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Somatic Therapy in Kansas City, Missouri: What It Is and Why It Matters
Somatic therapy is gaining a lot of attention online—and for good reason. While it may seem like a new buzzword on social media, somatic therapy is actually rooted in decades of trauma research, neuroscience, and clinical practice. At its core, somatic therapy helps people heal by addressing the connection between the mind, body, and nervous system . As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Kansas City , and someone who is EMDR-certified and trained in somatic th
jandechildress
Feb 23 min read


Imposter, Fraud, Fake, Failure! How EMDR Challenges Performance Anxiety
Have you ever walked into a presentation, game, exam, or meeting knowing you’re prepared but your mind goes blank, your chest tightens, or your confidence disappears? Maybe you replay mistakes long after they happen.Maybe you feel like an imposter who somehow slipped through the cracks.Maybe you keep telling yourself, “I shouldn’t be this anxious—I know how to do this.” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And more importantly, nothing is “wrong” with you. You might
jandechildress
Jan 223 min read


Sleep Advice from a 10-Year-Old
As a therapist, I spend a lot of time talking about sleep. As a parent, I spend even more time thinking about it. My daughter is 10 years old now, but sleep has never been a simple topic in our house. She had colic as a baby, and after many long nights, I eventually began co-sleeping with her. For several years, that arrangement helped the entire house get some sleep As she grew older, she transitioned to sleeping on her own and did just fine—until we moved into a new home.
jandechildress
Jan 182 min read


What Losing Your Job Takes: The Psychological Impact of Job Loss
The same year I became a mother, my husband lost his job. He held a master’s degree in chemistry and managed a laboratory, and just before our daughter was born, his supervisor had given him a performance review with satisfactory marks. All was going well and nothing indicated his job was at risk, or so we thought. Our baby was born on a Friday in early summer. My husband took that day off, the following Monday, and returned to work on Tuesday (yes, that's a total of 2 days o
jandechildress
Jan 153 min read


Why Telling Anxiety to “Go Away” Doesn’t Work (and what helps instead)
When anxiety shows up, many of us respond by saying: “Stop worrying.”“Calm down.”“There’s no reason to feel this way.” But telling anxiety to go away doesn’t work — just like telling yourself you’re not hungry when you are. Both hunger and anxiety are signals from the body , not problems to eliminate. Anxiety and Hunger Are Nervous System Signals Hunger is your body’s way of saying it needs fuel. Anxiety is your nervous system’s way of saying something feels unsafe, uncertain
jandechildress
Jan 93 min read


What Is an EMDR Intensive - and How Can It Help You Get Unstuck
If you feel stuck in patterns you can’t seem to move past—no matter how much you talk about them or try to understand them—there may be more happening beneath the surface. Emotional overwhelm, persistent triggers, or feeling constantly on edge are often signs that your nervous system is still carrying unresolved experiences. An EMDR intensive offers a focused way to address what’s keeping you stuck and help your system find relief.
jandechildress
Jan 73 min read


Why 2025 Felt Mentally Hard — and How to Care for Yourself in 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, many people share a similar reflection: “That year took more out of me than I expected. Not necessarily because of one defining crisis, but because of a steady accumulation of stress, uncertainty, and emotional fatigue. If you felt more drained, anxious, disconnected, or emotionally stretched this year, you weren’t alone. From a mental health perspective, 2025 placed many people under sustained pressure—often quietly, and invisibly. Why 2025 Felt So
jandechildress
Jan 13 min read


The Impact of Couples Counseling on Relationships: Exploring Relationship Counseling Benefits
When relationships hit a rough patch, it can feel like you're navigating a maze without a map. You might wonder if things will ever get better or if the love you once shared can be rekindled. This is where the gentle guidance of relationship counseling benefits can make a profound difference. Imagine having a safe space where both of you can express your feelings, understand each other better, and learn tools to strengthen your bond. It’s not just about fixing problems but re
jandechildress
Dec 29, 20254 min read


How to Get Started with Online Therapy: Exploring Telehealth Therapy Benefits
Starting therapy can feel like stepping into a new world. You might wonder if it’s the right time, or if it will really help. Maybe you’re curious about how therapy fits into your busy life or how it works when it’s done online. The good news is that therapy has evolved, and telehealth therapy benefits make it easier than ever to access support from the comfort of your own space. Let’s walk through what you need to know to begin this journey with confidence and care. Understa
jandechildress
Dec 10, 20254 min read


Effective Trauma Therapy Methods: Healing with Heart and Hope
When life shakes your foundation, the path to healing can feel overwhelming. You might wonder, How do I begin to mend the invisible wounds? Or, Is there a way to feel safe again inside my own skin? The journey through trauma is deeply personal, yet you are not alone. There are gentle, effective methods designed to help you reclaim your sense of peace and strength. Let’s explore some of these approaches together, with warmth and understanding. Exploring Trauma Therapy Method
jandechildress
Dec 10, 20254 min read


Toxic Positivity
His words looped on repeat in my head as I drove out of the University parking lot. “I feel like the weight of the world is off my...
jandechildress
Aug 25, 20212 min read


Is Codependency Still a Thing?
The other day, while in the kitchen, my husband walked in and asked me, “Is codependency still a thing?” I lit up, as I love discussing...
jandechildress
Jul 2, 20215 min read


5 Ways to Manage Worry
1. Contain worry If you find yourself worrying throughout the day, keep post-it notes or a journal nearby and write down worries as they...
jandechildress
Apr 16, 20212 min read


How to Create A Mental Safe/Secure Place
In times that feel uncertain, creating a safe/secure place in our minds can help bring about a sense of peace. Designing a safe place...
jandechildress
Apr 16, 20211 min read


10 Ways to Help with Daily Functioning during COVID-19
Having difficulty functioning during this stressful year? Try these steps to help focus and cope daily: 1. Find a safe/secure place. •...
jandechildress
Apr 16, 20212 min read
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