Detroit Mom’s Local Love Spotlight: Katie Jones

September 29, 2024

Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Katie Jones, owner of The Jonesy Company, Michigan With Kids, and Lansing Mom.

To start, we asked Katie to share a few fun facts about herself with us!

She loves capturing stories in photographs and video that make people feel something.
She wanted to be a writer from a very young age but lost herself somewhere along the way and is finally coming back to that dream.
She has her Masters in Education and although she left teaching, she uses it frequently when working with small business owners.

We asked her to share a little bit more about her business with us, too. Get to know Katie and her businesses The Jonesy Company, Michigan With Kids, and Lansing Mom, below!

How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?

“Honestly, I have multiple businesses and just continued to follow what I love. I know that sounds a little cliché but my business changes and adapts all the time based on what I love and am passionate about. I don’t believe that we have to continue to fit a box or a mold.

“For family photography and brand photography, I want it to feel REAL. I started off just taking photos but quickly found that I don’t care for styled sessions and prefer families at home, real life, real days, real love. The same thing applies to brands; while we all need a head shot I’d rather you show me what you do and capture your brand that way. For Michigan With Kids I just let my kids lead me wherever they want to go and we share our very real life exploring. Lansing Mom started as a branch of Detroit Mom but has grown into so much more as a place for moms to connect and feel seen.

“The Jonesy Co. I fell into because I wanted to capture authentic photos and video content for mothers and women who own businesses while providing mentor support for women heading into entrepreneurship. I had been in the entrepreneurship world for a couple years and just felt there was a huge gap in the industries for capturing mothers in ALL that they do; I don’t like to compartmentalize life because it’s messy. The Jonesy Co. is here to support the mother in all that she is.

“Michigan With Kids was a pipeline dream that started in 2021 and has just recently taken off after a lot of hard work on social media. Lansing Mom was a sort of franchise opportunity that was honestly started by women asking for it.”

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

“I would have set my services at a higher price. I realize now that what I offer is invaluable and that by not valuing my time, experience, and work I began to burn myself out.”

What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

“Community. Plain and simple, you’ve got to be a part of it if you want things to happen for you. Being a part of a community is going to get you ten times further.”

Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?

“Up to this point I haven’t faced adversity due to being a woman. I think my business models are built to serve mothers and that many women can relate to them.”

How do you persevere in challenging times?

“Quitting, for me, is not an option. I always believe that there is something out there that is right for me, and that I have to keep pushing, even on the hardest days.”

What impact do you want your business to have?

“I want mothers to feel something when they see my businesses at work. Whether it’s a cool spot to take your kids, a moment in time frozen, help with your own business, or a place where you feel seen.”

What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2024?

“Pros: I can make my own schedule, I make my work fit into my life and not the other way around, and I have the opportunity to make an impact by working with organizations that are pushing for change.

“Cons: people still underestimate women-owned businesses or think that it’s a side hustle, or ask about my “little job.” I think many people don’t realize the work women are doing every day in entrepreneurship and the value that my job holds for our family.”

What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

“Get a mentor. If you want to start out in entrepreneurship find a mentor who can help you. It will get you where you want to go ten times faster and save you from a few headaches as well! Plus the bonus of having someone to talk to as you navigate entrepreneurship is priceless.”

What do you do for personal and professional development?

“I am currently part of a mastermind group with six other amazing women, all in the same industry as me. I have had mentors, I love to read books for entrepreneurs. And most importantly I like to show up in the community. I learn so much by surrounding myself with other women in entrepreneurship.”

What mantra or quote do you live by?

“I love the quote that reads, “It’s all art.” There are several different variations of it but it is a constant reminder to me that it’s all beautiful, even your mess: “It’s all art. The way you laugh. Your smile. Your wardrobe. The way you decorate your house. The way you dance. Your energy. Your collection of books and the way you write. Your playlists. Your grocery lists. Your friendships. It’s all art. Your whole life is art.””

What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?

“In all of Michigan: Marquette, it’s just stunning in the Upper Peninsula and it’s our favorite Michigan Town. In Detroit: the river walk at all times, it’s gorgeous, there’s always something going on and [it’s] perfect for the kids.”

Where can our readers find you on social media?

You can follow Katie Jones a few ways: The Jonesy Company, Lansing Mom, The Jones Photo Co., and Michigan With Kids.

We hope you loved getting to know more about Katie + The Jonesy Company, Michigan With Kids, and Lansing Mom. Be sure to check out our previous Local Love Spotlight featuring Sara + Go Grow Playrooms!

The Parenting Post | How Do I Help My Kids Show Respect For Their Things?

Detroit Mom

September 28, 2024

Do you cringe a bit when you peek inside your child’s closet or bedroom and see things out of place? If you’re part of the generation that grew up with this idea that a clean room was the highest honor, then yes, it probably drives you a little crazy to see a bit of a mess. And, you might have even thought that you need to lecture your kids about showing more respect for their things. But, does it have to be this way? Can we help our kids show respect for their things without it being a giant argument?

Albiona from The Parenting Post is here with some advice on just this idea: that our children can show respect for what they have–in their own way–and we don’t need to lose our cool when it seems like they’re not. Sometimes, it’s actually a little bit more about us . . . and less about them.

How do we help our kids show respect for their things–and what should we do when they don’t?

First, we should always start with ourselves. We can carry a lot of rigidity around what our expectations are in terms of what kids should and shouldn’t do and how they should care for their things.

Let’s say you grew up in a home where was a lot of emphasis on the way your room needed to look–neat, orderly, clean. There were a lot of rules and expectations around it. And you so you kept it neat, orderly, and clean. You did it whether you understood why, or because you were afraid to not do it. There are a lot of reasons why we follow those types of rules. I’m not saying that they’re bad; you just want to really consider your own upbringing when it comes to this.

