Landry Therapy Group, PLLC

05/28/2026

Healthy Relationships: Love Without Losing Yourself
Two toxic relationship myths are damaging how we connect with others: that disagreement equals hatred, and that love requires complete agreement. Both are false and harmful to authentic relationships.
Real love creates space for differences. You can care deeply about someone while maintaining your own values, boundaries, and beliefs. Healthy relationships don't require you to compromise your core convictions to show compassion.
This applies to romantic relationships, friendships, family dynamics, and even professional relationships. The strongest connections are built on mutual respect, not identical thinking.
Love and disagreement can absolutely coexist - and often should. When we try to eliminate all differences to avoid conflict, we often eliminate authenticity too.

05/27/2026

The Science of Starting Over: Why Your Brain Craves New Beginnings

New Psychology Today research reveals why "try something new" appears as advice for everything from depression to boredom to finding life purpose - because it actually works.

The neuroscience is clear: Regular exposure to novel experiences drives neuroplasticity, your brain's capacity to grow and evolve throughout your entire lifespan. Whether you're 25 or 65, learning something new literally changes your brain structure and creates new neural connections.

But here's what most people get wrong about being a beginner: We rush through the awkward phase instead of embracing it. Research shows that high-skill activities that require effort and can be improved over time make people significantly happier than passive activities like scrolling social media. The magic happens in "flow" - complete immersion when challenge meets ability.

The article highlights six key strategies for better beginnings:
-Don't try to be invisible - embrace asking questions and making mistakes
-Enjoy your "newbie gains" - rapid early improvement is real and measurable
-Use the abundance of beginner-focused resources available
-Remember you're not new at learning itself - apply past successful strategies
-Avoid low-quality passive learning that creates false progress
-Cultivate an "experimenter's mindset" - treat attempts as data, not pass/fail tests

The bottom line: That discomfort you feel when starting something new isn't something to endure - it's your brain literally rewiring itself for growth. The beginner phase only happens once for any pursuit, so instead of rushing through it, relish the richness of discovery and self-growth it offers.

What new beginning have you been putting off? Your brain is ready for the challenge.



Source: Psychology Today - "The Best Ways to Begin Again"

Psychotherapists who specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma disorders, grief, and daily life stressors. Adults, children, adolescents, couples, LGBT, and spiritual counseling available.

05/26/2026

WHETHER IT'S FRIENDSHIP OR LOVE, SIGNS SOMEONE CONSISTENTLY CHOOSES YOU
When someone genuinely values your place in their life, their actions show it in countless small ways:

-They honor their commitments to you, even the seemingly minor ones. If they say they'll call, they call. If they promise to be there, they show up.
-They reach out when you've been apart or when communication has been sparse. They notice your absence and take action to reconnect.
-They prioritize what's important to you and remember the details that matter to your heart and daily life.
-They take responsibility when they make mistakes that affect you, without defensiveness or excuses.
-They invest time and energy during your difficult seasons, not just when things are easy and convenient.
-They create space in their schedule for you, even when life gets overwhelming or demanding.

Being chosen consistently feels different than being chosen occasionally. It's not about grand gestures or perfect performance - it's about reliable presence and intentional care.

These patterns create the foundation of trust that allows relationships to deepen and flourish over time.
When someone chooses you consistently, you feel secure enough to be authentically yourself, knowing that your value to them doesn't fluctuate based on circumstances.

△ LTG Supporting relationships built on consistent care and mutual respect

05/25/2026

What Self-Love Actually Looks Like: Choosing Your Wellbeing Over Convenience
Self-love and healthy boundaries are often misunderstood concepts. Many people think self-love means being selfish or harsh with others, but in reality, it's about developing enough self-respect to make difficult but necessary decisions for your mental health and overall wellbeing.

Choosing yourself over unhealthy relationships requires courage:
When you walk away from someone you still have feelings for because you recognize that love alone isn't enough to sustain a healthy relationship, you're practicing self-love. This doesn't mean you don't care about them - it means you care about yourself enough to refuse to settle for less than you deserve.

