Welcome to the Blog

Resources and Tools for Healing and Expansion

Rebuilding Yourself – Healing in the Aftermath of Parental Alienation
River Phoenix River Phoenix

Rebuilding Yourself – Healing in the Aftermath of Parental Alienation

Parental alienation leaves many parents grieving a child who’s still alive—but unreachable. In this blog, learn how to rebuild your life, reclaim your identity, and begin healing even when reconciliation isn’t possible. Discover how to walk with grief, protect your peace, and live fully again—on your own terms.

Read More
The Shame No One Talks About – Grieving a Living Child
River Phoenix River Phoenix

The Shame No One Talks About – Grieving a Living Child

Grieving the loss of a child who is still alive—due to parental alienation or estrangement—is one of the most painful and invisible forms of grief a parent can experience. In this post, learn how ambiguous grief impacts alienated and estranged parents, why shame makes healing harder, and what steps you can take to find peace, even without reconciliation. If your child has cut you off and you’re left grieving in silence, this article is for you.

Read More
Estrangement vs. Parental Alienation – Knowing the Difference Can Save You
River Phoenix River Phoenix

Estrangement vs. Parental Alienation – Knowing the Difference Can Save You

Is your child’s rejection the result of estrangement—or parental alienation? Knowing the difference can change everything. In this blog, you’ll learn how to recognize the signs of alienation, how it differs from estrangement due to past trauma, and why so many parents are left confused, blamed, and unsupported. If your child cut you off suddenly or turned against you without clear cause, this article will help you find clarity, validation, and the right kind of support.

Read More
When Therapy Makes It Worse – Why Most Therapists Don’t Understand Parental Alienation
River Phoenix River Phoenix

When Therapy Makes It Worse – Why Most Therapists Don’t Understand Parental Alienation

If you’ve turned to therapy for help with parental alienation and left feeling worse, you’re not alone. Most therapists aren’t trained to recognize this complex dynamic—and in many cases, they unintentionally reinforce it. In this post, we explore why traditional therapy often misses the mark, what to look for in an informed therapist, and how to get the support you truly need as a targeted or alienated parent.

Read More
What Parental Alienation Is—and What It Isn’t
River Phoenix River Phoenix

What Parental Alienation Is—and What It Isn’t

Parental alienation is a deeply misunderstood dynamic where a child rejects a loving parent due to manipulation or influence from the other parent. In this blog, learn the real signs of parental alienation, how it differs from justified estrangement, and what every parent needs to know when their child turns against them without cause. If you’re asking, “Why won’t my child talk to me?”—this may help you find clarity and support.

Read More
When Love Isn’t Enough – Understanding Parental Alienation
River Phoenix River Phoenix

When Love Isn’t Enough – Understanding Parental Alienation

If your child has suddenly turned against you, won’t speak to you, or treats you like the enemy without cause, you may be experiencing parental alienation. This misunderstood and emotionally devastating experience can leave loving parents feeling erased, blamed, and heartbroken. In this post, learn what parental alienation really is, how to recognize the warning signs, and why so many therapists and courts fail to understand it. If you're searching for help as an alienated or estranged parent, you're not alone—and there is support.

Read More
Healing the Mother Wound: Becoming the Wise Woman You Needed
River Phoenix River Phoenix

Healing the Mother Wound: Becoming the Wise Woman You Needed

Many women carry a hidden ache known as the mother wound—pain from unmet needs, emotional absence, or inherited patterns. In this post, you’ll learn how to begin healing through re-mothering, inner child work, and reconnecting with the wise woman within. This is your invitation to reclaim your wholeness, your voice, and your power.

Read More
Letting Go and Reclaiming Yourself: Navigating the Emotional Transition of Launching Adult Children
River Phoenix River Phoenix

Letting Go and Reclaiming Yourself: Navigating the Emotional Transition of Launching Adult Children

Launching adult children is one of the most profound life transitions a mother can face. Beyond the empty nest lies a deeply personal journey of grief, identity shifts, and rediscovering purpose after parenting. This post explores what both mothers and adult children experience in this phase—and how reclaiming your life after children leave home is not only possible, but powerful. If you're navigating this transition, you're not alone—and support can make all the difference.

