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The Dear Family Blog
Hi, I'm Cicely, LMFT, speaker, and founder of Dear Family Counseling. I help individuals, couples, and families break generational patterns, strengthen communication, and heal with compassion and faith. This blog is where I share tools, reflections, and encouragement to support your journey toward peace and connection. I'm glad you're here. Take what you need.
All Posts
One Year of Dear Family: A Legacy of Healing, Growth & Purpose
"A full year later, I can say that the mission is working. The healing is happening. The legacy is being built."
-Cicely
Cicely Simon
Oct 2, 20252 min read
Clarity, Consistency, and Courage: Your Guide to Showing Up on Purpose
"In a moment of clarity, everything makes sense." -Maxime Lagace
Cicely Simon
Sep 18, 20252 min read
Aligned & Anchored: How to Reset Before the Season Shifts
"If you align expectations with reality, you will never be disappointed." -Terrell Owens
Cicely Simon
Aug 25, 20252 min read
Let That Go, Sis: Emotional Freedom Is Calling
"You don't have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you." -Dan Millman
Cicely Simon
Aug 25, 20252 min read
Confidence After Chaos: How to Rebuild When You’ve Been Through It
"The principle of moving forward, as though you have the confidence to move forward, eventually gives you confidence when you look back and see what you've done." -Robert Downey Jr
Cicely Simon
Jun 3, 20252 min read
Triggers Aren’t Just in Your Head- Let’s Talk about it!
"There's nothing negative about being triggered. It's a calling to heal our wounds. It's a calling to self-reflect and to get curious about the reaction we are having."
-Dr. Nicole Lepera
Cicely Simon
May 31, 20252 min read
You Don't Have To Do It Alone: Healing Out Loud During Mental Health Awareness Month
"Healing out loud because I almost died in silence"---Unknown
Cicely Simon
May 14, 20251 min read
ADHD'ers, Are Y'all Ok In Your Relationships? How ADHD Can Impact Relationships: Romantic, Friendships, and Family Dynamics
"I have more thoughts before breakfast than most people have all day." -Unknown
Cicely Simon
Mar 21, 20253 min read
Are you Losing Hope In This Season?: Here are 7 Steps to Find Light in the Darkness
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever.” — Roy T. Bennett
Cicely Simon
Feb 21, 20254 min read
Start the Year Off with Emotional Resolutions
"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." -Oprah Winfrey
Cicely Simon
Jan 3, 20253 min read
10 Ways to Keep the Life In Your Relationship
"The best relationship is when you can act like lovers and best friends at the same time" _TheLoveBits
Cicely Simon
Oct 16, 20243 min read
Black Men and Depression
"The Black Man...He can, he does, he WINS."
-Stephanie Lahart
Cicely Simon
Jun 21, 20243 min read
Breaking the Stigma: Community Action
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."
-Coretta Scott King
Cicely Simon
May 17, 20243 min read
Understanding Stress and It's Impact on Mental Health
"Breathe in peace, breathe out stress. Repeat until you find your rhythm."
-Unknown
Cicely Simon
Apr 19, 20242 min read
Unpacking the "Strong Black Woman" Trope: The Impact on Black Women's Mental Health
"Dear Exquisite Black Queen...Being a Strong Black Woman doesn't mean that you can't be vulnerable."
-Stephanie Lahart
Cicely Simon
Apr 12, 20243 min read
Dating and Maintaining Your Mental Health
"Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow internet service to see who they really are."
_Will Ferrell
Cicely Simon
Feb 28, 20242 min read
Black Mental Health and The Church
"Don't let those who minimize how severe your mental health is stop you from getting the help you need. Christ called you to live free."
Cicely Simon
Feb 16, 20243 min read
Dating Doesn't Stop When You're Married!
"Date night is not optional for those who want to stay in love."
-John Mark Comer
Cicely Simon
Feb 14, 20243 min read
Why Black Folks Still Aren’t Going to Therapy
"Mental Health is our "silent" crisis. There is no shame in speaking out and seeking help."
-Viola Davis
Cicely Simon
Feb 9, 20245 min read
New Year, Better Mental Health!
"Tomorrow is the first page of a 365-page book. Write a good one."
-Brad Paisley
Cicely Simon
Jan 27, 20242 min read
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