Rekinding the Magic
Rekinding the Magic The holidays are framed as a season of joy and togetherness, but for many of us, they also bring stress, grief, and emotional overload. When you’re the one planning, cooking, coordinating schedules, wrapping gifts, and managing everyone’s emotional temperature, the weight of it can feel… heavy. Sometimes the magic we work so […]
Boundaries in Families – What They Are, and Why They’re So Important
Boundaries are one of those things that everyone talks about but few people really understand. They’re often dismissed as just “saying no” or “building walls,” but boundaries are much more dynamic than that. Think of them like the checkpoints along the border of a country. They aren’t designed to cut you off from the world, […]
Back to School: Reconnecting, Recharging, and Refocusing
As summer winds down and school doors reopen, families often find themselves juggling emotions—excitement, nervousness, and the pressure of shifting into new routines. Whether your teen is entering high school for the first time or preparing for senior year, the back-to-school transition is a pivotal moment for growth. As a counselor who works closely with […]
Embracing the Changing Seasons of Life and Relationships
Just like the world around us shifts with the seasons, our relationships flow and change in beautiful, natural ways. As we transition from spring to summer, we see the earth come alive in new colors, temperatures rise, and days grow longer — and so it is with our connections to others. Relationships are living, breathing […]
Spring in Louisiana: Savoring Connection
Spring in Louisiana is one of my favorite times of year—festival season is in full swing, the weather is beautiful, and there’s a natural pull toward gathering and reconnection. In my work with couples, I’m often reminded how hard it can be to carve out time for meaningful connection. That’s why I love Louisiana’s food-centered […]
Black History Month: Celebrating Strength & Empowerment
February is Black History Month—a time to honor the resilience, achievements, and cultural brilliance of Black communities throughout history. It is also an opportunity to recognize the power of mental wellness and the ways in which strength, community, and perseverance have shaped generations. A Legacy of Strength and Power Black history is a testament to […]
Rekindling the Magic: Traditions, Kin Keeping, and Honest Holiday Conversations
The holidays are supposed to be a season of light, laughter, and togetherness—but let’s be real, they often leave us feeling drained. If you’re the one keeping everything afloat—planning, cooking, gift-wrapping, orchestrating traditions—it can feel overwhelming. Sometimes the magic we’re trying so hard to create slips away, leaving us wondering: Why does this feel so […]
Healthy Relationships Between Parents and Children: A Path to Family Togetherness
In today’s world, seemingly defined by hustle, demand, and productivity, strained family dynamics are typical. Parents and guardians juggle multiple responsibilities—careers, financial obligations, and social commitments, while at the same time taking on the roles of partner, co-parent, protector, guide, and encourager. On the other hand, children navigate their own stressors in school, friendships, and extracurricular activities. Having to […]
Back-to-School Tips for Parents and Teens: Building a Successful Year Together
As the new school year begins, both teens and parents may face excitement, anxiety, and the need to adjust to new routines. The back-to-school transition can be challenging for families, but with the right strategies, it can also be a time of growth, achievement, and bonding. I’ve worked with many teens and families navigating this […]
Glimmers
Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author, and international lecturer on polyvagal theory-informed work with trauma survivors. Deb developed the Rhythm of Regulation clinical training series which is “the science of feeling safe enough to fall in love with life and take the risks of living”. She brings the polyvagal perspective to the ordinary […]