Start My Wellness

12/02/2025

Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all — and that’s what makes the journey so meaningful. I love supporting the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) and shaping therapy around your unique story. With over a decade as a psychotherapist and 25 years as a social worker, I blend a variety of approaches like DBT, CBT, solution-focused, and psychodynamic work. I’m also finishing my EMDR certification so I can offer even more support for trauma healing.

My space is supportive, collaborative, and judgment-free — a place where individuals, couples, and families can show up exactly as they are. If you’re curious about working together, send me an email. I’d be honored to support you on your journey to wellbeing.

12/01/2025

🎙️ New Podcast Episode!

Join Dr. Anton Babushkin, Dr. Bill Bloom, and special guest Dr. Charles Starkman for a powerful conversation on understanding eating disorders and the path toward healing.

Dr. Starkman shares insights from years of clinical experience, exploring the roots of disordered eating, the impact of identity and culture on body image, and how connection and trust foster true recovery. Together, they discuss evidence-based treatments, relational healing, and what it really takes to support individuals on their journey toward wellness.

If you’re a mental health provider, someone supporting a loved one, or simply interested in learning more, this episode offers deep compassion and practical wisdom.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q51csXd0V64

11/24/2025

IFS (Internal Family Systems) offers a gentle way to understand your emotions by getting to know your “parts” with compassion. Our latest article shares how slowing down and listening inward can bring more clarity, grounding, and self-kindness into your daily life.

If you’d like support as you explore this work, Derrick Martinez, LCSW is a therapist who practices IFS and offers a warm, welcoming approach. Schedule a consult with Derrick today: https://startmywellness.com/therapist-near-me/derrick-martinez/

IFS isn’t about fixing yourself — it’s about coming home to every part of you.

🔗 Read more in the full article: https://startmywellness.com/2025/11/ifs-internal-family-systems-for-beginners-meeting-your-parts-with-compassion/

Explore internal family systems therapy, parts work, and self-leadership psychology for trauma healing and personal growth.

11/20/2025

Many adults reach an autism diagnosis later in life, and the clarity it brings can be deeply validating. Our latest article explores when an adult autism assessment may be helpful and what the evaluation process actually looks like.

From masking exhaustion and sensory sensitivities to long-standing social challenges, the assessment process helps adults understand lifelong patterns with compassion and accuracy. It also opens the door to meaningful support, workplace accommodations, healthier communication, and strategies that make daily life more manageable.

Gaining this insight isn’t about labeling—it’s about understanding yourself more fully and accessing the tools that help you thrive.

🔗 Read more in the full article:

Learn what to expect from adult autism assessment, ASD testing, and autism spectrum evaluations designed for neurodivergent adults.

11/19/2025

Dyslexia and ADHD can look so similar that it’s often hard to know what’s really holding a child back. Our latest article explores how psychological testing brings clarity—showing whether challenges are rooted in reading issues, attention difficulties, or a combination of both.

With a clear diagnosis, families and teachers can finally understand where the struggle begins and how to support it effectively.

Accurate testing leads to targeted interventions, meaningful accommodations, and a noticeable boost in confidence for children who’ve been trying their best without the right tools.

🔗 Read more in the full article:

Discover how psychological testing helps clarify ADHD and dyslexia challenges, and supports accurate learning disability diagnosis.

11/13/2025

Healthy Communication for Couples

Disagreements are natural in any relationship, but how we communicate during conflict shapes connection and trust. Our latest article shares a 5-step approach to de-escalate arguments and practical scripts to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

These strategies help couples:
✅ Reduce tension
✅ Build empathy and understanding
✅ Strengthen intimacy and resilience

Small changes in communication today can create lasting harmony tomorrow.

If you’d like additional support, Gahl Berkooz, is available for consultations: https://startmywellness.com/therapist-near-me/gahl-berkooz/

🔗 Read more here: https://startmywellness.com/2025/11/couples-communication-scripts-how-to-de-escalate-arguments-in-5-steps/

Learn how couples therapy and marriage counseling tips improve conflict resolution, relationship communication, and healthy skills.

