Open Door Counseling

Family estrangement is becoming more and more common, a “trend” that finds many parents suddenly cut off from their adult children. These estrangements often come with little explanation, which adds to the confusion and pain. Often times, there is a true justification for creating distance on the part of adult children as a way to … Read more

It can feel a lot like a juggling act when you’re taking care of your own children as well as your aging parents. Adults in their 40s and 50s are most likely to be “sandwiched” between generations, simultaneously supporting their children and their aging parents within a social phenomenon known as the Sandwich Generation. If … Read more

Disagreements are an inevitable part of any relationship. However, it’s not the conflict itself that poses the problem. It’s the way in which couples handle that conflict that really matters. This can be a struggle for many couples as they bring their own judgements, perspectives, and vulnerabilities to the interaction.  With Valentine’s Day upon us, … Read more

For decades, your nest has been full, bustling with noise, laughter, and general busyness. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was yours. It was comforting; it defined home and family. When your children leave for college, you may brace yourself for the emptiness you feel when they walk out that door for the first time. … Read more

When we think of holiday stress, we think of over-scheduled calendars, long shopping lists, and high-pressure family gatherings in December. Despite common assumptions, though, many people don’t feel the full weight of holiday stress until January, after the decorations come down, everyone’s back to work and school, and life gets back to normal. December may … Read more

Therapy doesn’t always have to involve a serious setting with the patient and therapist facing each other in chairs. In fact, this scenario may be intimidating for some people, especially children. That’s where play therapy comes in. This is a powerful tool for clients of all ages to explore emotions, reduce stress, and develop healthy … Read more

The portrait of today’s family looks much different from it did even a few decades ago. Many of them are forming new bonds through second marriages, partnerships, and co-parenting arrangements that don’t necessarily fit into the traditional mold of nuclear families. According to the Step Family Foundation, 1,300 new stepfamilies form every day, with more … Read more

Stress can sneak up on you at the most inopportune times—in the grocery line, during rush hour traffic, or even while scrolling through social media on the phone. Our nervous systems are constantly being bombarded by stimuli, and sometimes our bodies and minds struggle to process it. Without access to the right coping tools, it’s … Read more

Our emotions aren’t just in our minds; they are deeply intertwined with our bodies. Whether your stomach is in knots when stressed or you feel that tightness in your chest when worried, this is your body’s way of reacting to those complex emotions. Somatic therapy explores the link between emotional stress and physical ailments. By … Read more

Why even helpers need help—and how Open Door Counseling Center can guide you Therapists are trained to help their clients navigate emotional storms, but when the tide turns, who is there to support them? We assume that because therapists have schooling, training, and experience in helping others, that they always have it together. But therapists … Read more