Our Desta Blog

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

At Desta Therapy, we often hear clients describe moments that feel too perfectly timed to be coincidence — a phone call from a friend right when you needed comfort, discovering a new opportunity just after deciding to make a change, or hearing a message that speaks directly to your heart. These are the experiences that spiritual teacher Deepak Chopra calls Synchrodestiny : the recognition that the universe is not random, and that meaningful coincidences may hold guidance for

But here’s the challenge: in modern life, our “threats” often aren’t predators — they’re stressful conversations, unsafe situations, or emotional triggers… When danger looms — whether real or perceived — your body springs into action before you even have time to think. This built-in alarm system, known as the fight-or-flight response, is designed to keep you safe. It’s a primal survival mechanism that helped our ancestors escape predators, and it’s still very much alive in us

At Desta Therapy, we believe that healing — whether emotional or relational — is a process of rebuilding, not just repairing. 💞 One powerful metaphor for this process is scaffolding — the temporary support structures used to restore a damaged building. Just like scaffolding provides stability while a structure is being repaired, we can build intentional supports in our relationships to help us rebuild trust, communication, and understanding. 🗣️🤝 These supports might look l

Life is both messy and beautiful. Struggle and meaning often live side by side. Anthony Bourdain was more than a chef and storyteller. He was a seeker of truth, culture, and human connection. Through his travels and words, he reminded us that life is both messy and beautiful — that struggle and meaning often live side by side. When Bourdain passed away in 2018, the world lost a voice that spoke honestly about both the joys of discovery and the weight of personal battles. His

Choosing simplicity does not mean choosing less — it means choosing better. By letting go of unnecessary complications, we make more room for connection, creativity, joy, and resilience. In today’s fast-paced world, many people are finding themselves overwhelmed by anxiety, weighed down by depression, or caught in the exhausting cycle of overthinking. While these struggles are complex and often influenced by many factors, one common theme we see in therapy is how much people

Healing begins with honoring where you are, today... Life does not end in a single chapter, nor is it bound to one story alone. We move through seasons much like the pages of a book — closing some, beginning others. Each chapter carries its own beauty and challenges, its own lessons and invitations to grow. Some chapters feel light and joyful, while others weigh heavily on our hearts. Yet every page is part of the story that makes us whole. What matters is not rushing through

True peace comes from finding balance... At Desta Therapy, we believe life is too precious to be weighed down by yesterday’s regrets or...

These phrases create emotional safety and open the door to reconciliation... In families, friendships, and relationships of all kinds,...

The amygdala is like your brain's built-in emotional radar... Have you ever looked back at a decision and thought, “Why did I do that? I...

Allow yourself moments of delight... In the fast pace of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of joy. We rush from one task to the next,...

AI, no matter how advanced, cannot replicate genuine compassion, shared humanity, or the intuitive care that comes from lived...

Our counseling services focus on helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with care and expertise... 💔 Losing a job....

Our counseling center provides a safe and welcoming environment for mental health support and growth... Eating disorders and body image...

One of our warm and welcoming spaces at Desta Therapy in San Antonio, Texas Do you ever dream of taking an acting class, traveling to...

Choose the Middle Seat... At Desta Therapy, we often tell our clients something that might sound a little unexpected: Growth doesn’t...

With the right support, teens can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally... As summer winds down and the new school year looms...

Thank you, San Antonio, for believing in Desta Therapy! We’re excited to celebrate a major milestone — one year of Desta Therapy serving...