Now fast forward to today. It’s a different generation of kids, and we’re a different generation of parents. We want our children to take care of something that we know is valuable or important. And when they don’t, we immediately get triggered. Because for us, that was such an important part of the way we grew up and it was so emphasized to us that if you didn’t take good care of your things, it meant you were bad, disorganized, or irresponsible. There were a lot of names attached to people who didn’t take care of their things. So we see that and we get immediately triggered.

Our response to our child tends to be at a ten rather than at a two. But here’s the thing: our child doesn’t see things the way we see them, from how we grew up. They haven’t lived enough of an experience to really understand what it means to appreciate their things. We certainly want to teach them; we want to guide them and help them to get to that point where they are truly appreciating what they have. But we can’t go at it right away at a ten. We can’t come at them so triggered about it.

So look at your rigidity around what you’re holding on to about this particular topic.

How is it showing up in the way you’re trying to connect with your child when you’re looking to shape or change their behavior? Once you see your trigger, you will almost always respond to them in a much healthier way. Now instead of being at a ten, maybe you bring it down to a two and you just bring them over and say something like this:

“You know what? Let’s connect on this for a second. Here’s what I’m seeing and here’s what it feels like to me. I worked really hard. I wanted to make sure that you had ______. I know this means a lot to you, and maybe you don’t see it this way. But part of our job when we have the opportunity to have something is to really care for it and take care of it. So tell me some things you can do to show me that you can take care of ______. Because I want to really make sure, and I know you can do it. I know you’re responsible enough to take care of your things.”

Put it back on them to tell you how they plan to take care of their things.

Instead of just giving a directive and getting annoyed and being really frustrated and then attaching names that aren’t even true (ungrateful, unappreciative, etc.), work together on this but let them take the lead. The truth is, we want to really dial it down. We want to look at what’s coming up for ourselves. We want to make sure we’re responding from a neutral place.

And connect–you always want to connect. As Dr. Siggie says, “Then, we look to correct.” Then, come up with the plan. But give them the autonomy and the agency to be able to come up with a way to show you that they can take care of their things, that your kids can show respect for their things, while you’re really empowering them with your words and saying, “Hey, I know you got this, and I know you can do this. I really think there’s a way we can come together.”

Parenting can feel, well, overwhelming at times. Our previous Parenting Post offers tips for how to feel less overstimulated while parenting.

The Second Decade of Motherhood

Rachel Antone

September 27, 2024

I’m passionate about bringing awareness to the second decade of motherhood because, while millions of moms are experiencing it daily, no one is talking about it. That’s about to change!

Four years ago, a book started pouring out of me. I couldn’t NOT write. It consumed my every waking thought for months. I wrote while I ate, while in my car waiting to pick up carpool, from the sidelines of little league games, and in the stands at swim meets.

What bubbled up and out of me came from a place deep inside myself that I hadn’t realized I’d silenced. Out came my truths from a voice that had never spoken them aloud; had never acknowledged them as true nor my own.

Shaking My Identity

This sudden and volatile self-awareness challenged my beliefs, my values, my expectations, and my core identity as a partner, as a mother, and as a whole person. For context, it was May 2019. I was three months away from my 43rd birthday, and five months away from my 13th wedding anniversary. My children were 11-and-a-half and 10 years old.

When the hypnotic state lifted in the fall of that year, I’d typed 47 pages. The underlying theme of it was clear: I had lost myself. I’d lost sight of the woman I was before I became a mom. And it was imperative that I find her. Or better yet–reinvent her.

Sound the Alarm

“Is this a midlife crisis?” I wondered. Do other women feel this way? Are they harboring a voice that ought to be freed? What if I can help them?

My curiosity quickly transitioned from my own self-awareness to a desperate, save-the-world yearning. I needed to find a way to help them! So I donned my cape along with my elastic-waist pants, a sensible bra (the one without the wire), and my most practical shoes, and I set out to help “them.”

Who are they? They are busy moms, that’s who! I was determined to save ALL of the busy moms. I would need a megaphone, a billboard, a set of those sticks they use to direct airplanes, a whistle, some duct tape, ooh, and some purse snacks. Beyond that, I didn’t really have a plan.

Taking the Leap

Hearing my call, the universe swiftly delivered me into a scenario that would yield a budding partnership in a passion project “to help busy moms coordinate their chaos.” Our intention was to host live workshops and offer tools to help moms give themselves grace on this crazy ride called motherhood.

We’d help them organize and prioritize the brain clutter that consistently resulted in decision fatigue, overwhelm, exhaustion, and dwindling patience. We even came up with an app-based system to take all of the busy work out of it. A personal assistant in your pocket! What mom doesn’t need that? (cue the superhero music)

We launched our business on February 29, 2020 (literally Leap Day). Thirteen days later, the pandemic ensued. It took about a year for the pandemic to pull the final thread that was holding me together and land me on anxiety medication.

When I got through the guilt and shame of needing help, I added to my to-do list: “teach moms how to overcome feeling guilt and shame when they need help.” I was badly bruised, but not broken. The business would endure a major pivot.

Something’s Gotta Give

As the meds kicked in and we started to come out of the pandemic, I knew I couldn’t go back to life as I’d known it–the mad pace, being everything to everyone else in every moment, the martyr level disregard for self-care, etc. Enough was enough.

I committed to working on myself, setting boundaries, giving myself permission to abide by those boundaries, and communicating those boundaries to my spouse and kids. It felt selfish at first, but it eventually opened my eyes to the realization that when moms take care of themselves, their ability to care for everyone else increases exponentially.

Time, Wisdom, + Perspective

All that writing I mentioned at the start of this post was my authentic self breaking through the hard exterior of a life molded by the first decade of motherhood. You’re a mom, so I don’t need to tell you about the unabashed sacrifices of parenting newborns, infants, toddlers, and young children–and how said sacrifices creep in and slowly obliterate the identity of the woman who became the mom.

