Kathryn de Bruin Family Therapy and Training

08/29/2025

My favorite book is called The Hurt. People of all ages can benefit from reading this book. It uses a beautiful story format to explain how important it is to share our feelings for good mental health. The book also explains how, when we bottle up our emotions, even the smallest feeling can grow into something massive that starts to obstruct our lives.

What I love most about The Hurt is the way it uses visual images to explain complex concepts in a simple, accessible way. It’s an incredible resource that reminds us of the power of emotional expression and the importance of letting our feelings out.

If you’re looking to better understand emotional health and the impact of unspoken feelings, I highly recommend this book. It’s both enlightening and healing.

Do you have any books or resources that have had a profound impact on your life or work? Let’s share and inspire each other!

08/27/2025

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and if you're considering it, I want to offer some words of encouragement. First of all, it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure. Therapy is a personal journey, and it’s perfectly normal to have questions or doubts at the beginning. But know that taking that first step is already an act of strength and self-care.

Here are a few tips for anyone starting their therapy journey:
Be Open to the Process – Therapy is a space to explore and reflect, and sometimes it takes time to find clarity. Be open to whatever emotions or insights arise.
Trust the Relationship – The relationship with your therapist is key. It takes time to build trust, so don’t rush it. Therapy is most effective when you feel comfortable and safe.
Set Realistic Expectations – Progress in therapy isn’t always linear. Some days may feel difficult, and that’s okay. Growth often comes in waves.
Commit to Yourself – Therapy is a commitment to your emotional well-being. Showing up, even when it feels tough, is part of the journey. You deserve this time for healing.

Starting therapy is a brave and empowering decision, and I’m here to remind you that you’re not alone. You’ve already taken the first step toward positive change!

08/27/2025

Looking forward!!!!

Ready to gain the skills to work with individual clients on a deeper level? Join our EFIT Essentials course this September!

Learn the powerful roadmap of Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy to help your clients with anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Register today! ✨ https://bit.ly/3HxqfN3

08/25/2025

Empathy is at the core of effective therapy. It’s the ability to truly understand and share in the feelings of another, and it’s what allows us as therapists to create a safe and trusting space for our clients.

In today’s post, I’m highlighting the role empathy plays in therapy and why it’s such an essential part of the healing process. Here’s why empathy matters:
Builds Trust: When clients feel understood, they’re more likely to open up and share their deepest thoughts and emotions.
Fosters Connection: Empathy bridges the gap between therapist and client, creating a supportive and collaborative relationship.
Encourages Vulnerability: A therapist’s empathetic presence helps clients feel comfortable being vulnerable without fear of judgment.
Promotes Healing: By being fully present and empathetic, therapists help clients feel validated, which is a crucial part of emotional healing.

Empathy isn’t just about understanding – it’s about being there for someone, no matter where they are on their journey.

08/20/2025

Ever wondered what a typical day looks like for a therapist?

It’s a mix of meaningful work, emotional connection, and continuous learning. Here’s a little peek into what my day looks like:

The night before:
I love to look over my schedule, so that I can mentally prepare myself, I love to know what to expect and be ready to face my next day.

Morning Routine:
I'm one of those people that loves to sleep in, so while this isn't always possible on a work week with responsibilities, I set my alarm extra early, so that I can put it off 3 - 4 times so I have the sense of being able to lie in and get up slowly, honoring my body and mind, giving me time to slowly get going.

Morning treat:
A cup of healthy tea, made with a blend of tea leaves from South America, and also an ice cube of juiced ginger and turmeric.

Client Sessions:
The heart of my day is spent in therapy sessions, working with individuals, couples, and families to navigate emotional challenges and build stronger connections.

Self-Care: Between sessions, I love to walk outside and sit in the sun shine. In the afternoons I will pour myself a cup of mint tea and I find it so refreshing.

Learning and Growth: In the quieter moments of my day, I’m often reading, attending trainings, or reflecting on how to improve my practice and better serve my clients.

End of the Day: My work day wrap up is do a 90min barre and center class. I often feel tired and reluctant to exercise, but then I start the class, I move out of my head and focus on my body. By the end of the 90min I feel deeply centered, grounded, peaceful and so happy.

Then the evening rush starts with dinner prep, driving kiddo's etc but if I do have another moment to myself, I love to spent a few moments in a hot tub or hot bath or watch a TV show.

