The stories we tell matter.
Starting July 16, 2022, individuals experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis (including suicidality) in the USA will be able to dial 988 to speak with a crisis counselor and be connected to local resources for additional support. Why… Read morePutting 988 into Context: Crisis Intervention in the USA
A recent conversation with a colleague reminded me that not everyone is familiar with spoon theory, or the concept of being low on, or “out of spoons.” This is a phrase common within the disability community, but may be unfamiliar… Read moreWhat Your Friend Means When They are “Out of Spoons.”
I am a neurodiversity-affirming provider. But what does that mean? History of Terminology The term “neurodiversity” was coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990’s. Similar to how the term “biodiversity” refers to the natural variety within Earth’s ecosystem, the… Read moreWhat is Neurodiversity?
I have previously explored the foundations of drama therapy as outlined by the North American Drama Therapy Association. That article was more of an overview. Now, I want to take a deeper dive into exploring the diversity of influences within… Read moreDrama Therapy As Interdisciplinary
Coping with the COVID-19 pandemic is HARD. Many of us have been engaging in varying forms of quarantine, isolation, and social distancing for 18 months. Over the spring and summer, the roll out of the vaccine brought some hope. Just… Read moreCOVID-19 and Burnout: We Were Not Made for This
Role theory is an important aspect of drama therapy. It is what helps a drama therapist choose which roles a client will engage with during role play. Role theory is influenced by theories from theatre, performance studies, psychology and social… Read moreWhat is a Role?: Role Play in Drama Therapy
A lot of LGBTQ / LGBTQIA individuals I know are skeptical of the mental health field. And with good reason! Even though I am a drama therapist, I would never judge someone for not feeling comfortable seeking therapy. But why… Read moreWhy is finding LGBTQ affirming therapy hard?
There is a common, popular narrative in mental health. That mental illness is caused by faulty brain chemicals. People with depression have brains that cannot produce enough serotonin. Those with ADHD lack dopamine. This narrative attempts to reduce cultural stigma… Read moreYour brain isn’t broken: Mental health in late capitalism
An important aspect of being a creative arts (or expressive arts) therapist is being an advocate and a translator. It is not unlike being an ambassador from a foreign country. Each of the creative arts therapies represents a unique theoretical… Read moreWhite Supremacy and Psychotherapy: How have you managed not to know?
Remember that we’re nine months into a global pandemic. We are experiencing a form of collective trauma. Not to mention political and racial unrest, a series of natural disasters, and a high rate of unemployment. The days are getting shorter…. Read moreBurnout and Trauma Exposure: You Know When Something Isn’t Right