The first decade of motherhood is hard in a way that is difficult to put into words; it’s like a saying in another language that doesn’t have a direct English translation. I refer to it with mixed emotions as the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

The Undeniable Shift of the Second Decade

My unraveling (er, awakening? . . . it was both) back in 2019 occurred as I rounded the corner from the first decade of motherhood into the second decade. Curious about what this transition had in store for me, I googled, “What is the second decade of motherhood called?” and found nothing. Now, if you’ve searched the internet once or twice, you know there’s always something. I’m telling you–there was nothing.

Third-decade parents are empty nesters, first-decade parents are overwhelmed and, okay there isn’t a name for it, but there is undoubtedly a vibe. If I tell you I have two kids under three, you want to give me a hug ‘cause, ya know. If I tell you I have two kids under 16, you smile and nod, ‘cause well, it doesn’t elicit a vibe. A second-decade mom is the neglected middle child of the bunch.

So I ask you, how is it possible that EVERY mother in the history of the world who has parented a 10- to 20-year-old has gone through this phase and no one has come up with a name for it, let alone a multi-step process through it?

Hold My Kombucha

I set out to get to the bottom of this mystery. Here’s what I found–in the second decade of motherhood, a mom comes up for air long enough to look around and realize the following:

She has indeed lost her identity.
Her kids are gaining independence and need less constant attention.
Her parents are aging and/or ailing and need her support like never before.
Her body is changing and self-maintenance requires a whole new toolkit.
She is at the peak of her career and/or considering going back into the workforce (which can be both empowering and terrifying).
Her relationship with her partner is entering a new phase that can feel like a chapter from a choose-your-own-adventure book.
Inklings of becoming an empty nester start sneaking into everyday thoughts and conversations . . . college, retirement, kids’ romantic relationships . . .

Does any of this resonate with you? I am passionate about exposing this phase of motherhood, building a bridge to it, creating a road map through it, and walking alongside every mom experiencing the shift.

Who’s with me? I’ll be taking a deep dive into each of these seven findings over the next several months. Follow along as I share with you the insights and resources to navigate the second decade.

A number of you are already in it or on the other side of it. What has your experience been? What shifted for you? How did you navigate it? What hurdles did you face and what got easier in the second decade?

Asking for a friend.

Looking for more inspiring content? Antonette shares the good and bad of being 40, an age that is very much aligned with the second decade of motherhood.

Detroit Mom-Approved Guide to Therapists In + Around Detroit

Detroit Mom

September 26, 2024

*last updated 1/15/2025

Mental health awareness is so important. Here at Detroit Mom, we want to support you however we can. So, we’ve put together a guide to therapists in and around Detroit, with the help of the readers in our community. These therapists are personally recommended by our readers, some of whom have also shared why they recommend seeing the specific provider. If you need support, and are looking for a therapist, please know that you aren’t alone. We are here for you, and so are the readers in our community.

In addition to our guide, we also have a Mental Health Community Group on Facebook that you can request to join. In the group, you’ll find local mothers who are walking similar paths as you. You’ll find support, encouragement, and maybe even a few new friends. On our main website, you’ll also find personal posts from some of our contributors about their journeys with mental health.

We hope this guide to therapists in and around Detroit will be beneficial to you. If you know of therapists that we can add to our list, please let us know. Bookmark this post; we will update it periodically. And of course, feel free to share with a friend who may be looking for support.

Guide to Therapists In + Around Detroit

Ann Arbor DBT Center, PLLC | Ann Arbor + Online

Specializes in: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Recommended provider: Josephine Zolynsky, LLMSW

Our DM reader likes that they offer telehealth appointments. She also likes that they don’t have an issue if you want to ask the director for a therapist change.

Anne C. Di Iorio-Fitzpatrick, LLMSW | Online

Specializes in: depression, anxiety, school/work issues, and more

Our DM reader likes that Anne has a sliding fee scale, as this helps ensure that more people can access mental health resources.

Claire Hogan Counseling | Commerce Township + Warren

Specializes in: women’s wellbeing, grief, infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth, donor conception, perinatal and postpartum adjustment
Recommended provider: Claire Hogan, MA, LPC, NCC

Claire loves to support the full experience of women in a caring and accessible way.

Clear Innervision Counseling | Detroit + Online

Specializes in: individual, couples, and family counseling; depression, grief counseling, LGBTQ-related issues, stress management, and more
Recommended provider: Rhonda Miller

Our DM reader likes that she was able to be supported through her miscarraige and now her pregnancy.

Cultivating Connections Counseling | Online + In-Person

Specializes in: perinatal mental health, EMDR, individual and couples therapy, trauma, anxiety/depression, and OCD
Recommended provider: Rachel Brejcha, PhD, LPC, NCC

Deeper Roots Wellness | Farmington Hills + Online

Specializes in: perinatal, infant, and early childhood mental health

Detroit Counseling Collective | Online + (Limited) In-Person

Specializes in: grief, trauma, EMDR, miscarriage, stillbirth, postpartum, adoption, and foster care
Recommended provider: Brooke Stone ([email protected])

Embodied Wellness, PLLC | Online

Specializes in: working with teens and adults with anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma

Erica Carulli, PLLC | Online

Specializes in: attachment trauma therapist working with adults navigating trauma, dv/sa, CPTSD, anxiety, and other emotional stressors
Recommended providers: Erica Carulli

Erin Berry Therapy | Ferndale

Specializes in: parenting support, postpartum, women’s issues, anxiety and depression, strengthening personal relationships, stress management, trauma, and spirituality/religion

Franki Bagdade Therapy | West Bloomfield + Online (in-person coming soon)

Specializes in: anxiety, ADHD, autism, parenting support, LGBTQIA allies, and Neurodiversity affirming; individual and group therapy for preschoolers, kids, teens, and adults

Great Lakes Psychology Group | Multiple Locations + Online

Specializes in: anxiety, grief, depression, PTSD, individual therapy, marriage, family, eating disorders, and more
Recommended providers: Heather Milewski (Roseville, online), Lindsay Voorheis (Livonia, online), Christina Tindal (online), Alexandra Lepsetz (Troy, online)

Our DM reader likes that when you call them, they can help match you with the perfect therapist for your specific situation.