11/12/2025

Feeling Stuck in Stress or Anxiety? Polyvagal Theory explains how our nervous system responds to danger — fight, flight, or freeze — and offers practical ways to shift into calm and connection.

Quick Tools to Regulate Your Nervous System:

Deep belly breathing
Gentle yoga or stretching
Safe social connections
Humming, singing, or cold water on the face

Trauma-informed approaches prioritize safety and choice, helping you regain control and build resilience.

⭐ If you’re looking for support with anxiety or trauma, you can schedule a session with Leora Selmar, a therapist specializing in anxiety. Learn more and request an appointment here: https://startmywellness.com/therapist-near-me/leora-selmar/

📖 Read more here: https://startmywellness.com/2025/10/polyvagal-theory-explained-practical-ways-to-get-out-of-fight-or-flight/

Learn how polyvagal theory, vagus nerve exercises, and trauma-informed methods help reset your nervous system and exit fight or flight.

11/11/2025

Today, on Veterans Day, we want to recognize and thank all who have served. At Start My Wellness, we are especially grateful for veterans in our community and the unique challenges they face.

We are proud to have Jeromy Harris on our team, a dedicated provider who works specifically with veterans, offering compassionate care and support tailored to their needs.

📅 Request an appointment with Jeromy here: https://startmywellness.com/therapist-near-me/jeromy-harris/

11/10/2025

Calm Your Nervous System at Home

Stress and trauma aren’t just in your mind—they’re stored in your body. Somatic techniques use gentle movement, breathwork, and body awareness to release tension, regulate emotions, and boost well-being.

Try grounding, gentle stretches, deep breathing, or journaling to start feeling more balanced.

📖 Read the full article: https://startmywellness.com/2025/10/somatic-techniques-you-can-try-at-home-to-calm-the-nervous-system/

📞 Start your somatic therapy journey with Sara Diesel: https://startmywellness.com/therapist-near-me/sara-diesel/

Discover somatic exercises, vagus nerve stimulation, grounding techniques, and self regulation tools for calming the nervous system.

11/05/2025

🎙️ New Podcast Episode!

Join Dr. Anton Babushkin, Dr. Bill Bloom, and special guest Dr. Felicia Brabec for an engaging conversation on how mental health care intersects with public policy.

Dr. Brabec shares her journey from clinical psychologist to legislator, discussing access, equity, workforce support, and innovative solutions shaping Michigan’s mental health system.

Discover how thoughtful policy and community action can create a more effective, inclusive, and compassionate system for all.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Gs1t7u7QdhU?si=lb4dL5FnwAXMGFSB

10/30/2025

Behind every struggle is a story — and trauma-informed therapy helps people rewrite theirs with compassion.

Trauma-informed therapy recognizes that trauma affects every part of a person’s life — body, mind, and relationships. Instead of judgment, it offers safety, empowerment, and understanding.

This compassionate approach helps individuals rebuild trust, regulate their nervous systems, and develop lasting resilience. Whether someone has experienced abuse, neglect, violence, or systemic trauma, healing is possible with the right support.

Learn how trauma-informed therapy works, who it helps, and how to find a therapist who truly understands trauma.

👉 Read the full article here: https://startmywellness.com/2025/10/trauma-informed-therapy-101-what-it-is-and-who-it-helps/

Learn what trauma informed therapy is, who it helps, and how it supports PTSD treatment, counseling, and trauma healing.

10/28/2025

EMDR vs. CBT: Healing from Trauma

Both EMDR and CBT are evidence-based therapies for trauma and PTSD—but they work differently.

EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, often bringing relief in fewer sessions. CBT focuses on reshaping negative thought patterns and building long-term coping skills.

Both approaches are effective, and the right choice depends on your needs and goals. Learn more and read the full article here: https://startmywellness.com/2025/10/emdr-vs-cbt-which-therapy-works-best-for-trauma/

For professional EMDR therapy, contact Jeromy Harris at Can Do Counseling for trauma support.

Compare EMDR therapy and CBT for trauma, highlighting trauma processing, effectiveness, and evidence based treatment results.