Monarch Wellness & Psychotherapy

02/13/2026

Stuck in thoughts like “I’m not enough” or “I’m a failure”? That’s shame — not truth.

Shame says “I am wrong,” not just “I did something wrong.” And it fuels a cycle:

Trigger → self-criticism → coping (numbing, overworking, disordered eating, isolating) → more shame → repeat.

Shame thrives in isolation. It heals in connection, compassion, and mindfulness.

Join Anna as she reminds "You are not broken." 💛

Click the link below to read the full blog!

https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/what-is-the-shame-cycle-and-how-do-i-break-free

02/06/2026

Dating in DC can be emotionally draining 😮‍💨 — not because you’re doing it wrong, but because the culture of comparison, high expectations, and endless swiping takes a real mental toll 📱💭

Reminder: dating is something you do, not who you are 💛 Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and protecting your energy isn’t giving up — it’s self-respect ✨

🔗 https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/pnd405ui1n1d7h20b9shtjl97new7wLink

01/16/2026

"That's neuro-affirming care: flexible, curious and human."

Dana explores neuro-affirming care and how you can tailor care to meet each individual where they are.

Click the link below to discover more about neuro-affirming care!
https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/what-is-neuro-affirming-care-and-why-does-it-matter

12/23/2025

You don’t have to be a policymaker or foster parent to change a child’s life. Advocacy starts small—showing up for one child—and grows outward to community support and national policy change. Whether you volunteer as a CASA, support caregivers, mentor a child, help organize local efforts, or speak up for reform, your actions matter. Advocacy is layered, collective, and powerful. When individuals act, systems change—and children are safer, stronger, and seen. 💛

Laura Pearson explores the near and far reaches of child advocacy. Check out the full blog by clicking the link below:
https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/how-to-advocate-for-vulnerable-children-at-every-level-personal-community-and-national

12/10/2025

At Monarch Wellness, we know that chronic pain and eating disorders often overlap in ways that feel overwhelming and deeply unseen. If you’re navigating both, your experience is real—and you don’t have to face it alone.

Read Carissa's latest blog discussing common struggles of living with chronic pain and an eating disorder. Carissa discusses coping strategies, the impact that medical misinformation can have, and how the mind body connection that can affect chronic pain.

Check out the blog below:
https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/chronic-pain-and-eating-disorders

09/25/2025

Weight stigma awareness week isn't over yet! Please click to read an insightful blog on this topic by Carissa Hannum:

https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/weight-stigma-awareness-week-2025ways-to-make-a-change-in-the-healthcare-field

07/28/2025

07/16/2025

Not sure if it’s really depression? You’re not alone.

At Monarch Wellness, we support clients in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia who are navigating symptoms like low energy, foggy thinking, and burnout only to discover that something else is going on. From anxiety and ADHD to trauma and chronic illness, many conditions mimic depression but require different care.

Explore 10 commonly misdiagnosed conditions and what to watch for:
https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/misdiagnosed-depression-alternatives

07/14/2025

Vacations are supposed to feel relaxing but for many people, they can bring up anxiety, family stress, or body image struggles. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed while traveling, you're not alone.

Our latest blog shares supportive and practical tips to help you protect your peace and care for your mental health while away. Whether you're traveling from Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia, our therapists are here for you.

Read the full blog here:
https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/summer-vacation-mental-health-tips

07/11/2025

What if your anxiety isn't just in your head but in your body?

In our new blog, we talk about how anxiety can actually be a stress signal from your nervous system, especially for high achievers or those with a trauma history. Learn why coping skills aren't always enough, and how trauma-informed therapy at Monarch Wellness can help you feel safer and more grounded, whether you're in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia.

Read the full post: https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/anxiety-nervous-system-trauma-response

07/07/2025

Can healthy eating go too far?

Orthorexia Nervosa is a lesser-known eating disorder where the desire to eat “right” becomes overwhelming and harmful. If you've ever felt anxious about food choices or stuck in rigid food rules, you're not alone. In our latest blog, we share common symptoms, how it can affect daily life, and what treatment and support look like.

Monarch Wellness offers counseling and therapy for eating disorders in person and online throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Read the full blog: https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/orthorexia-healthy-eating-obsession

07/04/2025

Thinking about premarital counseling? It’s not just for couples in crisis, it’s for anyone who wants to start marriage with clarity, connection, and confidence. In our latest blog, we share 5 meaningful reasons to consider counseling before you say “I do.”

Whether you're planning a wedding or just want to build a stronger relationship, therapy can help. Monarch Wellness offers premarital counseling in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and online.

Read the blog: https://www.monarchwellness.com/blog/premarital-counseling-reasons