Chris Sims LPCC, LPC

People with “bad moms” carry a ton of emotional weight—guilt, self-doubt, feeling like they don’t fit in. It spills into everything: relationships, work, self-esteem. My job is to help untangle all that mess. Together, we work on setting boundaries and dropping the baggage.

Success feels like freedom. It’s when you say “no” without guilt, build relationships that don’t drain you, or stop needing approval to feel okay. Progress shows up in little wins: less anxiety, more confidence, and a sense of peace you didn’t have before. Those are the moments when you know therapy is working.

Talking about toxic moms used to feel taboo, but now it’s everywhere—on social media, in support groups, you name it. People are finally realizing they’re not alone, and that’s huge. It means I can be more direct and upfront with clients. You’re not broken. The problem isn’t you. And now there are real tools to help you take back control.

• California, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC17177
• Pennsylvania, Licensed Professional Counselor, PC012416

I started my psychology career by researching juvenile justice programs—I was hired to analyze if their programs actually help kids stay out of juvenile detention (hint: they didn't). That led to an internship at Hershey Medical Center, where I worked with kids, teens, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I even created a CBT anxiety workbook for group therapy. From there, I worked as a mobile therapist, a behavioral specialist, and eventually an outpatient therapist for kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. Now, I focus on my online private practice, where I help adults untangle the mess of complex family dynamics and start living their lives on their own terms.