Peace in Cognitive Wellness PLLC

“You’ve probably heard the saying, *‘It takes a village.’*

But what happens when the village you thought would show up…doesn’t?

For many parents, one of the most painful parts of becoming a parent isn’t just the exhaustion or the challenges of raising children. It’s realizing that the support system you imagined may not look the way you hoped it would.

Maybe family isn’t as involved as you expected. Maybe the people you thought would be there aren’t able to show up in the ways you needed. Maybe you find yourself feeling angry, hurt, or disappointed and wondering why it still affects you so deeply.

Sometimes what looks like anger is actually grief.

We can grieve relationships we wish were different. We can grieve the support we hoped to receive. We can grieve the version of family or motherhood we imagined.

And sometimes, when that hurt builds over time, resentment can develop.

In my newest blog, I explore the difference between grief and resentment, how both can include anger, and how we can begin healing when someone else may not be willing or able to change.

Healing doesn’t always mean the other person changes. Sometimes healing begins with understanding our own hurt, honoring what we’ve lost, and learning how to move forward.

Read more here:

When Your Village Doesn’t Show Up: Understanding Grief, Resentment, and Unmet Expectations — Peace in Cognitive Wellness Explore the difference between grief and resentment, how unmet expectations impact relationships, and ways to process hurt, set boundaries, and heal.

One year ago, I took a leap of faith and opened my private practice full-time.

If I’m honest, I was anxious. There was so much to learn, insurance credentialing, running a business, documentation, marketing, and continuing to grow as a therapist. Even a year later, I’m still learning, and I hope I always will. Every book I read, training I attend, and client I work with helps me become a better therapist.

One of the greatest privileges of this work is walking alongside people during some of life’s most difficult seasons. I love getting to know my clients, celebrating their victories, supporting them through setbacks, and watching them grow. It is an honor every time someone trusts me with their story.

Looking back, I can see how God has used my own experiences to shape the therapist I am today. Five years of infertility, multiple failed IVF transfers and procedures, and eventually growing my family have given me a deep understanding of the emotions that come with infertility. Three pregnancies and the postpartum season have strengthened my passion for helping parents navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition into parenthood. And after 15 years of working with children and families, I continue to love supporting children, teens, and parents as they navigate life’s challenges.

One of the biggest blessings of owning a virtual practice has been the flexibility it gives my family. I get to do work I genuinely love while also being present for my own children. As my twins start kindergarten this year, I’m especially thankful for a career that allows me to be there for these milestones.

This first year has been more than I ever expected, and I don’t take any of it for granted. Thank you to every client who has trusted me, to those who have referred friends and family, and to everyone who has supported my practice along the way.

Most of all, thank You, God, for guiding every step, opening doors I never could have opened on my own, and allowing me to do work that I truly love.

I also want to thank my husband for believing in me from the beginning. Starting a private practice was a leap of faith, and I couldn’t have done it without his encouragement, support, and willingness to help make this dream possible. Thank you for always reminding me I could do this, even when I doubted myself.

Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and helping others find hope and healing. 🤍

Have you ever had a thought that scared you so much you wondered, "Why would I even think that?"

For many new moms, intrusive thoughts can feel overwhelming and isolating. The good news? Having these thoughts does not mean you're a bad mom, and you're far from alone.

In my newest blog, I talk about:
🤍 Why intrusive thoughts happen after having a baby
🤍 What they actually mean (and what they don't)
🤍 Practical ways to cope
🤍 When it's time to reach out for support

If you're a new mom or love someone who is I hope this brings comfort and reassurance.

Read the blog here:
👉

Why Do I Have Intrusive Thoughts About My Baby? Understanding Postpartum Anxiety — Peace in Cognitive Wellness Unwanted thoughts after having a baby can be frightening, but they're more common than many mothers realize. Learn why intrusive thoughts happen, when to seek help, and practical ways to cope with postpartum anxiety.

Have you ever thought, "I'm not struggling enough to need therapy?"

You're not alone and it's one of the biggest myths about mental health.

✨ **Myth:** Therapy is only for people who are falling apart.

💙 **Fact:** Therapy can help you navigate anxiety, infertility, parenting, relationship challenges, and life's transitions *before* they become overwhelming.

