Fig Tree Therapy

06/16/2026

The Dunning-Kruger effect reminds us that confidence is not always a sign of competence. Sometimes the more we learn, the more aware we become of complexity, uncertainty, and the limits of what we know.

David Dunning and Justin Kruger published a 1999 paper called “Unskilled and Unaware of It” - their research found that people who performed poorly in areas like humor, logic, and grammar often overestimated their ability, partly because the same skill needed to do something well is often needed to recognize when you are doing it poorly.

Go figure.

06/12/2026

Bo started at Fig Tree over two years ago with a Master’s in Social Work, and it has been such a joy to watch him grow as a clinician. He has worked diligently and consistently to master the skills needed for effective trauma processing, and his dedication to his clients and to Fig Tree has not gone unnoticed.

Bo, we are incredibly grateful for you and excited to see all that you continue to do in your career!

06/09/2026

Megan Thomas and I enjoyed facilitating a training on trauma for Lighthouse RVA yesterday. We offer free trainings for non-profit organizations, who share a similar mission. This one is entitled: From Reactivity to Choice: A Brain-Body Relationship Workshop.

06/03/2026

What if intelligence isn’t about having the “right” answer — but having the flexibility to adapt when life changes?

Dr. Kelly Lambert explains that intelligence is not simply an IQ score. It’s the ability to shift, adjust, and respond effectively when the demands of our environment change.

In other words, intelligence involves flexibility.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on The Fig Tree Framework Podcast on Spotify and YouTube.

06/01/2026

Co-dependency often shows up as “the rescuer” in Karpman’s Drama Triangle.

But the triangle takes it even further — showing us the unhealthy roles we can slip into in relationships:

The Rescuer — “I have to fix this.”
The Victim — “I have no power here.”
The Persecutor — “This is your fault.”

The tricky part?
We can play all three roles at different times — sometimes even in the same conversation.

The goal isn’t shame.
The goal is awareness.

Because once you can recognize, “I’m in a role right now,” you can step out of the triangle and choose a healthier way to respond.

Key question:
Where do you tend to go first — rescuer, victim, or persecutor?

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

If you don’t deal with your emotions, they will eventually find a way to deal with you.

Sometimes that looks like anger.
Sometimes it looks like anxiety.
Sometimes it looks like shutting down, staying busy, over-explaining, controlling, numbing, or disconnecting from the people you love.

At Fig Tree, we believe emotions are not something to be feared or esteemed. They are part of being human — and they often point us toward places that need attention, compassion, truth, and healing.

You don’t have to process it all alone.

Fig Tree Therapy | Christian counseling in Virginia

05/25/2026

Today we pause with gratitude and reverence.

Memorial Day reminds us that freedom often comes at a cost — and we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

May we be people who remember well, grieve with humility, and live with gratitude.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
— John 15:13

05/22/2026

Our first episode of The Fig Tree Framework features a talk with Tina Motley and Kelly Lambert. Kelly Lambert is a behavioral neuroscientist. Her work challenges traditional ways to understand and treat depression. It was a fascinating talk that we can't wait to release next week.

Here’s a sneak peek… 🌿🧠

05/21/2026

Last chance to sign up for DBT!

Our next DBT skills group begins soon, and registration is closing. This group is designed to help you build practical tools for managing emotions, tolerating distress, improving relationships, and staying grounded in the present moment.

DBT can be especially helpful if you feel overwhelmed, reactive, stuck in patterns, or unsure how to cope when emotions feel intense.

Spots are limited.

Sign up today to reserve your place.