Behavioral Health Clinic

  Self-disclosure-the choice to share something personal as a  therapist -can be a powerful therapeutic tool when used intentionally and sparingly. Many clients appreciate moments when their therapist steps out from behind the professional wall just enough to show their humanity. When done well, self-disclosure can normalize a client’s experience, reduce shame, and strengthen the therapeutic alliance. But like any intervention, it requires care, mindfulness, and a grounding in ethics to ensure the primary focus remains on the client, not on the therapist’s desire for connection or validation. In the NASW Code of Ethics, we’re reminded that our work must prioritize  client well-being, self-determination, boundaries, and professional integrity . Those principles are the foundation for ethical self-disclosure. A therapist’s personal sharing should  never  be about meeting our own emotional needs or filling a silence with something that “feels relatable.” Instead, i...

  Choosing a good  therapist  is one of the most important personal investments you will ever make. It requires discernment, mental courage, and trust in yourself. When you find a therapist who meets you with empathy and also challenges you, it can become one of the most transformative experiences of your life. It can be hard to find a good therapist quickly, especially when life feels complicated and everything is happening fast. There is no cookie-cutter approach to therapy. It is a deeply personalized process tailored to each individual’s needs, development, and diversity factors.  Therapy  is most effective when the  relationship  between the therapist and client has chemistry. After finding your first licensed therapist who you feel a genuine connection with, the next step is paying attention to how that  individual  makes you feel when you engage in dialogue or sit with them. Pay close attention to the less obvious clues beyond credenti...

  Being born in the 90s I have experienced tech and non-tech ways to gather information; from looking through books in the library, to interviewing other people, to typing my questions into the Google search bar. Seemingly, in the blink of an eye these tried-and-true methods have become a thing of the past. As of recent, “AI” has made a rapid and permanent move into our day-to-day lives; being readily available to answer our questions in the blink of an eye. AI has been around for much longer than that, but user-friendly interfaces and lightning fast data collection has made it very appealing for many people to use. So, what’s the catch? Who wouldn’t want a faster and more efficient way to get work done, or find out the name of that song stuck in their head just by humming a tune. For many situations AI can be incredibly helpful…  but not all . Specifically, with the emergence of AI being used as a replacement for therapy. As a therapist myself I can see the pros and cons of i...

  While I have been in the mental health field for over 15 years, I am always brought back to a statement that one of my instructors made. “You don’t know what you don’t know you don’t know.” It may help to read it out loud to get the full impact. After taking countless hours of classes, workshops, and training, I keep this in mind each time I approach a new situation. This was especially important when someone I was working with adamantly stated how important the foundation of attachment is on people’s emotions, thoughts, and reactions. Even more striking was their insight into how their own early experiences have influenced them throughout their life. This led me on a personal and professional journey to review the concept of attachment, and also how to attend to attachment wounds that people have experienced. To say that it is a complicated concept, is minimizing things. As you read the following information, consider your early relationships with caregivers, extended family mem...

  Stephanie is now accepting clients at BHC and offering Gender Affirming Voice Therapy! This service helps transgender and gender-diverse individuals explore a voice that aligns with their identity while using safe vocal techniques. She also provides assessments and therapy for adolescents, adults, and geriatric clients. Get in touch with us .

  During Black History Month it is important to recognize and honor the contribution African Americans have made to shaping what modern counseling and psychology is today. According to The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc, “Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country’s history” (The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc). Countless African American figures have made irreplaceable contributions to how we understand and work in helping fields today. Leaders of the Past Francis Cecil Sumner  was the first Black American to earn a PhD in Psychology. He received his degree from Clark University. Without a high school education, he was able to get into Lincoln University by passing the entrance exam and graduated cum laude and received honors during his time there. Sumner is considered one of the founders of the psychology department at Howard University and was on the board unti...