Grosse Pointe Psychiatric Services | Grosse Pointe

Specializes in: Cognitive Therapy
Recommended provider: Melissa Altamore

Our DM reader likes that she has great options for resources, from books, to YouTube channels, to handouts. Our reader also likes that Melissa can provide a religious aspect to her therapy (if you’d like).

Happy Mama Counseling | Southfield + Online

Specializes in: Pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum, women’s issues, stress. They see new moms, experienced moms, and moms-to-be.
Recommended provider: Tina Gutman, LMSW

Healing Home Counseling Group | Bloomfield Hills + Online

Specializes in: Perinatal, Family, and Youth Therapy

Heart and Soul Therapy | Online

Specializes in: individual therapy, pregnancy + postpartum, and infertility + loss support
Recommended provider: Brandi Thomas

Insightful Therapy Services | Online

Specializes in: all things motherhood including pregnancy, postpartum, miscarriage/loss, and infertility, as well as other mental health therapists and women’s issues in general such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, and eating/body image concerns
Recommended provider: Lauren Haas Kleinow, LMSW

Jordie Smith Counseling | Canton

Specializes in: marriage and family therapist
Recommended provider: Jordie Smith, MS, LMFT

Karen DeKett Counseling Services, PLLC | St. Clair Shores + Online

Specializes in: working with adults in caregiving, helping, and leadership roles; provides a safe space to those who are used to being the “go-to” person for everyone else
Recommended provider: Karen DeKett, MA, LPC

Katherine Kezelian, LMSW | Online

Specializes in: mood, anxiety, and addiction; adolescents and young adults

Our DM reader shares that she is excellent!

Kendal Clinic | Bloomfield Hills + Online

Specializes in: individual psychotherapy (all ages), EMDR, art-based and sand tray-based therapy, parenting support, adult therapy, and more

Lesley Farrell | Ann Arbor

Specializes in: Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, EMDR, infertility, grief, anxiety

Our DM reader likes that Lesley surpasses all of her expectations for a therapist. Our reader shares that she’s gentle with her feelings, yet makes her assess and reflect appropriately. She also likes that Lesley is positively helping her work through her trauma and helping her grow. Our DM reader shares that Lesley is “just an incredible help and person.”

LifeStance Health | Brighton, Lansing, Highland, Fenton, and New Hudson

Our DM reader likes that they have a therapy dog. She also shares that they are caring and compassionate, and that the facilities are warm and welcoming. Our reader says that she doesn’t feel like she’s talking to a doctor, but rather, to a friend who truly cares about her well-being.

Lotus Psychology Group | Livonia

Specializes in: individual, family, and couples counseling; LGBTQ+ therapy; anxiety, depression, and trauma; multicultural therapy; therapy for Black men and women; services for children and teens

Marissa Johnson, LLMSW | Detroit

Specializes in: Clinical Social Worker/Therapist

Metta & Moxie | Pleasant Ridge

Specializes in: therapy for individual, groups, and couples; yoga classes and retreats

Michigan Medicine | Ann Arbor

Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine

Recommended provider: Christina Jagielski, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Our DM reader likes that this provider was able to get to the root of the digestive issues she was having, and also taught her how to manage her anxiety so that the digestive issues would no longer be a problem.

Mom Power

Specializes in: helps teach how to learn what your child/baby needs in the moments of specific behaviors

Perinatal Adjustment

Specializes in: for women experiencing milder symptoms but still needing support going through the transitions into motherhood

Recommended provider: Natalie Burns

Perinatal Clinic

Recommended provider: Dr. Maria Muzik

Our DM reader likes that she is highly knowledgeable about pregnancy and which medications are okay, and which should be avoided.

Perinatal Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group

Specializes in: for pregnant/new moms struggling with PPD/PPA
Recommended provider: Katie Bresky

Rachel Upjohn Building

Specializes in: weekly group therapy session for mothers who have experienced trauma. Women are screened immediately at first call (takes 15 minutes or so, so plan accordingly when you call the first time) to see what services they can offer.

Mikki Gardner | Birmingham + Online

Specializes in: all things co-parenting including individual parent coaching and coaching for co-parenting parents; focussed on effective communication, conflict resolution, differing parenting styles, and healing post-separation/divorce.

My Time to Heal Counseling | Online

Specializes in: maternal mental health and grief counseling
Recommended provider: Dr. Nikki Scott

Nature’s Playhouse | Ferndale + Online

Specializes in: maternal mental health; babies-in-arms welcome

Niyama Center | Southfield + Online

Specializes in: anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and more for teens, adults, and couples

Peace of Mind Therapy | Berkley + Online

Specializes in: anxiety and depression in adults using a strengths-based, client-focused approach
Recommended provider: Ronit Szczotka

Perspectives Counseling | Clarkston, Novi, Plymouth, Sterling Heights, Troy, and Rochester

Specializes in: anger management, bipolar treatment, anxiety treatment, couples counseling, depression treatment, group treatment, and more
Recommended provider: Dr. Thompson (Troy location)

Our DM reader likes that Dr. Thompson is an amazing listener, is unbiased, and was able to respectfully challenge our perspectives (when attending for marriage counseling). She also shared that Dr. Thompson gave us insightful homework and problem solving formulas that we now use everyday. Our DM reader also shared that Dr. Thompson is Black, saying, “That may not matter to most but it was a gift for me.”

Radiant You Counseling + Consulting | Farmington

Specializes in: anxiety, depression, trauma, and more for youth through older generations

Reset Brain and Body | Ann Arbor, Northville, Plymouth, + Online

Specializes in: adults, teens, couples and groups/teams on stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, postpartum mood disorders, social emotional learning, relationships, and chronic pain using trauma-informed and mindfulness-based somatic tools
Recommended providers: Lisa Mcintyre (Northville), Kerry Biskelonis (Ann Arbor + Plymouth), and the team working with parenting or perinatal and postpartum

Our DM reader likes that Lisa is a mom, local to metro Detroit, who has really helped her through some of the darkest moments of her life. She also shares that she likes that Lisa can relate to the struggles of being a working mother.

