Our Desta Blog

Seeking mental health support is one of the most courageous decisions a person can make. But in today's world, that decision comes with a follow-up question that simply did not exist a generation ago, like should you meet your therapist face to face, or connect through a screen? The rise of telehealth has transformed mental health care. Today, millions of people access therapy through video calls, phone sessions, and chat platforms right from their homes, offices, or wherever

The journey toward mental wellness is deeply personal, and for many, the first step is the most daunting: deciding to seek help. Once that decision is made, a new question arises: with so many different types of therapy available, how do you know which one aligns with your specific needs? Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Just as you would see a specialist for a physical ailment, mental health care offers various modalities designed to address specific challenges,

Eating disorders affect millions of people worldwide, often causing deep emotional pain and serious health risks. Recovery can feel overwhelming, but specialized therapy offers hope and healing. Desta Therapy provides compassionate support tailored to individuals facing these challenges. Understanding Eating Disorders Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and self-worth. Common types include: Anor

Life often challenges us in ways that test our strength and resolve. When facing emotional struggles, mental health issues, or personal setbacks, the path forward can feel overwhelming. Yet resilience, which is the ability to keep moving despite difficulties, is something that can be nurtured and developed. At Desta Therapy, we focus on helping individuals build that resilience. Through a supportive and compassionate environment, clients learn practical tools to manage stres

Jimmy and Rachel Gross, Founders of Desta Therapy and Desta Provisions, standing in front of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity Home - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 2010 Desta Therapy was born from a story of compassion, community, and a deep belief in the power of human connection. Founders Jimmy and Rachel Gross began their journey in nonprofit service, launching a grassroots organization called No Ordinary Love to serve vulnerable communities in Ethiopia. Their work centere

I was listening to a beautiful, profound podcast this morning about a powerful concept: living the questions. What does that really mean? Throughout our lives, every one of us carries questions, but we are rarely taught how to live with them — how to sit with them, embrace them, hold them gently, and be okay with not knowing. The truth is, we don’t always understand why things happen, and we don’t always get clear answers. Why do I binge eat when I’m already unhappy with my

When people first hear about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the most common question is simple: Does EMDR work? The short answer is: Yes. EMDR is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although it is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for trauma, its effectiveness extends far beyond PTSD. Today, EMDR is successfully used to treat anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, addiction,

As a child, did you ever watch Charlotte’s Web? Remember where Charlotte encourages Wilbur, the little pig, to stay hopeful even when things look bleak? “Chin up, chin up, put a little laughter in your eyes. Brave it, save it, show them that you’re strong.” It’s simple advice, yet so meaningful. Life is full of moments that test our courage. Sometimes, the world feels heavy, and our heads naturally tilt downward — from sadness, stress, or exhaustion. But lifting our chin, eve

A few years ago, I was talking with a close friend who shared with me about a situation in his life that brought him to a crossroads. It was the kind of event where you pause and ask yourself: If I go down this road, what will it lead to? If I choose the other, where will I end up? These questions matter because what we choose can shape our lives (and the lives of others) in very real ways. On a cold night, over a warm dinner, my friend and I found ourselves talking about de

The beginning of the year often comes with a familiar kind of pressure. New resolutions. New habits. New versions of ourselves we are “supposed” to step into right away. Even when we do not consciously buy into it, the message is everywhere. Start fresh. Do more. Be better. For many people, that pressure feels misaligned with how they actually feel in January. In calendar terms, it is a new year. In seasonal terms, at least where many of us live, it is still winter. The earth

A new year often arrives with hope, motivation, and the promise that this will be the year things finally change. You might tell yourself: I’ll stay fit I’ll reduce my anxiety I’ll become a better parent If you’ve made New Year’s resolutions before, you’re not alone if they quietly faded by February. These goals are meaningful and well‑intentioned — so why are they so hard to maintain? Often, the struggle isn’t a lack of motivation. It’s the pressure to create a “new me,” un

Negative words can trap us in cycles of doubt and fear, while positive words can open doors to hope and confidence. Words are more than just tools for communication. They shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. The language we use influences our thoughts, emotions, and even our mental health. This post explores how words create worlds, focusing on the effects of negative and positive language and how this impacts our mental well-being. How Words Shape Our

Every Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life finds its way back into our living rooms —and into our hearts. ❤️ For many people, it’s not just a holiday movie; it’s an emotional pause. A moment to reflect. A reminder that arrives right when we’re already taking stock of the year behind us. George Bailey’s story resonates because it mirrors something many of us feel but don’t always say out loud: What if my life hasn’t turned out the way I hoped? What if I gave a lot… and still fee

A Christmas cactus in full bloom at the Desta Therapy counseling spaces in San Antonio, Texas The Christmas cactus is a unique plant that blooms during the winter months, often around the holiday season. Its ability to thrive and blossom in unexpected conditions makes it a powerful symbol for the healing journey many of us experience. Just like this resilient plant, healing is not always straightforward or predictable, but it is possible with patience, care, and the right env

Hope notices the small gifts — a shared smile, a moment of clarity, an old family photo that brings a quiet joy, an affectionate touch, the softening in your chest when something finally feels possible... The holiday season can be beautiful — but also heavy. For many clients at Desta Therapy, LLC, this time of year brings moments of joy mixed with stress, grief, and emotional overwhelm. In therapy, we often see how December can intensify existing challenges, heighten relation

We all know the script. Someone asks, “How are you?” And, without missing a beat, we answer, “I’m good.” Or, “I’m fine.” Or, on an adventurous day, “Doing alright.” It’s automatic. It’s polite. But it’s also a missed opportunity — one that can quietly transform a moment, a relationship, or even someone’s entire day. What if we chose a different response? One with intention, warmth, and connection? Something like: “Now that I’ve seen you, I’m better. Seeing you has made my d

In the end, life is not about having a crowd; it’s about having a circle. A few people who truly know you. A handful who believe in you. A small number who will weather storms with you. There is a gentle kind of wisdom that grows in us over time — the realization that not everyone is meant to walk with us through every season of life. Some people arrive only for a chapter. Some drift away without warning. And some, despite our flaws, our busyness, our growth spurts and growin

Football mirrors the stages of grief in powerful ways... Grief, like football, isn’t a solo game. It’s something we move through together — through setbacks, recoveries, and shared victories. Just as a team learns to regroup after loss, we, too, heal best when surrounded by people who show up, listen, and stay. There’s no playbook for grief. Every loss feels different, every story personal. Healing often begins when we learn to speak the language of the one who’s grieving. Fo

Be encouraged and keep going... Last week, I was talking with a kind, elderly woman and asked if she had any advice for me. Without hesitation, she said, “Keep going.” After reflecting on these words, I'm reminded they can mean more than they seem. They carry the weight of experience, resilience, and perspective. As human beings, we often need to be encouraged to "keep going." 1. Don’t give up Stay strong through whatever challenge you’re facing — work, family, health, grief

Harvesting Olives in Jerash, Jordan (Photo taken by Jimmy Gross - Co-Founder - Desta Therapy) When I used to live in Amman, Jordan, I always looked forward to Autumn. Fall in the Middle East brings the annual olive harvest — a season marked by tranquil mornings, warm sunshine, and the picking of olives from centuries-old trees. For many individuals and families, it’s a time of labor and community, yet also a moment for reflection and joy. Picking olives is slow, deliberate wo