Holly Paine
Bio
I'm a 38-year-old Licensed Professional Counselor. I'm happily divorced, and the mother of a daughter on the autism spectrum. Writing keeps me sane.
Stories (9/0)
A Few Things That Make You Doubt Your Sanity
Imagining Tragic Scenarios Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash Do you ever find yourself lying in bed at night, trying to fall asleep only to dive down the rabbit hole of ‘what ifs’ in the worst possible ways imaginable? Maybe you find yourself playing through your own death, the death of a loved one, or some horrible, terrifying thing like being kidnapped and tortured? Perhaps it’s something bigger scale, something doomsday in nature? Possibly your tragic scenarios are more focused on the darkness that dwells within you, imagining the day you finally crack and go on a murder spree?
By Holly Paine5 years ago in Psyche
Let's Talk About Sex, Baby
Safe Sex *Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash Any good discussion on sex begins with at least a brief review of safe sex. Well, safer sex. Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Sexually Transmitted Infections (STDs/STIs) are an unfortunate reality of unprotected sex, and can sometimes be transmitted even when you think you’re being safe. Every act of intercourse—whether vaginal, anal, or even oral—should begin with a fresh, snuggly fitting, and properly worn condom. Make sure there is a reservoir at the tip, no air trapped inside, and it’s rolled all the way down to the base of the penis. A dental dam should be used for cunnilingus or anilingus. Fingers should be covered with latex gloves or finger gloves if there are open wounds on the hands/fingers. Gloves may also prevent bacterial infections or lacerations caused by jagged fingernails.
By Holly Paine5 years ago in Filthy
What I Really Mean When I Say Me Too
The #MeToo movement has given a voice to countless women (and men, but for the purposes of this article, I’m just going to refer to women) who have survived sexual violence. For many, it was the first time they were able to admit to being a survivor of a sexual assault. For others, it was something they’d already announced to the world, so to speak, and writing those two little words really wasn’t such a big deal.
By Holly Paine5 years ago in Viva
Oppression of Women in First World Countries
I recently had a bit of a debate with someone online—because that never happens—about whether or not oppression of women still exists in first world countries, in particular, the United States. Unsurprisingly, the individual with whom this conversation occurred was a man. Also unsurprisingly, the entire thing started over a joke poll meme involving how women would react if a freak event caused men to start menstruating—either cackle or offer to help. Don’t ask.
By Holly Paine5 years ago in Viva
Dealing with Anxiety
Please note: This article is not intended to diagnosis or prescribe a treatment for any mental or physical health issues. If you feel you may have an anxiety disorder or a physical health problem causing you anxiety, please see a qualified therapist and/or physician. If you have any health problems, which you believe may be aggravated by any of these exercises, please consult a physician before beginning these exercises.
By Holly Paine5 years ago in Psyche
Five Things Parents of an Autistic Child Don’t Want to Hear
1. "I don’t know how you do it." Do what? Love my kid unconditionally? I ‘do it’ because she’s my daughter whether or not she has autism. I’m her mother. I’m just doing what any decent mom does: Taking care of my child.
By Holly Paine5 years ago in Families
- Top Story - November 2018
Say Yes to YouTop Story - November 2018
We all need a little reminder from time to time to stop and smell the roses. While working on my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I’ve found these concepts to be especially important not only for my clients but for myself, too. Learning to say yes to myself has been one of the most difficult but also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I hope it can be for you, too.
By Holly Paine5 years ago in Motivation