Birch Counseling

07/16/2025

"The dynamic between an empath and a narcissist is often described as a magnetic yet destructive dance. Empaths, with their deep capacity for understanding and absorbing others’ emotions, are naturally drawn to narcissists, who thrive on attention and admiration. This relationship, while initially compelling, can become a breeding ground for emotional turmoil and abuse."

In a recent blog, Christa Surerus takes a look at the characteristics of both and the challenges they face.

The dynamic between an empath and a narcissist is often described as a magnetic yet destructive dance. Empaths, with their deep capacity for understanding and absorbing others’ emotions, are naturally drawn to narcissists, who thrive on attention and admiration. This relationship, while initially ...

07/09/2025

Have you met Jose Gonzales, MSW, LGSW?

Jose works in our Minnetonka office, speaks fluent Spanish, and believes in working with his clients to achieve the goals that they find most critical.

You can learn more about Jose here: https://bit.ly/3ZnzLYV

07/07/2025

Please join us in welcoming Kelly Olson to the Birch Counseling family.

Kelly will be joining us later this month and is excited to connect with you. She knows that sometimes life is "like a kaleidoscope of shifting emotions and experiences," and she is here to support you with her person-centered therapy approach.

Get to know more about Kelly here and feel free to say "Hi" in the comments.

We are thrilled to announce that Kelly Olson will be joining our team soon! Kelly understands that sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the ups and downs of life, like a kaleidoscope of shifting emotions and experiences. Whether you’re an adult trying to have everything "figured out," a teena

07/04/2025

Wishing you a happy 4th of July weekend.

07/02/2025

Feeling weighed down by depression?

Sometimes, life is simply a cycle of exhaustion, and it is very tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Christa Surerus shares a few thoughts on "Unveiling the Trap of Avoidance: A Path to Conquer Depression" in this great post.

Remember, you are not alone. There are people in this world who want to support you through the tough times.

https://bit.ly/4mTlRYr

Have you ever felt so weighed down by depression that the mere thought of getting out of bed feels like climbing a mountain? The daily grind—stressors, social interactions, even routine tasks—can sap every ounce of energy, leaving you drained and hopeless. As depression lingers, the world dims: ...

06/27/2025

You have likely all heard of postpartum depression, but many new mothers suffer from postpartum anxiety and don't have the same level of awareness or understanding of how to move forward.

In this post, Christa Surerus defines this anxiety, shares ways it may show itself, and offers a few suggestions.

Who do you know that could use some extra support or understanding around postpartum anxiety? Share this with them and let them know that they are not alone.

https://bit.ly/45MZYUC

While postpartum depression is widely recognized, postpartum anxiety often lingers in the shadows, affecting many new mothers without the same level of awareness. This condition manifests as intense, often overwhelming fears about a baby’s safety, with vivid, intrusive thoughts of harm—such as t...

06/25/2025

It's been a tough day...are you feeling called by food?

Stress, sadness, and boredom can all drive us to fill the void we "feel" with food. It's called emotional eating, and there are ways to prevent overeating.

Check out this recent post by Christa Surerus and find a few tips on how to eat mindfully or take the first step in identifying that you might need a better way to cope. We are here to help.

https://bit.ly/3FPFakO

Have you ever grabbed a bag of chips after a tough day or reached for chocolate when you’re feeling down? That’s emotional eating—turning to food to cope with feelings like stress, sadness, or boredom, instead of eating because your body needs fuel. Unlike eating to satisfy physical hunger, em...

06/20/2025

"Dating is a messy and sometimes hilarious adventure, and wherever you are on the journey—swiping, crying, or sending memes to your crush—it’s all part of the ride". Nessa Javinsky

Dating today can be an emotional rollercoaster. Nessa provides us with a few thoughts on taking that first leap, choosing wisely, laughing, and letting go.

Check it out here:
https://bit.ly/3FF1o9f

Picture this: you’re in a new relationship, your heart’s doing somersaults, and you’re practically glowing like a human lightbulb. Love, or even the hint of it, is one of life’s greatest plot twists. A fresh romance can make your mental and physical health do a happy dance, spark hope in the...

06/18/2025

June is Pride Month, and we want to say something simple but important:

You deserve care that sees you fully, for who you are, what you've been through, and what you're working toward.

At BIRCH, we’re proud to offer inclusive, affirming mental health support for LGBTQIA+ folks in Minnesota. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, needing a space to talk, or just looking for a therapist who gets it, we’re here.

06/17/2025

It happens a lot.

People talk about being "obsessed" with someone or something. (Think the latest hit on your streaming platform of choice)

Or when someone is super organized and their space is put together, people say they have "OCD" or "OCD tendencies".

But what do obsessions really look like for someone with OCD?

This recent post from Christa Surerus outlines what obsessions really look like, how compulsions factor in, as well as some treatment options. Take a look today!

https://bit.ly/3TepP0a

The word “obsession” gets thrown around a lot these days—like saying you’re “obsessed” with a TV show or a new hobby. But using the term so casually can water down its real meaning, especially when it comes to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In the mental health world, an obsession ...

06/12/2025

Remember...you are loved.

06/09/2025

The rush of getting angry is sometimes exhilarating. We feel good, for a fleeting moment, about standing up for ourselves or fighting back.

Unfortunately, anger rarely sustains us or builds a relationship with those we are angry at or around.

Instead, the power is in managing our anger, staying calm, and responding appropriately.

How do you start? Check out our latest blog by our own, Christa Surerus here: https://bit.ly/3Zpb52b

Questions or strategies that work for you? Let us know in the comments.

Anger is a complex emotion. When directed at us, it feels uncomfortable, even threatening. Yet, when we experience it ourselves, it can feel exhilarating—a surge of righteousness that makes us feel superior or powerful. But this power is an illusion. Anger, in fact, erodes our control, clouding ou...