Hi, I’m Christin. I’m grateful for healing! Both in my own life and with each person I’m lucky enough to be their therapist.

The passing of time

An inevitable experience we all go through that somehow feels painfully slow and incredibly fast altogether. This year I had several events that seemed to underscore the swiftness of the passing of time. It has left a mark of sadness and grief after realizing how quickly ten years have gone by - seemingly at the snap of a finger.

Over time, however, I found myself drawn to something else entirely: the allure of the unknown. What once terrified me as a child—the dark room at the end of the hallway, the mysterious space under my bed, the boogeyman lurking in my closet—slowly transformed into a source of fascination. The shadows that once symbolized fear became symbols of possibility. Rather than fearing what I couldn’t see or understand, I began to embrace it, wondering what secrets or adventures might lie within. This shift wasn’t sudden; it evolved as I realized that answers, though satisfying, often paled in comparison to the thrill of discovery and the richness of curiosity.

This year, I’m grateful for Stillness. It’s a rebellious act in a world of busyness. Stillness means to not necessarily be physically still, but to allow our mind to be quiet and our heart to be present. It is taking a step back to see the bigger picture. We can find it by creating the space to connect with self, the rhythm of our breath, nature, loved ones, a hobby (like creating art or dancing), a higher-being, etc.

We can’t always control the pressures and the stress of life, but we can choose how we see them, and we can create inner peace amongst outer chaos by being still.

I guess what I'm thankful for is the change in my life. I've been able to look back and see that each time I have embraced the changing winds of my life, I've grown and become better for it. Now let me be clear, sometimes these changes were hard, or scary, or left me asking "why me?" but had it not been for my past self embracing these changes, I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't be living a life that fulfills me at the deepest levels. I'm able to travel to places I've always dreamed of traveling to, I have a support system that I never imagined having, and even when life feels difficult I am able to find the joy in my everyday experiences. For the changes in my life, I am grateful and I hope that you can embrace the power of change in your life as well!

All the Small Things

I believe in the power of small things - Sometimes all we have is a small kindness. I'd argue it's often the only thing we have. I occasionally get caught too far into the next big adventure, profound meaning, grand gesture to inspire and the like. Maybe it's the old-man millennial in me looking for greater and grander purpose. I don't know. I have realized and believe more than ever that diminishing the small things often comes from a place of privilege. I'm lucky to have so much.

The holidays are often painted as a season of joy and celebration. But for those carrying a heavy heart, this time of year can be challenging, amplifying the pain of a significant loss. The cheer and gatherings may feel like constant reminders of a person who is no longer there, leading to deep emotional distress and even distressing memories. But there is hope. For those grappling with intense feelings of grief or even traumatic grief, EMDR therapy offers a promising path forward. This therapeutic approach is particularly effective for those who have experienced a traumatic event and are finding it difficult to move through the natural process of grief.

Relationships are a beautiful blend of trust, love, and mutual respect—or at least they should be. But when controlling behavior creeps in, what could be a healthy relationship can quickly spiral into something toxic and damaging. Control issues often manifest subtly at first but can grow into serious emotional abuse over time, affecting self-esteem and overall mental health. Whether it's constant monitoring, making unilateral decisions, or emotional manipulation, control in intimate relationships can wreak havoc on both partners’ well-being.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the nature of control issues in relationships, how they affect self-esteem, and how to recognize warning signs. We’ll also explore resources in Kansas City for those facing domestic violence and the crucial steps for building healthier relationships.

Healing from intimate partner violence (IPV) is a challenging but transformative journey that requires courage and support. In this blog, we’ll explore essential steps like rebuilding trust, practicing self-forgiveness, and rediscovering joy, while highlighting valuable resources in Kansas City for survivors. With the right therapeutic approaches and a supportive community, overcoming the trauma of IPV is possible, paving the way for hope, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Trauma can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars, often leading to triggers—seemingly harmless stimuli like sounds or smells that provoke intense emotional reactions rooted in past trauma. Managing these triggers is a crucial part of the healing process, and trauma therapy provides tools to help. In Kansas City, where urban and suburban life blend, local therapists offer specialized trauma therapy to help individuals identify, understand, and respond to their triggers in healthier, more effective ways.

Trauma can feel overwhelming, but recovery is possible with the right support. Whether caused by a single event or a series of painful experiences, trauma leaves lasting effects on our minds and bodies. Compassion—both for ourselves and from others—is one of the most powerful tools in the healing process. Our specialized team of trauma therapists at GoKC is here to provide the compassionate care you need on your path to recovery. Read this blog for more info on how compassion plays a crucial role in trauma healing and how our team can support you.

Looking to elevate your self-esteem while enjoying the great outdoors? Missouri’s public nature areas offer the perfect setting to combine exercise with mental wellness. In this blog, we explore how physical activity in scenic spots like Katy Trail State Park and Forest Park can enhance your confidence and overall sense of well-being. Discover the psychological benefits of "green exercise," and get inspired by real-life stories of individuals who boosted their self-esteem through outdoor activities. Whether you're hiking, cycling, or practicing yoga, Missouri's natural beauty is here to support your journey to a healthier, more confident you.

In today’s digital age, social media and screens dominate our lives, often at the expense of our mental health and self-esteem. This blog explores how reducing social media and screen time can reclaim self-worth and enhance real-world connections. By engaging in physical activities, building genuine relationships, and setting boundaries with technology, we can boost our self-esteem and combat loneliness. Join us in discovering practical steps to decrease screen time and foster meaningful connections, supported by self-esteem therapy in Kansas City, MO.

Low self-esteem can feel like a constant companion, casting a shadow over our lives. It's a nagging voice that whispers, "You're not good enough," making us second-guess ourselves and our worth. But resilience – the ability to bounce back from adversity – is something we can cultivate to counteract these feelings and build a more confident, hopeful outlook. For those struggling with self-esteem issues, seeking Therapy for Self-Esteem in Kansas City, MO, can be a valuable step toward building resilience and fostering a healthier self-image.