Trauma takes many forms. It can be loud and instantaneous. It can be silent and sustained. Perhaps it’s the rumble of the catastrophic earthquake that devastates a community and is gone moments later. Perhaps it’s the individual who suffers hidden abuse at the hands of a trusted family member for years. While the manifestations of […]
6 Tips on How Teens Can Cope With Back to School Anxiety
Let’s face it, we were really hoping that we would be in the post-pandemic phase of life. But, sadly, that just isn’t the case. And as the effects of Covid-19 continue to unfold and as the contentious debates about how to deal with it rages on, parents and teens are naturally anxious about what this […]
Help, My Kid Is Really Mad at Me
With more family time than ever before, the likelihood of family conflict is high. And lovingly responding to your child who is mad at you—is hard. Being on the receiving end of your child’s seething anger can be exhausting. Conflict between parents and kids is inevitable. I still remember being a tween and my parents […]
5 Ways to Support Your Kids During Scary Times
Let’s face it, we were really hoping 2021 would be phenomenal. And it still may be. But the images of the violence that took place in our nation’s capital were deeply disturbing and once again, placed us parents in the undesirable position of having to engage in really tough conversations with our kids. As parents, when chaos […]
4 Tips for Talking to Kids and Teens about Racism and Social Unrest
Over the past few months, our world has changed in profound ways. The effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic have been far-reaching and are now occurring in tandem with the quest for racial justice. The convergence of these events has made our jobs as parents even more challenging. Parents are now grappling with questions related […]
A Call to My White Therapist Friends for Humanity, Connection, and Leadership
Our nation is enduring a double pandemic. We went from a global health pandemic, COVID-19 to a racial pandemic which is taking a toll on the psychological well-being of those we serve, particularly our black clients. As therapists, we know all too well the damaging effects of enduring one significant crisis after another can have […]
Navigating Stress and Anxiety Amid Uncertainty
We’re all navigating uncertain and challenging times. Schools are closed and parents are balancing working from home, childcare, and homeschooling their kids in assignments on unfamiliar digital platforms and in subjects that are outside of their areas of strength nor comfort. With social distancing practices in place, physical and social interaction is limited or non-existent. […]
Managing Fear and Anxiety During a Health Pandemic
If you’re struggling with how to manage your family’s increasing anxiety about the current public health crisis, you’re not alone. As information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to unfold, many families are experiencing a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Employers and employees are worried about how the coronavirus will impact businesses and the overall economy. Parents […]
5 Stress Management Tips (not resolutions) for a Successful Start to a New Year
Whether your New Year resolution involves eating healthier, starting a new hobby, increasing your income, or losing a few pounds, the first and most important step in ensuring success is shoring up the foundation which is YOU. Mental health and wellness goals should be implemented all year round simply because stress is everywhere and stress […]
Five Simple Ways to Respond to Teens with Anxiety and Depression
You’re worried. Your student has been sad, irritable, and doesn’t seem like him or herself. If you are reading this blog, chances are you know a teen struggling with anxiety or depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 youth has anxiety and 1 in 10 has depression. Being a teen […]