Blog - Little Snippets and Advice for Everyday Challenges Many People Share - Hope+Wellness

The act of movement via slow to moderate walking as you walk with your therapist outdoors can help facilitate healing in a profound way.

Hope +Wellness Blog little snippets of advice for everyday challenges many people share How do you work to create a space where clients feel truly seen and safe? “I aim to create a space where clients can bring their full selves, including the parts that feel clear and the parts that you don’t yet understand. I do this by listening without judgment, honoring boundaries, and moving at a pace that …

Macaroni + Cheese reflections on mental health, wellness, spirituality, and leadership by Dr. Victoria Ranade Hi there, and welcome to my little corner of the internet! :) When I was in sixth grade, I ran a newspaper advice column called Macaroni and Cheese. Fellow students would write in with their questions, and I'd offer my sixth-grader advice—sometimes serious, sometimes a little silly. The n…

Roots, Craft, and Connection When I was a kid, I ran a school newspaper advice column called Macaroni and Cheese. The name felt just right: warm, familiar, and a little cheesy, just like the advice. Now, Macaroni and Cheese is back, with a grown-up twist. This monthly feature is a space for reflection on mental health and wellness. My hope is to offer something useful, grounding, and maybe even a…

How do you work to create a space where clients feel truly seen and safe? “I aim to create a space where clients can bring their full selves, including the parts that feel clear and the parts that you don’t yet understand. I do this by listening without judgment, honoring boundaries, and moving at a pace that feels right for each person. Safety, to me, is built through trust, openness, and o…

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood as being about cleanliness or liking things labeled and arranged a certain way. In reality, OCD is defined by: * Obsessions: intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges * Compulsions: repetitive behaviors or mental acts (rituals) done to reduce anxiety caused by those thoughts OCD has some common themes (harm, moral …

A modality is the way a therapist practices therapy. It is the “mode” in which therapy is done–AKA how your therapist guides you through the process of treatment. Not every therapist offers the same type of treatment, and depending on the type of support you’re looking for, some modalities may be more effective than others! Read on for a few brief introductions to 6 different types of therap…

For any couples that might be feeling hesitant, skeptical, or nervous about the idea of seeking couples therapy, what would you say? "I have heard time and time again, individuals and couples say they cannot tell any of their friends or family the full truth about what happens within their romantic relationships. They do not want to paint their partner in a negative light or are unsure if it…

What originally drew you to becoming a therapist? “I have always had an interest and passion for connecting with others. I am drawn to understanding people on a deeper level, and helping others feel fully seen and accepted. As a teen, I had a very rewarding personal experience in therapy that sparked my interest in becoming a therapist. I realized that I was most fulfilled when working direc…

Stronger Together By Dr. Victoria Ranade Dear Hope+Wellness Community, "I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality." — Martin Luther King Jr. I hope you are doing well. I want to thank you for being a valued client here and for your trust in our practice and team. As a client, you are not alone—you are part of a larger commu…

Getting through life takes a village, and neighbors can be an important part of that village. Here’s how to get to know your neighbors.

Hope+Wellness About Our Practice Who We Are Hope+Wellness is a boutique mental health practice with a unique story. It was created based on our philosophy that hope can be found even in the most difficult seasons of life. We believe that people need hope and resilience to set goals and affect change, to persevere in the face of life challenges and thrive. Our approach is simple — we provide excep…

It can be hard to show up for yourself–much harder than we may think. We have a lot of demands on us, a lot of noise we have to work through to even figure out how to show up for ourselves.  So how do you do it? We’ve gathered 6 resources to help you show up for yourself in small, but crucial ways.

Human connection is essential for our well-being, yet many people today find it increasingly difficult to make or maintain relationships. Compared to several decades ago, community often feels weaker and less accessible. This may be due to many factors: the loosening of neighborhood ties, the rise of technology, and the relentless busyness of modern life.

Reflecting on Random Acts of Kindness Dear Mac & Cheesers, I hope you’re having a nice holiday season. Lately, I've been reflecting on what it really means to show up for people. The reason I have been reflecting on this is because last Christmas, my dog Mei Mei ran away while we were on vacation in Laguna Beach, California, and a bunch of strangers showed up for me to help me find and rescue her…

If you’re looking for ways to slow down the holiday rush this year so you can actually enjoy yourself, here are some ideas for how to stay present during the holiday season.

6 Cool Lessons Martial Arts Teaches About Mental Health and Resilience by Dr. Victoria Ranade, PhD, MBA, ABPP Recently, I discovered a new passion: martial arts — specifically, jiu-jitsu. I am an unlikely person to enjoy jiu-jitsu. I don’t know how to throw a punch and have never been in a fight. When I first went to the jiu-jitsu studio, I naively assume it would be like yoga or any other exerci…

Health anxiety is distressing while you're waiting for a diagnosis or other results. Here's how you can cope.

Protecting Attention: Nurturing Your Inner Garden of Joy and Beauty Attention is one of the most powerful forces in our lives. When you give your full attention to a child, you can see them light up. Look closely at a flower, and you will glimpse the same beauty that lives within you. One of my heroes, Psychologist Carl Rogers described the healing power of unconditional positive regard—the quali…

Setting boundaries takes practice and compassion, but it’s possible to feel more confident in your ability to communicate your limits.