How Can We Find More Pause in the New Year?

An Asian American business woman is sitting at her desk in her office. She is looking at her watch on her hand. In front of her is an open laptop.

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?

A mother and her teenage daughter are sitting beside each other on the couch. The teen girl is hunched over with her hands on her knees as her mother puts her arm around her.

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

An African American woman is decorating her home with Holiday decorations with a stressed look on her face.

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

Christmas tree in Santa Monica US Decoration Connect with your teen

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

A blonde woman is sitting in her bed under the covers. She has a distressed look on her face as she puts her hair behind her ear.

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

A biracial family is sitting down together for Thanksgiving dinner. They are all smiling and laughing together.

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

A woman is sitting beside her doctor with her hands on her lap. The doctor has a notepad on her lap and a pen in her hand.

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?

A group of 4 teenagers are standing beside each other looking at their phones.

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

An Asian American woman is sitting on the floor of her bedroom with dim lights. She has her hands on her head as she looks down.

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 […]

What if my Kid Doesn’t Want to Dress Up for Halloween?

A mother and daughter are having a pumpkin carving party in their backyard. Both the mom and daughter are wearing witches hats as they hold a small carved pumpkin.

Halloween can be a fun and exciting time for kids, filled with costumes, candy, and creativity. But what happens when your child says they don’t want to dress up for Halloween? This can catch parents off guard, especially when other children seem excited about costumes and trick-or-treating. If your child wants to trick-or-treat but doesn’t […]