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The Gift of Authenticity
This blog has been the most personal one I have written yet, and I believe it to be important. Authenticity is an exceptional value to hold, but it is also a gift that can be given to others.

Emily Chivis
Mar 274 min read


Struggling With Motivation
I feel confident saying that struggling with motivation affects all of us from time to time. Sometimes it feels like life is moving at the speed of light, or that there are more to-do's on our lists than time to do them. Whatever is causing the lack of motivation can feel burdensome and overwhelming. I’m here to offer a few tips to help alleviate some stress you feel around motivation. Sometimes taking one small step is all it takes to get out of a rut.

Emily Chivis
Mar 203 min read


Quiet Places in Grand Rapids
Whether you have social anxiety or just need a relaxing place to recharge, it is important to honor your needs and find opportunities to slow down. We all benefit from quiet opportunities to be with oneself from time to time.

Emily Chivis
Mar 133 min read


Pros and Cons of Therapy
Being part of a therapy office you may expect me to only have pros about attending therapy. Don’t get me wrong, there are many pros, but I would be lying if I said that we didn’t know of any cons, because there are some. I want to spend a little time discussing both the pros and the cons of therapy so that you will have a better understanding of the benefits and the barriers of getting the help you deserve.

Emily Chivis
Mar 64 min read


Isn’t individual therapy just talking about it? How could that help me?
Isn’t therapy just talking about it? How could that help me? Your therapist should give you the tools to continue healing outside of their office. The goal is for you to live your life authentically with the ability to handle the trials and tribulations life will throw at you.

Emily Chivis
Feb 273 min read


Have the effects of trauma made you feel you have lost your mind?
A blog to provide you with reassurance and hope that you are not crazy or losing your mind. The changes you may be experiencing are not “all in your head." This is very real, and it's happening for a reason. You have suffered a trauma.

Alaina Smith
Feb 206 min read


A Guide to Setting Boundaries
Here are a few simple steps to help you draw strong boundaries and keep them steady, no matter what chaos you're managing.
Crystal Rusticus
Dec 19, 20254 min read


Overcoming Anxiety
Sarah McDaniels provides a short blog on tracking anxiety as an effective tool for anxiety management.

Sarah McDaniels LLMSW
Jul 11, 20251 min read


Creating a Safe Space for Healing and Learning
Did you know that when trauma is active in the brain, it becomes incredibly difficult to engage with reasoning, logic, and emotional...

Alaina Smith
Feb 7, 20252 min read


Mental Health Tips: Simple and free ways to improve mental health and wellbeing.
You can have control over your own mental health and well-being, and do not even have to buy any crazy products or exercise programs!

Emily Chivis
Jan 24, 20254 min read


Handling life with grace
Learn more about our core values at Mariposa and how we embody them.

Emily Chivis
Nov 8, 20242 min read


Fearlessly Authentic
Learn more about our core values at Mariposa and how we embody them.

Emily Chivis
Oct 25, 20242 min read


Building Perspective In The Journey- Relationship Recovery
It's hard to see growth during relationship recovery after addiction and betrayal trauma, learn quick tips to help build perspective.

Alaina Smith
Aug 2, 20243 min read


Should I keep betrayal trauma a secret?
After discovery or disclosure, its hard to know who to tell and when to tell about the betrayal. Do you keep the secret?

Alaina Smith
Mar 29, 20244 min read


Tips to Boost Spring Productivity
Spring is often associated with new life. The cold grey winter skies turn into sunshine as spring emerges. While it is common to slow...

Emily Chivis
Mar 22, 20243 min read


Trauma and the Christian Church
Beginning steps to understand and manage trauma in the church, learn how trauma is passed down and how to help our children.

Alaina Smith
Mar 15, 20243 min read


What is trauma?
Discover what trauma is, some common symptoms, and hope for healing.

Alaina Smith
Feb 23, 20243 min read


Am I Burnt Out?
Feeling stretched thin and unable to keep up? Is it burn out or is this something more? Read on to learn about compassion fatigue.

Alaina Smith
Apr 15, 20233 min read


“Why don’t you pray about it?”
Is prayer enough of a support to offer a friend when they are struggling? Learn how to help when someone reaches out to you.

Alaina Smith
Mar 29, 20233 min read
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