{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Therapy Center for Balanced Living","home_page_url":"https://tc4bl.com","description":"Therapy Center for Balanced Living","author":{"name":"Therapy Center for Balanced Living"},"items":[{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/empty-nest-making-space-for-who-you-are-in-the-next-chapter","html_content":"

When a child leaves home, people often expect the transition to be mostly practical: a quieter house, fewer schedules to coordinate, less laundry, fewer daily responsibilities, and maybe more freedom. But for many parent...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/empty-nest-making-space-for-who-you-are-in-the-next-chapter","title":"Empty Nest: Making Space for Who You Are in the Next Chapter","summary":"When a child leaves home, people often expect the transition to be mostly practical: a quieter house, fewer schedules to coordinate, less laundry, fewer daily responsibilities, and maybe more freedom. But for many parent...","date_modified":"2026-08-23T04:01:00Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/why-transitions-can-feel-harder-than-the-change-itself","html_content":"

Change is a normal part of life. We change jobs, move homes, enter or leave relationships, send children back to school, become empty nesters, retire, start new routines, and adjust to different seasons of life. Sometime...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/why-transitions-can-feel-harder-than-the-change-itself","title":"Why Transitions Can Feel Harder Than the Change Itself","summary":"Change is a normal part of life. We change jobs, move homes, enter or leave relationships, send children back to school, become empty nesters, retire, start new routines, and adjust to different seasons of life. Sometime...","date_modified":"2026-08-16T04:01:00Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-therapist","html_content":"

A Practical Guide to Finding the Right Therapeutic Fit

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-therapist","title":"What to Consider When Choosing a Therapist","summary":"A Practical Guide to Finding the Right Therapeutic Fit","date_modified":"2026-08-05T04:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/the-importance-of-doing-absolutely-nothing","html_content":"

By July, many of us are running on autopilot. The excitement of January's goals has faded, calendars are full, vacations can feel more stressful than restorative, and many people begin feeling emotionally and physically ...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/the-importance-of-doing-absolutely-nothing","title":"The Importance of Doing Absolutely Nothing","summary":"By July, many of us are running on autopilot. The excitement of January's goals has faded, calendars are full, vacations can feel more stressful than restorative, and many people begin feeling emotionally and physically ...","date_modified":"2026-07-29T20:48:11Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/creative-self-care-a-way-to-soothe-the-soul","html_content":"

When was the last time you made or did something just for fun? Not for productivity, not for a class, not for praise — just because.

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/creative-self-care-a-way-to-soothe-the-soul","title":"Creative Self-Care: A Way to Soothe the Soul","summary":"When was the last time you made or did something just for fun? Not for productivity, not for a class, not for praise — just because.","date_modified":"2025-04-10T17:46:26Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/why-my-therapist-wants-me-to-express-myself-by-writing","html_content":"

Writing assignments are a common type of therapy “homework.” But why and does it help? Well, it’s a common assignment because it actually can help!

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/why-my-therapist-wants-me-to-express-myself-by-writing","title":"Why My Therapist Wants Me to Express Myself by Writing","summary":"Writing assignments are a common type of therapy “homework.” But why and does it help? Well, it’s a common assignment because it actually can help!","date_modified":"2024-10-14T17:56:31Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/being-an-empty-nester-is-bittersweet","html_content":"

College is a significant milestone for you and your child(ren), but when the time comes, the reality can be bittersweet. Your child starting college is a time filled with excitement, pride, and anticipation, but it can a...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/being-an-empty-nester-is-bittersweet","title":"Becoming an Empty Nester is Bittersweet","summary":"College is a significant milestone for you and your child(ren), but when the time comes, the reality can be bittersweet. Your child starting college is a time filled with excitement, pride, and anticipation, but it can a...","date_modified":"2024-10-09T20:20:09Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/what-to-say-when-someone-is-struggling","html_content":"

Most of us have had times when we “put on a good face” to hide how we are feeling, usually out of a sense of guilt for “ruining the mood” or “not wanting to bother” the people in our lives. However, some people can becom...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/what-to-say-when-someone-is-struggling","title":"What to Say When Someone is Struggling","summary":"Most of us have had times when we “put on a good face” to hide how we are feeling, usually out of a sense of guilt for “ruining the mood” or “not wanting to bother” the people in our lives. However, some people can becom...","date_modified":"2024-09-12T19:47:59Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/tired-of-making-decisions-you%E2%80%99re-not-alone","html_content":"

Have you been at the end of a long day and tried to decide on dinner, but can’t make your brain choose so you just eat a bowl of cereal or order pizza? If so, you’ve experienced decision fatigue.

