Dr. Jess Alpizar

As a psychologist and imperfect parent with years of experience guiding individuals through the complexities of their emotional landscapes, I've noticed a concerning trend in modern therapy discussions, both in sessions and online. More and more clients are uncovering childhood wounds and tracing them back to their parents' actions or inactions, only to become entrenched in a cycle of blame. While acknowledging these roots is a crucial first step toward healing, lingering in

Therapy can bring up intense feelings, and sometimes your body feels it too, like a racing heart or restlessness that keeps you up at night. When you try coping strategies and they don’t seem to work, it’s easy to feel frustrated, wondering if you’re doing something wrong or if they’re just not for you. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about the strategies, it’s also about your mindset. If you’re approaching those anxious or restless moments with the thought, “I need to ge

EMDR therapy can stir up strong emotions or memories that may linger after a session. This handout provides practical tools to help you feel more in control and grounded until your next appointment. These strategies are designed to calm your mind and body, helping you manage any distress. Try them out, see what works best for you, and share your experience with your therapist. Important : If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, contact your therapist or a crisis line immediately (

If you’ve ever felt like your mind is a tug-of-war between different emotions—like part of you wants to charge forward while another part...