3 Ways to Start the New Year with a Healthier Mindset
The new year often brings a wave of excitement—and also pressure, to start fresh or set new goals. But this new chapter can leave us feeling overwhelmed or disheartened when life doesn’t go as planned. When we set external markers for success, it is all too easy to experience missteps and setbacks and all-or-nothing thinking. […]
How Can We Find More Pause in the New Year?
As the new year begins, many of us feel a mix of excitement and pressure. We’re surrounded by messages about fresh starts, lofty resolutions, and ambitious goals. But amidst this flurry of activity, it’s easy to lose sight of something essential: moments of pause. Finding stillness and calm can be transformative in a world that […]
What if My Teen Has OCD?
We all want our children to have the easiest life possible; we want them to feel safe, self-confident and loved. As a parent, watching your teen struggle with overwhelming thoughts or behaviors can be distressing. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood, especially in teenagers, who might already be navigating the challenges of adolescence. Recognizing and […]
3 Ways to Cope with Holiday Stress and Anxiety
3 Ways to Cope with Holiday Stress and Anxiety In theory, lots of people look forward to the end of the year, or “the holiday season” every year. Whether you enjoy the lights, the music, the markets, the religious events, or even just a break from/easing up on work (if you get one), people from […]
How to Connect With Your Teen During the Holiday Break
As your teen grows and gains more independence, connecting with them during the holiday break may look different than it did in the past. With many teens focused on socializing with friends, technology, and their own interests, it can be easy to feel distant from them. However, this season also presents a unique opportunity to […]
How Do You Turn Regrets Into Resets? 3 Ways to Cope With Mistakes
No one is immune to making mistakes, no matter how great or small, how rare or how frequent. Even the luckiest among us has had bad timing and made unfortunate calls, leading to an accumulation of “would have”s and “wish I hadn’t”s. Because regrets often feed into anxiety, guilt, and shame, it can feel challenging […]
Navigating Family Dynamics During Thanksgiving
While Thanksgiving is a time for gathering and expressing gratitude, navigating family dynamics isn’t always easy, and is often stressful. The holidays bring together different personalities, unresolved tensions, and conflicting expectations. Understanding what triggers these tensions and implementing practical strategies can create a more peaceful and enjoyable holiday experience. As an anxiety counselor in Woodland […]
ADHD in Adults: What You Need to Know About Late Diagnosis
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has long been associated with children, but many adults may discover later in their lives that they, too, have the condition. In fact, it’s not uncommon for ADHD to go undiagnosed until adulthood, when the demands of life, work, and relationships bring its symptoms into sharp relief. Other times, adults realize that […]
How Does Social Media Impact Teen Mental Health?
In today’s world, social media has become an integral part of teenage life. From Instagram and TikTok to Snapchat and YouTube, teens are more connected online than ever before. While social media provides a space for self-expression and connection, it can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and pressure. Understanding how to navigate social […]
The Role of Guilt and Shame in OCD – And How to Overcome It
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood as simply a collection of repetitive behaviors or irrational fears, often to do with organization and/or cleanliness. However, beneath the surface, those who struggle with OCD frequently experience deep feelings of guilt and shame. These emotions can act as driving forces behind obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions, creating a […]
