New Year Under The Wolf Moon
January 7, 2026 — Life threw some heavy curve balls my way over the month of December, both professionally and personally. Life is like that sometimes. I’m not above throwing my temper tantrums at fate, destiny, or chance–whatever it is that we call those curveballs.
I shed tears, ranted and raved a bit at the bureaucratic capitalistic entities that were responsible for a major setback at the beginning of the month. On the personal side, tears were shed as well, and old grief became fresh again as the past came back round in a totally unexpected way.
And so we come into the new year with a full moon, the Wolf Moon. A beautiful way to begin 2026.
True to the philosophy of The Shiftless Wanderer, the boulders in the path don’t block the way—they become the way. Under this astounding moon that rises up over the Rappahannock River and over the roofs of our town, its light shining down through the skylight, we begin the next revolution around the Sun. So much can happen in a year!
The Shiftless Wanderer is jumping wholeheartedly into 2026 with three events in the first few months that are near and dear to our hearts. All three follow the North Star of supporting those who support adolescents and supporting our Inner Adolescent parts.
Validation: The Communication Skill That Changes Everything
Foundational to The Shiftless Wanderer’s four tools is validation. While validation is not the end-all be-all in relationship, it is where all effective and healthy communication begins. Surprisingly, while we hear the word all the time, few seem to know what validation is and is not. In my experience and qualitative research, to truly validate is a process that requires a great deal of being with our own parts, validating our self, and feeling that connection and understanding of the other deep in our own core. Validation starts with us. It’s powerful work.
Validation: The Communication Skill That Changes Everything
Live Online Workshop
February 21, 2026 @ 1:00pm-3:00pmEST
More information and registration here:
https://theshiftlesswanderer.com/live-validation-workshop-february-21st-2026
Validated Families: A 6-Month Group for Strengthening Teen-Parent Dynamics
I am excited to offer our first direct service for families who are looking for guidance as the family members navigate the challenges that can come with raising teenagers. This is the group that I wanted and needed when my husband and I were raising our two boys. We got quite lost along the way. I envision building a safe, courageous, and hope-filled space for parents and kids. This isn’t about blame or shame. It’s about exploration, curiosity, strengthening our ability to see each other clearly and with compassion. There will be resources and answers. And there will be invitations to stay in places of mystery and uncertainty, trusting the journey from childhood to adulthood through the liminal space we call adolescence. It promises to be unique, rich, challenging, and very supportive.
Validated Families: A 6-Month Group for Strengthening Teen-Parent Dynamics
Live online 2 hr Zoom sessions
24 sessions total
Beginning March 21, 2026, @3:00pmEDT
More information and registration here:
https://theshiftlesswanderer.com/group-therapy-coaching-for-families-with-teens
Diving Into IFS Basic Concepts
This is a relatively rare opportunity to meet in-person and take a deep dive into the powerful therapeutic modality of Internal Family Systems. Discovering and practicing IFS has changed my psychotherapy practice and my personal life. I have not found another therapy that gets to the heart of healing quite like IFS. The workshop is a series of three weekends over the course of three months, in person in Richmond VA. The number of participants is limited, so registering soon is highly recommended. This workshop is for therapists who are not able to access the official trainings offered by the IFS Institute.
Diving Into IFS Basic Concepts
In-person Sessions
Three weekends over the course of three months
Beginning February 27, 2026, @6:30pmEDT
For more information, email support@theshiftlesswanderer.com
Registration here:
https://theshiftlesswanderer.com/store/p/intro-to-ifs-group-workshop
Conclusion
As the Wolf Moon wanes and the year stretches out before us, I’m reminded that beginnings don’t require everything to be tidy or resolved. They ask only for our willingness to keep walking, to stay present with what is, and to let meaning reveal itself one step at a time. The grief, the frustration, the setbacks, the hope—all of it belongs. None of it disqualifies us from moving forward.
If any part of you is standing at the edge of 2026 feeling tender, weary, or quietly hopeful, know that you are not alone on the path. We look forward to meeting you, talking with you, and sharing with you if our paths happen to cross. It’s a small world, I’ve found. The degrees of separation are often quite few. And really, we’re all walking under the same Moon, the same Sun, and all of us have our feet on this small Blue Planet. I’m delighted to be here with you.
Photo Credit: Canva Stock