Annalise John, LCSW licensed therapist and dream consultant dives into what dreams of pregnancy might mean

Annalise John, LCSW owner and therapist at Rivercourse Counseling celebrates it’s 3 year anniversary and explains the reason behind the name Rivercourse.

Annalise John, LCSW, therapist and founder of Rivercourse Counseling explains what those tornado dreams are all about

Annalise John, LCSW, therapist and founder of Rivercourse Counseling explains why therapy might not be working for you

Annalise John, LCSW, therapist and founder of Rivercourse Counseling explains what those dreams about your teeth falling out really mean.

Annalise John, LCSW, therapist and founder of Rivercourse Counseling explains how your nightly dreams can help you navigate your way through your quarterife crisis.

Annalise John, LCSW, therapist and founder of Rivercourse Counseling in Salt Lake City, Utah. Explains how to actually feel your feelings

Annalise John, LCSW, therapist and founder of Rivercourse Counseling explains why sometimes the cure for anxiety is doing the exact thing that makes you anxious (eek).

I know a lot of people will relate to this. Growing up, I HATED hearing my parents say, "I'm disappointed in you." I would have rather had just about any punishment than hear those words. I could not tolerate them being disappointed.

When we’ve been hurt, it's natural to seek control. Control promises safety, predictability, and the illusion that we can prevent future pain. We create strict rules and rigid routines, believing that these will protect us. For example, someone who has been hurt in relationships might decide never to be vulnerable again, adhering strictly to this self-imposed rule to avoid potential heartbreak.

As a therapist working with young adults, I often encounter clients who are dealing with stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. And let's be real – I experience these things too. Tapping has been my go-to tool for managing my own emotions and staying grounded. It's quick, it's easy, and the best part? You can do it anywhere, anytime.

We’ve all heard about the benefits of cold plunges, but let’s be real – not everyone loves the idea of diving into icy water. As a licensed therapist who hates being cold, I’ve got some awesome alternatives that are just as effective and way more comfortable. Here are five simple ways to regulate your nervous system that don’t involve freezing your buns off.

I grew up adhering strictly to rules, raised in an incredibly restrictive religion. Even after leaving, I found myself clinging to societal rules: when to go to school, get a job, marry, if and when to start a family. If you'd asked me then, I would have said, “F*** rules.” But even as I rejected them, they lingered in my mind.

Dreams are fascinating windows into the deeper recesses of our minds, offering insights that can’t quite tap into in our waking consciousness. Understanding dream symbols can be an enlightening process, revealing hidden fears, desires, and insights into our waking lives. A symbol that often enters our dreams is water.

The word ‘should’ seems innocuous enough, but it often serves as a subtle signal that we’re living life on someone else’s terms rather than our own. Let’s dive into why paying attention to this seemingly harmless word can have a profound impact on our mental health and sense of self.

Often, our dreams reflect the conflicts we are struggling with, albeit in symbolic form. A recurring dream of being chased, for example, might symbolize running away from a problem in waking life. By working with a dream consultant, individuals can begin to decode these symbols, uncovering the root of their anxieties or conflicts.

Your dreams can be a powerful ally in navigating life’s transitions. They help connect you to your innermost thoughts and feelings—some of which you may not be consciously aware of. By paying attention to and interpreting your dreams, you can gain insights that are not just helpful, but possibly transformative during times of change.

An authentic relationship is one where both individuals can express their true selves without fear of rejection. These relationships are built on trust, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of each other's values and vulnerabilities. Authentic relationships allow us to be vulnerable and open, which are key ingredients for deep, meaningful connections.

Dream interpretation, a practice both ancient and modern, serves as a bridge between our waking consciousness and the unconscious depths where these conflicts reside. This process of deciphering the cryptic messages of our dreams is more than just an exercise in curiosity; it's a profound tool for psychological healing and personal growth.

Ever get that sinking feeling that everyone else is miles ahead? Friends getting married, climbing the career ladder at warp speed, or just seeming to have it all together. It's as if life is a race, and you're struggling to keep up. But here's the thing—life isn't a marathon with a set path and finish line. Everyone's journey is as unique as their fingerprint.