blog: Thoughts on Being Human
As therapists we hold space, we listen, we resonate.
Read our blog posts to get to know us more in our own complexity;
our passions, our own big feelings, our values.
We’re excited to share our humanity with you!
If listening is more your thing, check out our podcast, Out of Session with Kindman & Co., and make sure to sign up for our newsletter to be informed about our most recent blog posts.
On the Podcast: Why a Kids' Movie About Sheep Made Us Cry (And What It Teaches Us About Loss)
In this episode, Anna and Paul talk through The Sheep Detectives — a film that tackles death, denial, and what it means to belong, wrapped in comedy and heart. They explore why avoiding grief always comes with a bill, and why remembering, even when it hurts, keeps us connected to each other.
On Grief in the In-Between: Parent Loss in Young Adulthood
Young adulthood is often a time of building a future—but when a parent dies, that foundation can shift overnight. This blog explores the unique challenges of grieving while stepping into adulthood, the isolation many young adults experience, and why you don't have to navigate this season alone.
On The Cost of Having It All: Why Every Meaningful Relationship Requires Tradeoffs
Modern dating often tells us we can have it all, but every meaningful choice comes with tradeoffs. In this essay, I explore why choosing a partner isn't about settling, but about deciding what matters most, accepting the opportunities we leave behind, and embracing the reality that love, like every worthwhile pursuit, asks something of us.
On Navigating Parent Loss While Stepping Into Young Adulthood: There Is No Expiration Date on Grief
Losing a parent in young adulthood carries a particular complexity—just as you are beginning to build your own life, the ground shifts beneath you. Whether you are navigating the rush of Los Angeles or the quiet corners of Highland Park, it’s important to know there is no expiration date on your grief. Explore why this transition feels so isolating, how the family system shifts, and why finding a relational community is a radical act of healing.
Moving Through the Holidays While Moving Through Grief
Holiday grief can feel overwhelming, even years after a loss. This blog helps you understand why grief intensifies during the holidays and what emotions may arise. It also offers gentle ways to care for yourself as you navigate the season.
On Art for a Heavy Heart
In a world overflowing with sorrow, art can become a lifeline. Here’s how creativity helps us cope with collective and personal grief, plus a handful of meaningful works to explore.
On the Podcast: Therapy, Politics, and Purpose: Finding Your Voice with Lillian Farzan
In this episode Paul Kindman reconnects with Lillian Farzan, a psychotherapist, digital nomad, poet, and activist. The conversation delves into Lillian's journey from interviewing for a position at Kindman and Co. just before the pandemic to establishing her private practice as a therapist while traveling the world. They discuss Lillian's personal experiences, and the importance of integrating personal values and activism into therapy. They also explore the significance of organizations like Standing Together, and the ongoing need to address systemic issues affecting mental health.
On the Podcast: Why Grief Never Ends (and Why That’s Okay)
Dani and Anna, who are both therapists specializing in grief, discuss their experiences and challenges related to grief therapy. The conversation delves into the complexities of grief, the emotional depth it brings to therapy, and the importance of making space for different types of grief. They urge listeners to seek support, emphasizing the transformative power of having someone to share the burden of grief, whether through therapy, support groups, or spiritual guidance.
On How To Talk to a Grieving Person
When someone we love is grieving, most of us freeze. We're not taught how to help, and our discomfort gets in the way. This post offers practical, compassionate ways to show up—without relying on worn-out phrases or emotional guesswork.
On Grieving the Loss of the Therapist Who Helped Me Heal
We worked together on and off for the next three years. Though I’m not sure she would have identified as a relational therapist, I never had to guess what she was thinking. Linda didn’t beat around the bush. If she had a question, she asked it. If she had an opinion, she shared it. She openly identified as a feminist, a supporter of creative Judaism, and progressive politics. That gave me permission to bring those parts of myself into the room, too.
Without saying the words, she made it clear I could feel everything, on no timeline but my own. A typical session often included some tears and a bellyache from laughing. With Linda, I learned to drop the script—what I thought others expected of me, what I expected of myself. And in return, I let myself feel the full impact of her care. She told me she was proud of how much I’d grown and that she believed I was a true addition to the field of social work. Because of our work, I was able to believe her.
On Pet Loss & Grief
Losing a pet (dog, cat, fish, horse, truly any creature) is losing a major relationship in your life. You mourn what they meant. You miss their presence. Wish for their smell. Weep when you reach for them only to suddenly remember - they’re gone. It’s no different than losing a human and all the agonizing gut-wrenching aches that come with that.
On Helping Those Who Are Grieving
Being with those who are grieving is one of the most powerless feelings…If you haven’t experienced loss yourself (or even if you have!), it can be hard to know how to support others who are grieving their own losses. Read on for tips on how to support a loved one who’s navigating loss.