Karin Draper, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Does having a steady meditation or mindfulness practice in your life sound ideal but far-fetched given your busy schedule? If so, you are far from being alone, and I also have great news for you -- there are many ways to incorporate a rich mindfulness practice into your daily routines without adding time to your day! A little curiosity, non-judgmental observation, and self compassion goes a long ways. In this article, I give you tips for how to transform five daily activities into fulfilling mindfulness practices to center yourself throughout your busy day. #mindfulness #mentalhealth #anxietytherapy #orangecountytherapist #workingprofessionalstress #mindfultherapy #youngadulttherapist

I work with so many kind-hearted, selfless, sensitive healer-types who tend to end up in relationships in which they give significantly more of themselves than the other person. These images and words are beautiful reminders of the importance of healthy boundaries when we ensure our own cup is filled, we have so much more to freely pour out to others.

We are entering into what can either be the happiest time of the year or the most dreaded yes, the holiday season is about to be in full swing. It is common for grief to be reactivated, feelings of sadness or isolation to intensify, and for families who lean toward mess to be even messier than usual. Here are some tips for self care practices surrounding particular struggles to help you survive the holidays. #survivingtheholidays #holidaydepression #holidaymentalhealth #orangecountytherapist #ocyoungadulttherapy

I love this beautiful image of the relationship between self care and our ability to give to others. Self care can look so different in various seasons, and it is important to consistently explore what you need each day, each week. What does your body need? What does your soul need? What will connect you with your sense of purpose?

When difficult emotions find their way into your life, it can be so challenging to know what to do with them and where to even begin. Here are six steps for using mindfulness to acknowledge painful feelings without giving them too much power over you.

I was honored to be available as support at last night's event, Bullying and Violence Prevention in Our Schools, presented by the Newport Beach Foundation. Fantastic speakers identified ways that both parents and school administrators can instill values such as kindness and courage in children and adolescents and effectively intervene in bullying scenarios when necessary. I was especially encouraged by how many parents came out to learn. It takes a village! It was especially fun getting to attend with my fellow early childhood mental health specialist, Hayley Goldberg.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and it feels impossible to have the right words. So many of us have been impacted by suicide, either through the loss of a loved one, loving someone who has contemplated suicide, or our own depression and struggles. Today, it is important to remember that it is good to ask for help. That if you think someone you know might be struggling, don't brush that hunch off -- look them in the eyes and ask them how they're really doing and be prep...ared for a difficult answer. That vulnerability is tough, but the connection that comes from it can be a literal lifeline. That we can never love those around us too much. That hope is one of the most beautiful gifts we can help another person experience. The National Suicide Prevention hotline is 1-800-273-8255. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, finding a good therapist whom you trust and feel safe with is so important. Please reach out to me or another therapist to help connect you with someone given your location, financial resources, and needs.

I am SO excited to share that I am expanding and will be working out of an Irvine office (adjacent to Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, and Costa Mesa) in addition to my Laguna Hills office. My heart is overflowing with gratitude and joy that I get to continue meeting and serving more teens, couples, and young adults in Orange County. #orangecountyteentherapist #ocyoungadulttherapy #couplestherapyinorangecounty #irvinetherapist #newportbeachtherapy #orangecountymillennialtherapist

I enjoyed contributing to this recent Bustle article on subtle personality traits that are more likely to be associated with infidelity. I’m of the belief that every one of us is capable of cheating on our partner if we let aspects of our lives go unchecked, and the best prevention that we can do is to 1) Foster honesty in the relationship, especially about the hard stuff that’s easy to avoid, and 2) Build awareness about our own weaknesses, needs, and blind spots so we can ...give them the appropriate attention needed while not letting them rule our decisions. My hope is that people reading this article who recognize some of these traits within themselves (because the traits are general enough that most everyone will recognize one/some) will have clarification and awareness of further areas of growth to seek, so they can increase the health of their relationships. Therapy is a great space to begin this growth process, as an individual or as a couple!

Here’s a sneak peek of my new full-time office near the Laguna Hills/Irvine border! I’ve had so much fun creating the space that my clients will continue to do courageous, healing work in. Oh, and there’s coffee coffee is important :)

Anxiety has many manifestations. Therapy can provide you with the skills and techniques for coping with and decreasing the effects of anxiety in your life, but more importantly can also support you in exploring and giving voice to the feelings and experiences underlying your anxiety. You don’t need to face it alone.

This is SO challenging to implement but so very valuable. When possible, choose to put your energy and emotions toward the important stuff.

If you’ve ever done something for your partner that you thought was amazing, but it seemed to fall flat or they weren’t as excited as you expected, a difference in love languages may provide a helpful explanation. We all have preferences in showing and receiving love, and it’s very important for partners to know and honor one another’s love preferences. If you aren’t sure what your partner’s love language is, look at this chart and ask them and then share yours!