Rise Psychiatric Services | Online

Specializes in: depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, post partum depression, parenting struggles, and more

Samantha Gumul, LMSW-C | Bingham Farms + Online

Specializes in: perinatal mental health with Healing Home Counseling Group

Sarah Watson, LPC | Online

Specializes in: licensed professional counseler and certified sex therapist

Start My Wellness | Ferndale

Specializes in: anxiety, depression, Autism, ADHD, grief, trauma, and everything in between.

They are able to see patients within a couple days of contacting their office, and they’re always accepting new patients.

Therapyology | West Bloomfield + Online

Specializes in: children and teen therapy, family sessions, grief and loss

Theresa M. Bateman, LMSW | Troy + Online

Specializes in: Clinical Social Work

The Wright Counseling | Portage + Troy

Specializes in: therapy, testing and assessment (adults and children), and couples workshops

It is our hope that this guide to Metro Detroit therapists will be helpful to you or someone you know. Please remember that if you are struggling with your mental health, we are here for you, and you are not alone.

If you’re looking for a guide to Metro Detroit therapists for your child, check out our list of therapists here.

Oral + Injectable Fertility Medications: the What + the Why

Detroit Mom

September 22, 2024

DISCLAIMER: The following post is not intended to act as medical advice. As always, please consult your doctor with any questions about fertility.

Clomid, letrozole, trigger shots. Are you familiar with these terms? If you’re well into your fertility journey, you probably know exactly what they are. But if you’re new to a fertility journey, you may not know the difference between them or why one would be used over another. They can be an incredibly important part of your fertility journey, and each has its own purpose. It is helpful and important to understand what they are and why they’re used, depending on each person’s situation.

Our friends from Michigan Center for Fertility and Women’s Health are here to support you on your fertility journey. You might have caught their Fertility Friday series over on our IG page–quick videos to answer common questions and provide information. Below, they’re sharing information about the types of medications you may take during your fertility journey, including oral and injectable medications.

Oral Medications

There are typically two common oral medications that are used as part of our fertility treatment that may be used to help induce ovulation. Those two medications are clomid and letrozole (clomid you may also hear called clomiphene citrate, and letrozole is also known as femara). They’re usually relatively cost-effective options. They can be used in multiple situations for patients who may not be ovulating or who may not be ovulating in a predictable manner to try to help induce ovulation.

We also use them for patients who have regular ovulation but may still benefit from the medication to allow us to have better accuracy with timing. How we determine which oral medication and dose is best for you usually comes from our workup and your history. Some patients might be better suited for one versus the other.

Side Effects of Oral Fertility Medications

Clomid does tend to, at times, have a few more side effects than letrozole. You may see a slightly higher incidence of mood swings, hot flashes, and possibly a thin uterine lining. Clomid is an “antiestrogen” which is why it is possible to experience these side effects a bit more. However, each individual experience varies and generally both medications are very well tolerated. There are some less common side effects that we discuss with patients prior to starting medications, and we advise them to let us know if they are experiencing any.

Letrozole tends to have a few less side effects, and it has a shorter half-life. It’s an aromatase inhibitor, which has to do with what happens on a pituitary level to allow the hormones to be altered and induce ovulation.

Both clomid and letrozole are great options and are used commonly in practice. You may also see them being used at your OBGYN office. We will help you determine if they are a good option for you. We can help you figure out which one is best and again, what dose and protocol is most suitable.

These oral medications are typically used for our less aggressive treatment options, like timed intercourse or insemination. They may also be used in conjunction with some specific IVF protocols.

Injectable Medications

Injectable medications are the hormones that our body produces–FSH and LH–in injectable form. They are typically subcutaneous injections given in the abdomen. We typically produce enough of those hormones (if ovulation is happening regularly) to produce one dominant mature follicle each month. We use these medications when the goal is to produce more follicles (for example, with IVF) or if the oral medications are not inducing ovulation on their own. They typically are stronger and do produce more of a response. However, this can vary per patient based on their background, history, age, etc.

Generally speaking, the success rate between using the oral medications and injectables is not statistically significantly higher for injectables when combined with timed intercourse or insemination, assuming a patient is responding appropriately to both options.

We do take a cautious approach when using injectables for timed intercourse or insemination. This is due to a potentially higher risk of multiple pregnancy. Our goal is, of course, to get you pregnant. However, the safety of our patient and their pregnancy is also of utmost importance.

Injectable Medications + IVF

Injectable medications are the primary medications used during IVF. IVF allows us to grow more follicles in a safer manner, of course while always keeping hyperstimulation in mind and taking necessary precautions. We typically use these medications at higher doses during IVF to stimulate more follicles to grow in preparation for the egg retrieval.

Once the eggs are retrieved and embryos are created, we can safely elect to transfer 1-2 embryos based on the patient’s history and background. Typically, a single embryo transfer is advised. However, there are some scenarios where more than one may be recommended; this is determined by your health care provider.

Injectable medications can be a useful tool in your fertility journey and treatment plan. It is important that your provider talks to you about when they are needed, when they are going to benefit your success rate, and what some of the safety aspects are as well.

Trigger Shots

Another medication commonly discussed and used during fertility treatment is the “trigger shot.” The trigger shot helps induce an LH surge. This is what triggers our follicles to get them ready to ovulate or release. We use the trigger shot in almost all of our treatment cycles–whether we are doing timed intercourse, insemination, or IVF. The type of “trigger shot” and specific timing of administration is dependent on your treatment plan.

There are many ways to grow your family. Michigan Center for Fertility & Women’s Health shares information about utilizing donor sperm, a donor egg, or a donor embryo.

