Brass Tacks Professional Counseling

03/13/2026

Being duty bound is a mindset that women need to shake. It does so much harm. Thank you Jennifer Finlayson Fife for your work-

03/02/2026

“ remember last week you said XYZ to me? I’m still offended.”

“ I never said that. I would never say something like that.”

This is when it gets rough. We have a choice as the first speaker. We can either dig in. How well do you think that’s gonna go? Or we can recognize that whatever was said “last week” is not an actual representation of how your partner truly feels. Sometimes people act from a place of isolated emotion. We all do that.
This is where we get to decide if we are going to offer Grace or employ resentment. It’s not easy is it?

02/17/2026

Please be careful using AI as a therapist. 1. Your privacy is compromised- who knows where that info will go or how it could be accessed in the future 2. AI, at least CHATGPT is a butt kisser 3. Part of learning about the self requires a relationship. Your relationship with your red blooded skilled trained therapist will give you actual data to work from.
I’m not worried about being replaced. I’ll be retired before it becomes a monster. But I’m concerned for us. AI is amazing- I use it- but it’s a new toy, so be careful.

02/06/2026

Have you heard of the term “dead Internet?“ It is the idea that much of the Internet is perpetuated by robots. (Especially in comment sections.) Be very careful what you allow your blood pressure to respond to. Social media wants you to get worked up, because adrenaline is addictive. It will bring you back and sell advertising. Don’t get sucked in friends.

01/24/2026

WEEKEND TIDBIT:
It is highly unlikely that “ everybody” was kung fu fighting. Watch out for your absolutes- it will “ always” elicit defensiveness!

01/06/2026

Quick, five second reminder!

12/20/2025

More on “cutting off” (estrangement):

12/17/2025

11/14/2025

Edit to add- just had to get somewhere, left an hour early to do so, and came across so many accidents that I was late and stressed! Just life.

MINDFULNESS:
I had a challenging morning with extreme high stress- so I implemented mindfulness techniques in effort to reduce my heart rate and calm my nerves.

It didn’t work- so that was fun.

Happy Friday everyone!

09/13/2025

Does social media feed my soul and support mental well being?

09/10/2025

INFLUENCERS

08/26/2025

It’s pretty typical to respond defensively to someone telling you that you’ve done harm.

What if you trust that you’re being told for the purpose of healing and building the relationship? Could you slow down the defense and instead just sit in the discomfort with them by saying “oh- I see I’ve done harm”? Once they feel safe with you, THEN you can take care of them and grow together.

Who has questions about managing defensiveness? (Ps it’s hard for me too.)