Willard Family Therapy

11/18/2025

Fawning is a hybrid response, activating the sympathetic (hyperarousal) and parasympathetic (hypoarousal) branches of the autonomic nervous system at the same time.

• The hyperarousal aspect of fawning has us instinctively managing the moods and states of those “in charge.” We lean into the very relationships that are causing us harm, appeasing our perpetrators while taking personal responsibility for all relational difficulties. Fawning can be incredibly active.

• But at the same time, we are detaching from ourselves. The hypoarousal of fawning numbs our connection to self, our broader sense of agency, and often, our ability to feel the effects of the abuse at all.

We are threading a fine needle when we fawn, neither risking greater harm through fight or flight, nor shutting down completely. This highly adaptive response is moving beyond playing dead to playing LIFE. We are playing pretend, and we don’t even know it. We are playing house, playing the game (to survive or escape our situation), playing a part—sometimes as many parts as there are people in our lives.

🌟Click the link in my bio to get a Free PDF on the Fawning Trauma Response and to order FAWNING: Why the need to please makes us lose ourselves – and how to find our way back. AVAILABLE NOW 🤗

11/11/2025

I specialize in therapy for couples and romantic relationships, and I also work with individuals, families, and children of all ages. I have a particular passion for supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships, especially those navigating the challenges of religious trauma and the journey toward healing.

I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)—a brief, trauma-focused approach that is highly effective in addressing PTSD and other trauma-related concerns.

My therapeutic philosophy is rooted in the power of storytelling. I believe that we all live by the stories we tell ourselves and others, and therapy offers a unique space to share, reshape, and reclaim those stories. My goal is to empower you to become the author of your own narrative, especially when outside influences—whether societal norms or relational patterns—have clouded your voice.

I tailor my approach to each client, drawing primarily from narrative therapy, emotionally focused therapy, family systems theory, and socio-emotional relationship therapy. I also value the potential of medication and alternative treatments as part of a holistic mental health journey, and while I do not prescribe medications, I am happy to support clients in exploring their options. I believe that relationships—of all kinds—can be powerful catalysts for change, and I welcome the opportunity to work with a diverse range of relational dynamics.

Meet Casey! He is an incredibly kind person and amazing therapist. He works with ages 7 and older. He specializes in Couples, trauma, LGBTQ+, kids and teens, and is ART (Accelerated Reprocessing Therapy) and Gottman trained. He has both day time and evening appointments available. Reach out to work with Casey. He's fantastic.

Schedule: https://willardfamilytherapy.clientsecure.me

11/11/2025

Carly has openings this week. “I specialize in working with emerging adults and adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, trauma, identity and self-esteem concerns, relational issues, shame, ADHD/executive dysfunction, and matters of faith or spirituality. I also welcome working with a wide range of clinical concerns and life experiences—each person’s story is uniquely valuable.

My approach to therapy is grounded in a person-centered philosophy, which means I prioritize authenticity, empathy, and genuine connection in the therapeutic relationship. I believe that healing and growth happen most effectively in a space where you feel safe, seen, and free from judgment. I strive to bring warmth, presence, and sincerity into every session, showing up as my authentic self so that you can feel free to do the same.”

Welcome Carly. She is a telehealth only therapist with availability Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. She works with trauma, self-esteem, faith and spirituality challenges and ADHD/Executive dysfunction. Reach out if you have any questions.

Book: https://willardfamilytherapy.clientsecure.me

11/11/2025

Desie at Willard Family Therapy is accepting new clients!!

Desie Loveridge is a compassionate and grounded therapist who believes that every person’s story deserves to be heard and understood. She creates a warm, supportive space where clients can safely explore their experiences, gain insight, and begin to rewrite the parts of their story that no longer serve them.

Desie works with individuals and families navigating a variety of life challenges—including anxiety, depression, trauma, postpartum changes, parenting stress, and faith transitions. She also has extensive experience supporting clients with justice-system involvement, substance use, sexual-related concerns, and complex family dynamics. Desie’s work is guided by a deep respect for each client’s lived experience and a commitment to fostering growth, healing, and resilience.

Areas of Specialty

Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Children with autism and behavioral challenges
Postpartum and maternal mental health
Parenting support and family connection
Grief, loss, and life transitions
Families involved with or impacted by the justice system (including DCFS)
Desie welcomes clients from all walks of life and provides therapy for adults, adolescents, and children.

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

Our name is on the sign!!! (Finally)

11/09/2025

Trust isn't built with loud, dramatic acts.
It's simply built with quiet, consistent actions over time.

Inspired by
Illustrated by me 😊

P.S. If you're new here, I'm PJ Milani /

I've made hundreds of visual metaphors like this as friendly reminders to help live a more intentional and creative life.

If that's your jam, follow me for more daily insights.

11/08/2025

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

DBTSkills. Emotions/Emotion Regulation.
Emotions are crucial in navigating everyday life. Many of life's problems can be solved or eased by better emotional awareness/regulation.

"I need a drink after that"
"The day I've had.."
"She made me so angry"
"He had such road rage .."
"It's like treading on eggshells coming home from
school/college/work''...

Emotional awareness is key to emotion regulation.

Then not needing to change the way we feel with anger outbursts, unhealthy lifestyle choices :drink, drugs, feeding our feelings, overeating, spending, shopping, gambling, other forms of self harm.

Most of us have a more than reasonable grasp on emotional literacy.

We know that we need the so called ' negative emotions' as much as the feel good 'positive emotions'.

If we've never experienced sadness then we wouldn't know joy.
[ ie :the movie Inside Out and its sequel].
Yet still we go about our day, or many of us do - blaming external issues for rising levels of stress, overwhelm, reactivity.

[Image credit : Brene Brown who adapted the seminal work of Wilcox, Plutchik & Zinker]

11/04/2025

The DBT House.

10/30/2025

Exercise outperforms medication in fighting depression, says massive new study

A groundbreaking study of 128,119 people has revealed something remarkable, exercise is more effective at reducing symptoms of depression than medication alone. Researchers found that physical activity, even in small amounts, significantly boosts mood, lowers anxiety, and improves overall mental well-being.

The study compared people who exercised regularly with those treated using antidepressant drugs. The results were clear: movement triggers powerful changes in the brain that medication can’t fully replicate. Exercise increases blood flow, enhances neuroplasticity, and releases endorphins and dopamine, chemicals that naturally lift mood and strengthen emotional resilience.

What’s most encouraging is that the type or intensity of exercise didn’t matter much. Walking, running, cycling, dancing, or strength training all helped. The key was consistency, moving your body regularly, even for 20 minutes a day, created lasting benefits.

While antidepressants can still be life-changing for many, this study shows that combining or even replacing medication with physical activity could transform how we treat depression.

Your body isn’t just made to move, it’s wired to heal through movement. Every step, stretch, or sprint is your brain’s natural antidepressant.