The J.H.C. Blog

Whare are the Roles of Dysfunctional Families?
Celeste Gilmore Celeste Gilmore

Whare are the Roles of Dysfunctional Families?

Everyone talks about the idea of nature versus nurture—how much of who we are is shaped by our biology, and how much by our environment. We are often said to be born as blank slates, carrying only the raw potential of who we might become. From the moment we're born, the way we are nurtured—our family dynamics, parenting styles, cultural influences, and early experiences—begins to shape that potential. These environmental factors can play a powerful role in determining the kind of role we take within our family system. Whether we become the golden child, the peacemaker, the rebel (or black sheep), or the parentification, much of it can be traced back to how we were raised and what was expected of us in our early relationships. While our genetics may lay the groundwork, it's the nurturing we receive that often defines how we relate to others and understand our place in the world.

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Reunification. Does it actually work?
Family Therapy Celeste Gilmore Family Therapy Celeste Gilmore

Reunification. Does it actually work?

Reunification therapy is a specialized form of family therapy designed to help repair and rebuild the relationship between two individuals within a family system who have become disconnected or estranged. This estrangement may occur for a variety of reasons, including—but not limited to—parental separation or divorce, prolonged conflict, emotional or physical distance, or significant life events that have led to a breakdown in communication and trust. Although reunification therapy is most commonly associated with post-divorce situations, it is applicable in many different family dynamics, such as between a parent and child, siblings, or even extended family members.

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Strategies of Dealing with Difficult Family Members
Celeste Gilmore Celeste Gilmore

Strategies of Dealing with Difficult Family Members

Difficult people are a part of life—and sometimes, they’re family. Whether it’s a sibling, parent, aunt, uncle, or cousin, navigating these relationships can be emotionally draining. Maybe they constantly stir up drama, ignore boundaries, or always have something negative to say. So how do you deal with someone who just can’t keep the peace?

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Communication. Is it Really that Important?
Celeste Gilmore Celeste Gilmore

Communication. Is it Really that Important?

Communication is often seen as a basic human skill—something that should come naturally, almost effortlessly. Yet in practice, it proves to be far more complex. Many people believe they’re expressing themselves clearly, but intention and understanding don’t always align. Words are spoken, messages are sent, but the true meaning can be lost somewhere in between. Real communication requires more than just talking—it demands listening, empathy, clarity, and a willingness to be understood as much as to understand. Without these elements, we risk speaking past one another, mistaking noise for connection.

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Screen Addition? A Teen Therapist in Denver, Co Explores the Possible Impacts
Celeste Gilmore Celeste Gilmore

Screen Addition? A Teen Therapist in Denver, Co Explores the Possible Impacts

Have you ever found yourself negotiating or even struggling with your child to hand over their iPad or phone? Wishing they would engage more with you, connect with those around them, or simply head outside to enjoy some sunshine instead of being glued to a screen on the couch? You’re definitely not alone. Parents across the United States are facing the same challenges. Technology has become such an ingrained part of daily life that having a device in hand—whether it’s yours or your child’s—feels almost like the norm. It’s everywhere, and stepping away from it isn’t easy. Some even argue it’s reaching the level of an epidemic.

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Depression. Does My Teen Struggle with It?
Celeste Gilmore Celeste Gilmore

Depression. Does My Teen Struggle with It?

Being a parent can be incredibly tough, especially when you're trying to navigate the complexities of raising teenagers. You always want the best for your kids, but sometimes it feels like you're walking in the dark, unsure of what they truly need or want.

Teen Therapy in Denver Colorado (Lakewood and Aurora)

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Signs of Religious Trauma for Adults in Denver Colorado
Celeste Gilmore Celeste Gilmore

Signs of Religious Trauma for Adults in Denver Colorado

Religious trauma. Words that linger, they are often said with no chance of undoing them. Painful, heavy words that can't be erased, carrying a weight that lingers long after they've been spoken.

Learn what religious trauma is and how we can help you heal from it.

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Addressing “Stuck” Trauma in Denver
Celeste Gilmore Celeste Gilmore

Addressing “Stuck” Trauma in Denver

When trauma becomes overwhelming, individuals may find it difficult to move past the event, as the trauma remains "stuck" in their thoughts, memories, and body. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Trauma - How it affects your health
Celeste Gilmore Celeste Gilmore

Trauma - How it affects your health

The emotional and psychological impacts of trauma are vast. They can deeply affect an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, often manifesting in ways that make daily functioning challenging. People who experience trauma may feel emotionally numb or disconnected, have difficulty trusting others, or find themselves unable to control intense emotions like anger, fear, or sadness.

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