Teenage years are full of exploration and growth. One area that we see this exploration in, specifically, is teenagers’ social lives. Teenagers may be becoming interested in pursuing romantic relationships. They may start navigating the exciting world of dating. However, with dating comes the responsibility of teaching teens the importance of autonomy, boundaries, and consent. […]
High profile acts of violence, especially school shootings, can be frightening and confusing to children. Even well-intentioned safety measures like ‘active shooter drills’ at schools can also amplify intense worries in children who fear their friends or loved ones’ safety. Step 1: Reassure your child that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. […]
As a parent, I imagine you want the absolute best for your child. They are your world, and you want to provide them with the tools to succeed. Signing them up for extracurriculars and athletics, such as attending dance classes can be a great addition to your child’s life. However, it is easy to feel […]
Group therapy is a treatment in which people with similar conditions or goals learn from, and move toward better mental wellness together. Group therapy is one of the most effective treatments for healing and hope. The group setting provides a sense of community, support, and understanding that can be difficult to find elsewhere. The process […]
Let me introduce you to Jess* and Bosco… Jess was 12 years old when she got her beautiful pet rabbit, whom she named Bosco. To her, Bosco was perfect with his gorgeous black fur and little twitching white nose. Jess would spend time snuggling and playing with her rabbit. She loved him very much. However, […]
Are you a self-proclaimed “perfectionist”? Or do others often put you on a high pedestal to achieve and always be on top of things? Perfectionism, while not a diagnosable mental illness, can wreak havoc on those who wrestle with the nagging thought of “Am I good enough?” What is Perfectionism? Merriam Webster defines perfectionism as […]
Going back to school in normal times is already stressful for kids. But, going back to school amid a global pandemic is even more challenging. COVID-related restrictions have lessened in the state of New Jersey. Yet, the Delta variant presents new fears. What will life look like as people venture out and the schools re-open […]
Early adolescence is a turbulent time of enormous physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes and growth. Adolescence is a time to practice self-governance by feeling, behaving, and thinking independently. This is the groundwork for becoming a confident, independent adult who is not unduly influenced by other people or forces. This can be a challenging time […]
In the past two blogs, we have discussed the many ways EMDR can help individuals overcome trauma and PTSD. EMDR is a very well-researched form of trauma therapy that helps individuals who feel “stuck” move forward from trauma. It can be used in a variety of clinical settings by clients of all ages. However, it […]
College students have gotten the short end of the stick in 2020. This is NOT what you signed up for. College at home. Virtual classes. Inaccessible professors. Confused colleagues. No freedom. No dorm life. Your internships and study abroad are on hold. And it’s just too much to deal with! We get it. You expected […]
Welcome to your very first year college, Class of 2024! These next four years will be full of friendships, new experiences, and of course, academics. Unfortunately, the pandemic is yet again interrupting one of the most memorable times in your life. First prom, then graduation and now your freshman year. I know how badly you’ve […]
Are you finding that it’s hard to get through to your teen? Lauren Grossbach, LMFT provides parents with important insight as to why their teens might not be listening. In this video, parents will learn about their teen’s brain development and why it’s difficult for teens to make the best choices. Lauren also gives a […]
Teenage girls are constantly comparing themselves to other girls. Participating in a sport where you’re judged based upon your performance and athleticism increases the awareness of appearance. All eyes are on you when you’re competing. Comments come from all directions: peers, coaches, parents, and even the lady at the tack shop. Body image in the […]
So your kid has made a bunch of new “friends” in middle school. Maybe they just started high school and they are hanging out with a new group. A few of them are raising some red flags for you. Poor grades. Detention. Some of your child’s stories make you cringe. Suddenly you find yourself pointing […]
You have noticed your child withdrawing; in their room for hours. They say they are working on school work, but this isn’t how it was supposed to be. It is your child’s senior year, and nothing is quite as you imagined. You imaged helping them get ready for prom and worrying if they would make […]