Raising Kids + Supporting Aging Parents is a Bittersweet Journey

AntonetteSlobodian

September 21, 2024

This year, our mom turned 80, and it was a beautiful milestone! We tried to surprise her, but how do you keep a secret from a mom who’s always asking so many questions? Looking back, she and my dad threw so many birthday parties for my sisters and me—it felt so good to finally give her a gorgeous garden party!

But, it’s hard not to think about how much time we have left with them. We’re at that stage where we’re nurturing our kids to become better humans for the next generation, while also supporting our parents as they age, helping them to stay happy and healthy. It’s sometimes referred to as the sandwich generation.

So, here are seven ways to keep your stress in check while keeping your elderly parents happy and active and maintaining your household full of joyful messes.

1. Ask for help.

When it comes to raising kids and supporting aging parents, don’t hesitate to reach out to your family or close friends when you need it. Having trustworthy people around to lend a hand or give you a break can really alleviate pressure. My parents are both over 80 and still manage on their own, but my sisters and I step in when needed. They might be stubborn about accepting help, but just do it—they’ll appreciate it!

2. Establish routines.

My husband always says a good routine helps keep you consistent and on task! Whether I was a stay-at-home mom, work-from-home mom, or a freelancer, getting into a routine at home has always been a challenge. But making the effort, even when things get tough, keeps both your parents and your kids on track.

For example, since school has started, waking up at the same time every morning and heading to bed at the same time throughout the week helps me stay on track. Having a certain day to plan what your week will look like (meals, lunches, dinners, or events) helps too, as does going grocery shopping the same day of the week. Even getting a workout in on the same days each week will help you feel like you have a good routine!

3. Set boundaries.

It’s crucial to let your family know when it’s YOUR time. Whether it’s a date night with your babe or coffee with the ladies, your time should be a priority on the schedule. We all know as moms, family is our priority, however–if YOU are not feeling like you are calm or in a state of well being, then this will affect the rest of your family. So when raising kids and supporting aging parents, make sure to set some boundaries.

I visit my parents three to four times a week to check in and the last couple of years, I decided I wanted to follow in their footsteps and join our Filipino community group to share our culture and spend more time with them. The boys have their activities, and we all love joining in on the fun! What keeps us organized is our family calendar, where we make sure to carve out a day or weekend that works for everyone. It makes a huge difference!

4. Get the kids involved.

My boys aren’t little anymore, and my oldest can drive now (still adjusting to that!). Getting them involved with helping our parents teaches them responsibility and gives them quality time with their grandparents. Like when my father-in-law needed help picking up his car, my teen stepped in, spending time with him and helping us out big time.

5. Prioritize self-care.

Without YOU, there’s nothing. Keeping up with exercise and a healthy diet will keep you strong and mentally sharp. Dive into that trashy book, take a long bubble bath, or stay out late with the girls—whatever fills your cup with joy, energy, and most importantly, love.

6. Communication is key.

Talking with both my elderly parents and my kids often feels the same! They both need things explained slowly, and sometimes, my parents need a repeat. Keeping open lines of communication with both can be tough at first, but with patience, you’ll get the hang of it!

7. Be real.

You can’t do everything yourself. Sure, you wanted to finish your to-do list yesterday, but life happens—the dog gets sick, someone spills milk, or you drop a jar of homemade buttermilk ranch, shattering glass all over the kitchen (yes, I did that!). The point is, you did your best with both your kids and your parents, and now it’s time to get some rest.

Nobody said this stage was easy—balancing concerns for your aging parents while setting the best example for your kids is a lot. But by following these seven tips, you’ll find ways to stay stress-free and keep it all together. Hope this helps!

It’s hard to think about, but we do need to make plans as our parents get older. Orna shares some helpful tips about preparing for the death of your parents.

Being Admitted to the NICU Saved My Child’s Life

Guest Blogger

September 20, 2024

I was 20 weeks pregnant when we found out that our son was diagnosed with Ventriculomegaly. It’s a condition in which the fluid-spilled spaces in a fetus’s brain (the ventricles) are larger than usual, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The ventricles widen or expand because cerebrospinal fluid becomes trapped in them, instead of flowing around the brain and spinal cord before getting reabsorbed.

At the time I felt as though I had done something wrong. I asked a lot of questions but unfortunately the doctors didn’t have many answers for me without doing risky testing. I joined a Facebook support group, and the stories were truly inspiring. They got me through extremely emotional days.

We opted to wait until our son was born to conduct an MRI to see the cause. Then, I went into labor five weeks early. He was born weighing 6 pounds and 4 ounces, and all my worries went away. I did not care what his diagnosis was; he was perfect to me. He was sent to the NICU to get an MRI and we waited anxiously for the results.

The results showed that he had had a brain bleed in utero, which caused extra fluid build-up. We were informed by the Neurologist that we would have to wait six months to see if the condition would create more buildup or resolve itself. The doctors were optimistic.

Our son had to stay in the NICU that night for observation.

During that night, his oxygen level dropped along with his blood sugar level, and he was at risk for jaundice. We were informed that he would have to stay in the NICU for a few more days for observation. This was the news we did not want to hear, but we knew he was in good hands.

When I was discharged, I spent most of the day cradling him in the NICU. The nurses helped with feeding time, encouraged me through breast feeding, provided nutritious meals, and provided long term resources. We were assigned a case worker who explained the resources we could utilize during the NICU stay. Some of these included a discount on food in the cafeteria, free housing a few minutes away from the hospital, and free parking. Knowing that we had access to these resources took a huge financial burden off our shoulders.

The nurses kept in constant contact with us the whole time.

When I went home for a few hours, the nurses communicated with me through an app that showed when he had a diaper change, how much he drank, and what his oxygen level was. I loved being updated about my child’s health while I went home to spend some quality time with our oldest son. It helped me feel at ease that I could click into the app and find out how he was doing. I felt less guilty for leaving him alone.

I was not mentally prepared to spend more than a few hours away from him but because of my other son, I knew I had to make the transition from one child to two children as smooth as possible. There were a few times I went into the bathroom and silently cried, wiped my tears away, and put a smile on my face because I knew I was the family’s glue. Giving up hope was not an option.