Read More
How to Heal from a Shame Spiral: 5 Steps to Start Reclaiming Yourself
River Phoenix River Phoenix

How to Heal from a Shame Spiral: 5 Steps to Start Reclaiming Yourself

Struggling with low self-worth, self-blame, or constant inner criticism? You might be caught in a shame spiral—a powerful emotional loop that can leave you feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and stuck. In this transformational blog, trauma-informed therapist and holistic healing expert River Phoenix, MS, LCPC, LMHC, breaks down the truth about shame, how to recognize it in your body and mind, and—most importantly—how to heal it. Learn the five essential steps to stop a shame spiral, access powerful journal prompts for healing toxic shame, and discover how to reclaim your voice, rebuild your self-trust, and reconnect with your true worth. If you’re ready to begin emotional healing from shame, this is where the journey back to yourself begins.

Read More
What No One Tells You About Becoming Your Authentic Self
River Phoenix River Phoenix

What No One Tells You About Becoming Your Authentic Self

No one tells you that becoming your authentic self might break your heart a little — before it sets you free.
As you shed old patterns, outdated roles, and relationships that no longer align, the process can feel disorienting and even lonely. But it's also the most liberating journey you'll ever take. In this post, I share six truths about authentic growth that most people don’t talk about — the kind of wisdom that can help you stay grounded when everything starts to shift. If you’re ready to live from truth instead of fear, this is for you.

Read More
The Beautiful Mess of Being Human: Exploring the Complexity of Relationships
River Phoenix River Phoenix

The Beautiful Mess of Being Human: Exploring the Complexity of Relationships

We all crave connection, but why is it so hard to get it right? From childhood wounds to modern day disconnection, this honest exploration dives into the raw truth about relationships, self trust, and what it takes to feel safe and seen. Because being human isn't about perfection, it's about learning to love in the mess.

Read More
Healing Depression Holistically: Alternative Approaches Beyond Medication
River Phoenix River Phoenix

Healing Depression Holistically: Alternative Approaches Beyond Medication

Healing Depression Naturally: Holistic Alternatives to Medication

Are you looking for natural ways to overcome depression without medication? Many people seek holistic approachesto mental health, focusing on nutrition, lifestyle changes, movement, and emotional healing to restore balance. In this guide, we explore science-backed strategies to support your mental well-being, including the power of omega-3s, vitamin D, mindfulness, exercise, and sleep optimization. Learn how to heal depression naturally, reduce anxiety, and boost your mood—without relying on pharmaceuticals. Ready to take control of your mental health? Discover actionable steps to start your healing journey today!

Read More
How to Stay Sane in a Crazy World: Finding Our Way Back to Each Other
River Phoenix River Phoenix

How to Stay Sane in a Crazy World: Finding Our Way Back to Each Other

In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and division, reconnecting with our shared humanity is more important than ever. Finding strength in difficult times, prioritizing self-care, and choosing compassion over fear can help us navigate the chaos. Together, we can heal, grow, and create a kinder world.

Read More
My Story To Becoming A Therapist
River Phoenix River Phoenix

My Story To Becoming A Therapist

I never planned to be a therapist. In fact, it wasn’t even on my radar. I wanted to write, explore, and see the world. But life has a way of guiding us exactly where we need to be. Through pain, loss, and unexpected turns, I found my purpose - nachos and understanding my own journey, but in helping others heal theirs. Looking back, every struggle was a steppingstone to the life I was meant to live. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Read More
How to Choose the Right Therapist for You: A Comprehensive Guide
River Phoenix River Phoenix

How to Choose the Right Therapist for You: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding the right therapist is a crucial step in your journey toward better mental health. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to navigate the process. This guide will help you understand what to look for in a therapist, the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship, and key questions to ask during your initial consultation. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, or personal growth, knowing how to choose a therapist who resonates with you can make all the difference. Remember, therapy is not just about addressing challenges; it’s also about fostering a partnership that empowers you to walk through life with confidence and clarity. Let’s explore how to take that important first step together.

Read More
Heartfelt Wakeup Call
River Phoenix River Phoenix

Heartfelt Wakeup Call

On a seemingly ordinary morning, just one week before my 54th birthday, I woke up with a pain that demanded my attention—and a voice inside me that wouldn’t be ignored. What began as discomfort in my shoulder quickly escalated into a journey that forced me to confront my past, my health, and my purpose. This experience was a wake-up call, a reminder that life’s fragility is also its greatest gift. Join me as I share the lessons learned from this scare, the resilience of the human spirit, and my renewed commitment to living fully and authentically.

Read More