Maintaining your values and boundaries:
Self-love looks like refusing to compromise your core values to keep someone in your life. Your non-negotiables - the fundamental principles that guide how you want to be treated - aren't up for negotiation, regardless of how much you care about someone.

Processing endings without immediately returning:
When relationships end, self-love means giving yourself space to grieve, learn, and heal rather than immediately trying to go back to what wasn't working. This processing time is essential for personal growth and preventing repeated patterns.

Choosing temporary discomfort for long-term wellbeing:
Sometimes self-love means choosing temporary loneliness over staying in connections that consistently damage your mental health and self-worth. This isn't about giving up on people - it's about refusing to accept treatment that harms you.

Trusting your decisions:
Self-love includes trusting that walking away from what's wrong for you is actually the most loving thing you can do for yourself, even when it feels painful in the moment.

Accepting reality over fantasy:
Perhaps most importantly, self-love means releasing the fantasy of who someone could become and accepting the reality of who they've consistently shown you they are.

This isn't about being harsh or unforgiving - it's about honoring your worth enough to create space for relationships that truly serve your growth and wellbeing.

05/24/2026

WHEN YOU'VE BUILT SOMETHING WORTH PROTECTING

Healthy relationships don't just happen - they're cultivated through intention, vulnerability, and mutual respect. Here's how you know when you've created something truly valuable:
- You've weathered storms together and emerged stronger, not more distant. Challenges became opportunities to deepen your connection rather than reasons to walk away.
- You feel safe being authentically yourself - flaws, quirks, and all - and they choose you anyway. There's no performance required, just genuine acceptance.
- You share your vulnerable parts - the fears, insecurities, and dreams you keep hidden from most of the world - and they hold them with care.
- Conflict feels manageable because you both know disagreement doesn't equal disconnection. You can navigate differences while preserving the relationship.
- You celebrate each other's growth rather than feeling threatened by change. Personal evolution strengthens rather than threatens your bond.
- It feels like home - a safe harbor where you can rest, recharge, and be fully seen without judgment or conditions.
- You have quiet confidence in their commitment. You don't constantly wonder if they'll leave because their actions consistently show they're invested.

Not every relationship is meant to last forever, but when you've built something genuine and healthy, it deserves to be protected and nurtured.
These relationships remind us what's possible when two people choose to show up authentically for each other.

△ LTG Supporting healthy connections that honor your authentic self

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

Mental Health Progress: The Good News and the Privacy Solution

The latest research brings encouraging news about mental health stigma: nearly 9 in 10 Americans now say having a mental health condition is nothing to be ashamed of, and 83% feel comfortable talking about mental health openly. This represents a massive cultural shift toward acceptance and understanding.

However, workplace stigma tells a different story. Despite this overall progress, 46% of workers still worry about losing their job if they discuss mental health at work, and only 48% feel comfortable talking to their supervisor about mental health concerns.

Here's what many people don't know: You have options for maintaining complete workplace privacy while accessing mental health care.
Out-of-network mental health benefits provide an important privacy protection. For clients with insurance plans that have out-of-network benefits, using those benefits can offer greater confidentiality in how your mental health care is processed and reported.

While many providers are in-network with large insurance carriers, if you connect with a provider who isn't in-network, even filing claims for reimbursement often provide more privacy protection and may cover 60-80% of session costs after meeting your deductible. Call your member benefits to get full details.

Your mental health matters, and you shouldn't have to choose between getting care and protecting your career. Whether through in-network coverage or out-of-network benefits, we're here to help you find the most comfortable and private way to access the care you need.

We are in-network with Aetna, BCBSTX, and UHC, which leaves a whole lot of health insurance plans we aren't in-network for. You have options!

05/19/2026

Therapist Spotlight: Meet Christie Greeley, M.E.d., LPC-S - Virtual Therapy Specialist
We're excited to highlight Christie Greeley, one of our experienced therapists who provides compassionate, professional virtual therapy services across Texas.

