Through my work, I hear many of the same heartfelt questions from women navigating divorce. Indeed I’ve had these questions myself! Below, I’ve gathered two of the most common ones — along with my thoughtful, experience-based answers. My hope is that these words offer you both practical guidance and emotional support.

Currently anxiety is showing up among my new client consultations at an all time high! People I’m meeting with are grappling with heightened anxiety stemming from these sociopolitical changes:

• Concerns about potential and realized rollbacks of LGBTQ+ rights, including those affecting transgender individuals and same-sex marriage

• The attack on Government Agencies like US AID, Medicare and Medicaid, our personal data and Federal jobs

• The continued alarming rise in antisemitism, xenophobia and ICE deportations

These issues have left many feeling vulnerable and distressed. Many of us are experiencing the world as a more dangerous place than we have in the past. These external stressors can lead to pervasive feelings of unease and fear.

Brainspotting (BSP) is a therapeutic approach that offers a pathway to address and alleviate such anxiety.

Join Paula Kirsch as she delves into the nature of trauma and how it is stored in the brain. Discover the transformative potential of brain spotting. Understand how this innovative technique engages the brain's emotional and survival systems to facilitate profound healing and lasting change. Paula shares her deep commitment to helping clients move past their trauma and reclaim their lives.

This week, with Thanksgiving, we kick off the Holidays, a wonderful and potentially stressful time! During family holiday gatherings, a mix of personalities and dynamics can sometimes lead to challenging interactions. Being aware of these common behaviors can help you navigate these situations more effectively:

I am excited to announce that I will soon be offering Brainspotting, a groundbreaking therapeutic technique, as part of my practice. Brainspotting is a powerful, focused method that works by identifying, processing, and releasing emotional and physical trauma stored in the body.

What Sex Therapists want you to know! Great advice here to improve your sexual experience! Schedule your 1st session Here

Identity, politics and ethics

As a therapist, my primary role is to support and understand my clients from an unbiased standpoint. While I generally keep my personal life separate from my professional practice, I believe sharing a bit about my own journey can sometimes help in forging deeper connections and understanding.

Or, That time we visited the West Bank…
I always thought I would write about this experience but I never did. I’m writing about it now as I reflect on this war in the Middle East and as I see all the marches to “Free Palestine;” the slaughter of 1400 Israelis that started the war somehow overlooked and in some circles celebrated!

The phrase "falling in love" often brings to mind feelings of excitement, joy, and an emotional high. What it seldom evokes are the intricacies of forming a genuine emotional connection. True emotional connection is founded on vulnerability—the ability to expose your authentic self, quirks and all, to another person.

I was recently encouraged by a member of the board, to submit a proposal to speak at a conference dedicated to "Elder Lesbians," an invitation I wholeheartedly accepted with excitement and honor. These opportunities not only allow me to share my expertise but also to listen and learn from those who have been on the front-lines of history, making a path for future generations.

I’m not exactly sure what I expected from the new Barbie movie. I think I imagined it would be campy and fun, but it never crossed my mind that it would pack a powerful punch for feminism.

In today’s New York Times, there is an article about Surrogate Partner Therapy. Many learned that this therapy existed when the movie, “The Sessions” hit the theaters in 2012

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone's needs and preferences are different. However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of finding a compatible romantic partner. 

A therapist can provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your feelings and thoughts about relationships and what you are looking for in a romantic partner. Additionally, they can provide support and guidance to help you to feel confident in your ability to find a partner that is a good fit.

Some days and weeks of therapy sessions seem to have a theme. This is one I often visit with my clients: Can you be true to yourself? Can you do what needs doing, even if others will be disappointed?

Are you a perfectionist?

Do you find your "inner critic" saying things to yourself that you wouldn't say to your worst enemy?

Do you say yes to people when you wish you could say no?

As little girls, we are often raised with messages to "play it safe." The adults in our lives tell us to "be good." Sometimes we're told to "be quiet" or that we "talk too much" or that "we are" too much. We as women hear and worry about too much-ness throughout our lives.  

Are you a woman having anxiety attacks because your partner or spouse is approaching you about thinking of opening up your relationship?

Well, 2020 is finally over. It was a challenging year for sure, and it’s only taken 2021 six days to lose some of it’s luster!

This is a repost of an article from the nami.org site (National Alliance on Mental Illness.) Given the events of the past week some may find it helpful. My own take on dealing with the events will follow tomorrow.

What can I say about “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle? When first one client and then another and another tell me they are reading something, I have to check it out! I wasn’t disappointed! Glennon takes us on her journey! I love that since many of my clients and I read the book it gives us a common language, like “We can do hard things!” And we can!

One of my office mates, Salem is the newest member of our staff here. She is in charge of adding comic relief to my day with her antics, and may pop into our zoom room from time to time.