“What we think, that we become.”

-Gandhi

The 5 Love Languages | What Do They Mean?

Have you heard of The 5 Love Languages® by Dr. Gary Chapman? This book, written in 1995, has gotten more popular again as people delve deeper into the inner workings of their relationships. While this book doesn’t resonate with every person, it reveals that some...

Feeding Our Children Feeds Us All

Severe cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for families and children, right now in early 2023, from over $230 per month down to $23 per month, not only impoverishes each family directly facing these post-pandemic decreases, but also...

National Minority Mental Health Awareness

As a therapist and sexual health, family health, and mental health advocate, I have a responsibility to pay close attention to and center the voices of people who do not have the privilege to benefit from equality, equity, and social justice as deserved, due to...

How to Have Difficult Conversations with your Children and Teens about the Russian War on Ukraine and Other Tough Topics

1. Let kids lead the way. Don’t push to talk about it. If kids are curious, they’ll bring up the topic. If they’re not, that’s OK too. 2. Reflect, don’t react, by actively listening. Active listening, using eye contact, facing your body toward them, and using verbal...

My Journey with NASW in My Mission to Require Antiracism Training for Social Workers

I was asked to write about my experience and impressions in working with the NASW MA Chapter regarding my mission to support therapists in learning how to do antiracism work in the therapy room. My newest journal article in the latest issue of the NEJRSP (New Journal...

Questions To Ask In A New Relationship

New relationships, while exciting and exhilarating, can also be nerve-wracking. How do you know if the person you've started seeing has the same values as you? Are their goals the same? The only way you can find out if your new love interest is on the same track as...

Family and Systemic Therapy — What It Is & Why It’s Important

Family therapy focuses on the development, implementation and maintenance of positive and interpersonal interactions in relationships. This new process helps to reduce distress, improves communication, increases trust, pleasure and positive exchanges in daily life...

A Counselors Journey To Private Practice

I want to thank Juan Santos very much for his interest in my story as a professional. It was a lovely opportunity meeting him, being interviewed by him and sharing my journey into private practice as an LICSW and AASECT Certified Sex and Couples therapist. I hope to...

A Holiday Message from Donna Harris-Richards, LICSW, CST

In “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens wrote “Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” As with this timeless classic story, Sex and Couples Therapy is an opportunity to change our own narratives and make new choices as Scrooge did and as George Bailey did...

Holiday Stress Management Tips

Have you seen our latest Instagram series on our top stress management tips for the holiday season? Now, more than ever, it’s important to prioritize intimacy with your partner during a season when we do so much for others outside of our relationship. This month,...

Managing Expectations Of & In Your Relationship

This month, we wanted to discuss a topic that we help couples work through regularly: managing expectations of and in your relationship. Kahlil Gibran wrote, “Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of the lute are...

How Covid-19 Is Affecting Narratives in Sex and Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy

The narrative we each carry, the story we each tell ourselves, is critical to explore in order to change our quality of lives for the better. Right now, in the era of COVID-19, most of us are carrying a narrative around the pandemic including fear for one’s safety. ...

Welcome! A Message From Donna