Christie's Areas of Expertise:
Christie specializes in working with adults and couples facing a wide range of life challenges. Her clinical focus includes grief and loss counseling, divorce support, anxiety and depression treatment, PTSD therapy, and LGBTQ+ affirming care. She has extensive experience helping individuals navigate major life transitions and general stress management.

Virtual Therapy Convenience:
Christie provides all therapy sessions through a secure virtual, HIPAA compliant platform, making professional mental health care accessible from anywhere in Texas. Virtual therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person sessions while offering the convenience of receiving care from your own comfortable space.

Insurance and Accessibility:
Christie accepts PPO plans through United Healthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, making quality mental health care more affordable for many clients. For those without insurance coverage, she offers transparent self-pay rates: $150 for individual counseling sessions and $200 for couples/marriage counseling sessions.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Care:
Christie is committed to providing inclusive, affirming therapy for le***an, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and couples. She creates a safe, supportive environment where all clients can explore their authentic selves without judgment.

Ready to begin your healing journey with Christie? Contact our office to inquire about scheduling your first appointment.

05/18/2026

Mental Health Monday: 5 Dangerous Myths That Prevent People from Getting HelpMental health misinformation is one of the biggest barriers preventing people from accessing the care they need. These persistent myths create shame, delay treatment, and perpetuate unnecessary suffering. Let's debunk the most harmful misconceptions about mental health and therapy.Myth 1: "Therapy is only for people with serious mental illness."
The Truth: Therapy is preventative healthcare for your emotional wellbeing. Just like you don't wait until you're seriously ill to see a doctor, you don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people use therapy for stress management, relationship skills, life transitions, personal growth, and maintaining good mental health.Myth 2: "If you need therapy, you're weak."
The Truth: Seeking mental health support requires incredible courage, self-awareness, and strength. It takes a strong person to acknowledge they want to grow, heal, or learn better coping strategies. Would you call someone weak for going to physical therapy after an injury? Mental health therapy is the same concept.Myth 3: "Psychiatric medication changes who you are."
The Truth: Properly prescribed and managed psychiatric medication helps you feel more like your authentic self by managing symptoms that were interfering with your natural personality and abilities. Depression, anxiety, and other conditions can mask who you really are - treatment helps reveal your true self.Myth 4: "You should be able to handle mental health problems on your own."
The Truth: Humans are inherently social creatures designed to heal through connection and support. This myth is particularly dangerous because it keeps people isolated when they most need community and professional guidance. You wouldn't expect yourself to perform surgery on your own broken bone - mental health deserves the same professional care.Myth 5: "Mental health issues are just a phase that you'll outgrow."
The Truth: Mental health conditions are legitimate medical conditions with biological, psychological, and social components. They respond to evidence-based treatments including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Dismissing them as "phases" delays effective treatment and can worsen symptoms.These myths aren't just wrong - they're actively harmful. They prevent people from seeking help, delay treatment, and perpetuate stigma that costs lives. Mental healthcare is healthcare, period.If you've been believing any of these myths, today is a great day to reconsider. Professional mental health support is available, effective, and nothing to be ashamed of.

05/17/2026

Supporting someone's mental health journey isn't about having all the answers - it's about showing up with compassion and consistency.

Here's how to be a good mental health ally:
- Listen without trying to fix. Sometimes people just need to be heard, not solved. Phrases like "That sounds really difficult" can be more helpful than advice.
- Ask "How can I support you?" instead of assuming. Everyone needs different types of support. Some want practical help, others need emotional presence.
- Check in regularly, not just during crisis. A simple "thinking of you" text shows ongoing care beyond the hard moments.
Respect their treatment choices. Whether they're in therapy, taking medication, or using other coping strategies, support their professional care decisions.
- Take care of yourself too. You can't pour from an empty cup. Supporting someone with mental health challenges requires your own emotional wellness.

Normalize mental health conversations. Talk about therapy like you'd talk about physical therapy - as a normal part of health maintenance.

Being a mental health ally means creating safe spaces where people can be honest about their struggles without judgment or pressure to "get better faster."

△ LTG Building communities of support and understanding