Today, I reflected on my vision for inspiring parents to empower and support their children. As a mom and therapist, I have tried many different coping strategies with both my child and my clients. But, what is really working? I thought to myself, why not just go directly to the source itself? I turned to […]
In part 1, we discussed potential factors and warning signs for poor body image as an athlete. Now, we will identify helpful tools to promote a healthy body image. 1. Self-talk Our internal critic can be vicious. This is especially true in competitive athletic settings due to fierce competition and high expectations. Negative self-talk can […]
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 […]
Our body is our vessel It stores all of our energy, power, memories, and is what keeps us going from day to day. As an athlete, it is incredibly common to have a love/hate relationship with our body. The pressure to be a certain body type and weight is constantly on our minds and sometimes […]
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 […]
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, […]
This has been a tough month for me, I said goodbye to my adorable, 9.5-year-old, lion head bunny, Agnes. While she was only 3lbs, she was a huge part of my life. If you’ve just recently lost a pet, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I am sending over a big virtual hug. […]
If you’ve experienced a distressing or traumatic experience with horses, you know how difficult it can be to mentally and emotionally heal. I discuss this more in my blogs on Equestrian Trauma. I have also written about how equestrians can find healing following an injury. If connecting with like-minded others and practicing work on your […]
Post Wedding Depression? Post Wedding Anxiety? You Might Have Experienced Wedding Trauma. Your wedding day is something that for many has been portrayed by families, friends, and social media as one of the happiest days of your life. The words “magical”, “special”, and “perfect” are often associated with it. In movies and television the weddings […]
Living with food allergies is a daily balancing act. It includes a lot of vigilance and anxiety. It’s a life filled with label-reading, meticulous meal planning, and emergency preparation. The fear of a severe allergic reaction can be constant. Indeed, it can shadow every meal, snack, and social event. Advocating for you or your child’s […]