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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
You can read all the books and take all the classes, but nothing fully prepares you for parenthood. The number of new experiences you can have as a new parent is endless. So how could we possibly prepare for everything motherhood brings? As a professional who has worked with kids, I have been a caretaker […]
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 […]
We all know that “just 2 hours” at the barn can easily turn into 6. Our non-equestrian family tries to be understanding but it’s truly a balancing act sometimes. We do our best to juggle caring for our horses, spending time with our family and managing a household. While our passion for horses can be […]
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 […]
Many individuals recall the day that they brought their baby into this world as one of the most joyous days of their life. For others, it may be one of the most horrifying. If your birth did not go as expected, and you feared for your life – or for the life of your child […]