The Rooted and Rewritten Blog

 

Welcome to Rooted & Rewritten—A blog about therapy, identity, and the quiet courage of change.

We don’t just grow—we rewrite.
Sometimes slowly, across seasons of dislocation, discomfort, or discovery.
Sometimes all at once, in a moment that shakes the ground beneath us.

Rooted & Rewritten is a space for those inner rewritings:
—where therapy becomes more than insight,
—where living abroad becomes more than adventure,
—where the search for home becomes a return to self.

Here, I explore what it means to heal across borders—geographical, emotional, generational.
As a therapist and a woman living far from where I began, I reflect on stories from the therapy room and the spaces between cultures, where we are most called to grow.

This blog is for the curious, the sensitive, the seekers and self-questioners.
It’s for anyone who's ever asked:
Who am I when I’m not who I used to be?
How do I stay soft in a world that asks me to harden?
Can I belong to myself—no matter where I am?

Welcome.
Let’s root deeper.
Let’s rewrite, together.

Sarah Quinley Sarah Quinley

A Client’s Guide to Common Human Experiences (in psychological terms)

Therapy isn’t a straight line — it’s a process of discovering, understanding, and sometimes unlearning. Along the way, you may notice familiar patterns like anxiety, overworking, or relational struggles resurfacing. These aren’t signs you’re failing. They’re often part of how healing unfolds. This guide offers a compassionate look at the common experiences many people encounter — helping you see them not as problems to fix, but as parts of your unique journey toward growth and self-connection.

Read More
Sarah Quinley Sarah Quinley

“But I Had a Happy Childhood”: Why Therapists Go Back to the Past

“Why Do Therapists Always Ask About Childhood?”

It’s a question I hear often—sometimes with curiosity, sometimes with frustration. Many people come to therapy wanting to focus on the present, unsure why old memories or early relationships keep showing up. In this post, I explore why childhood matters in therapy, through the lens of Dr. Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry and other research-backed insights. It’s not about blame. It’s about understanding the roots of our patterns—so we can choose something new.

Read More
Sarah Quinley Sarah Quinley

Understanding Expectations in Therapy: What Goals Are Realistic?

Many people come to therapy hoping for quick fixes or total relief, but real growth happens gradually. This post explores common misconceptions about therapy and highlights the importance of patience, self-compassion, and trusting the process. Discover how small, steady steps can lead to lasting change and a deeper understanding of yourself.

Read More
Sarah Quinley Sarah Quinley

Understanding Common Myths About Therapy

Many people have misconceptions about what therapy is and how it works. In this post, I share some common beliefs that aren’t always true—like the idea that therapy only works if it’s a quick fix, or that talking about trauma is never enough. I explore how building a strong relationship with your therapist, understanding that growth takes time, and embracing all parts of yourself are key to meaningful change. If you’re curious about what therapy can really offer, this post sheds light on the real truths behind the process of healing.

Read More
Sarah Quinley Sarah Quinley

Roots and Wings: The Wisdom of Living Abroad

Moving to another country is more than just a change of scenery—it’s a powerful opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. In this blog, I share ten ways that living abroad can help you develop resilience, expand your perspective, and find new strengths within yourself.

Read More
Sarah Quinley Sarah Quinley

Ways to Feel Connected in a New Country

If you’re living abroad, it’s common to feel disconnected— from yourself, from others, and from loved ones back home. Here are some ways to help you bridge that gap and find your sense of connection again.

Read More
Sarah Quinley Sarah Quinley

Ripple Effect by Rachel Ellen

Rachel movingly shares a glimpse into her healing journey and the ways in which her growth created a ‘ripple effect’, as it influenced all aspects of her life and transferred to those around her through her relationships and work as a yoga teacher.

Read More
Sarah Quinley Sarah Quinley

The Security of Familiar Miseries

The familiar can be oh so comfy. Our brains like to stay in what it knows. It can feel safe and awful at the same time. In this blog, I talk about how it is necessary to expect change to be hard and to get to know the clever ways our brains might protect us from it. From there we can plan on how we can get through the barriers and shift into growthful change.

Read More
Sarah Quinley Sarah Quinley

Therapy versus Therapeutic

With so many things to choose from that are therapeutic, why therapy? In this blog, I go into why therapy tends to be the ‘go-to’ for healing inner wounds.

Read More