Category: Family Therapy

Family Therapy, Trauma

Encanto: A Disney Movie About Family Dynamics

Laura Goldstein

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!

Welcome to Olney Sign
Child Therapy, Family Therapy

Five Family Activities in Olney Maryland

Laura Goldstein

One of the first things I like to ask clients is “what do you like to do for fun?” On its face, it seems like a pretty simple getting-to know-you question that anyone would ask. But actually it serves an additional purpose for me. It’s a clinical question. In many cases, those go-to activities can be the antidote to certain depressive symptoms, such as struggling to get out of bed or finding the motivation to complete tasks. I’ve heard interesting answers in the past: charcoal painting, tap dancing, writing music, and even simply watching the sunset.  These sorts of activities are part of your arsenal — your toolbox — to help you live a fulfilling life on a day-to-day basis. So, who wouldn’t want to add to that toolbox? Luckily, for our neighbors in Olney and the surrounding Montgomery County area, there is something for everyone, whether it’s individuals or families.  Here are five of my favorite things that Olney, MD has to offer! 

Job searching with Caitlin Magidson
Covid-19, Family Therapy, Videos, Young Adults

Live Instagram: Job Searching During Covid-19

Laura Goldstein

With so many people in job transition right now during Covid-19, there are lots of questions about career exploration and job searching! Watch (or read) my interview with Caitlin Magidson. We discuss tips about how to find a new job during covid-19. And the link between this and family dynamics for young people searching for a new job during covid.

college student studying on computer at desk in room, living at home because of covid-19
Covid-19, Family Therapy, Parent Coaching, Young Adults

5 Tips for College Students (and Parents) Living At Home During Covid

Laura Goldstein

With COVID-19 throwing college plans for a huge loop, families have been reevaluating plans. Many are anticipating making the difficult decision to have their college student living at home for the semester. Help navigate this tricky time for a smoother semester with these 5 tips for college students living at home because of Covid-19.

DBT, Family Therapy, Substance Use, Videos

DBT for Substance Use Treatment

Laura Goldstein

Watch Laura's interview (or read the full transcript) with Sandstone Care, a treatment program in Rockville Maryland for teens and young adults with co-occuring substance use and mental health concerns. We talk about how DBT fits into substance use treatment as well as the basics of family therapy and the biosocial theory.