You don't have to wait until you're in crisis to ask for support. Therapy can be a place to build coping skills, gain perspective, strengthen relationships, and care for your mental health at any stage of life.

What's one myth about therapy you've heard? Share it in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

If you're in Texas and have been thinking about starting therapy, I'd be honored to support you.

🌿 Peace in Cognitive Wellness PLLC

Have you ever thought…

"I know this, so why do I still feel this way?"

Maybe you understand that you are safe, but your body still feels anxious. Maybe you know something happened in the past, but certain emotions, reactions, or patterns still show up.

One thing I often remind clients is that healing is not just about understanding something with our mind. Sometimes our feelings, behaviors, and body responses need time and support to catch up.

In my newest blog, I talk about the difference between knowing something intellectually and actually feeling differently. I also discuss how approaches like CBT and EMDR can help people process thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a deeper way.

If you have ever felt frustrated because you "know better" but still struggle, you are not alone. ❤️

Read more here:

Why Do I Still Feel This Way When I Know Better? Understanding the Mind-Body Connection — Peace in Cognitive Wellness Learn why you can understand something logically but still feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. Explore how therapy, CBT, and EMDR can help.

Have you ever thought, "I know I'm okay, but my body doesn't feel okay?"

Maybe your chest gets tight, your stomach is in knots, or you just feel on edge for no obvious reason.
One of the biggest things I talk about with clients is that anxiety isn't "just in your head." Our bodies are constantly trying to protect us, and sometimes they react before we've even had a chance to think.

In my newest blog, I explain why this happens, why it's so common, and what you can do to help your nervous system feel safe again.

If you've ever been frustrated because you know you're okay but your body won't listen, I hope this helps.

You can read it here:

Why Your Body Feels Anxious Even When Your Mind Knows You're Safe — Peace in Cognitive Wellness Learn why your body can feel anxious even when your mind knows you're safe. Discover how the nervous system responds to stress and ways to regulate it.

One of the most common questions I hear from pregnant clients is:
"Is my anxiety hurting my baby?"

Many expecting parents worry that feeling stressed, anxious, emotional, or overwhelmed during pregnancy means they're doing something wrong. The reality is much more reassuring.

In my newest blog, I break down what the research actually says about anxiety during pregnancy, how stress affects fetal development, and why support and self-compassion matter so much.

If you've ever worried about this yourself or know someone who has, I hope this information helps.

💙 Read the blog here:

Does Stress and Anxiety During Pregnancy Harm Your Baby? — Peace in Cognitive Wellness Worried that anxiety during pregnancy could affect your baby? Learn what research says about prenatal stress, fetal development, and ways to support your mental health during pregnancy.

🤔 "Do I need medication?"

It's one of the most common questions people ask when they start struggling with anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress.

The truth? There isn't a single answer that fits everyone.

Some people find therapy alone is enough. Others benefit from medication. Many find that a combination of both provides the greatest relief.

In my latest blog, I break down:
• When therapy may be enough
• When medication might be helpful
• The differences between therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists
• What parents should know when seeking support for their children

Read more here:https://www.peaceincognitivewellness.com/blog/do-i-need-medication-understanding-therapy-medication-and-mental-health-treatment

A positive pregnancy test after infertility, IVF, or pregnancy loss does not always bring immediate joy.
For many individuals and couples, it brings fear, hesitation, and a cautious sense of hope.
You may find yourself thinking:
“I want to believe this will work, but I’m afraid to let myself hope.”
This experience is often called guarded hope.
Guarded hope is not a sign that you are ungrateful or pessimistic. It is a natural response to the grief and uncertainty that infertility and loss can create.
In my latest blog post, I explore why guarded hope happens, how grief and hope can coexist, and ways to support yourself during pregnancy after infertility or loss.
If this resonates with you, please know you are not alone.
Read more here:
https://www.peaceincognitivewellness.com/blog/guarded-hope-infertility-pregnancy-after-loss-and-the-grief-that-comes-with-both

Guarded Hope: Navigating Pregnancy After Infertility and Pregnancy Loss — Peace in Cognitive Wellness It is common to feel fear and uncertainty after a positive pregnancy test following infertility, IVF, miscarriage, or pregnancy loss. Learn how guarded hope helps you hold both grief and cautious optimism during pregnancy after loss.