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/tired-of-making-decisions-you%E2%80%99re-not-alone","title":"Tired of Making Decisions? You’re Not Alone!","summary":"Have you been at the end of a long day and tried to decide on dinner, but can’t make your brain choose so you just eat a bowl of cereal or order pizza? If so, you’ve experienced decision fatigue. ","date_modified":"2024-07-10T21:21:39Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/summertime-blues","html_content":"

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is most often associated with “Winter Depression” or “Winter Blues,” however, it can affect people at any time of year, even in the summer. There are many reasons for having these “Summe...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/summertime-blues","title":"Summertime Blues","summary":"Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is most often associated with “Winter Depression” or “Winter Blues,” however, it can affect people at any time of year, even in the summer. There are many reasons for having these “Summe...","date_modified":"2024-07-05T14:29:09Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/the-january-blues","html_content":"

It's common for many of my clients to talk about feeling restless and “just down” this time of year. This period is often referred to as the \"January Blues\" and occurs in conjunction with the post-holiday season and less...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/the-january-blues","title":"The January Blues","summary":"It's common for many of my clients to talk about feeling restless and “just down” this time of year. This period is often referred to as the \"January Blues\" and occurs in conjunction with the post-holiday season and less...","date_modified":"2024-01-30T20:06:04Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/gratitude-for-my-clients","html_content":"

While thinking about 2023, I keep coming back to thoughts of my clients - past and present. I have had some of the most incredible clients and am deeply proud of their commitment to themselves and to their mental health....

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/gratitude-for-my-clients","title":"Gratitude for My Clients","summary":"While thinking about 2023, I keep coming back to thoughts of my clients - past and present. I have had some of the most incredible clients and am deeply proud of their commitment to themselves and to their mental health....","date_modified":"2023-12-20T22:27:25Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/march-31st---international-transgender-day-of-visibility-tdov","html_content":"

March 31st, is International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) and was founded by transgender activist Rachel Crandall, a licensed psychotherapist, in 2010. TDOV is meant to bring awareness to transgender people by ce...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/march-31st---international-transgender-day-of-visibility-tdov","title":"March 31st - International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV)","summary":"March 31st, is International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) and was founded by transgender activist Rachel Crandall, a licensed psychotherapist, in 2010. TDOV is meant to bring awareness to transgender people by ce...","date_modified":"2023-03-31T04:06:06Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/where-do-you-see-yourself-this-time-next-year","html_content":"

(If you have not read my blog on New Year's Resolutions from January 2022, go back and read that one now.)

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/where-do-you-see-yourself-this-time-next-year","title":"Where do you see yourself this time next year?","summary":"(If you have not read my blog on New Year's Resolutions from January 2022, go back and read that one now.)","date_modified":"2023-02-14T21:37:04Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/finding-balance-during-the-holidays","html_content":"

I love the holidays! Truly I do, but they can also be a little overwhelming at times. So, how do you enjoy everything the holidays have to offer, but also stay balanced? First, do not get caught up in the frenzy - slow t...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/finding-balance-during-the-holidays","title":"Finding Balance During the Holidays","summary":"I love the holidays! Truly I do, but they can also be a little overwhelming at times. So, how do you enjoy everything the holidays have to offer, but also stay balanced? First, do not get caught up in the frenzy - slow t...","date_modified":"2022-12-16T22:29:29Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/what-exactly-is-self-care","html_content":"

