Therapist’s Blog

When Helping Becomes Self-Destruction: The Hidden Cost of Being “The Reliable One”
Maggie Malone Maggie Malone

When Helping Becomes Self-Destruction: The Hidden Cost of Being “The Reliable One”

For many people-pleasing women, being the reliable one isn’t just a habit — it’s a survival strategy. You may have learned early on that it wasn’t safe to have needs. That being helpful, agreeable, or selfless kept the peace, got your basic needs met, or made you lovable. Over time, that turns into a default setting: I’ll be easy, I’ll be dependable, I’ll be good.

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Why Some Therapists (including me) Don’t Take Insurance
Maggie Malone Maggie Malone

Why Some Therapists (including me) Don’t Take Insurance

Choosing private-pay therapy means investing in care that prioritizes your goals, privacy, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. For many clients, it’s a worthwhile choice that allows for a more personalized and effective therapy experience.

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Setting Boundaries with Family: Holiday Edition
Maggie Malone Maggie Malone

Setting Boundaries with Family: Holiday Edition

This time of year comes with heightened expectations, emotional triggers, financial stress, and an overwhelming sense of obligation. If you’ve ever found yourself dreading a family gathering or saying "yes" to something you don’t want to do, this blog is for you.

Here’s how to set—and stick to—boundaries with your family this holiday season.

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How to Set Boundaries with Family
Maggie Malone Maggie Malone

How to Set Boundaries with Family

Do you feel like you’re always the one saying yes to family obligations, even when it drains you? Are you the one everyone turns to when they need help, but no one seems to ask if you’re okay? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many women, especially those who are high-achieving and deeply empathetic, struggle to set boundaries with their families.

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Compassion vs. Compliance: Learning to Care Without Losing Yourself
Maggie Malone Maggie Malone

Compassion vs. Compliance: Learning to Care Without Losing Yourself

As someone who cares deeply about the people in your life, you might often find yourself caught in the delicate dance between showing compassion and falling into the trap of compliance or people-pleasing. While both compassion and compliance can look similar on the surface, their emotional roots and long-term effects are quite different. Learning how to extend care and kindness to others while setting healthy boundaries for yourself is key to maintaining fulfilling relationships and preserving your own well-being.

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Navigating Life as an Adult Child of an Alcoholic: Common Problems and How to Move Forward
Maggie Malone Maggie Malone

Navigating Life as an Adult Child of an Alcoholic: Common Problems and How to Move Forward

If you grew up in a family where alcoholism or other forms of dysfunction were present, you may have heard the phrase “adult child of an alcoholic” (ACOA) before. Or maybe you’re just now learning that you are part of a specific group with a special acronym. But what does that really mean? And more importantly, how does it affect you today, as an adult navigating your relationships, work, and day-to-day life?

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What I Mean When I Say I’m a “Relational Therapist”
Maggie Malone Maggie Malone

What I Mean When I Say I’m a “Relational Therapist”

When I describe myself as a relational therapist, I'm talking about the heart of my approach to therapy: fostering a relationship that feels safe, supportive, and healing. Many of my clients come to therapy with experiences of emotional pain, often rooted in past relationships that lacked safety, understanding, or healthy boundaries. My goal is to offer something different—to be a figure in their life who helps them heal from the wounds inflicted by others.

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Understanding the Different Types of Therapy Groups: Support Groups, Skills-Based Groups, and Process Groups
group, group therapy Maggie Malone group, group therapy Maggie Malone

Understanding the Different Types of Therapy Groups: Support Groups, Skills-Based Groups, and Process Groups

If you've ever looked into group therapy, you might have come across terms like support groups, skills-based groups, and process groups. While they may sound similar, each type of group serves a different purpose and can offer unique benefits depending on your needs. In this post, I’ll break down the differences so you can better understand which type of group might be right for you.

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How to Afford Therapy: Practical Tips for Getting the Help You Need
Maggie Malone Maggie Malone

How to Afford Therapy: Practical Tips for Getting the Help You Need

Seeking therapy can be a crucial step towards mental well-being, but the cost can sometimes be a barrier. Recently, I think a lot of us have been experiencing more financial hardship, so I wanted to put together a resource list of some things to consider to make therapy more affordable.

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Polyvagal Theory 101: What It Is and Why It Matters
Maggie Malone Maggie Malone

Polyvagal Theory 101: What It Is and Why It Matters

Therapists use Polyvagal Theory and somatic practices to help clients feel safe and calm. By understanding and using these techniques, you can also learn to manage your emotions and feel better in your everyday life.

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