Day by day I watched him improve with feedings, staying up for longer periods of time, diaper changes, etc. Knowing he was improving gave me the strength on the days I felt I wasn’t strong enough to get through the next.

On day five he was ready to come home, but he failed his hearing test and his oxygen level dropped again during the car seat test.

We were concerned, but we knew he was in the right place to receive the care he needed. On day six they conducted the tests again, and he passed! Our baby boy was ready to come home. Before we walked out, the hospital announced on the intercom that he had graduated from the NICU. I was nervous. Did I know how to take care of a child with special needs? Was I going to be a good mother? Would he survive through the night? Before we could take him home, we took a CPR class. Taking that class gave me the reassurance, confidence, and validation that I needed.

Being admitted to the NICU saved my child’s life.

I will never forget the special care we were given. I had a preconceived notion that NICUs were sad and scary; I could not have been more wrong. When I walked into the NICU I felt relief, warmth, and understanding.

When I walked into the NICU there were hand washing and sterilization stations set up to minimize the chances of the babies getting sick. The reassurance that they would take those precautions eased a few of my fears. What if he gets sick? What if he catches COVID? They also checked our identification before we were allowed to access the NICU hall, and that eased all of my safety concerns.

Throughout the NICU stay I was surprised by how well each shift of nurses and doctors communicated. They addressed my son by name and knew what areas he needed improvement in.

My advice to NICU parents is to celebrate the small improvements your babies make, communicate as much as possible with the staff members so everyone’s expectations are met, and speak positive words to yourself. When I had heard the word Ventriculomegaly it was scary because it was so foreign to me. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Ventriculomegaly occurs in 2 out of every 1,000 live births here in the US. That’s about 200 babies per day, yet there is very little knowledge about it.

At six months old, our baby boy was cleared of Ventriculomegaly. I share our story in hopes that it reaches a family that may feel hopeless or alone. Join support groups, share your experiences, and hug your little fighter a little bit tighter today.

–Guest submission from Jolanda Smith

5 Tips to Rock Your Work-From-Home Schedule

Krystle

September 19, 2024

This summer, my work-from-home schedule was off. My husband is a teacher, so we opted out of summer camps to save money and because he is able to be home with the kids. But that also meant that I had to juggle work meetings, deadlines, and projects with my kids’ noise, interruptions, and demands.

Now that the kids are back to school, I have six hours of uninterrupted time to work on my tasks and goals. But how do I make the most of my time? How do I create a work-from-home schedule that works for me and my family?

Here are five tips to help you rock your work-from-home schedule!

1. Write out what you want to accomplish in between work meetings and tasks.

One of the benefits of working from home is that you have more flexibility and control over your time. You can use the breaks between your work meetings and tasks to do other things that are important to you.

For example, do you want to exercise more? Do you want to get chores done like laundry or dishes, or straighten up a room? Do you want to read a book, meditate, or nap? Whatever it is, write it down and prioritize it.

2. Decide how you want to accomplish your goals.

Once you have a list of things you want to do, you need to decide how you want to do them. Do you want to exercise only every other day? Laundry only on Mondays, or straighten up and dust one room a day? Figure out what will work best for you and your schedule.

For example, I am currently training for the Motor City Half Marathon. I used to run marathons back in my 20’s, and then I stopped once we started a family and I got busier with work and schedules. In order to get back into it, I run three days a week. Two days are shorter, half hour runs with a longer run and distance on the weekend. So, on those days, I may try to run before school starts, or because I lean more introverted, I might run after I’ve dropped the kids off at school to avoid seeing too many people.

3. Write it out.

Whether you use a paper planner, a wall planner, or a digital planner, write it out so you can get into the schedule and remember what you want to accomplish. You can write it down as tasks for each day or even by the hour. Another thing to consider is the six-hour window (this is factoring in drop-off and pick-up–because at some schools, you have to be at least half an hour early to get a good spot!).

You could work backwards from pick-up or forwards from drop-off, as long as it will work for you! For example, my Monday work-from-home schedule could look something like this:

8:30 a.m.: Drop off kids at school
9:00 a.m.: Run for 30 minutes
9:30 a.m.: Shower and breakfast
10:00 a.m.: Check emails and work on urgent tasks
10:30 a.m.: Join a video call with a client
11:30 a.m.: Do some laundry and dishes
12:00 p.m.: Lunch and read a book
1:00 p.m.: Work on a project or a report
1:30 p.m.: Join another video call with a colleague
2:00 p.m.: Straighten up and dust the living room
3:00 p.m.: Get in the pick-up line at school and check my emails while I’m waiting for half an hour . . .

4. Be okay with trial and error.

Of course, no schedule is perfect, and things can change. Maybe your kids now have soccer practice about an hour before dinner, so now, you can work something into your schedule there (maybe it’s just making dinner, but that works). Or maybe you have to shift things around because you forgot you have a standing meeting every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.

Try out your schedule and adjust as you need to. No schedule is going to be perfect, but if you keep in mind to be flexible, everything will work itself out.

5. Enjoy the benefits and give yourself grace!

Working from home can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. You can save time and money on commuting, have more autonomy and flexibility, and spend more quality time with your family. By creating a work-from-home schedule that works for you, you can enjoy the benefits of working from home and be more productive, happy, and healthy.

You may not tackle everything on your task list, but being able to accomplish even one thing without interruptions (meetings, kids, etc.) is already the makings of a good day. Give yourself grace and celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small!

Back to school season is the perfect time to set up some new routines for the whole family. Rana shares 5 tips for back-to-school organization so that everything can be set in order!

How to Best Support a New Parent

Alicia Nedry

September 18, 2024

Being a new parent is hard. We all know it’s hard. But to support a new parent, and to show them compassion and understanding, can be a challenge. To say, “I’m here for you” and “I totally get it” sometimes doesn’t feel like enough.