What do I mean when I tell my clients to engage in self-care? At the mention of self-care most people envision things such as going to the spa, a bubble bath, exercising, or getting enough sleep. These are all great and ...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/what-exactly-is-self-care","title":"What Exactly is Self-Care?","summary":"What do I mean when I tell my clients to engage in self-care? At the mention of self-care most people envision things such as going to the spa, a bubble bath, exercising, or getting enough sleep. These are all great and ...","date_modified":"2022-03-31T18:29:45Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/do-i-use-religion-in-my-therapy-practice","html_content":"

One of the most frequently asked questions I get from prospective clients is do you have a religious slant to your counseling approach? No, I do not. I am not a religious or Christian counselor. I personally feel religio...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/do-i-use-religion-in-my-therapy-practice","title":"Do I use religion in my therapy practice?","summary":"One of the most frequently asked questions I get from prospective clients is do you have a religious slant to your counseling approach? No, I do not. I am not a religious or Christian counselor. I personally feel religio...","date_modified":"2022-03-07T21:06:47Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/why-does-my-therapist-not-take-insurance","html_content":"

Why do some therapists not take insurance? This can be a complicated decision. Being able to \"take insurance\" can be a tedious process for the therapist. \"Taking insurance\" involves a lot of paperwork and (metaphorically...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/why-does-my-therapist-not-take-insurance","title":"Why does my therapist not take insurance?","summary":"Why do some therapists not take insurance? This can be a complicated decision. Being able to \"take insurance\" can be a tedious process for the therapist. \"Taking insurance\" involves a lot of paperwork and (metaphorically...","date_modified":"2022-02-07T21:42:09Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/how-to-choose-the-right-therapist-for-you-part-1","html_content":"

You are considering going to therapy. First, good for you! Seriously, I am proud of you. I know how difficult it can be to decide to get counseling. But now what? Now, my friend, you start looking for a mental health the...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/how-to-choose-the-right-therapist-for-you-part-1","title":"Which Mental Health Therapist is Right for You?","summary":"You are considering going to therapy. First, good for you! Seriously, I am proud of you. I know how difficult it can be to decide to get counseling. But now what? Now, my friend, you start looking for a mental health the...","date_modified":"2022-01-21T22:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/new-years-resolutions","html_content":"

Did you make a New Year's resolution? If you are like a lot of people, you did. But also, if you are like most people, the resolve to stay committed to your goal will wain as the weeks go by and will be nothing more than...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/new-years-resolutions","title":"Why New Year's resolutions usually fail","summary":"Did you make a New Year's resolution? If you are like a lot of people, you did. But also, if you are like most people, the resolve to stay committed to your goal will wain as the weeks go by and will be nothing more than...","date_modified":"2022-01-10T21:34:03Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/probably-should-have-written-this-one-first","html_content":"

My blog is going to be random musings, helpful info (hopefully), and my thoughts (at times probably weird). More than likely there will not be a predictable pattern of topics (same way my brain works most of the time). H...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/probably-should-have-written-this-one-first","title":"Probably should read this one first...","summary":"My blog is going to be random musings, helpful info (hopefully), and my thoughts (at times probably weird). More than likely there will not be a predictable pattern of topics (same way my brain works most of the time). H...","date_modified":"2022-01-06T21:52:52Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/why-be-concerned-about-balance","html_content":"

We hear so much about negative effects of stress. Have you ever stopped to wonder why we even have a stress reaction? What is the purpose of feeling stressed? So, when you say that you are stressed, what emotions are you...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/why-be-concerned-about-balance","title":"Stress and Mental Health","summary":"We hear so much about negative effects of stress. Have you ever stopped to wonder why we even have a stress reaction? What is the purpose of feeling stressed? So, when you say that you are stressed, what emotions are you...","date_modified":"2022-01-05T04:14:04Z"},{"id":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/balance-living","html_content":"

I named my practice Therapy Center for Balanced Living, but what do I mean by balanced living and how in the world do I achieve such a thing? Well, balanced living will mean something different to each individual. Think ...

","url":"https://tc4bl.com/blog%3A-between-sessions/f/balance-living","title":"Balance and Mental Health","summary":"I named my practice Therapy Center for Balanced Living, but what do I mean by balanced living and how in the world do I achieve such a thing? Well, balanced living will mean something different to each individual. Think ...","date_modified":"2021-12-30T21:37:48Z"}]}