Your Therapist Can’t Read Your Mind

by Sarah Pastore, LCSW When therapy is going well, it can sometimes feel like our therapist has just read our mind- “How did they know exactly how I was feeling?” But, of course, therapists aren’t psychic; we’re following what you’re communicating to us. This means that when therapy isn’t working as well, the therapist might […]

3 Tips for Parents in the Play Therapy Room

by Toriann Clarke MA, LPC, NCC Play Therapy is an expressive form of therapy for children that may assist with managing trauma and challenging behaviors. Play Therapy often takes place in a room where there is a variety of objects, such as sand trays, doll houses, dolls, puppets, or miniature toys (Higgins-Klein, 2013). It is […]

The Littlest Therapist & Firefighter

by Kellie Medendorp, LCSW, CFRC I am so pleased to announce to our Emergency Responders communities that Equilibria has created a specialty program to meet the unique needs of Emergency Responders. I am the founder and lead clinician of this center. It is important to me that Emergency Responders have access to support professionals and resources […]

What Exactly is Vicarious Trauma in Emergency Responders?

by Kellie Medendorp, LCSW, CFRC At the age of 16, I became a volunteer firefighter, and when I graduated high school I made the decision to pursue social work and therapy as a career. The easiest way I can explain vicarious trauma is through one of my own personal experiences with it. Late one evening […]

You Need Therapy!

by Kellie Medendorp, LCSW, CFRC Do we need therapy? No. That’s right, the therapist is telling you that most people don’t NEED therapy (there may be exceptions for those living with chronic and severe psychological illnesses that may be best and most safely managed with the help of a clinician who specializes in treating those […]

The Power of Play in Parenting: Nurturing Healthy Connections

by Kristy Brumfield Play is universal. Play is essential for healthy growth and development. Play is natural. Play is (hopefully) fun. These are all sentiments I’ve shared with parents, caregivers, students, supervisees, colleagues, family, and friends – basically, anyone who would lend an ear. Play holds a special place in the lives of children, and […]

Emergencies From Start to Finish: Who’s Involved?

The first person we most likely think about in an emergency or disaster incident like the one pictured above is the victim(s), and rightfully so, because there is the potential for the victim to incur life-threatening injuries and experience change to their and their family’s lifestyle. There is also a ripple effect to consider with […]

The Power in Being Mindful of Expectations

“Why does my child act out at home and not other places?” Since you and your home are likely your child’s safe space, it is not uncommon for behaviors and emotional dysregulation to arise that are not displayed in other settings. This is not uncommon and it does not mean you are doing something wrong. […]

Seeking Couples Counseling as a Polyamorous Couple

While Monogamy is the most popular relationship type in America, there is a growing population of people who either have engaged in or are currently engaging in some form of an Ethically Nonmonogamous relationship. Ethical Nonmonogamy (ENM) is the practice of any form of romantic or sexual relationship in which the people involved are informed […]

The Unexpected Lessons of Parenthood: A Counselor’s Journey

Parenthood can be a transformative experience, one that challenges even the most seasoned professionals in child and adolescent counseling. With over two decades of experience as a counselor and play therapist, I thought I had a solid grasp of child development. But my life took a significant turn five years ago when I became a […]