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 […]

How to Find More Calm and Inner Peace in Your Life

A young woman is laying down outside on a hammock. She is wearing a hat as she reads a book.

When was the last time you felt calm? How often do you feel a deep sense of inner peace? If your immediate thought is that you’re not sure if you’ve ever felt a deep sense of inner peace, you’re not the only one. So many of us feel the constant barrage of stimuli, the racing […]

I Have Emetophobia! How Do I Manage It?

A young woman is sitting on her bed with her hands running through her hair. She has a distressed look on her face as she closes her eyes.

Living with emetophobia, the fear of vomiting, can be incredibly challenging. Whether it’s avoiding certain foods, steering clear of crowded places, or feeling uneasy at the thought of being around someone who might be sick, emetophobia can feel overwhelming and isolating. It can feel hard to tell others about your struggles, fearing how they will […]

My Teen is Struggling with Perfectionism! What Can I Do?

A mother and daughter are sitting on the dining table in their kitchen. The mother is helping her daughter with her homework. There is an open laptop and books in front of them.

Perfectionism can be a challenging and often misunderstood issue for teens. As parents, we want the best for our children, but sometimes, the drive for excellence can turn into an unhealthy obsession with flawlessness. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression as teens strive to meet impossibly high standards—often at the expense of […]