Category Archives: Writings

What test did I pass to win over a new-ish, highly resistant teenage client? Their “I don’t dread coming here anymore” comment had the back of my head hit the chair while saying, “You mean you like me?!” Truly, I was a bit surprised. What a gift that was. Can you believe it, after oneContinue reading “Serendipity Day”

Previous Up to this point, we’ve explored landing at Pat’s house, my childhood stuff, casino days, and my current perspective. Now, let’s revisit the journey… Road trip, Day 4. Stopped at a Wyoming Overlook. Destination: Unknown As though whisked by a painter’s lightest touch, clouds swirl upon a dramatic sapphire backdrop. Buckskin-hued hills and darkContinue reading “Free As We’ll Ever Be (Book Part 2)”

***Note: This is my book edit to date. I was putting in snippets, but it could get confusing if you missed a day. I can also link back to this in future posts. Chapter 1 “Each and every one of us plays a completely unique role in the main act of life. The bumblebee pollinatesContinue reading “Home is a Problem (Book Part 1)”

More so than any god, I am a strong believer in going barefoot. It’s a spring, summer, fall, and winter kind of faith. And I was calling for the almighty when out of our friend’s house Evelyn ran shoeless and the closest mom (not me!) said, “Don’t go out without shoes!” I dug deep intoContinue reading “Raining Paint”

They’ve completed their service—wiping up spilled sugary milk coffee and removing splattered bug guts. The thirty-four dish rags are among many unwanted items I moved to the garage, hopefully, to be headed to Value Village. Ah, the good ol’ Value Village, where once upon a time, I’d queue up with ten others at the 9amContinue reading “Parading Around Town”

I’m taking the night off. Here’s a joke for you. How warm is a baby at birth? Womb temperature Love, Jaclynn I also found this screenshot my photo archive. I don’t know the source, so don’t sue me.

I specialize in trauma, and I am fascinated by it. It’s like an underwater aquarium, teeming with hermit crab peek-a-boos and antenna rubbings; I stick my nose to the glass with darting eyes, absorbing the thousands of client stories, hours of clinical training, and the cries of my own wounds. There’s no monster to blame,Continue reading “Dreamin’ Big”

There’s nothing quite like a mutually beneficial relationship. Today, I received this message “Putting therapy conversations to work!” and a screenshot of a message exchange. It showed a client I work with (the one with fewer needs) and their friend, the one needing more. Predictably, the friend in greater need is experienced as demanding andContinue reading “The Win-Win Relationship”

After a nightcap of confessions, a priest rests his forehead on weathered hands. “Long day, Jack? Everything on the up and up?” the bartender croons, a usually-shouldered rag in hand. This prop grants him entry to the best gossip in town. The greased elbow rub at a spot on the floor, or a wet circledContinue reading “The Bartender’s Burden”

I had a client quit on me today. Another client called in a panic after a disturbing encounter with a family member. And yet another call with a client’s parent fearing their child’s plan of suicide. Each situation felt heavy and helpless, and I wouldn’t have changed anything I did. I provided support, validated theirContinue reading “Wondering Why”