The stories shared here are fictionalized composites with fictionalized characters inspired by themes commonly encountered in my therapeutic work. They are created to illustrate emotional experiences and do not represent any individual client or any one person’s story.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, “mettle” is a noun meaning, “The ability to meet a challenge or persevere under demanding circumstances; determination or resolve.” I think there is no word that is an exact synonym for mettle, but words used to describe the meaning have to do with stamina, courage, stamina, tenacity, resilience, and fortitude. Sometimes the word is used to describe “the stuff that someone is made of.” The origin goes back hundreds of years and comes from the word “metal.” Mettle branched off in the 1700 from the word “metal” and began to take on the meaning that it has today, describing personality or character that is hardy and capable of great perseverance.
I’ve always loved the word “mettle.” When you hear it used about someone in speech or writing, it is always as a compliment. I hope that as you look through this blog you will find material that resonates with you and gives you mettle-building ideas for your own life.
Feeling anxious, forgetful, exhausted, or simply not like yourself? Many women are surprised to learn that these symptoms may be linked to perimenopause and menopause. In this article, I take a closer look at the wide-ranging effects these transitions can have on both the body and mind, and why so many women spend years searching for answers.
If you’ve ever wondered whether being curvy has shaped the way you see yourself or how others see you, this letter is for you. Dear Curvy Girl… explores the social pressures many girls and women experience around body image, challenges common assumptions about beauty and attraction, and offers an encouraging perspective on embracing who you are instead of who society or others expect you to be
A strong online dating profile is about more than choosing the right photos or writing a clever introduction; it begins with knowing what you’re looking for and presenting yourself authentically. This article shares practical tips for creating a profile that reflects who you are, attracts more compatible connections, and helps you approach online dating with greater confidence and intention.
Meeting people online has become increasingly common, making it just as important to approach new connections with awareness as it is with curiosity. This article shares four practical tips, plus one bonus recommendation, to help you navigate online dating with greater confidence and intention.
Many people think they know what depression looks like, but there is a lesser-known form called dysthymia that can quietly affect someone for years or even decades. In this article, I explore the signs of dysthymia, why it can be difficult to recognize, and how effective treatment can help people feel more like themselves again.
For decades, losing significant weight and keeping it off has been one of the most difficult challenges many people face. The emergence of GLP-1 medications is changing that conversation in ways that few could have predicted. In this article, I share what GLP-1s are, why they are producing such remarkable results for some people, and how they are reshaping our understanding of weight, health, and the complex biology behind both.
Why do some people find themselves repeatedly overeating or binge eating, even when they desperately want to stop? The answer is often more complicated than a lack of self-control. In this article, I discuss the psychological and biological factors that contribute to binge eating, the connection between chronic dieting and binge behavior, and why learning to nourish your body consistently can be an important part of recovery.
Sometimes people carry painful experiences for years or even decades without having the words to describe what happened to them. They may minimize, rationalize, or blame themselves while quietly living with the emotional impact. This story follows one woman as she begins to examine a long-held secret, make sense of her experiences, and discover that healing often starts with finding the language to tell the truth about what happened.
When fear, anxiety, or traumatic experiences cause us to avoid certain thoughts, feelings, places, or activities, our world can gradually become smaller. In this article, I explain what exposure therapy is, how it works, and why it remains one of the most effective approaches for helping people overcome anxiety, process trauma, and regain confidence in their daily lives.
Many parents carry a quiet fear that if their child is struggling, they must have done something wrong. Over time, that worry can grow into guilt, self-blame, and the belief that every problem somehow traces back to a parenting mistake. This story explores how one mother began to untangle years of guilt about her adult son’s choices and develop a more compassionate and balanced understanding of both her role as a parent and her role in his life today.
You don’t need to have all the answers or a detailed plan to begin therapy – just a willingness to show up. Whether you have specific concerns or feel unsure where to start, therapy offers a supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences with guidance and care.