Insight From a NJ Teen Therapist As a parent of a teen athlete, you know how much their sport means to them. It’s more than a physical activity—it’s a source of identity, social connection, confidence, and purpose. So when an injury happens, it doesn’t just affect their body. It can deeply impact their emotional wellbeing, […]
Parenting Advice from a Scotch Plains NJ Therapist The teenage years can be turbulent and overwhelming for parents. Your child feels ready for new responsibilities and freedoms, but you’re worried that they don’t always make the most responsible decisions. As your teen goes to parties, starts dating, and takes on the pressure of considering higher […]
In the world of sports, where precision, strategy, and performance reign supreme, it feels like making mistakes is not an option, whatsoever. Athletes, with their relentless pursuit of excellence, may struggle with the idea of errors. They find this unsettling, fearing that one misstep could cost them a game, a starting position, or even a […]
In recent years, vaping has emerged as a concerning trend among teenagers. It has become increasingly popular with teens, leaving many parents worried about their kids. Parents often wonder why, despite the many potential health consequences, teen vaping in NJ has become so normalized. I’ve written before about the dynamics of being a teenager. The […]
As summer winds down and the school year approaches, many middle schoolers and their parents begin to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. This transitional period can be particularly challenging for middle school students, who are navigating new social dynamics, increased academic expectations, and the changes that come with early adolescence. Understanding Back-to-School […]
As the days of summer wind down and the thought of returning to school looms, it’s common for high school students to experience a whirlwind of emotions. While the thought of reuniting with friends can be exciting, it’s also normal to feel a bit of anxiety about the unknown. Whether you’re facing a new school, […]
As the summer winds down, many children feel anxious about going back to school. Whether it’s a new grade, a different school, or just the shift from the freedom of summer, back-to-school anxiety is common. This can be particularly hard for kids who tend to experience high levels of anxiety. As a parent, it can […]
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 […]
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 […]
Family therapy first established roots as a form of counseling between the 1950s-1960s. It had one focus: to understand the effects of family on loved ones with mental health diagnoses. Bringing the family into the counseling room was meant to help identify how they have affected the diagnosis of the identified patient. This method makes it […]
Parenting teens can be a challenge. Navigating the challenges of adolescence while tacking on gender identity concerns adds a new layer of complexity and uncertainty. In my experience as a therapist counseling transgender youth in New Jersey, it is not uncommon for parents to wonder if the gender journey is “just a phase” or something […]
Do you know someone who is struggling with addiction? The chances are good that you do. According to a national survey, over 20 million people over the age of 12 struggled with substance abuse in 2019. Individuals who struggle with addiction often do not receive the services they need for recovery. If someone you care […]
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, […]
Both therapists and psychiatrists specialize in working with individuals to improve their emotional and psychological health and well-being. While both types of practitioners share the goal of mental wellness, their training and treatment styles of a therapist and psychiatrist can vary significantly. Psychiatry Psychiatry is a branch of medicine. All psychiatrists have attended medical school […]
Anxiety in teens is a common experience. Isolation during the pandemic increased the struggles teens were facing with their mental health. Challenges related to social interaction and relationships continue to generate stress and anxiety. It’s important for teens to develop effective tools and strategies. Identifying, managing, and reducing anxiety, enables them to lead fulfilling lives. […]