Being a therapist is deeply rewarding, but it’s also important to find balance and prioritize self-care so we can be the best version of ourselves for our clients.”

08/11/2025

Family therapy can be a powerful tool for improving communication, healing relationships, and finding solutions to challenges together.

It’s more than just a space to talk – it’s a space to grow and reconnect. In family therapy, every member’s voice is heard, and the focus is on building stronger, healthier relationships.

Here are a few benefits of family therapy that might inspire you to explore it:
Improved Communication – Helps family members express themselves more clearly and listen actively.
Stronger Relationships – Family therapy helps repair emotional bonds and foster healthier connections.
Conflict Resolution – It teaches strategies for resolving conflicts without escalation, promoting mutual understanding.
Family Dynamics Insight – Understand how individual behaviors impact the entire family system.
Support for All Ages – It’s a tool for families at all stages, from parents to children and teens.

If you’ve been considering therapy for your family, now might be the perfect time to explore what family therapy could do for you!

08/08/2025

Working with children is one of the most rewarding aspects of therapy, but it can also come with its challenges.

In this video, I’ll be sharing my approach to making children feel comfortable and safe during therapy sessions.

From using creative techniques to building trust, creating a space where children feel heard and understood is key to the therapeutic process.

08/07/2025

Therapy has always been about helping people navigate their emotions, but over the years, I’ve seen the profession evolve in so many exciting ways.

From the rise of different therapeutic modalities to the increased focus on emotional wellness and mindfulness, the way we approach therapy today is more dynamic than ever before. It’s inspiring to see how therapy continues to adapt to meet the needs of individuals, couples, and families.

We’ve also seen the field become more inclusive and diverse, with a growing focus on cultural competence and the integration of modern tools, such as online therapy, to reach a wider audience. These changes have made therapy more accessible and effective, empowering individuals to take charge of their mental health.

The conversation around mental health is also shifting – it’s no longer something to be hidden or stigmatized, but something we openly discuss and seek help for. Therapy has truly evolved into a space where healing, growth, and transformation can happen in many different forms.

08/04/2025

Therapy is a process, and knowing when a client is ready to move forward can sometimes feel like a delicate balance.

As therapists, we are constantly evaluating progress, but how do we really know when a client is ready for the next phase?

Here are a few signs I look for when assessing if a client is ready to move forward in therapy:
Increased Self-Awareness: Clients who begin to understand their own patterns, triggers, and emotions are on the right track. Self-awareness is a powerful step in healing.
Consistent Coping Strategies: When clients start implementing tools and strategies learned in therapy to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotions, it’s a good sign of growth.
Shift in Perspective: When a client shows signs of a new perspective on their challenges and begins to approach them with more clarity and confidence, it indicates that they’re ready to move forward. Emotional Regulation: Clients who can regulate their emotions more effectively and are no longer overwhelmed by past issues are demonstrating emotional growth.
Independence in the Process: Clients who feel more in control of their journey and can discuss their next steps or goals independently may be ready to transition from therapy sessions to more independent work.

It’s all about the individual pace of the client, and as therapists, we’re here to support them every step of the way. Moving forward doesn’t mean the work is done – it’s just a natural next chapter in their ongoing journey.

08/01/2025

Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based therapy that can help you heal emotionally, improve relationships, and understand your emotions better.

What makes EFT unique is that it focuses on the deep emotional connection between people – whether it’s between partners, parents, or family members. By helping individuals understand, express, and validate their emotions, EFT fosters empathy and emotional intimacy.

EFT helps us recognize the patterns that block emotional connection and provides tools to repair and rebuild those bonds. It’s a powerful way to build stronger relationships and heal emotional pain.

Whether you’re new to therapy or just curious about EFT, I hope this post helps shed some light on what EFT is and how it can support emotional well-being.

07/30/2025

Had so much fun teaching and showing EFIT! Big thanks to Robin and Rebecca for having me.

It was such a privilege to be part of this transformative learning experience, I’m still feeling inspired by the dedication of everyone involved. Grateful for moments like these and looking forward to more growth and learning ahead!

07/21/2025

Finally got to meet my EFT buddy Anna and her family in person.

After training together virtually since COVID, it was such a special moment to connect face-to-face here in San Diego. It’s amazing how technology can bring people together, but nothing beats real-life connections!

So grateful for this friendship and for all the learning and growth we've shared over the years. Here's to more in-person moments and EFT magic ahead!