I have had the honor of speaking and teaching on various topics (resiliency, sex addiction, betrayal, practice building, writing, connection) to wonderful audiences and good hearted groups of people all over the country. One of the concepts I often discuss is what I call, "living and loving with open palms." I think about it this way:

If I live and I love holding all of what I have tightly in my fisted hands...it is true that nothing will escape - not my knowledge, or support, or information, not my time, not my love, nor my money, or my opportunities...nada will slip away from my tight grasp, nothing is lost, zip is risked.

But nothing gets in either. 

Even in a field rooted in empathy, misunderstandings between therapist colleagues happen. This reflection explores how projection and assumption can rupture professional relationships — and how returning with humility, honesty, and integrity can begin to heal them…

If you’ve ever been abruptly ghosted, devalued, or left reeling after a narcissistic relationship, here’s a truth that might change everything:

You weren’t discarded.
You became too real.

The moment you stopped reflecting their fantasy and started holding up a clear mirror—one that asked for honesty, respect, and accountability—they panicked. Not because you weren’t enough, but because you saw too much. Narcissists don’t run from weakness. They run from truth.

This isn’t rejection. It’s escape.

In this post, we explore why narcissists “run,” how their shame and internal conflict drives their behavior, and what it means when they return. We’ll also unpack the different types of narcissists, how cognitive dissonance shows up (for youand them), and how to reclaim your clarity, boundaries, and power.

You didn’t lose them.
They lost the illusion—and couldn’t stay.

Are you a therapist who is trying to navigate the new Medicare law effective as of January 1, 2024? If you are scratching your head on the how to opt out (if that is what you want to do), Mari Lee has outlined the steps with helpful links and information to help you manage this important process…

Ethical behavior among mental health professionals is essential for maintaining the trust and integrity of the therapeutic community. By adhering to principles such as avoiding plagiarism, refraining from gossip, and respecting boundaries, therapists can foster a culture of professionalism, respect, and inclusivity within the field. Upholding ethical standards not only benefits the profession but also ultimately enhances the well-being of the clients we serve.

Are you a boundary stomper or stumbler? Do you believe that having healthy boundaries equals never being inconvenienced? Do you subscribe to the notion that “no” is a complete sentence? Mari Lee, licensed therapist, speaker, and author explores 7 boundary myths in this article…

If Mother’s Day is challenging, you are not alone. Rarely are people motherless by choice. May these musings support your healing journey…written by therapist, Mari Lee, who is also a motherless daughter.

Therapists in private practice can benefit from AI in numerous ways. The good news is that you don’t need to be a tech wizard to use AI, anyone can learn! Here are some simple tips and suggestions for mental health professionals and small business owners who would like to learn first steps in using AI in their therapy or healing practice.

Social media can be a traumatizing experience for some mental health professionals when unhealthy competition, cliques, gossip, sexual harassment and other unethical, unkind and unprofessional behaviors are present that create rifts and wounds…

2023 has rolled in and with it comes strident messages prodding us toward goals for a "new year and a new and improved you!" My gentle reminder, it is 100% OK to ease into a new year, no matter what anyone else may be doing. No matter when you celebrate the new year, your unique pace, slow or fast, small or large, imperfect or structured, is completely fine.

We all have struggles, fears, worries, secrets, envy…no one is exempt in their personal or professional life. Mari shares a simple concept that, with practice, leads to more joy, abundance, opportunities, connection and creativity.

Are therapist colleagues raining on your parade and pissing on your great ideas? Don’t let the dream discouragers and negative voices drown out your creative visions! Fist in the air and stay focused beautiful healer…

While there are many upsides to business ownership and management, shit does hit the fan on occasion. How you navigate the pain points and pitfalls is part of the professional refining process. Crowns don’t just magically arrive, they are earned over time…and with a lot of hard ass work.

Is Telehealth Therapy depleting your energy and leaving you with brain drain? Are you experiencing “Zoom Gloom” during this time of Covid? If so, Mari provides creative counseling ideas to help you find your clinical mojo again…

An open letter to every stressed out therapist, exhausted social worker, overwhelmed counselor and overlooked healer who is working hard in the mental health trenches during this time of COVID-19.

Black Therapists from around the United States share their insights, experiences, wisdom, challenges, and successes both in and out of the clinical community…

An honest conversation with 22 Mental Health Professionals about what it is like to be a therapist in the time of a pandemic…

In a world where we are inundated daily with dire warnings, it is important to think about practical steps to support safety and self care. This blog discusses preparation vs. paranoia, and ways to return to self in the midst of stress.

Have you been the victim of narcissistic abuse? A therapist discusses the masks and strategies that narcissists use to manipulate, control, and charm those around them…

29 diverse therapists in private practice open up and share about their challenges in the clinical field, what they wish their spouses, partners, friends and loved ones understood, along with tips on how to avoid burn out, compassion fatigue, and disillusionment, as well as how to create balance, deal with chronic illness as a therapist, and juggle the risks and responsibilities in working in the exciting, challenging, complex and rewarding world of mental health.