top of page
· Refer a client and get $10 off your next session after they book with me! ·


Sitting With Emotions: What “Sit With It” Really Means (and Why It’s So Hard)
If you’ve never heard the phrase “sit with it” before, you’re not alone. It’s one of those expressions that gets used a lot in therapy spaces, often without much explanation. When people first hear it, they understandably wonder what it even means. Sit with what? For how long? And why would I want to? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately myself. Even as a therapist, sitting with emotions is something I actively struggle with, especially when feelings show up unexpec

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
7 days ago5 min read


Using Insurance for Therapy: What to Know Before You Start (From a Therapist and a Client)
Using insurance for therapy can be life-changing, but it comes with diagnoses, documentation, and privacy tradeoffs. A therapist and client explain what to know before starting.

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Jan 65 min read


Understanding Your Nervous System: A Guide to Finding Calm
Your Nervous System Is Like a River Imagine your nervous system as a river. When the water flows smoothly, you’re within your window of tolerance . This is the range where your body and mind can handle life’s challenges without getting swept away. Inside this “window,” you can think clearly, feel your emotions, and stay connected to yourself and others. However, when stress or past trauma pushes you beyond what feels manageable, that river can either overflow or freeze: Flood

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Nov 3, 20253 min read


Understanding the Basics of Mental Health Support
Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act in daily life. Understanding the basics...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Oct 27, 20253 min read


Discover Effective Mental Health Therapy Options
Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being. When challenges arise, seeking support through therapy can make a significant difference. Understanding the various mental health therapy options available helps individuals find the right path to healing and growth. This article explores effective approaches, practical advice, and key insights to guide you in discovering the best therapy for your needs. Exploring Different Mental Health Therapy Options There are many menta

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Oct 13, 20254 min read


Part 3 - Understanding EMDR Therapy: Real Stories of Healing
The Transformative Power of EMDR Therapy “Samantha,” 34 — Healing From Childhood Sexual Assault Samantha carried the weight of childhood sexual abuse for decades. She often felt overwhelmed by flashbacks and shame. In EMDR, we targeted her most distressing memories and the belief, “It was my fault.” Over time, her brain reprocessed those experiences. She was able to replace that painful belief with “I was a child; I am not to blame.” This shift is significant. The memory be

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Sep 22, 20254 min read


Part 2 - Is EMDR Right for You? Who Can Benefit Most and What to Expect
Is EMDR Right for You? Benefits and What to Expect. EMDR isn’t one-size-fits-all. While research shows it’s an effective, evidence-based...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Sep 15, 20253 min read


Part 1 - EMDR Therapy for PTSD: Why Eye Movements Work
If you’ve ever wondered how moving your eyes back and forth could help heal old hurts, you’re not alone. Eye Movement Desensitization and...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Sep 8, 20253 min read


How to Be a Good Friend When Someone is Experiencing Abuse
When someone opens up about experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), it can be hard to know what to say or do. You might feel...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Jul 7, 20255 min read


Staying Calm in the Chaos: The Hardest (and Most Powerful) Part of Parenting
Let’s be honest—sometimes the hardest part of parenting isn’t the tantrums, the slammed doors, or even the relentless “Mom! Mom! Mom!”...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
May 15, 20254 min read


Understanding the Benefits of Professional Counseling
Seeking help from a professional counselor can be a significant step towards improving mental health and overall well-being. Many people...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
May 11, 20254 min read


Gentle Parenting: A Compassionate Approach to Raising Children
Gentle parenting isn’t just a parenting “style”—it’s a philosophy grounded in connection, respect, and understanding. It’s about seeing...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
May 3, 20254 min read


Helping the Planet, Helping Ourselves: How Environmental Action Supports Emotional Resilience
The Psychological Impact of Climate Concerns (Eco-Anxiety) In the mental health world, people are increasingly talking about eco-anxiety...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Apr 22, 20254 min read


When Parenting Styles Clash: Navigating Authoritarian vs. Gentle Parenting
Parenting can be tough on its own, but when you and your partner have different ideas about how to raise your kids, things can get a...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Apr 17, 20255 min read


Things I’ve Learned from Being Both a Therapist and a Therapy Client
After spending time in therapy myself and working as a therapist myself, I’ve realized there are so many things I wish I had known...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Apr 5, 20253 min read


Balancing Career and Motherhood: Strategies for Self-Care and Resilience
Struggling to balance career and motherhood? Discover practical tips to set boundaries, manage stress, and thrive in both roles.

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Mar 21, 20252 min read


Feminism and Mental Health: Why Advocacy Matters
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress toward gender equality while recognizing the challenges that still exist. Women...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Mar 8, 20256 min read


Building Self-Esteem: How to Silence Your Inner Critic
We all have an inner critic—that nagging voice that tells us we're not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. While it may seem...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Feb 18, 20252 min read


Access to Medical and Mental Health Care for Black People: A Critical Conversation
February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions, struggles, and resilience of Black communities throughout...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Feb 1, 20257 min read


The Power of Self-Compassion: How to Be Kinder to Yourself in 2025
As we enter 2025, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to start fresh, make drastic changes, or set lofty goals. The idea of...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Jan 1, 20253 min read
This content is intended for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or professional mental health care. Reading or using this resource does not create a therapist-client relationship.
bottom of page