I like to call our thoughts, feelings, and actions that scream, "no more!" our make it stop reactions. Recognizing those reactions, assessing them, (making sense of them), and then deciding to do things differently can create less pain and suffering in our family system. When we are willing and make changes in ourselves, it invites… Continue reading How Do I Make It Stop? Dealing With Addiction and Upsetting Behaviors in Your Family
Summer camp, especially sleepaway camp, can be one of the most exciting and meaningful experiences in your kid’s life. Kids count down to it all school year! Camp offers opportunities for friendship, independence, new challenges, and some time in the pool. For many kids, it is also their first experience spending extended time away from… Continue reading Is Your Child Mentally Ready for Summer Camp? 5 Questions Parents Should Ask
Sibling relationships can be complex, combining fun and support with challenges like jealousy. Sibling play therapy focuses on improving these dynamics through play, helping children build empathy, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution skills. The therapy engages siblings individually and together, emphasizing parental involvement to reinforce learned skills for sustainable change.
I recently joined the Advisory Board for the Center for Educational Improvement (CEI), an organization dedicated to creating caring, supportive environments for children in the very place they spend most of their time: school. While I admit I initially hesitated to take on another responsibility amidst an already full plate, this opportunity felt aligned with… Continue reading Redefining Success: Addressing Youth Mental Health in Schools
Starting therapy is a courageous and meaningful step toward personal growth, healing, and self-understanding. One of the most important factors in setting yourself up for success, especially in the early stages, is weekly therapy. Meeting with your therapist on a weekly basis provides the structure, support, and consistency needed to build momentum and make meaningful… Continue reading Why Weekly Therapy Sessions Matter – Especially at the Start
Think of one of your favorite pieces of media, such as a story that really resonated with you. Perhaps The Lord of the Rings series is a favorite. At the surface you may have enjoyed the characters, such as Frodo and Gandolf, and how they handled the situation presented (destroying the ring). Perhaps the compelling… Continue reading How Do Video Games Resonate With Players?
Ah, ‘tis the season! College finals are wrapping up, AP exams are in full swing, and year books are being distributed, fresh off the printer. Around us, flowers are blooming, the sun is finally shining, and hoodies and jeans are being swapped out with shorts and boat shoes. That can only mean one thing- We’re… Continue reading A Therapist’s Tips for a Successful Summer Break
I've seen Disney Pixar address individual mental health topics before. But unlike these other movies, Encanto highlights the intricacies of family dynamics. The movie explains how family patterns can impact both individual mental health and overall family functioning. It's no wonder that I have brought up Encanto in nearly every family therapy session this week! So let's dig in: here are seven (and there are more but theres only so much time) family therapy themes that can be found in Disney's charming and poignant movie, Encanto!
