Children of divorce may require more attention, encouragement, and support. Although the rate of divorce has been declining over the past two decades, at least 40% of first-time marriages end in divorce. The rate increases in subsequent marriages. You can help your children find their footing, adapt, and thrive by working together, providing stability, teaching […]
Most of us understand mental well-being in terms of thoughts, emotions, and life events. However, few of us realize the hidden community of microscopic organisms in the gut that can also shape how calm, focused, or resilient we feel. The brain-gut connection suggests that there are trillions of bacteria in the digestive system that influence […]
The phrase “successful aging” can be fraught with misunderstanding and lower self-esteem in geriatric populations. However, it aligns with positive psychology. This is focused on mental health factors that contribute to longevity and overall well-being. Research indicates that aging well (in healthful ways) correlates with aging happily. In other words, happy people have discovered the […]
Worry, anxiety, and fear are hallmarks of chronic anxiety. People with chronic anxiety feel stuck in the fight or flight response (or the freeze response). They become overwhelmed and anxious disproportionately to the situation. This fear can lead to panic attacks and other conditions. Do you have chronic anxiety? Professional treatment is available. What is […]
It’s the nature of things that those who come before us and precede us in the things of life typically also precede us in death. While it’s typical, and in many ways is expected, that doesn’t mean the loss of a parent is easy, or that one can simply take it in stride. Losing a […]
🎧 Listen to this article The connection between a healthy mind and nutrition runs deeper than most of us often acknowledge. Many of us have experienced a moment when we realized that what we eat matters more than what we feel in our stomachs. We know that instinctively, stress drives us toward comfort foods, and […]
🎧 Listen to this article You’ve probably heard the term helicopter parenting thrown around in parenting circles. The phrase conveys a mental image of a parent hovering over a small child who’s just trying to play freely. The phrase might also conjure images of a college student whose parent still plays an interventionist role in […]
I’ve gotten these questions as a therapist from several pending clients in many different situations over the years: Are you an expert on this issue? Have you worked with this before? Are you just a regular professional therapist? I’m not sure if you could help, can you? It is a good question to ask. And […]
Sibling relationships are some of the longest-lasting connections in a person’s life. For most kids, these relationships are a rollercoaster. They share bedrooms, toys, secrets, and sometimes even clothes, but they also share tension, competition, and misunderstandings. One minute, they’re giggling over an inside joke, and the next, they’re fighting over who gets the last […]
Children often experience big emotions, and it is typically normal. Some children, however, feel they live in a state of extreme emotion all the time and are more easily triggered by their environment. When this happens, you may find yourself wondering if your child’s reactions are normal or if you have a highly sensitive child. […]