It’s not unusual for a child to be fearful of thunderstorms. Thunderstorms can be intense and unpredictable. For some children fears of thunderstorms are just a passing phase. However for others, they can trigger a range of emotions in children, from anxiety to panic. The panic may be almost impossible to soothe. Furthermore, fears can […]
Childhood anxiety is an experience that often confuses parents and caregivers. As a child anxiety therapist, I see many different forms of anxiety. Most of us are familiar with classic signs of child anxiety. We see a child hiding behind their mother’s legs. They are unwilling to pet or even look at the playful puppy. […]
Today, I want to discuss a topic often misunderstood: food allergies. As a psychologist and food allergy parent, I’ve seen firsthand and secondhand the emotional rollercoaster that comes with managing food allergies. So, let’s dive in together. We debunk some common myths. Explore the psychological impact. And find ways to support those walking this tricky […]
The therapeutic benefits of play are numerous. You can find these discussed in Part 1 of The Vital Role of Play in Easing Anxiety in Children. In fact, play is very frequently integrated by our clinicians who provide child anxiety treatment at home and in our Scotch Plains, NJ and Branchburg, NJ offices. There are […]
Play is a powerful tool for children and adults alike. However, academic pressures and extracurricular commitments frequently overshadow the importance of play. We live in a society that can be very focused on accomplishments. This can even seep into therapy. There can be an expectation in therapy that we fix the problem, develop coping skills […]
Hey there, fellow mom! If you’ve ever found yourself drowning in a sea of guilt over the myriad challenges of motherhood, you’re not alone. Mom guilt is a universal experience. Understanding its nuances and learning how to navigate it can be transformative. Here are 5 lessons I have learned through being a mom and a […]
The desire for emotional support from parents is a natural and deeply ingrained aspect of being human. It is in fact built into our biology and physiology. It’s rooted in survival. Furthermore, this is intensely true as children but doesn’t disappear as we become adults. Additionally, as adults, we can feel the need for parental […]
What is EMDR Therapy? Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a well-researched technique for therapy. EMDR can help individuals feeling “stuck” to move forward through reprocessing distressing memories. Including memories experienced after a traumatic event. EMDR is effective at helping adults, teens, and children. It uses bilateral stimulation of both the left and right […]
Time has often been touted as a great healer, yet there are some wounds that linger. Years ago, you experienced an assault that left an enduring imprint on your soul. While society might expect you to have moved on, it’s crucial to recognize that healing is not a linear process. Furthermore, after a sexual assault, […]
When it comes to the question of how to deal with toxic family members, one of the first questions to ask yourself is: should I attend functions that will drain my mental well-being? Sometimes skipping these challenging family gatherings doesn’t feel like an option. If you plan to attend, here are some strategies to escape […]