Jess Kennard (They/Them)

Words are only one way we express ourselves. We can also tell our stories through painting, dance, and music. Images can express longings, fears, and hopes that words alone can't name. When we get in touch with these deeper parts of ourselves, we can make better choices. Creative expression can help set our most authentic self free.

Normal life comes with many ups and downs. The window of tolerance represents a person's ability to cope with those challenges. When we have trouble coping, our emotions can be overwhelming. Learning about your nervous system can help expand your window of tolerance. A bigger window leads to greater ease with life's big moments. And the little ones, too.

In sand tray therapy, you create worlds in a small box of sand using figurines. Moving the sand with your hands helps to regulate your emotions. Creating scenes in the sand helps to share your experience when words don't quite work. Storytelling can ease grief carried from a hard life as a child or losses as an adult.

People in the LGBTQIA2S+ community face many unique challenges. Coming out or transitioning are exciting but stressful experiences in a person's life. Even typical life challenges can be more difficult for us. Marriage, family planning, and career choices aren't as simple as they are for straight and cisgender folks. These experiences are tougher when legal oppression and social bigotry are part of them. Affirming therapy can help you be more resilient in these moments.

We live in a culture that promotes ableism and body shame. Dieting, cosmetic surgery, and fitness are multi-billion dollar industries. These industries make more money the more confused we are about our bodies. No wonder so many of us deal with anxiety about our appearance or performance. Disabled, fat, and "ugly" people face daily discrimination. Developing a better body image won't change that. But it can help you find more joy and pleasure while we work to change things.

ADHD is not "just for kids". More and more adults are experiencing a midlife neurodivergent emergence. Being an adult with ADHD in a world that expects you to be neurotypical can be difficult. Expectations in relationships, parenting, and jobs are usually based on typical brains. But you're not typical- you're awesome! Embracing your brain's differences is as important as figuring out how to work with them. Therapy can help with both.