect on individuals with autism. This post dives into the multifaceted debate surrounding ABA therapy, highlighting its core principles, various viewpoints, ethical considerations, and real-life experiences. Key Prin

Kara Johnson
Oct 21, 20254 min read


The Dangers of Conversion Therapy and Its Impact on Mental Health
Conversion therapy, also known as "reparative therapy," is a harmful practice aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Despite its rejection by major medical and psychological organizations, it continues to be practiced in various forms worldwide. This post explores the severe impacts of conversion therapy on mental health, considering its psychological, emotional, and social consequences. Understanding Conversion Therapy Conversion therapy includes

Kara Johnson
Oct 21, 20253 min read


Navigating Ethical Challenges and Compassion Fatigue in Times of Political Unrest
In recent years, political unrest has become a significant part of public life, impacting not only local communities but also global conversations. From protests advocating for racial equality to movements demanding climate action, these events shape our world in profound ways. However, as individuals and organizations confront these challenges, they often face ethical dilemmas and the draining effects of compassion fatigue. This post aims to shed light on these issues and of

Kara Johnson
Oct 16, 20254 min read
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