Supporting someone through trauma recovery can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of what they need or how to help. While you can’t “fix” their pain, your empathy, …
The Ellie Blog
Family tips and insights
Empowering the Men You Care About to Start Therapy
A man’s choice to consider therapy carries so much weight—a decision often shaped by societal expectations, cultural background, and internalized beliefs. Reflecting on this topic …
When Father’s Day Hurts: Coping with Loss and Complex Feelings
Understanding Father’s Day Grief Holidays often revolve around togetherness: family, love, traditions, and shared memories, which is beautiful, but also incredibly hard …
Premarital Counseling: Essential Conversations and Benefits for a Stronger Marriage
You’ve picked the venue, tasted the cake, and maybe even debated over the guest list. But have you talked about how you’ll handle conflict, parenting, or finances? That’s where …
Men Get Postpartum Depression Too: Breaking the Silence and Finding Support
When you hear "postpartum depression," you probably think of new moms, but here’s something not enough people are talking about: 1 in 10 dads also experience postpartum depression. …
Let’s Talk About Perinatal Mental Health: You’re Not Alone
As a therapist, I’ve spent years helping others navigate their mental health challenges. But when I became pregnant, I found myself in unfamiliar territory. I wasn’t prepared for …
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Kids: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Help
If your child has been diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or if you suspect they might be struggling with it, you’re probably feeling a mix of emotions. Parenting …
Examining the Grieving Stages of Divorce
Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance. Most of us recognize these as the 5 Stages of Grief, introduced into the cultural zeitgeist by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in 1969. …
How To Talk to Your Parents About Your Mental Health
If you’re struggling with your mental health, it can be very difficult to tell someone else how you feel. And even if you’ve been able to share that you’re having a hard time with …
Motivational Interviewing: A Guide for Anyone
Motivational Interviewing (MI) isn't some fancy tool just for therapists with clipboards and cardigans. Nope, it's a secret weapon for anyone longing to spark some real change in …
The Hidden Burden of Loneliness: Understanding and Nurturing Mental Health During the Holidays
As winter descends and holiday lights begin to twinkle, many of us find ourselves confronting a profound paradox: amid the season's celebrations of togetherness, a deep sense of …
Make This Holiday Season Stress-Free: Tips From Our Therapists
The holidays are a time for celebration, connection, and often, stress. As therapists Miranda Barker, LICSW, Dr. Lucas Volini, LMFT and Letisha Harris, MA discuss in a recent …