Here at Detroit Mom, we have moms that are in all phases of motherhood. We have moms of multiples, blended families, older kiddos, and newborns. We have moms who have struggled with infertility and postpartum depression, stay-at-home moms, working moms, and everyone in between.

Even with all of our differences and unique journeys, we all know what it is like to be a new parent. We know what has or would have helped us in this life-altering new venture. So, we’ve all come together to share how we can best support other new parents.

Here are the ways we recommend to best support a new parent:

Ashley

“Take photos of the mama. It sounds so simple yet is often overlooked. Snapping candid shots of a mom with her newborn will be some of the most beautiful memories she has, especially when those first few weeks/months are a blur.”

Erica

“For a close friend, show up and immediately do a chore. Don’t ask what chore needs to be done, because the goal is to relieve the mental and physical load. Wash dishes, refill the diaper stash, start a load of laundry, and stay just long enough to toss it in the dryer.”

Jess

“Make a snack box for Mom (a mix of healthy and fun snacks to keep energy levels up). If they have a dog(s), take it/them for a walk. Be mindful of cues to leave when visiting; don’t overstay your welcome.”

Jillian

“Go to see the new mama, not just the baby. And go alone with no time restrictions or personal needs. Bring a bag of snacks that can last a week and a healthy meal the whole family can eat. Be ready to listen, hold the baby, occupy other children, and/or watch the new mom sleep. And please dress appropriately, make-up free, if possible; you want to fit in and help the new [mom] feel more comfortable with her appearance.”

Lauren

“Just keep inviting that new mom to all the things you used to do. Continue sending those invites to coffee or group date nights. She may say no a lot at the beginning . . . but eventually she will be ready to accept that invite and will be so happy to have that friend who never gave up on her.”

Lindsay

“Either make a homemade meal and deliver it within the first few weeks of the baby being born or order from a local restaurant and have it delivered. The last thing I wanted to do when I brought my kids home from the hospital was cook!”

Katie

“Don’t ask, just do (when it comes to bringing things over or sending things). Do a porch drop-off with things you know they like. Frivolous stuff. Things that show you care. Make them feel human again.”

Sofia

“Tell them to give you the baby for awhile and let them have a break to do something else. It can be hard when you get caught in the feed, change, contact nap cycle and sometimes just doing something alone, like folding laundry or loading the dishwasher, can feel freeing. Or even just sitting in a quiet room for five minutes or taking that extra-long shower!”

Stacy

“Listen! Don’t compare your birth story with theirs! Every pregnancy, labor, [and] delivery is different. Listen, and offer advice or tips only if asked!”

Tumkeen

“Sometimes, more than meals, there’s a need for basics and essentials that no one has the time to get like cut fruits, a mixed nuts tray, yogurt cups, milk, [or] eggs. Also, no expectations please. Give mommy the gift of grace. Drop a disposable dish off without expecting a thank you, leave a text with[out] needing a response, call once and leave a message, and give her the space to listen without responding or be late at it. Give her space and the gift of grace.”

Vaibhavi

“I cooked nutritional meals for a friend for [a] few days after birth. I made a huge batch of the food so that she could have it for a longer period of time.”

The experienced moms on our team have offered a wide variety of ways to best support a new parent. Just showing up, and showing you care, is a great start. Do you have other tips for supporting new parents? What did someone do for you that was extremely helpful when you were a new parent? Or, what is something you wish someone would have done for you?

For more motherhood inspiration, Sofia shares about the five new mom promises it’s okay to break (or keep!).

Detroit Mom’s Local Love Spotlight: Go Grow Playrooms

Whitney Cornelli

September 15, 2024

Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Sara Khan, owner of Go Grow Playrooms.

To start, we asked Sara to share a few fun facts about herself with us!

She is a full-time working mom of three kids that are ages four and under.
She has an obsession with plants.
She is obsessed with podcasts!

We asked her to share a little bit more about her business with us, too. Get to know Sara and her business, Go Grow Playrooms, below!

Photo by Amy Kimball/Amy Kimball Photography

How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?

“My son was diagnosed with severe eczema when he was born in 2021. I struggled with him not being able to play outside when it’s too hot or too cold because of his eczema flares. Also, I am a full-time working mom who works from home. I found myself frequenting indoor playgrounds around the area but realized we didn’t have one in Canton. My journey [was started] to create a place that my family could visit any time my toddlers wanted to play.

“I started my business by saving up a lot while I worked. Our business is 100% self-funded and mom-owned so it’s been hard to bootstrap it from the beginning. However, once we were able to fund the business, designing the play structure and furniture was incredibly fun.”

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?

“I would have done less myself and outsourced more. I spent a lot of sweat equity on setting up the facility and I would have someone else do that next time.”

What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?

“Hardworking people tend to be lucky.”

Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?

“I have! [With] nearly every step of opening my business I was faced with judgments of not taking me seriously since I’m a young woman. I’ve had to haggle with vendors, contractors, and teams to show I know what I’m doing. I always show up twice as prepared and confident because I fully believe I am capable [of] handling anything.”

How do you persevere in challenging times?

“I persevere because I see no other option. When failure is not an option, then you figure out a way through.”

What impact do you want your business to have?

“I want my business to be a core memory for all children in Michigan.”

What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2024?

“Pros: women support women, the amount of women that have shown out to support our business has been incredible! We are so honored that women see the value of supporting women and other moms in their community.

“Cons: I simply think people underestimate women in all walks of life so you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself.”

What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?

“Anything is possible, just put your mind to it and start somewhere.”

What do you do for personal and professional development?

“I love to listen to any business development podcast I can. I also like Mel Robbins’ podcasts and am currently reading Working Backwards.”

What mantra or quote do you live by?

“Hardworking people tend to be lucky.”

What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?

“Canton!”

Where can our readers find you on social media?

You can follow Go Grow Playrooms on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!

We hope you loved getting to know more about Sara + Go Grow Playrooms. Be sure to check out our previous Local Love Spotlight featuring Annamarie Green + Annamarie Green Co!

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