Therapy with Charla

01/27/2026

I recently shared a new blog post that reflects on what it means to practice therapy during times that feel genuinely unsettling for many people.

A lot of mental health conversations focus on helping people challenge their fears, but what happens when fear is a reasonable response to real conditions in the world? What does ethical, supportive care look like when anxiety isn’t imagined, but grounded in lived experience?

This piece isn’t about politics in the therapy room. It’s about honesty, compassion, and understanding how safety, stability, and broader social conditions shape our mental health. My hope is that it offers language for experiences many people are already carrying, and reassurance that they’re not “overreacting” for feeling the way they do.

If this resonates, you’re welcome to read it here:

When fear is a rational response to real conditions, neutral therapy can cause harm. A therapist’s reflection on ethics, social context, and mental health care.

01/20/2026

There's been a lot of conversation about adult children cutting off their parents, but most of these conversations lack nuance.

In my work, I see that this choice is rarely about punishment or cruelty. More often, it's about safety. Emotional safety. Psychological safety. And sometimes physicall safety.

Distance isn't created lightly. It's done after years of minimizing harm, making excuses, and trying to maintain connection at the cost of their wellbeing. As painful as estrangement can be, continuing the relationship would require self betrayal.

I wrote about why adult children go no contact, the grief that comes with it, and why ending a relationship can be the healthiest option.

Why do adult children cut off their parents? This article explores parental estrangement, safety, childhood trauma, and why setting boundaries doesn't require a villain.

01/05/2026

If you’ve ever wondered whether therapy might help, but weren’t sure if your struggles were “big enough” or “bad enough?” Then my newest blog post might be for you.

I’m sharing a personal story about starting therapy for the first time and what it feels like to take that first step. Sometimes we just need someone to hold a little of the weight with us so we don’t have to do it alone.

You can return to our homepage by clicking here, or you can try searching for the content you are seeking by clicking here.

12/02/2025

If you’ve heard of EMDR but aren’t sure what actually happens in a session or why people say it’s life-changing, I wrote about my experience.

I wrote about my experience, how EMDR works, and why it may help when traditional talk therapy hasn’t gotten to the root of things.

✨ EMDR Therapy: How It Helps You Heal the Trauma You Can’t Talk Your Way Out Of
Read more here:

Discover how EMDR therapy helps you process trauma, reduce anxiety, and release old beliefs. Learn what EMDR is, how it works, and if it's right for you.

10/13/2025

The Indiana Chapter of NASW is hosting several CE workshops this fall and I'm facilitating one of them! I'm facilitating a discussion on incorporating anti oppressive principles into clinical practice and other topics include nerodivergent affirming practices, insights from an end of life doula, polyvagal informed interventions, financial social work, and pet loss and grief.

Use the link to register and view all of the course opportunities. The more you attend, the cheaper they are.

https://www.naswin.org/events/event_list.asp

07/22/2025

Being kind means being honest. Even if that honesty stings.

Therapists often tiptoe around hard truths, hoping clients will recognize a need to change on their own. But what if they don’t? What if the most ethical thing we can do is say, “You’re part of the problem,” and walk with them from there?

That question came up in a recent supervision session, and I've been sitting with it ever since.
Here’s where I landed:

Why Honesty (Even the Brutal Kind) Belongs in the Therapy Room

03/19/2025

🧠 Understanding Your Nervous System: Fight, Flight, Freeze, & Fawn 🧠

Ever wonder why you react to stress the way you do? Our nervous system is wired to protect us, but sometimes it keeps us stuck in patterns that no longer serve us.

Swipe through to learn more about:
⚡ Fight – Defensiveness, anger, or confrontation
🏃 Flight – Avoidance, restlessness, or escape
❄️ Freeze – Feeling stuck, numb, or unable to act
🤝 Fawn – People-pleasing or prioritizing others over yourself

Recognizing these responses is the first step toward regulation. If you feel stuck in these patterns, EMDR therapy can help you process and regulate your nervous system.

📍 Ready to explore healing? Schedule a consultation at www.charlayearwood.com

03/10/2025

💡 What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session 💡

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but knowing what to expect can help ease the nerves. Here’s a breakdown of the process from consultation to future sessions.

📌 Before Your First Session: Schedule a virtual consultation to discuss your needs and complete intake paperwork.
📌 During Your First Session: We’ll set goals, explore your hopes for therapy, and answer any questions.
📌 Future Sessions: Therapy is a process of growth—each session builds on the last, helping you work through challenges and develop new skills.

Therapy is a journey, and I’m here to guide you through it. 💛

📍 Ready to begin? Schedule a consultation at www.charlayearwood.com

03/06/2025

🤔 What Therapy Style is Right for You?

Finding the right therapy approach can make all the difference in your healing journey. Different methods work for different people—so which one fits your needs best?

Swipe through to explore:
💡 ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) – Encourages values-driven change and emotional acceptance.
🌿 EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – Helps reprocess trauma and reduce emotional distress.
🧠 CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) – Focuses on changing thought patterns to manage emotions.

Each therapy style has its strengths—what matters most is what resonates with you.

📍 Want help finding the best fit? Schedule a consultation at www.charlayearwood.com

03/04/2025

Here are some captions for your latest series:

1️⃣ Wondering if therapy is right for you?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained, therapy might be a helpful next step. 💜

2️⃣ Signs it may be time to reach out to a therapist:

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed by a problem
Emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety feel out of control
Work, relationships, or self-esteem struggles are weighing you down
Painful memories keep disrupting your day
3️⃣ Is it time for you to explore therapy?
Therapy is a space for growth, healing, and clarity. Schedule a consultation today. 💡✨

Would you like me to tweak anything to match your voice more closely? 😊

02/25/2025

💛 The Power of Self-Compassion 💛

How often do you offer yourself the same kindness you give to others? Self-compassion isn’t about making excuses—it’s about recognizing your worth, embracing your imperfections, and allowing yourself to grow with patience instead of judgment.

Swipe through for ways to cultivate more self-compassion in your life:
✨ Letting go of perfection
✨ Recognizing our shared humanity
✨ Shifting from criticism to growth

You are worthy of kindness, including from yourself. 💛

📍 Ready to work on self-compassion? Schedule a consultation at www.charlayearwood.com

02/19/2025

💭 Let’s talk about therapy myths! 💭

There are so many misconceptions about therapy that keep people from seeking the support they deserve. Swipe through to see some of the biggest myths—and the truth behind them.

Therapy isn’t just for people in crisis. It’s not the same as venting to a friend. And it’s about so much more than just talking about your feelings.

If you’ve been curious about therapy but hesitant because of these myths, I’d love to help.

📍 Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation at www.charlayearwood.com