Written by: Michelle Topal, MSW, LCSW – LGBT Therapist & Licensed Clinical Social Worker   Separation and divorce can be a difficult, painful process for everyone involved. It represents significant change and loss, and triggers in most people, deep feelings of failure, lack of control, rejection and abandonment, and can cause anxiety and depression in […]

Written by: Michelle Topal, MSW, LCSW – Adult & Child Therapist, Offering Individual, Couples, Family & LGBT Counseling So, I was watching something where people were complaining about “political correctness” and how problematic it was. It got me thinking: What is the difference between political correctness and empathy? Political correctness became a disparaging term in […]

Written by:  Michelle Topal, MSW, LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker Raleigh & Durham NC “No!” it is one of the first words kids learn. So, imagine your surprise when your child says it back to you in clear defiance, not cute mimicking like they did when they were toddlers. The response can naturally provoke […]